More Digital Photography Talk

[fairways]

I bought this camera as a "carry everywhere" to supplement or replace lugging a DSLR around.

Why the TZ3?

1. It fits easily in your pocket, and sports x10 optical zoom...an unbeatable combo.
2. It has image stabilization; many pundits swear by this for camera shake and low light situations.

This is one tremendous little camera. I have only had it a few days.

Something I've just learned: try to avoid the scene modes, as they often pick ISO 800 in good light. Nuts !!

Freddie

[ShutterbugGail]

I also own the TZ3 and have written about it in my Blog:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/7/index.php

The Blog is packed with information including recommended Camera Setting, Pros & Cons, Hints & Tips and a lot more.

[ShutterbugGail]

try to avoid the scene modes, as they often pick ISO 800 in good light.

If you use Intelligent ISO mode, you can set the limit as to how high the ISO goes. Depending on the situation, I generally keep mine set to ISO 400.

[leala]

Hi - I'm new to the site and I know I'm probably not putting this question in the right place...but I'm hoping you can help me.  I'm looking for a digital camera that will take nice pictures of my kid's concerts.  They are in show choir and band so I am sitting in a dark auditorium taking pictures of them on stage.  I have a Kodak Easy Share DX7630.  I've tried EVERY setting on the thing and the pictures are dark and blurry.  I'd like to keep my new purchase under $400.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thank you!

[ShutterbugGail]

I'm looking for a digital camera that will take nice pictures of my kid's concerts.  They are in show choir and band so I am sitting in a dark auditorium taking pictures of them on stage.  

Hi leala and welcome to the Q&A Forum!

If photographing your children in concerts is your primary concern, there is no doubt in my mind that a FujiFilm camera with a Super CCD is the way to go. Consider the F20, F30, F31 and F40.  They all came out during the past 12 or so months and as far as low light performance, even the newest 12 megapixel FujiFilm F50 doesn't live up to the low light performance of it's predecessors.

In fact, I've just ordered myself a FujiFilm F20 because I've heard so many good things about the High ISO  performance of this camera (and the others mentioned above); with or without using the flash.

I bought an One Gig xD picture card on sale and the camera and card together cost under $200 (at Amazon). If you want manual controls, consider some of the others mentioned (if you can get them...the F30 and F31, used, are selling on eBay at the same or higher price than when it first came to market).

If you decide to get one of these cameras, you will probably have to order online. Also, some of the Canon cameras are good choices too for overall image quality, though they don't do quite as well in low light.

Just remember, no digital camera is perfect, and they all have strong and weak points. Buy a camera which best meets your overall needs.


Related reading:

Super CCD
http://dev.digicamhelp.coms/cool-stuff/superccd.php

High ISO
http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-features/camera-modes/high-sensitivity-mode.php

[leala]

Thank you so much!  I really appreciate your input!