best compact digital camera w/zoom

[fishone]

I am interested in purchasing a compact digital camera to take photos of deer, etc. from the tree stand. As you know alot of wildlife activity is at low light conditions. I would like some recommendations on which camera to purcase for these situations. Most photos would be 50 yars or less in distance in regards to wildlife. Any ideas you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thank-you!!!!

[Chris Surtees]

Pansonic DMC-ZS7K,DMC-ZS5K are some good choices.

[JimB]

The one I am using is the Panasonic DMC-5.It has a 16X zoom,their latest image stabilization technology,12MP.The low end of the zoom is a wide angle 25mm,which is excellent for scenery and trophy photos.That is wider than most.Battery life has been excellent.If you look down the list,I posted about it earlier this year,with pictures.Really a lot of camera in a small package.At 50 yds a deer will fill the frame.

[fishone]

Chris and Jim thanks so much for your replies. I will do some research on the Panasonic's.

If anyone else has some recommendations, please let me know.

[ibebirdman]

I just got Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 just a few weeks ago and I love it. It is ruggedized and small enough that you have no reason not to carry it everywhere. It has some really cool features. Check it out

[JimB]

If you look at that thread I did,there are some wildlife photos,near and far and I give approximate distances.

[fishone]

JimB, I did look at the thread. It was very helpful. I am wondering about the taking photos of deer in low light conditions. How does your camera work in those conditions? Thanks! Craig

[stickbowhntr]

how do these little camers compare to a SLR digita;l for quality?

[fishone]

I ended up buying a Ricoh CX3 for it's low light capability and 10X zoom, plus it has a Pet Mode where you can turn off the sound. I have taken some photos deer hunting from the tree stand and some sunsets at the house. I also have a Pentex K10. So far I have been impressed with the little CX3 for the photo quality, easy to use, etc.

[JimB]

"JimB, I did look at the thread. It was very helpful. I am wondering about the taking photos of deer in low light conditions. How does your camera work in those conditions? Thanks! Craig "

Craig,I'm not sure if I have taken any full zoom pictures in low light.I would think it would do as well as any since the image stabilization is a little better.

"how do these little camers compare to a SLR digita;l for quality?"

Stickbowhntr,I have a Nikon D40x,10 MP SLR and switch back and forth with these cameras at home and can't reall see any difference.I'm sure a camera testing lab could tell you more but this little camera does really well.

That is why I posted the pictures so you could judge yourself.Keep in mind,I didn't use a tripod on any of them,just handheld or an improvised rest like a walking stick or hood of the truck.

[stickbowhntr]

I  have been lugging my Canon XTi about this season and woul dlove something smaller for just fast scenes etc ////I have to look into these little gems more.

[stickbowhntr]

Have Any of you been able to use the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 with built in GPS function? How do you like it?

[stickbowhntr]

Well I guess NOBODy has used this camera/feature? I am going to take achance and get it with my spare money...we'll see.

[Winterhawk1960]

stickbowhntr,

I have absolutely NO experience with the ZS7 but did just get the DMC-FZ100 for a birthday present from my Mom and Dad. We already own the DMC-FZ30 and it is an awesome camera as well. I'm still "learnin" the ropes with the FZ100 but so far.......I'm really liking the 24X optical zoom.

I really like the Panasonic line-up of cameras. This FZ100 is smaller than the FZ30.....so far so good.

Winterhawk1960

[stickbowhntr]

Winterhawk-thats what I am going to do..lol..buy one for myself for MY birthday as gift from my MOM..lol

[silverm3s]

Another good choice incase anyone else is looking is Olympus Evolt 400 series. It's the worlds smallest DSLR. It take amazing pics and is very small.

[Joe Subler]

I've been using the Panasonic DMC-LZ7 for a few years now and really enjoy it.  Only has a 6X optical zoom but it is a great pocket camera on hunts and takes superb pics.

Cheers,
Joe

[684Kevin]

Panasonic FZ series have the best lense value for the buck, especially if your taking outdoor photos which demand a great optical zoom.  Very reliable cameras and ease of use.  I have had Sonys &  a Canon but always go back to Panasonic.

[Rick Wiltshire]

I just ordered the ZS5 - look forward to getting it.  I wish it had a viewfinder, but oh well.

[684Kevin]

Pansonic DMC-ZS5K is on sale at BestBuy for $199 and the Pansonic DMC-ZS7KPansonic is $249.  Just picked up a ZS5K to put in my fannie pack.  WOW. For such a small camera this thing takes great 12X zoomed pictures.  I have a 12X Pansonic DMC-FZ50K and at full optical zoom I cannot tell any difference.  The FZ50K has more bells and whistles but is probably the size of an SLR style camera.  There were many days I left the bigger camera in the truck instead of dragging it to the tree, just because of it's size, but now I have no excuse not to have a camera with me at all times while in the stand.  You will not be dissapointed with this small camera and the quality of it's 12X optical zoom.