RsH wrote:

I've already downloaded the manuals where I could, and have handled
several of them already. the S8000fd and SX100-IS are tricky because
they are just out and thus not readily found in retail stores yet. I
will, however, track them down. Weight-wise they are all close except
for the S700, which uses 2 AA batteries and weighs less, but is the
least powerful of the lot. The Sony uses a memory stick and custom
battery, the Canon and FujiFilm cameras use 4 AA batteries, as does
the Olympus. I still have my original Nikon F with its f1.2 58mm lens,

You could get a very nice camera selling that, they are collector's
items now.


my Minox B, and my Durst 606 enlarger packed away.... and am well
aware of the limitations of other's opinions. However Steve's Digicam
website has not yet looked at the two cameras I listed above, so I
have no good idea about the lens in the S8000fd, even if I know that
an 18x optical is stretching it and that the edges at that zoom are
very likely to be rather soft. So I know what you are driving at, yet
before I actually spend my pension money I want to know as much as I
can and get the best deal I can get too. Camera feel and ergonomics,
in this case, do not mean much as all are just about bang on the same
weight, and being left handed I hate all equally since they are all
designed for a right handed person!

FWIW

RsH
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On Thu, 4 Oct 2007 18:56:47 -0400, "Charles"
wrote:


"RsH" wrote in message
. ..

I am looking for a camera for use from a cruise ship's balcony to
catch whales, and to take photos as we come into and go out of ports
both for a cruise to Mexico's west coast and to Alaska. As well I want
to use the camera for other things, but a larger optical zoom factor
is a must. So the following seem to be the cameras I am considering...
Which is the best choice?

It's not the best choice, but it's your choice. The cameras have mostly
matured and converged in performance and features; thus the brand issue is
more emotional and personal than technical. You have a nice list and have
done your spadework; now:

Go handle them. Go handle them. Go handle them. I can almost guarantee
that you won't like some of them in your hands.

I teach photography and hate recommending cameras because it often comes
back and bites me in the arse. Camera feel and control ergonomics are
rather personal issues.

Also, when possible, download the user manuals and see if they are readable.



--
Paul Furman Photography
http://edgehill.net
Bay Natives Nursery
http://www.baynatives.com