Looking for a digital camera, any personal endorsements?

10x+ optical zoom, 5 or 6 MP, easy to use, but with the oppurtunity for manual control. I've read so many reviews I don't know what to do with myself. On paper, the Kodak Z612 is perfect, but in application, the video mode is lousy. I plan on using the video a good bit, too. Max price, $300. Thank you so much.

i got this camera for 拢279 in England, and so it will prob. be about $250 in the States - everything is so much cheaper!!!
The Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7
It has 12x optical zoom, 6.13 megapixels, and has a good wide range of manual controls as well as being easy to use. Its video is good as well. I got it for christmas and it is incredible. It is also incredible value for money. I think that it is unlikely that you find any other 10+ optical zoom camera for under $300. it is not cheaper because of its quality - it is a great digital camera - but I think because panasonic are trying to break into the digital camera market alongside canon and sony.
it is so good...

A DSLR for ultimate control and quality.

Prices have plummeted recently.

I have had my Kodak P850 for a year.
I love everything about it.
It is very versatile and comes with a 12X optical zoom and 4X digital.
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.j...
You can get them new in the box for about $250 on eBay.
I suggest getting the dedicated P100 flash too, but the camera comes with it's own flash.

I don't think you'll be able to get 10x optical zoom for less than 300. For 10x optical zoom you're looking at 500 or more dollars at least.
I'd check out www.MerchantsOutpost.com.au they sometimes have rediculous prices there, but they usually only stock high grade proucts.

here's a link on ebay where you can read reviews of them by ebay members