Camera suggestion

[Donnelltech]

I am looking to buy a new digicam in the next 2-4 months. I currently use a Kodak DC5000. I have always been very interested in photography and while the kodak I have now takes a good enough picture and has survived numerous immersions in rivers and mud and countless drops on rocky trails... It's 2 megapixel/2x zoom limitations are starting to hold me back from taking the type of photos I would like.

The things I am looking for are at least 5 megapixel. At least a 5x optical zoom. I am looking at models that are a step or 2 below a full blown SLR, not compacts. I want shutter controls and all of those things. Most importantly I want it to take nice pictures.

I have a max budget of about $500. I have been doing research at most of the popular web sites for digital cameras. A couple of the models I am interested in are the Kodak P880 and the canon s2 IS.

I have owned 4 kodak cameras and loved them... So I am kind of leaning towards the Kodak... Any suggestions, opinions, or personal reviews would be helpful.

Thank you

 

[Joves]

Well so far, I have seen people sugget the IS alot. I have my Dslr and, a compact. Plan on getting a D200 later on this year. All of mine are Nikons BTW but, if alot of people like something like th S2 IS, I would say it is a good camera.

 

[darktiger]

If you like the outdoors, and want a camera that can withstand the elements look into the Pentax Optio WP or WPi. It is a enviromentally sealed camera. I have taken mine swimming, going to go canoeing with it. Take a look

http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/product_details/digital_camera--OptioWPi/reqID--6941188/subsection--optio
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/camera/review/75/page_1.html

But I also recommend the Canon S2 IS just because it is a great camera, and I love IS, it saves a lot of shots. The pictures come out sharp, colors are beautiful. Also it is ALMOST as close as to a DSLR. But if you are going sking, canoeing, etc then I recommend the WPi, I love mine.