Need helpin on decinding on a camera

[Clandestin]

so i should be getting my tax return money anytime sooon, and i am going to buy a camera with the money that i get. I was looking a the the Fuji FinePix S9000 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30. And I am stuck, I do not know what camera I should get. The Panasonic has an AWESOME ZOOM as seen here www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_fz30-review/index.shtml (scroll about half way down the page) but the images are to "noisy". And im not sure if the s9000 can zoom in that far, it has the 10.7 zoom and 28-300mm zoom thingy. So yea can someone help me decide, I kind of want a "Jack of all trades camera" that will get the job done and get it done right. I want to be able to zoom in if needed, and also be able to blow up the pictures if needed also and still have a great image. my price range is high $700 MAX (USD).

So could ya help me decide?

thanks

[shootem]

Sorry, I deleted this as the cameras I recommended were not in the same category as the ones you are looking at....

[Clandestin]

any kind, that are what im looking for with high $700 USD max.

thanks

[shootem]

I would recommend trying to buy a used Nikon D70, with the kit lens. There are many out there for sale now, since Nikon came out with the D200. I just sold one for $599.00 body only, the kit lens is quite a good one - 18-70mm. Read Bjorn's review on this consumer lens, he rates it quite highly @ http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html
This lens can be purchased used also - if you can't find the body and lens together at a good price.

You can check www.nikonians.org
in the forum section under for sale. A lot of Nikon gear gets sold there. If you see one that's a bit too high for you, make an offer. The going rate for camera and lens used is around $725.00.
Ask how many actuations the camera has.

This camera was camera of the year in 04. I highly recommend thinking about this vs. buying a lower end camera brand new.

Hope this helps.

Carolyn

[Shaggydoo]

Hi,
the D70 is a great camera but for about the same price you could get the Nikon D50 brand new with the same kit lens.Also,there are other manufacturers of cameras besides Nikon:-)Take a look at the Konica-Minolta 5D,as well..about the same price
Andrew

[shootem]

You may want to read the review here of the D70 vs. the D50.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0504/05042003nikond70s.asp

They are both great cameras, but bang for the buck, if you can find a used D70, it is more efficient - hence more expensive. For choosing White Balance Each camera uses:
D70 D50
1005 pixel ccd sensor 420 pixel ccd sensor

And for choosing Focus with the exposure metering system:
D70 D50
1005 pixel ccd sensor 420 pixel ccd sensor

The shutter on the D70 is twice as fast - 1/8000 vs. 1/4000 - but unless you are trying to stop a hummingbirds wings, that probably will make no difference ;- )

The d50 has no depth of field preview button, which can be very helpful.

Anyway, they are both excellent cameras. Read the reviews. You could purchase a new D50 for about the same price as a used D70.
Good luck - hope this helps some....
Carolyn

[Clandestin]

www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=227265&display=1

its about my price range. im still looking for cameras. I never thought it would be this hard to try and pick the right camera.