Please Help me Select a Camera

[wtntennis]

Hey Photo Camel members,

I have recently purchased a Sony Cybershot DSC-S60. The 4.1mp sensor is enough for me. The issue I have is with my optical zoom. It only reaches 3x (117mm). I am an avid tennis fan and am urgently seeking a new camera for the Australian Open in January. I need some quality photos to make the front page of my site (tennis-forums.com). I don't really have the money for a DSLR, so I am instead searching for a compact ultra-zoom instead. I'd be happy with 8x optical zoom minimum.

I have found a few options, and searched for reviews. My top possibility is the Fuji Finepix S5200, (S5600 in Europe) or maybe even the Kodak Z740.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with the two mentioned cameras, or could they recommend another ultra-zoom compact within the $300-$400 price bracket.

Thanks in advance,
Luc

[JDArt]

My opinion is that you'll be much better served over the long haul with a true dslr that will serve your needs now and, with the help of lenses, for many years to come. Compact cameras are exercises in compromise, and with the prices running 300-400 or more, they're expensive compromises to boot.

I share the views recently stated by PC Magazine columnist Bill Howard: get a dslr. Yes, it will cost you more up front. But you'll end up with a true camera, one that is actually capable to taking the kinds of pictures you want WHEN you want to take them (not a second or two after you press the shutter button).

Read this:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1887415,00.asp

I don't agree with his lens choice ideas, and he simplifies the case for a general audience, but the major points are valid.

[Kevin Barrett]

I agree with JD. If you can swing it, save up a bit more for a DSLR. It will serve you better over time.
However, if that can't happen... My next recommendation would be the Canon PowerShot S2 IS.
It currently is running at about $450 USD from online merchants.

It's pretty fast with the DIGIC II processor and the Image Stabilization will help you maintain sharpness
while handheld and zoom'd out.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons2is/

[scoundrel1728]

Perhaps you will like a dSLR better, but the choice isn't the slam dunk that photo pros and aficionados sometimes portray. dSLRs have their own limitations - they are big, heavy, and expensive, especially with the long lenses necessary for outdoor sports. If you don't have some kind of optical stabilization, you will need some kind of mechanical support. For a dSLR rig that will comfortably handle a tennis match in addition to general photography, you are talking somewhere in the neighborhood of a couple thousand dollars as opposed to a few hundred. For many people, this is a serious financial commitment. You are also talking about something that you must keep an eye on and that may not even be allowed in the gate. You will need to check before the match on the policy on photography the promoters have set up.

[wtntennis]

Another reason that I won't be buying a DSLR anytime soon-

In Australia, we have introduced a ban on cameras with a lense length of over 3.5" at most sporting venues. The maximum telephoto focal length is 200mm. With a compact ultra-zoom, it should be easy enough to get into Margaret Court Arena unnoticed. Obviously, the ground workers aren't really qualified to judge the quality of a camera zoom, so they'd probably be guessing. As a general rule, anything that looks professional probably won't be permitted.

[scoundrel1728]

I knew about this restriction in Australia, which is the reason for the last sentence and a half. Not sure how prevalent this restriction is in other countries. dSLR doesn't look to be the best choice for street photography either - too big, too noisy, and too much a target for thieves and muggers.

[wtntennis]

Sorry, I must have skipped through that sentence. In all honesty, I don't think I can fork out $900 for a DSLR, minus the accessories required to take quality photographs.

I will almost certainly purchase the Panasonic Lumix FZ4, or FZ5, depending on how much I can pick one up for.

[scoundrel1728]

If you are going to do that, do it soon and get in some practice using it with a tennis-playing friend at your local tennis court. To use a digital camera effectively, you must learn the half-press - pressing your shutter release down halfway to lock in the focus and exposure, then pressing the shutter the rest of the way when ready to shoot. You must also learn to compensate for the delay between the live action and that displayed in the electronic viewfinder, plus the delay between pressing the shutter release and actually taking the picture.

Sports photography can make as great a demand on the photographer's timing and reflexes as on those of the athletes themselves. While your friend is practicing his serve or ball return, you can practice shooting the exact moment ball meets racket. It will be easier to judge your success at this if you can shoot at an angle that the ball moves across the field of view rather than toward or away from you.

[wtntennis]

Thanks for the advice. I will defiinitely take my camera on a test run to practice my auto-focus. I know the burst shot mode will come in handy.

[dvdowns]

I would also go for the Panasonics , I had a dmc-lc5 and the Panasonics do very well in image quality in reviews .

[sadiesdad]

Hello,
I own one of the Kodak Z740's, Nice little camera in good light, focus is lacking in low light. The digital zoom is real lacking at any light. Go for a Canon

[SanteePhotog]

I read a few of the replys, and have two thoughts going right now.

1. I recently had given me a Compact camera for christmas, as I had mentioned how tired I was fighting with a camera bag and all the attendant hassles involved. I wanted a simple camera (but was pleaently surprised by what I go) that I could stick in my shirtpocket or in a case on my belt for easy access. Look at the Casio line of zoom cameras, they are small, but fairly powerful for most shots. With 39 customizeable modes that cover a majority of the pictures most would take in this forum I see no reason forthe DSLR. One gripe is no lens filter capacity but what the heck... With a 10.1 Megapixel sensor and the current 8GB SDHC card, I am set for a while, It has a 3:1 zoom making it roughly equal to a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format (Now I have the body and lenses there I will say) I also have a Konica/Minolta Z1 for the SLR type work so feel no real need for a interchangeable lens SLR right now

2. Regarding a dSLR... to get a good one with the capacity to grow, and the lenses to complement it you had better be independently wealthy or a professional desire.

Smitty