Ultra Zoom Wee Cameras?

bmeans

Another question for the experts and users.

I think my budget just got increased. The wife I believe is going to vote for an ultra zoom mini camera.

From what I understand the IS (stabilization) is a must in an ultra zoom camera?

Are the only two the new Canon S1 and the Panasonic with this feature?

Which Ultra Zoom mini camera would you all select.

Camera will be used for kids events and wife's scrap book hobby.

Thanks in advance for your input. Once I buy I will post.

Canon S1 at Circuit City for $449.

wxwax

My personal opinion - some form of image stabilization is essential for a small camera, not on a tripod, that's zoomed to 10X. All camera shake is enormously magnified when you zoom. So you either have IS, or you use a tripod, or you always shoot in bright sunlight so the shutter speed is really fast. IS seems the easiest option.

Personally, I'd go for the Canon. I've seen the shots, held the camera, know Canon's history and reputation. And I'd rather go with a traditional camera company than a newcomer to the camera game.

Click on this link to see some pictures Patch29 took with the Canon. See those itty bitty window washers? They were way in the distance. Shot handheld at full zoom. Pretty cool, I say.

DoctorIt

bmeans wrote:

Another question for the experts and users.

I think my budget just got increased. The wife I believe is going to vote for an ultra zoom mini camera.

From what I understand the IS (stabilization) is a must in an ultra zoom camera?

Are the only two the new Canon S1 and the Panasonic with this feature?

Which Ultra Zoom mini camera would you all select.

Camera will be used for kids events and wife's scrap book hobby.

Thanks in advance for your input. Once I buy I will post.

Canon S1 at Circuit City for $449.

IS is not a "must". But could be nice on a point and shoot. Rather than it automatically compensating with high ISO's and small apertures = fast shutter speeds, it can use the IS. $449 is a good deal for that much cam - I was actually playing with it this weekend at the same store.

Go Canon!