saffy12 Posted April 30, 2017 #1 Share Posted April 30, 2017 In preparation for our upcoming Alaskan cruise in August, I have decided it's time to update my old trusty 5mp Olympus camera. She's done well for me, but is 15 years old now, so it's time for me to get something a bit newer. Specifically, after reading all the trip reports and seeing close up pictures of wildlife, I want to find something with a good optical zoom. Other than that, what I want is something that costs $200, fits in my pocket, and requires no thought before taking award winning photos! Obviously, that's a bit tongue in cheek, but really, a small point-and-shoot that doesn't require too much $ (I can up the budget, but don't want to be spending $1000) or too much thought to use, but will take pictures better than either my phone or current camera will (otherwise, I don't need to bother). Does anyone have suggestions where I should start looking to fit that bill? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindyg1963 Posted April 30, 2017 #2 Share Posted April 30, 2017 I'm currently looking at the Sony DSC HX50v/b. As a professional, I really don't want to haul my DSLR and all the lenses around on vacation, but still want to get some good shots. This one has 20.4 megapixels and a 30x optical zoom (you want high optical zoom, not digital zoom). Found it on Amazon for $149.90. The MP will be high enough quality for a photo book after the cruise but the size is going to be small enough for me to take everywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheOldBear Posted April 30, 2017 #3 Share Posted April 30, 2017 Over on DP Review they have a few 'buyers guide' comparison reviews, in different categories - these are links to Compact Enthusiast Zoom cameras Enthusiast long zoom cameras My 'sight unseen' recommendation would be for the Panasonic FZ1000 - this is a fixed lens [very nice lens] bridge camera with a large sensor . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QShip Posted May 1, 2017 #4 Share Posted May 1, 2017 I have spent some time looking, once I decided I needed a new compact camera that is waterproof (snorkel Alaska!) . I decided the Olympus TG-4 most closely meets my needs and have tried to purchase one for the last 10 days. It seems everyone, including the Olympus store itself, is out of stock unless one wants an international model. Finally found one at Roberts for $349 today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oak Hill Cruisers Posted May 1, 2017 #5 Share Posted May 1, 2017 Folks on this board were once raving about the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 which has a constant f2.8 24x optical zoom. Won't fit in your jacket pocket but seems to be an outstanding bridge camera -- about $500, more or less. There are earlier models, I believe the FZ270 or something which might b still available at a lower price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaKa2002 Posted May 1, 2017 #6 Share Posted May 1, 2017 I replaced my big (heavy) super-zoom camera with a Panasonic DMC-ZS40; the newer model is a ZS50. Great pocketable super zoom camera with a view finder if the lighting makes the big LCD unusable. Currently the ZS50 is available on sale at Costco. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saffy12 Posted May 2, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted May 2, 2017 Thanks for all the responses! I think i've finally decided that I want to get the Panasonic ZS50, especially since it shows on the Costco website for $230 which is a great price. Unfortunately, of course, they also seem to be out of stock on it, and no place else has that either. I'm guessing it has been updated, but I like the lower megapixel (and price!) that model has. Oh well, back to the drawing / researching board! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare pierces Posted May 2, 2017 #8 Share Posted May 2, 2017 Thanks for all the responses! I think i've finally decided that I want to get the Panasonic ZS50, especially since it shows on the Costco website for $230 which is a great price. Unfortunately, of course, they also seem to be out of stock on it, and no place else has that either. I'm guessing it has been updated, but I like the lower megapixel (and price!) that model has.Oh well, back to the drawing / researching board! Silver version is available at Amazon for $289. https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-LUMIX-DMC-ZS50K-Travel-Viewfinder/dp/B00RBG6GBS?th=1 Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victress2007 Posted May 2, 2017 #9 Share Posted May 2, 2017 I still love my HX50V. I think the newer one has a viewfinder which would make it a perfect pocket camera. Vic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herfnerd Posted May 2, 2017 #10 Share Posted May 2, 2017 I replaced my big (heavy) super-zoom camera with a Panasonic DMC-ZS40; the newer model is a ZS50. Great pocketable super zoom camera with a view finder if the lighting makes the big LCD unusable. Currently the ZS50 is available on sale at Costco. Thanks for all the responses! I think i've finally decided that I want to get the Panasonic ZS50, especially since it shows on the Costco website for $230 which is a great price. Unfortunately, of course, they also seem to be out of stock on it, and no place else has that either. I'm guessing it has been updated, but I like the lower megapixel (and price!) that model has.Oh well, back to the drawing / researching board! The latest in the line is the Panny DMC-ZS70. The ZS60's are still available Big mistake, IMHO of changing from the 12MP in the ZS50 to the 18.1MP of the ZS-60 and 20.3MP of the ZS70 - loses on low light performance...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saffy12 Posted May 3, 2017 Author #11 Share Posted May 3, 2017 Thanks for all the help! I was able to track down a zs50 at a Costco sort of near me. They are definitely disappearing but a few stores still had them. And the price dropped today too so I got it for $199 - my desired price point! Now I just need to figure out how to use it! Sent from my XT1254 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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