Sup /p/hoto,I'm considering buying a new camera. My budget is about $300, and so far the Canon S3 IS and the Sony DSC-H5 are looking good.Win? Fail? Alternatives?EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon PowerShot A85Maximum Lens Aperturef/2.8Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaLens Size5.41 - 16.22 mmFirmware VersionFirmware Version 1.00Image-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution180 dpiVertical Resolution180 dpiImage Created2007:07:17 02:43:39Exposure Time0.6 secF-Numberf/2.8Lens Aperturef/2.8Exposure Bias0 EVFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length5.41 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width2272Image Height1704RenderingNormalExposure ModeManualScene Capture TypeStandardExposure ModeManualFocus TypeAutoMetering ModeEvaluativeISO Speed Rating50SharpnessNormalSaturationNormalContrastNormalShooting ModeManualImage SizeLargeFocus ModeSingleDrive ModeSingleFlash ModeOffCompression SettingSuperfineMacro ModeNormalSubject Distance0.320 mWhite BalanceAutoExposure Compensation3Sensor ISO Speed128Image Number129-2928
>>65025I have a Sony DSC-H7 and it has served me well. I'd say get the extra hundred bucks or so for it and get it. Especially if you're beginning. It's self-explanatory and still takes amazing shots.
The Panasonic DMC-FZ8 is a better camera than the S3IS, of the same type, for the same price. It handles better (IMO), has a better lens, shoots RAW, and has a better viewfinder.
I would choose betweensony DSC H7 (or h9) , lumix DMC-FZ8, and Fuji s6500fd(6000fd)http://www.dpreview.com/everyone has it s good points and bad points,from what I read, I would go for the fuji, but it really depends what you want.
>>65034RAW on a P&S is like tossing pearls before swine unless you are operating the camera manually instead of some preset "scene" mode.>>65026If you go an extra $200 from your budget, you may want to consider the K100D DSLR from Pentax. You can get the camera and a kit 18-55 lens for under $500 online (try Amazon or eBay). I like that this camera takes AA batteries (they're much easier to find than a spare lithium ion battery). I ordered a K10D and am patiently awaiting its arrival in the mail.