Compact digital help!

[Kaeli]

Hello, I am SO glad I found this forum!

I am due for an upgrade on my current camera. I have a Sony Cybershot DSC-T1 that is a little over 3 years old. This camera has treated me well, but over 10,000 pictures later it seems to be losing its picture quality.

Most of my photographs are of my son, so I need something that is quick!! Santa brought me a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 and I am not 100% sold on it. I take a LOT of pictures and this camera is fine at first, but after taking 20 shots the flash takes about 30 seconds before I can use it again - A very annoying quality in this camera, one I am not sure I can live with. Also everything seems to be so washed out.

Anyway, I was wanting to know if anyone can recommend a point and shoot digital that takes quality action shots as most of the time my son is moving quicker than lightning! Also I print a lot of my pictures and I am learning the art of photo editing, so I do want something descent. I like the idea of a compact camera, I can slip it into my pocket when we are at the park.

Thank you in advance for any recommendations you might have!

Happy New Year!!

[pinkrose]

not much help on the camera issue

If you get a camera with sport mode on it use that when taking photos of your son if he is moving fast ~ it may give you a clear picture as the mode is design to take photos of movement

[mattdm]

I suggest you keep the TZ3 to slip in to your pocket when going to the park -- it's an excellent performer in good light. (Hard to beat for a compact, especially with that zoom range.)

If you can find a Fujifilm Finepix F20 (or F30 or F31fd, but not the not-as-good F40 or F50), that might be an indoor complement -- great in low light, only average outdoors.

Or, since you sound like you're at least a little interested in taking this hobby seriously, consider an entry-level SLR. From personal experience, I can recommend the Pentax K100D with a fast prime lens (50mm f/1.4 or perhaps 40mm f/2.8) for indoor shooting.

[mattdm]

20 shots in quick succession is going to challenge the flash recharge rate of any camera's built-in flash, especially a compact (with the corresponding small battery). I know it's hard with little kids (I have two of my own) but you might try working on technique and anticipation so you can take, say, two or three photographs in the same amount of time -- and have each come out great.