The New Toy

I have been agonizing about getting a new camera for some time.  I love my Olympus Camedia 4040, but I found out in Scotland last year that I really wanted a camera with more optical zoom, and smaller size, so I could stick it in my pocket instead of carrying it on a cord.

That, it seems, is asking a lot.  I looked at a lot of cameras and sites, and small size and large zoom seemed to be irreconcilable.  There are a number of cameras out there with 12X zoom, but they are pretty big.  A couple have 8X and 10X optical zoom, but I also wanted image stabilization.  The more you zoom, the more every motion of the camera is accentuated.  The Nikon Coolpix S4 is small enough and has 10X optical zoom, but I saw no mention of image stabilization, and its lens swivels to 90 degrees to take pictures, and I was concerned that that might be a place it could wear or break.  The Canon Powershot S1 IS is a 3.2 MP camera with 10X optical zoom.  It does have image stabilization.  But at 3.2"X4.4"X2.6", it was a little bigger than I had hoped for. 

I found myself looking at the Panasonic Lumix series, and focused on the DMC-LZ2--a 5 megapixel camera with 6X optical zoom.  It also takes AA batteries, so I don't have to worry about recharging.  It is bigger than credit card-sized cameras, but fits comfortably in jacket and coat pockets, and a normal-sized purse (2.5"X3.96"X1.3").

If there is a downside, it is that it has no viewfinder.   The image appears on the LCD monitor  on the back of the camera.  That's it.

Then I bid on eBay a few times but got tired of trying to wait until the last minute to up the bid.  I was usually in bed by then, and missed the final bids.  So I got it through Amazon (outsourced to One Call).  Total $211.93, including shipping and handling.)

Here are my first test photos.  I haven't read much of the book.  I have not downloaded the software.  I plugged the camera into the USB port on my computer, turned it on, opened the "computer" file and clicked on the removable storage icon.  Then I dragged the pictures to a picture file. 

 

These were taken within seconds of each other.  One at no zoom, the other at full zoom.  And I had the mail in one hand, so I was holding the camera with only one hand.

It might as well be Spring.  At least the azaleas think it is.

So the Olympus will stay around the house.  The Lumix will be in my purse or car or pocket to be handy when that great shot appears (I have had so many missed opportunities for wonderful photos lately.  I expect they will completely disappear now.).

Comments

[Scholiast]

Looks like an excellent camera! Possibly excellent photographer :)

Today this http://www.scholiast.no/Fotoalbum/010306.jpg is my only view, I wish spring would hurry...

[Joan]

New camera fun! Azaleas! Where are you? Only a few of ours have peaked out.

[Shawn Lea]

Yes, it's the Murphy's Law of Cameras. If you don't have a camera, great shots. If you have a camera on you at all times, no great shots. You have to somehow trick the shots into thinking you don't have a camera...that seems to be the only thing that works. ;)