Camera recommendation?

[Guy]

After years of service I dropped my faithful old Canon G1 and ruined it. 

Haven't even shopped for new cameras in a long time, and had no intention of replacing the Canon digital. Only two things I wasn't real fond of with it were: limited optical zoom and a bit heavier & bulkier than more up-to-date cameras seem to be.

I'm looking for something that will tuck easily in a parka pocket to haul along on hunting, fishing, backpacking and skiing trips. A decent optical zoom for some wildlife shots would be nice too.

Recommendations? Cameras to avoid? I really miss that Canon even though it's only been gone a couple of weeks.

Thanks, Guy

[Bearhunter]

Just bought a canon rebel XTI 10Megapixel.  Love it so far, next investment will be a new lens.

[popeshawnpaul]

An XTI won't fit in a parka though.  A lot of guys on here like the Panasonic fz18 for the large optical zoom and quality.  Do a search through this section and you'll come across a lot of recommendations for point and shoot cameras.

Shawn

[Curly]

Here is what Iceman recommended:

I suggest, (and own), Olympus, Stylus, Digital Cameras. We have had two 3.2 megapixel  waterproof cameras for about five years. I have one, wife the other.

in a thread that was posted almost a year ago.  I remember the post because I almost went out and bought a new camera because the camera sounds so good.   I like the idea of a smaller, waterproof camera than what I have, but I haven't gone out and spent the money yet.

Here is a link to that thread: http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,808.0.html

[billythekidrock]

After years of service I dropped my faithful old Canon G1 and ruined it. 

Haven't even shopped for new cameras in a long time, and had no intention of replacing the Canon digital. Only two things I wasn't real fond of with it were: limited optical zoom and a bit heavier & bulkier than more up-to-date cameras seem to be.

I'm looking for something that will tuck easily in a parka pocket to haul along on hunting, fishing, backpacking and skiing trips. A decent optical zoom for some wildlife shots would be nice too.

Recommendations? Cameras to avoid? I really miss that Canon even though it's only been gone a couple of weeks.

Thanks, Guy

I love my Canon PowerShot S2 IS. It is only a 5 mega pixel, but has 12 optical zoom. You can pick up the newest version for about $350.

[boneaddict]

Basically the two most recommended cameras on here are the Canon and Panisonic FZ18.  I think there is a new Kodak out that folks are liking too, but I believe its bigger.  The 18 isn't shirt pocket, but darn close.  I really don't think you'll find a shirtpocket sized one that takes great pics with a big zoom.  Those things just don't go together.  Do the search and you'll see all the opinions.   

[Alchase]

Here is a link to Steve's digicam review of the Panisonic FZ18

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/panasonic_fz18.html

and the cannon

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/canon_s5is.html

This site has some great info on it.

[Ghost Hunter]

http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM

Not sure if this has been posted, but has helped me some.

[jackelope]

www.dpreview.com is a goodone.

look at the fz18 and the canon s5is. they are about the same price and you just have to decide which one you like better personally.
the fz18 has a 18x zoom, which is nice, and the canon has a hot shoe for an added flash, which is also nice, but has a 12x zoom.

don't expect to take any "great" pics with the 18 zoom extended without using a tripod. maybe i  didn't need to mention that, but don't know what some people expect. i would expect the same results with the 12x zoom stretched out either.

they are both the same size, price, etc. there's also a fuji with a 12x in the same size/price/ quality range.

[FOsteology]

Since you'll be using this for your outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, etc.) I would recommend the Olympus Stylus 850 SW.

This P&S digital camera is not expensive, and is ideal for the active outdoorsman.
8 Mega pixels, Shock proof (can survive a 5ft drop), crush proof (can withstand 200 pounds), water proof (up to 10 feet.... can take photo's underwater!), and freeze proof (down to 14 degrees).

I've had the 790 SW (same except with 7.1 Mega pixels) for the past year and it's held up to some serious outdoor abuse!

[Hunting Cowboy]

After looking at a few cameras and weighing all the pros & cons, and with the great imput from this site, I decided on and just picked up the Panasonic FZ18. I'm looking forward trying it out. I've got a few outdoor trips planned for this spring and summer.

[boneaddict]

AWESOME!

[Wea300mag]

Welcome to the FZ-18 club Mike. When you get really good with it show me how to use mine.

[Hunting Cowboy]

300- It looks like there are more functions on this thing than I am capable of using! I'll give ya a call when I have any question!

[280ackley]

Since you'll be using this for your outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, etc.) I would recommend the Olympus Stylus 850 SW.

This P&S digital camera is not expensive, and is ideal for the active outdoorsman.
8 Mega pixels, Shock proof (can survive a 5ft drop), crush proof (can withstand 200 pounds), water proof (up to 10 feet.... can take photo's underwater!), and freeze proof (down to 14 degrees).

I've had the 790 SW (same except with 7.1 Mega pixels) for the past year and it's held up to some serious outdoor abuse!

Does anyone else have any experience with the Olympus Stylus?  Being water/shock/ freeze proof is a bit interesting.  Iceman are you still using yours?