Help with choosing a digital camera PLEASE?

Question

Hi, I need a new digital camera because my old one broke. It was a Canon Powershot A530 - I sort of would prefer to stay away from Canon simply because I have had so many problems with the camera and Canon was not helpful in fixing it. I am really looking for the following features in a camera:

- great optical zoom (10x-18x)

- image stabilization

- no shutter delay/lag

- high in megapixels

- compact

- video recording

These features are very important in my camera because I attend alot of concerts (almost one each weekend!) and have alot of family gatherings. I would prefer to spend under $200 but will not go over $250. If anyone could help, I would really appreciate it. Thanks - serious answers only please.

Answer 1

I founded your require spec at http://astore.amazon.com/canon.eos.slr.d...

from amazon canon Canon PowerShot SX100IS is best choice for you it's 10x optical zoom ,image stabilization and fast shutter  in 0.088 sec (from review http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SX...   )  8 megapixel compact and  can recording video and very cheap price only $219.99 free shipping

Answer 2

well my mom bought this Olympus

camara

i'd say about 275 ,280 dollars

it has 12 mega pixels great stabilization

and waterproof,shockproof,and has a 2-year guanrtee

i suggest going to olympus.com

and finding a good camara

Answer 3

Usually compact and high zoom are mutually exclusive.  A good compromise might be the Canon Powershot TX1.  It's compact and 10X optical zoom.  It can shoot video at 1280 x 720 at 30 fps with stereo sound, which is way above average for a compact digital camera.  It uses a lithium ion battery, which is the best.  It has a time lapse mode.  You might have to buy it used if you want it in your price range though.  With your price range, I think 5X optical zoom is about as high as you'll get.

Answer 4

Been looking for about what you are. So many oout their and I know so little about them To me its a c**p shoot have to trust who sells them

Answer 5

Currently the new Nikon P80 is a good one to look at, although shutter lag is always a problem with any point and shoot camera.  But, it is way above your budget and for just a little more you could have a real DSLR.  About twice your budget.

Look through http://www.dpreview.com