That's what I'm saying. Few shots will be clear at 4x zoom without a tripod or image stabilization. Most general pictures I take (vacations, family functions, friends' parties, etc) I stay around 2x zoom. I can usually walk closer to get the picture that I want better. While more optical zoom is better for the chance you pull out a tripod, I wouldn't give up other camera features just to get 5x zoom, or even another 1-2 MP.

Image processing and optics makes more of a difference than how many megapixels, even for 8x10" prints. I have some very nice 8x10 Walmart prints from my old Nikon 775 2MP camera.

 

Not totally going to agree with this: the X refers to the amount of zoom: it may all be in a wide angel [super wide to wide] where IS or a tripod is not necessary. While IS is great to have and I use it with all of my longer lenses, by using a higher shutterspeed, most of the shake problem can be overcome. Prior to going to a DSL, the Minolta 7Hi I used has a 7x zoom with a fairly long telephoto, and I had very little problem with shake. Having said that, I did have to use a faster shutter speed. Plus, IS is a new technology: people were taking pics hand held with long lens for a long time before it. [But it is nice to have!]

For general pic taking, I still like a long lens [most telephoto], esp when taking pics of the kids. It saves a lot of cropping with the computer.

Woof
Bowser

 

Good info fella's ... thanks.

 

I agree with bowser.....

Get as much OPTICAL zoom as you can.

Digital zoom will blur like APT described, but optical zoom will not.

 

is this a good camera?

canon powershot g7
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0609/06091405_canon_g7.asp

 

Specs look good to me: I would wait until dpreview does their full review on it, but the "G" series cameras have been pretty good units. With the fast lens and IS [image stability], the price point looks good also.

Woof
Bowser

 

Well guys. After much research this is what I came up with. It was on sale for 202.00. For the features I didn't think I could beat it. Thanks for all the help.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panas...oductDetail.do

 

I've never used a panasonic still cam.... I do have an old Panasonic VHS-C video cam.... I love it.. great white balance, nice quality and definitin... and the IS even the EIS is still superior to many of todays cameras......

 

I can't believe all it has for the money. It has:

6-megapixel
6x optical zoom
2.5" LCD screen
High sensitivity mode
Widescreen mode
A large all glass lens
Mega Optical image stabilizer
Uses AA batteries

I thought it was a good deal at that price. Thanks again everyone.

 

Looks like a great camera: now how about some truck pics????

Woof
Bowser

 

I ordered the Camera. It might be a few days before I get it.