Any opinions on the Konica/minolta Dimage Z2 vs Z3

I want t a camera with a good optical zoom where I can take pictures closely at a concert for kids. It won't be as dark as a nightclub but it won't be like daylight. I also want the zoom to get candids of my son since he always makes faces when he knows he's having his pic taken. I need a non slr, hoping for one that is reasonably easy to learn in about a month and I'm not totally overwhelmed. Would either one handle lowlight conditions. The performers are under brighter lights. Does the IS really help on the Z3. I looked at some others K/M that have iso 800 and didn't know if I really have to go for that. Plus the price tag is getting out of range.. I'd really appreciate opinions of those who use it. I'm not a pro photograher so small things won't bother me. I want a fast camera, good zoom that can handle low light. What do you think? :confused:

Merri-
Thanks for reposting here. I just aswered another post about the same thing. After looking at both cameras, I would definitely encourage you to buy the Z3 over the Z2. Anti Shake really works and it's better to use Anti Shake at lower ISO settings than to pump up the ISO. Higher ISO means more noise (digital grain) and tat's not usually desirable.

Ok, now I need to add those two cameras to the reviews!

Thanks John, I don't know how I posted in the other place. So sorry. :( I think I'm going to see those 2 tonight at a store. Of course I'm welcome to anyone else's input around ease of use, and how to handle lowlight situations with no tripod.

Merri-
Both cameras have been added to the reviews now. Here's a link to that review section:

http://www.pcphotoreview.com/pscCame...37_750crx.aspx

Definitely go see the cameras in the store. How a camera feels in your hands is as important as how well it works. If you don't like the way it feels, you're not going to want to use it.

Now I'm going to see if I can find some owners to post reviews.

If I buy one I promise to post a review!

That's what I like to hear :)

one last question, since our computer is pretty full can I just use a usb cable to load pics to my pc? Or do I need a reader for the secure disk card. Any particular brand of rechargeable batteries better than tohers? And do the secure disks come in different speeds lke the compact flash cards? :confused:

Let me add two things to my questions. Anyone with the Konica Minolta Z2 or Z3 that can recommend a good 512 memory card (i.e. Sandisk?) and a reliable battery recharger something to do with trickle- I'm just learning about this recharging stuff and I'm reading about this thing call trickle. Thannks for anyone's help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!