Digital cameras 101

[rhythm]

I need a good digicam which would not be out of date in short period. The things that I need in it are:
1. Above 7 megapixels
2. Budget below Rs.15,000/-
3. More than or equal to 10x optical zoom
4. More than 5x digital zoom
5. Digital image stabilisation
6. Big LCD display
7. Good after service
8. Good grip
9. Good battery life
10. At least 1 GB card
I also want to know which of AA batteries and Lithium ion batteries are good? Is Fuji good in after service?
I want to use the camera for shooting personal videos, photos and travel pics. Also I am a first time buyer. I have come to know about the following models via net and reviews. Please advise me which one from the list below I should buy. Any other recommendations and suggestions are also welcome.
1)   Fuji Finepix S5700 or S5800
2)   Canon Powershot A590
3)   Olympus Digicam FE330 8 M.P.
4)   Kodak Z1275
5)   Sony cybershot DSC H10
6)   Canon powershot SX100 IS
7)   Sony H10
  Sony H50
9)   Kodak M1073
Please reply.

[bdery]

Hi and welcome!

We are not in the habit of recommending specific cameras, for many reasons. First, it is impossible to say that one camera is better than the others, since "better" changes when the user changes. Many cameras will often fill one set of requirements, and small details are all that differenciate many models.

You seem to have made your homework well, and your requirements are pretty specific! I think the next step would be to look at sample pictures from these cameras, on various websites (like dpreview, Steve's digicams, imaging resources and dcresources). Also, go to stores and try the cameras for yourself. Handling is a big part of using a camera, and not all cameras are confortable for all users.

Regarding the list of your requirements, I have a few comments.

1-you mention that you want a camera that will not be out of date soon. Considering that new models are usually released less than one year apart, your camera will be replaced fast, whichever it is. That does not mean that it will stop taking god pictures, however.

2-you mention digital zoom. That's something I would not consider at all. You will find that most reviewers, and many users, advise against using it. All it does is crop your image, you can do that yourself anytime. Digital zoom is a marketing tool, nothing more.

3-regarding image stabilization, you say you want "digital" image stabilization. That's another marketing tool, there is no such thing as digital image stabilization. All this "feature" does is increase the ISO setting on your camera. OPTICAL image stabilization is something I would personally never part with, however.

The rest of your criteria are mostly personal choices. At the end of the day, most camera can take good pictures, it's the user who will make great photographs with the tool.

I hope this helps!

[rhythm]

Thank u very much. It's so sweet of u to help. I will definately consider the points u have written.
Thanks again.