I have never owned a digital camera. I am looking to purchase a solid camera for $500 or less. I want to purchase a camera that will have underwater housing available for it as I hope to scuba dive when I take future vacations. There are so many factors when researching cameras that it can be a little overwhelming. I will mostly use my camera mostly for nature, taking pictures of birds and animals. I also plan to bring my camera to sporting events and concerts, as well as taking pictures of family and friends.
Many people have suggested putting money into the optical zoom. If this is good advice, I plan to have at least 10X optical zoom. It sounds like megapixels are somewhat overrated so while it will be nice to have 8+ MPs, I may settle for 5-6 MPs. I have heard that lithium batteries are the way to go which is disappointing since most of the cameras I like take AA batteries.
With my limited knowledge, even though I have done a lot of research, I have narrowed my list of cameras I am interested in down to these three: Nikon Coolpix S4 (AA and no underwater housing), Olympus SP500 UZ (AA), and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ27. All three have 2.5 inch screen, all are 6 MP as well and all have at least 10X opt zoom. All are under $500 too.
So, please give me suggestions. I want to know if I am on the right track narrowing down to these three. I am open to suggestions of other cameras around $500 that might have what I am looking for. I am also wanting to know if I am better off increasing the amount of money for my first camera if I plan to have it for a while. I am open to suggestions regarding underwater equipment as well but I also don't want to get too overwhelmed as I am having a difficult time already just choosing the camera.
Thank you,
Joe
