I'm in need of a new camera, but it's a djungel out there, so I just thought if you had any good suggestions.

The only demands I have really is that it should have a good optical zoom and should be using Compact Flash memory cards (since I have these to my old camera).


And a little good to now thing: sand and digital cameras are not a good combination...

Thomas,
I bought a Panasonic Lumix FZ20 about a year ago, Macro feature, 12 optical and 4 times digital zoom.. Takes a fantastic picture.. One i think you should consider..

Dave

Hiya
Would echo Mojo's comments. i have recently bought the FZ30 (must just be a slightly newer model) and has the biggest zoom in its class with a brilliant macro setting and all the manual focus controls as well. Great for taking close ups of miniatures!
Good Luck
Clinton

For the budget and functionality, I guess I have to agree with these guys. Yep, the Panasonic DMC-FZ30 is a good cam. I just read the review here. For 500 USD, looks like it's a budget SLR.

Sound like a good camera, but there are two downsides to it:

Price: here in Sweden it would cost about 7000 swedish crowns (roughly $1000).

Memory card: It doesn't take compact flash cards...

Othervise it seams like just the camera I'm looking for.

Sound like a good camera, but there are two downsides to it:

Price: here in Sweden it would cost about 7000 swedish crowns (roughly $1000).

Memory card: It doesn't take compact flash cards...

Othervise it seams like just the camera I'm looking for.

I use a Canon G5 at work and have found it to be very user friendly and take good qulities photo's. It also has a good macro capabilities. (The G6 is out now too).
I also have a Canon Digital Rebel XT that I would recommend if you are looking for an SLR.

If you have a large budget, definitely think about the Canon G5 etc.

I on the other hand have a really tight budget when it comes to these so i settled on a point and shoot camera like those in the Canon Ixus range. Dont be fulled by its size as i can still take remarkable photos with it. All the photos taken in my gallery is by the ixus.

Definitely go for something over 4 Megapixels as you need as much resolution as you can get.

I recently changed to a Minolta (Konica in some areas) Z6. All the programme and manual modes I used to have on film cameras, 6megapixel, 10x zoom, macro & supermacro. It will even take hot-shoe flash (Minoltas own or with an adaptor).
My photos improved a lot with this. Good prices at the moment too as Minolta have announced that they're pulling out of the camera market - support will be available through Sony, so no issues just low prices.