Newbie has questions on new digicam

[sethm1]

After doing much research, I thought for my needs, the Nikon Coolpix 5900 the best choice.
But then I found the Minolta Dimages (Z10, Z20, Z2).
But does not appear the Dimages have Panoarama features, stabilizatation control, and on some reviews seem to have more noise and low light issues.

I really do like having a zoom, after having a 35MM.

I wonder- on the Nikon, since it has image re-sizing on the camera - then that would be my zoom functions.

Finally- I do like the Nikon 4800 - but too pricey unless I get a re-furbished-
Any thoughts on a re-furb?

Thx in advance,

[SmartWombat]

For stabilisatoin, the Minolta A1, A2 are great. I have one of each
My wife tried theZ-1, but while it was a good size, she didn't get on with it.

However the Panasonic FZ20B with 12x optical zoom and F2.8 has proved the winner for her.
I wanted to buy her a camera I could use in emergencies

While I got a 20D and a few lenses.

My opinion is that you want optical zoom, not digital.
You can get far better digital enlarging in your computer than in the camera.

Panoramic, again you can do in the copmuter not in the camera.
BUT if the camera has a built in panoramic mode that overlays about 10% of the last photo on top of the next one, then it is a great aid to taking panoramic shots without gadgets.
Now I've bought a tripod, ball head, spirit level, and graduated marks for panning the same amount each image ... I just can't be bothered to do it !!

I got a re-furb Casio a few years ago and it worked great for years until I dropped it at Solverstone testing for the 3rd time. When the case popped open and bits of inside came outside, I knew it was time to retire it
Just make sure it has a warranty (it should if it's a manufacturer's refurb) and it ought to be as good as new, I think.

[sethm1]

SmartWombat -
Thanks, but the Panasonic FZ20B too pricy.

I had considered the Z1 - but it came out in 2003. Have not the technology increased quite a bit since then?
No panning/panoramic features on the Z1?
Does it have digital noise reduction?
Can you resize on the camera?
Fairly quick wait time when using the flash?
How is in bright sun and in low light?
I think also the Nikon 5900 has built in red eye reduction in addition to he red eye flash feature.
One site noted the Z1 has having 4 mega pixels- its a 3 something right?
How is the Z1 on printing at 5X7 or 8X10?
What do you know about re-sizing on the camera>