-approx. $300.
Look at the models the newest ones replace. Those cameras are perfectly good, and some of the replacements are worse !.
-a zoom much better than 3.2X.
A bridge camera ( or a few compacts with a larger zoom )..
-shutter speed faster than 1 second.
The shutter speed is not what you mean, I think. The term is "shutter lag", in case you're searching for it ( e.g. google ). Shutter lag is negligible when the camera is focused ( "pre-focus" is the term for a simple technique that may help ). The biggest delay is when you have to turn on the camera. Cameras with extending lenses tend to be slow here, because you have to wait for them.
-image stabilizer-about the size of the Powershot A80.
Another Powershot leaps to mind. Actually any compact leaps to mind..
-a pop-up flash (we love the one on the Canon Rebel XT, but of coursethats a pretty pricey camera).
That's bridge camera territory ( again )..
-at least 3 min video capability at 640x480; hey, can any of thesecameras zoom while shooting video?.
The Canon S3 might be suitable. You can pick one up cheapish, now that the S5 is out ( which is not significantly better ). Lots of people with kids have them..
Zooming while shooting I think ( not certain ) probably means a bridge camera with a manual zoom ring ( the twist thingy on the lens )..
Maybe a Panasonic FZ models ? A Fuji S6000 ( but no IS ) ? .
I'd suggest a trip to the camera shot and trying them out..
Alternatives might be the Canon Powershot A570 IS, which will NOT zoom optically during movies, only digitally ( I gather )..
I'd almost recommend something like my Fuji S5200 to you or the wonderful S6000, except you want IS. The F31fd would also be good. ( OK, I like Fuji's )..
The Panasonic TZ3 probably blows your budget..
You may have to compromise, perhaps the IS or the zoom. although I think the Canon S3 might be right..
StephenG.
Pentax K100DFuji S5200Fuji E900PCLinuxOS..
To have zoom in the movies. My Samsung A40 does it just fine, while being very "budget" cam, and fairly old. And yes, it's undoubtedly optical, you hear zoom motor whining, and see lens extending/retracting. In fact, it's digital zoom what is disabled...
Manual zoom means there are no motor, you turn the ring, lens zooms. Very silently and much more accurately than motor-driven one does. But it is expensive. And mechanism needed won't fit in most compacts anyway..
Optical zoom means that lens physically extends and retracts to different focal lengths, can be both manual and motor-driven..
"Digital zoom" is a zoom-like effect of cropping and resizing image. Much better done with the computer...
Saltobello wrote:.
Is it true that the Vari-angle LCDmonitor is gone from all digital cameras? We love it and never had aproblem with it but havent seen one on a newer camera in a while..
Few are still having. Canon A630, A640, S3IS, Sanyo xacti HD1/2, TX1 etc..
Id like some suggestions for a camera that has these features ormeets these qualifications:-approx. $300-a zoom much better than 3.2X-shutter speed faster than 1 second-image stabilizer-about the size of the Powershot A80-a pop-up flash (we love the one on the Canon Rebel XT, but of coursethats a pretty pricey camera)-at least 3 min video capability at 640x480; hey, can any of thesecameras zoom while shooting video?.
May consider Canon A570IS (7MP, 4x zoom) or A710IS (7MP, 6x zoom). Both have image-stabilization..
We shoot A LOT of pictures of our son and he's beginning to run, run,run, so the kid-friendliest suggestion is best, in regards tocompactness, durability and image stability..
Both above have optical viewfinders too, for live-tracking of active subjects..
However if you take lot of indoor shots, than consider buying Fuji F31fd or Fuji F20. Both are leader in low light IQ among compacts.Regards, Ajayhttp://picasaweb.google.com/ajay0612..
Saltobello wrote:.
My wife and I have the Canon Powershot A80 and an 11 month old son.The Canon is on it's last leg. There seems to be a lot more optionsaround than four years ago. Is it true that the Vari-angle LCDmonitor is gone from all digital cameras? We love it and never had aproblem with it but havent seen one on a newer camera in a while..
Id like some suggestions for a camera that has these features ormeets these qualifications:-approx. $300-a zoom much better than 3.2X-shutter speed faster than 1 second-image stabilizer-about the size of the Powershot A80-a pop-up flash (we love the one on the Canon Rebel XT, but of coursethats a pretty pricey camera)-at least 3 min video capability at 640x480; hey, can any of thesecameras zoom while shooting video?.
We shoot A LOT of pictures of our son and he's beginning to run, run,run, so the kid-friendliest suggestion is best, in regards tocompactness, durability and image stability..
Thanks!!!.
-.
-Check out the Canon S2, S3(Powershot).
25 years as a freelancer,(news,magazine, wedding photography) camera equip. over the years: Practica MLT, Canon A1, Minolta 9xi, 7xi, Dimage Z1,Fuji 5200,Canon S2,Pentax K100D,Olympus 380(see my Z1 shots athttp://www.photobucket.com ALBUM NAME: buckl the COMMUNITY album was done with the Z1, and most of the photos in the album:Other were w/the Z1)..
If you plan on keeping up with a running toddler, you're going to need an SLR to manage it, or a preternatural ability to anticipate the actions of your munchkin. I know, I have a 19 month old maniac we affectionately call "Derek the Destroyer", and I also have several different cameras (not the least of which I use to try and keep up with him). I have the S2, and if I can anticipate his movements in reasonable lighting conditions, I can generally keep up with him. But it is a chore, and I know the S2 quite well. The only surefire way I know I can nail shots of him is with my XT and a decent lens..
However, if you are on a $300 budget, the S3 is about the best you're going to find in regards to still shooting and movies. In fact, the S3 at $300 is almost worth it as a hybrid camcorder alone - it's that good. But be prepared, photographing a toddler is infinitely more challenging than photographing an infant, and also know that you are not going to capture every shot you want...
And also remember, toddlers like cameras and as soon as they sight one, they will zoom on to you. Ever tried focusing on a train running towards you???Best of luck .
Sarlo100 wrote:.
But be prepared, photographing a toddler is infinitely morechallenging than photographing an infant, and also know that you arenot going to capture every shot you want..
Keep smiling, Ajayhttp://picasaweb.google.com/ajay0612(Thanks for your precious time & invaluable comments)..