You have a high enough budget to end up with a good camera. You also have found a good site to compare models..

However, if you are looking for one camera that can "do it all" and fit into your shirt pocket, then you are in trouble. What you should "focus" on, is what kind of images you have made in the past and you would probably make again, or try to improve on?.

Are almost all of these images of family, friends and or vacations?When you answer this we can steer you into one direction to narrow down your search.Chris, Broussard, LA..

Thanks Chris for the reply. Most will be family, friends and vacations. Not all will be. Sometimes when I visit my home in WVa I get a chance to take nature pictures (woods, ponds, animals, insects, flowers, plants and a varity of other subjects.) Thanks again for your input...

When I bought my son's camera, I wanted rechargable battery, large viewfinder on the back, and more than a 3X zoom..

We ended up with a Fujifil F650, and are very happy..

BAK..

I gave the Olympus c50 a quick look on the assumption you want a camera like it, but newer..

Try the Fuji F30 or F31fd. Doubt you'd have a problem with them and they have very good image quality most places you'll need it. Should have plenty of change from your budget too..

Have a look at the Canon A570 IS if you want to try something slightly different. Not as good indoors or in low light, but still a fine camera in your budget..

Check the reviews here and see if they match your needs..

Try them both in stores..

StephenG.

Fuji S9600Fuji S5200Fuji F30Fuji E900Canon A710ISPCLinuxOS..

Duffy3rd wrote:.

Most will be family, friends andvacations. Not all will be. Sometimes when I visit my home in WVa Iget a chance to take nature pictures (woods, ponds, animals,insects, flowers, plants and a varity of other subjects.).

To go in your pocket (just) and still have plenty of manual input look at a Canon G7..

To go around your neck: Canon s3 or s5, Fuji 6500, or Panasonic FZ50 and of course the Olympus SP550. But only if you can tolerate Electronic Viewfinders. These cameras also approach the size of the smaller entry level DSLRs which, if equipped with an 18-200 all-purpose lens, would be able to give you even better images..

I'd recomend visiting a camera store and looking at a Pentax K100 DSLR compared to the cameras listed above. Then you will know for sure what you feel most comfortable with and also what you might be compromising on.John.Please visit me at:http://www.pbase.com/johnfr/backtothebridgehttp://www.pbase.com/johnfr..

You said you like to take photos of wildlife, but I hope that dose not mean you want a super tele lens on your new compact! This would limit how wide the lens can go..

Most people actually want a lens that is wider, so it can take in larger groups inside a room. Does that sound correct. Of course, the caommon cameras have zoom lenses (that means the lens changes to bring in a subject closer and widens up to allow more into the image..

Question 1. Do you think you need more of a wide lens than long lens?.

I would also like to know how big of a print you need to make. Most people almost never make an print larger than 4x6 inches. Large prints are those bigger than 8x10 inches BTW..

Question 2. Do you need large prints reguarly? Ever?.

Chris, Broussard, LA..

Hi Chris and all No I havent given up. Have sort of been busy. I think what I am looking for is a camera with wide angle and a nice telephoto lense (28-300). Also that has a decent IQ works well in most lighting conditions and with image stablization. Also one that doesnt require a rocket scientist to use. Is there a camera (none DSLR) that meets these reguirements ?? Thanks again for for your help and time...

Duffy3rd wrote:.

Hi Chris and all No I havent given up. Have sort of been busy. Ithink what I am looking for is a camera with wide angle and a nicetelephoto lense (28-300). Also that has a decent IQ works well inmost lighting conditions and with image stablization. Also one thatdoesnt require a rocket scientist to use. Is there a camera (nonDSLR) that meets these reguirements ?? Thanks again for for yourhelp and time..

The Panasonic TZ3 meets your needs pretty much, with a 28-280 lens, IS and simple controls. It's a nice compact yet solid camera with a great 3 inch screen and really fast zoom.Androohttp://Androo.smugmug.com..

I don't agree that this has good image quality. It has visible noise at ISO 100, which cripples an otherwise nice package. Given the original poster asked for all-round capability I think the TZ3 would be unsuitable ( higher than usual noise at all ISO levels )..

Having said that I think it's worth checking out - it's a seductive package for the size/weight, and if daylight shots are what you're planning at smallish print sizes then it's possibly OK..

StephenG.

Fuji S9600Fuji S5200Fuji F30Fuji E900Canon A710ISPCLinuxOS..

Here's why:http://forums.dpreview.com/...forums/read.asp?forum=1035&message=15864420Dave PattersonMidwestshutterbug.com'When the light and composition are strong, nobodynotices things like resolution or pincushion distortion'Gary Friedman..

Sjgcit wrote:.

I don't agree that this has good image quality. It has visiblenoise at ISO 100, which cripples an otherwise nice package. Giventhe original poster asked for all-round capability I think the TZ3would be unsuitable ( higher than usual noise at all ISO levels )..

Cripples? A bit strong I think. Look at some sample images. Even better print some out and I thin you'll find noise isn't a big issue..

Androohttp://Androo.smugmug.com..

I'm not exactly disagreeing with you. For many prints from the TZ3 are fine - I've even recommended the thing to people on that basis. However, many people these days don't print at all, and viewing on a monitor has become rather common. I don't think we can ignore that anymore. I've seen posts from people complaining about DSLR output because they expect perfect and they don't get it - people have quite unrealistic expectations in this sense..

All the reviews I've seen are consistent in saying the TZ3 performs badly as ISO goes up compared with most other P&S models. It still remains a rather unique camera with very attractive features, and the owner can be quite happy if they don't expect unrealistic things from it..

Wouldn't mind adding a TZ3 to my own collection..

StephenG.

Fuji S9600Fuji S5200Fuji F30Fuji E900Canon A710ISPCLinuxOS..