Digital cameras 101

[bidingm]

I am currently living in Europe and travel quite a bit. I'm currently using an older digital camera (Olympus) w/ basic point and shoot capabilities. I'm disappointed with the quality of photos I've taken.

So, point is, I'm looking for a new camera that I can "grow" with as I become more versed in photography. I also am going to the Alps to ski and to Africa in the spring - so something that can capture the natural beauty of the landscapes. I'm thinking I need something with a higher optical zoom?? I have no idea. I want to do justice in capturing my travel experiences.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[bdery]

Hi and welcome!

First things first, we do not recommend specific cameras here. That's too personal and what's best for me might not be for you.

We can help you narrow down the choices, though. You say you want good image quality, I'd say most current cameras will give you that in good light, but things obviously get worse in low light, except with a DSLR. Since it doesn't look like DSLRs are the way you want to go, let's rule them out for now.

You want to grow into your camera, that's perfectly healthy. That means you probably want a camera with some level of manual controls. Those are harder to come by than in the past. You will mostly find manual controls on superzooms, or "bridge" cameras. There is a good review of such cameras at http://www.dpreview.com/news/0901/09011503q109superzoomroundup.asp.

I have owned such a camera and it served me well until I felt ready to move to a DSLR The superzooms always call for some optical compromises, but these lenses are impressive nonetheless.

Some other models, mainly from Canon and Panasonic, offer manual controls too.

I would say that from this point, the best thing for you is to narrow down you requirements, and try the cameras to see how the handling goes. That's as important as image quality.

Let us know how it goes!

[ShutterbugGail]

I would have given you the exact same advise as bdrey and directed you to the same source.

While we don't recommend cameras per se, from the way you describe your needs, either one the "joint winners" in the review, the Canon SX10 IS and Panasonic FZ28. would be an excellent choice.  They are very versatile and capable cameras, with incredible zoom ranges from wide to super telephoto.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q109superzoomgroup/page16.asp

There are two versions of the Canon SX, so make sure to read the review. As an aside, the Canon is heavier and larger than the Panasonic. Some consider this a plus, others prefer a lighter camera.

I've owned one of the predecessors of each, the Canon S2 and Panasonic FZ18.  If you'd like, you can read about my experiences and suggestions for each. While image quality and performance such as speed has improved with the newer models, basic usage will be very much the same between the older and new models

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/1/index.php

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/9/

There will be a learning curve with these cameras, so buy early enough to get plenty of practice before your upcoming trips.

If you have further questions, let us know.