Hiya all, new here, actually been reading through most of the reviews and posts here and at dpreview and cameralabs but couldnt solve what i've in mind..
first of all, i am looking for a camera. the first one that came to my mind was FZ-18, with good IS, zoom and AE/AF lock.
however, as i seldom venture outdoors much except in a moment of inspiration *or craziness*, i can't expect to go around lugging the FZ-18, which, though not as bulky as normal DSLR, is still quite hard for me to shove in a pouch without risking scratches.
that's why i need some help in deciding a decent camera that i can carry around with at least 30mm. Which immediately excludes G9 that i went through too. and at the same time, could someone advise me whether using AA batteries operated cameras are advisable?
usage : min 5 hours a week
timing : both during the day and sometimes during evening sunset period and bbqs at night
optical zoom : decent enough *I'm not gonna stick my hand into the lion's cage and ask the lion to say cheese, so maybe enough to zoom about 20-30 metres?
stabiliser : a must! I had hand injuries so sometimes my hands will tremble slightly
budget : SGD$700
hope to hear advice soon, thanks!
first of all, i am looking for a camera. the first one that came to my mind was FZ-18, with good IS, zoom and AE/AF lock.
however, as i seldom venture outdoors much except in a moment of inspiration *or craziness*, i can't expect to go around lugging the FZ-18, which, though not as bulky as normal DSLR, is still quite hard for me to shove in a pouch without risking scratches.
that's why i need some help in deciding a decent camera that i can carry around with at least 30mm. Which immediately excludes G9 that i went through too. and at the same time, could someone advise me whether using AA batteries operated cameras are advisable?
usage : min 5 hours a week
timing : both during the day and sometimes during evening sunset period and bbqs at night
optical zoom : decent enough *I'm not gonna stick my hand into the lion's cage and ask the lion to say cheese, so maybe enough to zoom about 20-30 metres?
stabiliser : a must! I had hand injuries so sometimes my hands will tremble slightly
budget : SGD$700
hope to hear advice soon, thanks!