Camera recommendations?

[Catlady711]

I recommend using this site in your search for a new camera.


http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html

They do GREAT reviews on all kinds of models, they are very accurate and thorough in their coverage and usually have a fair number of detailed pictures of each camera, some of the menu screens and usually a few test shots.

I agree with what was posted above, it sounds like you're needing a DSLR rather than a point and shoot for those fast action shots.

Either the Canon XTi or the Nikon D80 are very nice entry level DSLR cameras with plenty of flexibility in a decent price range.

I'm more of a Canon fan myself (I own 6 Canon cameras) but my dad is a die hard Nikon person (he owns 5 Nikon cameras). We're each happy with the ones we've picked so I guess it's just personal preference, they both take very fine pix with a wide variety of lenses and accessories available you could add to down the road.

[sammy101]

Wow, thanks for all the info. I'm trying to not go too expensive,probably no more than $500. I hate my parents spending a lot of money on one thing for me. A couple of them are way to much but i have found a few that seem to fit my needs.
Does anyone know what the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ18 is like?

[BitsyNaceyDog]

Does anyone know what the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ18 is like?

Here is the camera on Amazon, you can check out personl reviews there and also check out the pictures people took with the camera.

[cloverfdx]

My Lumix is just about dead, i have had it about 2 or so years now but have used it way more (5000 + photos) than the average occasional snap shot .

I find the Lumix camera's are not good for low lighting situations, and the sports mode is not great for catching clear sharp running dogs (i use P - Program AE for action shots).

The Nikon D40 or D40X are pretty good entry level DSLRs .