I've seen lots of cameras with 10X+ optical zoom, and 6-8 MP, what should I get? I am going backpacking soon in Glacier NP and would like suggestions regarding what camera I should get. I would like to have a big optical zoom, because if I see a bear I can get a good picture, and I also would like to be able to print a poster, so it has to have a lot of megapixels. Also a good wide angle would be nice, then I can get nice pictures of the mountains. I am not considering SLR because these are too large, and I need to use digital, as carrying memory is easy. I am going to buy a tripod. I'm looking to spend less than $600 for the camera. Also if there is a certain lens that would help me a lot then I would consider that (less than $100).
I'm not up on the point & shoot cameras, but I would probably recommend one that has IS (image stabilization). I purchased a Fuji Finepix E900 which I like, but in lower light, camera shake is a real problem.
I've been shooting the Canon Powershot S3 and have been extremely pleased with it. It has 6 mp's and has a 12x zoom rated as 6.0-72.0 mm (36-432mm equivalent). It's a little larger than your average p&s but only weighs 14.5 oz. I've only printed up to 11x14 so far, but the detail and sharpness is very good. With the S5 coming out recently, the S3 can be had for less than $300. And it has image stabilization built into the camera body. Hope this helps.
I agree with Russ the S3 is a fantastic buy right now. If a bit more funds are available the S5 is a bit better with more mp and some other do dads. Check out
I'd also recommend the Canon S-series (S3 IS or S5 IS). I shoot as S2 IS, which is only 5 MP, and have been very pleased with it. It does suffer quite a bit at ISO above 200, but the newer models should be better there. When I got mine I tried out the Sony's and the Kodak's, but it came down to Panasonic or Canon for me based on features and design. Image quality should be very good for just about any of them.
I've kept up with the new models a little, and in addition to the Canon cameras, I'd suggest mainly looking at the Panasonics (FZ8 or FZ50). If you really want a lens that covers a big range, check out the Olympus SP-550 UZ.
As far as printing a poster, none of these are going, to be as good as an SLR, because the image quality won't be quite as good. However, I have printed 16x24 with acceptable results. You really have to have a good exposure, and perfect sharpness though.
As far as lenses go, you're really talking about teleconverters. If you get a Canon, http://www.lensmateonline.com/ is a great resource. I'm guessing there are other similar sites for other brands. I have an adapter and several filters - mainly I use a polarizer and sometimes an ND to get longer exposures.
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An alternative is a 350D with a 70-200 L and 24-85. However you are now talking a lot more $$
A lot of good info is here.
Have fun.
Ed
I've kept up with the new models a little, and in addition to the Canon cameras, I'd suggest mainly looking at the Panasonics (FZ8 or FZ50). If you really want a lens that covers a big range, check out the Olympus SP-550 UZ.
As far as printing a poster, none of these are going, to be as good as an SLR, because the image quality won't be quite as good. However, I have printed 16x24 with acceptable results. You really have to have a good exposure, and perfect sharpness though.
As far as lenses go, you're really talking about teleconverters. If you get a Canon, http://www.lensmateonline.com/ is a great resource. I'm guessing there are other similar sites for other brands. I have an adapter and several filters - mainly I use a polarizer and sometimes an ND to get longer exposures.