Camera recommendations?

[GLC1968]

So we visited a bunch of camera shops and talked to a bunch of people. I came to the conclusion that I really just don't have the time or energy to devote to getting back into photography. I like to dable in it, but there is absolutely no point in my investing lots of money into something that will never truly be more than an 'accessory' to the rest of my life.

With that in mind, I opted for a 'super zoom' camera instead of a DSLR. It's a point and shoot with many manual features. The only thing it doesn't do that and SLR would is let me switch out lenses and really, I don't want to be carrying around extra lenses anyway. I opted for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35. It's amazingly light, takes great photos, takes HD video, has an 18x zoom and it has many, many manual and programmable custom settings. It was also a great deal! Now that I have a new camera, I'll have to start writing in my blog again so that I have a place to post all my gorgeous photos.

Thanks so much to everyone for all your help...I really appreciate it!

[Cataboo]

That looks like a great choice. I've got an earlier version of that (fz20) from several years back that still takes beautiful pictures.

[Zen]

Would that fit in a bento box?
Where did you buy it?

eta-http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-came...-33765520.htmlNever mind about the fit. That lens look huge. I would still like to know where you bought it, though.

[zoom-zoom]

That is very cool! And you are right...being able to swap out lenses isn't necessarily that big a selling point. I have one favorite zoom lens on my DSLR...I could probably sell my other 2 primes and not miss them. The Lumix looks cool!

[GLC1968]

Zen - I bought it at a local Ritz/Wolff camera shop. I have 10 days to return it and 30 to exchange it, if I change my mind.

It won't fit in a bento box, but when the lens is retracted, it's pretty small. It's WAY lighter than the Sony Cybershot or the Nikon Coolpix that I compared it to. Ultimately, while I liked some of the Sony & Nikon features, I liked how this one fit in my hand the best. The controls seemed the most natural to me and honestly, I liked the look of it (kind of retro with the metal lens band and textured camera body). The Sony was super ackward, actually.

[Cataboo]

I switch lenses all the time on my dslr, my prime lenses are so much higher quality than my zooms (for comparable prices), that I tend to use the primes the most.

HOwever, you do run the risk of dust on your sensor everytime you change, I've heard people say never ever change the lens on a dslr - but I guess those are ones who've gotten some dust that they can't get rid of.

THe leica lens on my fz20k was 12x and maintained f3 or something like that across the range of the zoom, which was just awesome.