I need help choosing a new camera. 

I need help choosing a new camera.  The zoom on my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 just conked out, and I want to upgrade.  I really know nothing about the world of photography, but love to take photos.  Ninety-eight percent of my photos are flowers, dogs and outdoor scenery.  I want something with as much optical zoom as I can get, a wide angle lens would be nice, good with low light conditions, image stabilizer, fast photo reset and not too spendy (under $300, less than $200 would be great). 

It needs to be fairly easy to use, tiny (at least small) and able to handle moderate abuse (it will be dropped).  Basically I want the impossible - as many features as possible in a tiny package for a cheap price.  Currently I'm looking at the Nikon Coolpix S550, Lumix DMC-FX35, Sony Cybershot DSC-W150.  I'm overwhelmed at the choices online and have found the "customer service"  at the big box electronic stores woefully inadequate.  Any specific model suggestions would be much appreciated, as well as anything else I should know about choosing a new camera. 

I'm very happy with my Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ5

My current camera is an Olympus Stylus 720 SW. It is a two year old camera that originally retailed for around $400, but you can find them now on ebay etc. in excellent condition for a lot less. It does seem like it would fit what you are looking for. It is tiny, has image stabilization, is drop-proof (according to Olympus up to 5 feet, and I have tested this many times as I am a little klutzy), waterproof (excellent for snorkeling or taking pictures in the pouring rain) and actually takes wonderful pictures. It only has a 3x zoom but with 7.1 megapixel, you can do plenty of digital zoom on Photoshop etc. Let me know if you have any questions and good luck camera shopping!

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http://www.nwwalkabout.com

I have three cameras that I alternate: Olympus E-510 DSLR for photo treks, older Canon Powershot S400 pocket camera (3x zoom) for "quick draw" use on rough bushwhacks (or trail projects) and an "ultra-zoom" Olympus SP-550UZ (18x zoom) as my regular point-and-shoot.

The 35mm equivalent on the 550UZ zoom is from 28-504mm, so this is an ideal camera for casual shots on the trail. It's just a bit larger than a true pocket camera. Other zooms of this range have come on the market since the 550UZ debuted, and they're a great option for hikers who want more than a 3x compact camera can offer, but aren't interested in a DSLR. The generally run from $300 to $400, depending on make and model.

Tom

I also have the Olympus Stylus 720 SW. I bought it due to its durability, since it is my third digital camera I've taken camping/hiking and the other two definitely showed the abuse.  I've been using it for about a year and a half now, and am very pleased with it.

I'm no photography expert, and the point and shoot works well for me, but I'd love to be able to take better pictures, and the Olympus SP-550UZ has been talked about here really intrigues me.  Some day I think I'll have to get one, or something like it.  I would recommend you go down to a camera store and take a look a the various models....

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Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention to arrive safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: WOW-What a ride!-Dean Karnazes-"Ultramarathon Man"

my nikon coolpix L12 sounds just like the description of what you want.  the only problem ive found is there is no manual mode, so you cant adjust things as well as i would like.  it is great with macro type things especially

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jamey pyles

I have a Canon A710IS. It takes great pictures and I love the macro feature for flower photos. However, it eats batteries like there's no tomorrow and, per the website and instruction book, I'm not supposed to use lithium batteries in it. I am currently experimenting on how long the batteries last when I turn off the LED screen (useless in bright light anyway) and use just the viewfinder. I'm hoping that will help, because I really don't want to have to carry 8-9 pairs of AA batteries for an 8-day backpack!

OK, here are some features I would suggest:

At least 6x zoom. This is not enough for wildlife photography, but even with image stabilization this is about the max you can do without a tripod. With enough megapixels, you can enlarge further on your computer. I guess unless you have an enormous heavy zoom lens and tripod, most wildlife shots are going to be of the "First prize to whoever finds the elk" variety unless you are lucky enough to meet one close up.

There have been a few times I've wished for a 28 mm lens for wide-angle shots.

A viewfinder as well as the LED screen. These are getting increasingly hard to find. I have yet to see a camera where the LED screen is usable in bright sunlight. Maybe I haven't looked at the right cameras or this is a result of my aging vision, but that's my experience.

A power-saver feature in which you can use the viewfinder instead of the LED screen, to save on batteries. I don't yet have results on my testing of this feature because I'm still trying to use up the current set of batteries. If you don't expect to go on long backpack trips where every ounce counts, this is not as important a feature as it is to me.

Ability to use lithium batteries, which are lighter than alkaline or NiMH rechargeables and last a lot longer.

Optional manual override, especially for waterfall/flowing water shots. I haven't quite figured out how to use mine yet, but it's there once I do!

If you do some googling, there are a number of websites where you can compare and contrast features of different cameras. Unfortunately, the one I used claimed the camera weight included batteries, which it didn't!

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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.--E.Abbey

I personally am loyal to Canon (most probably because my father used canon). Their lines are extensive, catering to just about every needs, plus they're durable! I've had mine for more than 5 years in various conditions (moisture, dust, extreme temp) and it still works great. The battery is still going strong, even though I've kept the camera inactive for months at a time, thus letting it drain itself to nothing.. let me tell you, I'm definitely not very good at keeping the thing in top shape.. it does it for itself.

Of course, the same could be said for the other brands, too, it's just personal experience tells me Canon is very reliable. My father's, bought before I was born, still works perfectly (his is a film slr).

Part 2.. because I wrote up a couple suggestions and the site wouldn't let me post them..

The line I'm currently interested in is the Sx IS series. The latest model is the S5 - it has a powerful zoom, stabilization, and got enough settings (including full manual) to satisfy just about every need. The swivel LCD screen is a big bonus for me. It's small enough to take backpacking, too. I hear the S3 and S5 is about the same, with some leaning TOWARD the older model for various reasons, and you can get either used for less than $300.

The G line is another "prosumer" line. The G9 doesn't have a viewfinder, but it's also full of features. A little more expensive, if I remember correctly, but it's just a small step away from the basic dslr. Basically, either line is aimed at people who wants more flexibility with their cameras but not exactly looking for an slr.. but feature-wise, it's damn close.

Also, check for s6 IS rumors - that's the only thing holding me back from making a purchase right now.

 I found a prior thread with review websites: dpreview.com and steves-digicams.com.   dpreview has a neat search function.  I am leaning towards the Lumix DMC-TZ5.  Its 9mp, 10x optical zoom with 28mm wide angle, and reviewed really well.  It is the exact same size as my current camera.  So while I won't be downsizing on the camera, I am not gaining any weight.  I actually weighed my camera today, and discovered that my case (7oz) weighs as much as my camera (8.2oz)!  So I will be downsizing the case.  The specs appear to fit what I need.  I'm a little concerned about the batteries.  Though they are lithium, they are rechargeables.  I would prefer the ability to also use regular batteries.  I'm not totally sold on it, its spendier than I had hoped to get away with.  But I'm getting tired of researching.

I have the same model Canon as Grannyhiker. I haven't had too much trouble with batteries, but I'm mostly a day hiker, so a little extra weight doesn't matter. I can typically get two or three fifty shot days out of a pair of good double As, but I always carry a flock of extra batteries anyway.

I bracket my exposures a lot, so I love the fact that I can very easily adjust exposure with one button press. A view finder is an absolute must and this has one, although the actual lens has a slightly wider field of view than the viewfinder. I also require the ability to use generic batteries. I use my camera a lot and there's just no way I can guarantee the ability to recharge some proprietary battery. My son's camera's charger recently died and now he's cameraless until we get a shop. Never a problem for me.

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What do you suppose is around that next bend?