gunkyone

For a cheaper multi-use camera, I like the Olympus SP-820uz.

Any current owners or opinions?

Thanks.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Buy refurb
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/sp-820uz-ihs-black-with-tripod-and-case-reconditioned.html

Or if you don't need as much zoom and want a better camera.
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/xz-2-reconditoned.html

Or
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/xz-10-ihs-reconditioned.html

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I am a strong believer in "low cost" equipment that is not "cheap".... Cheap is a word with condemning emotional overtones. Cheap = poorly made, defective. Low cost is a bargain price, perhaps old stock of quality or preowned.

Getting a 24/7 (P&S) camera that you can pocket or wear on your belt is a great choice for photography. The SP-820 is a bridge camera and while may be a great camera is too large to put in your pocket. If so, then why not drag around a DSLR... the Bridge-Cameras are IMO too big.

I have purchased refurb and have not had problems. Purchasing a camera at a low price you can get a 5 year warrante for little money. I cover my equipment that way. Never have used the coverage.

While I have two DSLR for pro image at weddings, most of my life shots are with my pocket super zoom, Panasonic ZS-20... it is there when the "photo-moment" occurs. Since that purchase 2+ years ago better cameras are on the market. But if $$ are a concern then that Panasonic ZS-20 (re-badged as Leica V-Lux 40) is selling for about $200. Noise at higher ISO is eliminated by Topaz deNoise. Any "softness" is taken care of with Topaz Detail.

I have modified the ZS-20 to take filters. This amazing camera will take IR using an 850nm filter. It does so fast enough to be hand held. Photos in the darkness automatically are multi frames overlay to allow hand holding.

Conversion for filters:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-75114-1.html

You will never regret getting an "in the pocket" or "on the belt" camera.

fyrlife

I have the SP-810. Great portability and weight. Takes great images. I used mine for Wildlife (because it was only 1 of 2 cameras at that time with the big zoom). One of my photos made it into the 4th largest Fair in the country and 2 others are hanging in our Capitol building-all taken with this camera.

(Download)

gunkyone

I should have used the word "budget". However, I thank you for your reply.

loveandpeace Loc: Southeast Iowa

Beautiful photo. Very impressive for a P&S with a long zoom. Ordinarily, P&S's don'g give that shallow depth of field.

Margie B Loc: Illinois

Before I got my first "real" DSLR I had the cheapest Kodak EasyShare P/S I could buy. It seriously took some of the nicest shots! Even won a few local contests.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Yep, composition and color and visual impact are more important than pixels... Congratulations Margie.

I won 3 place two years ago in year long CClub competition and that was with a TZ3 vs the TZ30 I have now (ZS20 is usa name). Last year I went a bit far with my editing and color... and submitted many... the first place winner submitted the minimal and quit while he was ahead with a perfect score.

Summary... use pocket camera and compose the photo well. Much better than the Bridge or DSLR that is at home when you need it most.

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

Yes - you can get decent photos from a point and shoot - But! - build quality is poor in most cases and they are fragile. Bang the telescoping zoom or drop it just once the wrong way and it's done. I've bought several for the Family to use over the last 4 years and not one has survived.
I would save a little and invest in the Fujifilm X-E1 starter with the 18-55 mm lens ($699) then add the 55-200mm later down the road but you will have an excellent camera that is compact, robust and takes outstanding photographs.
Just a suggestion...
P.S. It can be used as a point and shoot and/or it has a nice electronic viewfinder.

cntry Loc: Colorado

What do you consider "budget"? To some it's $100, to others it's $400.

I have a Panasonic FH20 that's a few years old, 14.2megapixel with 3x zoom...I paid about $125, today you can get a new one for less than $50. Its a great little camera that takes excellent pictures.

If you want to go a little higher and a little bigger, Fuji S8200, S8300, S8400 can all be had for roughly $150. Get an adapter from kiwiphotos so you can use filters on them.

A little more money and you are looking at the Sony HX300/400, Canon SX50 and several others that are really great cameras.

gunkyone

Budget for now is up to $179. I originally wanted the SX50 or Lumix F70, but have reduced the budget. Part of the reason for a long zoom is observation and the occasional wildlife or crowd or sports use. I have a 3 year old Easy Share for the pocket if that's what I need at the time.

cntry Loc: Colorado

Look at the Fuji's ...price is right, zoom is 40x plus, great pictures...but you will need the adapter so you can use a polarizer..I think it was $18 on Amazon, Tiffen filter will run another $25 or so for 3pc set (polarizer, 812 warming filter and UV protective filter).

gunkyone

I have found the camera that fit my budget and needs. Here is one result.

(Download)