Diana -
I'm not familiar with that one either, though I'd have to ask how much
of that 12x zoom is optical? If that represents 4x optical and 3x digital,
the digital multiplier isn't really useful when it comes to closeups.
I asked for help from the group, too, and came up with either the Sony
F717 or the Nikon Coolpix 5700. I'm very pleased with the latter, which I
bought from an internet dealer for $721 after a $100 mfr.'s rebate. It has a
5 mp sensor and an 8x optical zoom. I have found it a more complex system to
learn than the Sony, but have no other complaints.
Tom
Walnut Creek, CA, USA
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From: "Diana Kulaga"
Organization: EarthLink Inc. -- http://www.EarthLink.net
Reply-To: "Diana Kulaga"
Newsgroups: rec.gardens.orchids
Date: Fri, 28 Nov 2003 22:24:10 GMT
Subject: Digital Camera Question

All,

Our digital Kodak 260 is now way behind the curve, and we're considering a
new one. Frank did a bunch of research and found the Panasonic DMC-FZ10K
Lumix. 4 mp, zoom up to 12x, and an optical image stabilizer, among other
features. It's priced around $600, which makes puts it in reasonable range
for us.

Anyone familiar with this camera? I'm sure that if we wanted to spend a
fortune there are better ones available, but we'd like to stay in this
range. I'm particularly interested in getting detail so I can photograph
some of the smaller orchids.

Any thoughts welcome.

Diana