Camera thread!! Opinions re: great cameras (esp. for critter photos)

[jjthink]

I really appreciate the camera ideas - thank you

If, when posting, you can ID what you think is especially notable (good) about your camera (zoom capacity, fast shooting [e.g. back to back shots without recovery time issues], lightweight, whatever), this would be super. For anyone who has already posted, if something else comes to mind and you can edit your original post so all the info is in one place, this would also be super.

Many, many thanks

JJ

 

[jjthink]

Happened to be channel surfing yesterday or the day before and passed by QVC - I think this was the camera they were running a special on just for that day - I don't remember the price for that day and I didn't know enough to know whether it was a great camera and a good deal....

They have a bazillion cameras to choose from and I don't yet have a clue if any are super for the features desired.

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/...8X-Optical-Zoom-Digital-Camera-wHD-Movie-Mode

Fuji 14MP 18X Optical Zoom Digital Camera w/HD Movie Mode
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Videos
http://qvc.edgeboss.net/flash/qvc/v...19.flv?rewrite=no&starttime=1249&endtime=1724

* Retail Value: $259.00
* QVC Price: * $248.00
* Shipping & Handling: $9.47
Overall Rating 4.5 out of 5
Ratings Snapshot (15 reviews)
5 stars -10; 4 stars -3; 3 stars - 1; 2 stars - 1; 1 star - 0
"14 out of 15(93%) customers would recommend this product to a friend."

Description
Focus on features. The S2850 digital camera is fully loaded with first-rate photo technology, including 14 megapixel resolution, dual image stabilization, and face-detection technology. The 28mm wide-angle 18X optical zoom Fujinon lens and 6.7X digital zoom allow you to get up close and personal even from a distance. Take stunning panorama shots, then review them on the 3" diagonal LCD display. And when that picture-perfect moment turns into something more, you'll be ready with the 720p HD movie mode to capture it all with sound, which you can then present on an HDTV via the HDMI output. From Fuji.
* Includes digital camera, 4 AA batteries, strap, lens cover, USB cable, A/V cable, FinePix Viewer software, and PaintShop Pro X2 software
* 14 megapixels
* 28mm wide-angle Fujinon lens
* 18X optical zoom
* 6.7X digital zoom
* 3" diagonal LCD display
* Dual image stabilization
* Face-detection technology
* Normal/macro/super macro focus
* Multiple shooting modes
* Panorama mode
* Continuous shooting
* Selectable shooting/playback functions
* ISO sensitivity up to 6400
* White balance modes
* Built-in flash
* Red-eye removal
* Self-timers
* 720p HD movie recording at 30fps with sound
* SD memory card slot
* USB 2.0 port
* HDMI output
* Video output
* Measures approximately 4-1/4"W x 3-1/4"D x 3"H
* 1-year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty
* Made in China