The ultimate digital probe

“Don't be digusting . . . . that is not what I meant!

I know much about digital cameras has been covered in other threads. I searched, read and followed some links.


My SLR (Minolta 400si) has died. It will be a minimum of $160 to send it out. A new body is $200 and will be compatable with my two lenses (35-70mm and 70-210mm)


BEFORE I drop $200 on a new body for the SLR, I want to explore digital. Here are my specific criteria:

1. I want a good optical zoom feature. I used my 210 zoom as much as I used the 50mm. My understanding is, to get into the 210 area optically, you need at least a 6x optical zoom

2. I want relatively small size (it would be nice to shed the weight of the extra lenses and large camera)

3. I want simplicity!! I do not use ¼ of the features on my current SLR. I would likely never use the "video" or "voice" features available on some of the digitals.

I have a ton of other questions to ask, but I'll start here:

Bottom line: recommendations for a simple, digital with 6x or better optical zoom. OH . . .and price . . .I looked at the Nikon 5700 . . .$1,000 will be tooooo much!!!

Thanks in advance!”

“Lee, you will have a problem getting a digital camera with a great zoom. (they would cost way over $1000).
Olympus has a couple out that have a 10x optical zoom. I think sony has one too, but that thing is huge!

Check this site
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympusc700uz/

It's only 2 megapixel tho.

When I tried to buy my digital I was looking at great zoom too, so that's why I know a little bit about it. I may have missed some tho.”

“...especially after Sarabelle's comment about butt werms, and my subsequent 'regression.' Butt, I will resist! ;-}”

“Thanks Fritz --

I had picked that referal up in one of the other threads.
It looks like the least expense for the biggest lens.


I also had asked Pennsy what he was shooting with . . .his Nikon 5700 is prolly to rich for my blood!

Thanks for the link to the Fuji!”