I'm looking for help choosing a digital camera. My primary use will be amateur concert photography. I don't know a whole lot about photography (you might call me a "point-and-shooter") but I'm willing to learn.

Based on some preliminary research, here are the features I want on a camera:

  • Under $300
  • Good zoom
  • Low noise/static at high ISO ratings
  • Small enough to fit in my pocket
  • Image stabilization


I haven't been able to find a camera that would satisfy all of these requirements, but I found some models that might be good compromises:

  • Fujifilm F30 -- Lowest noise at high ISO ratings of any non-SLR camera, but only 3x optical zoom and no image stabilization.
  • Canon PowerShot A710 IS -- 6x optical zoom and image stabilization, but only an 800 ISO rating (not sure how bad the noise would be).
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 -- 10x optical zoom and image stabilization, but only a 400 ISO rating (or 800/1600 with limitations, and not sure how bad the noise would be).
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ2 -- New model, 10x optical zoom and image stabilization, up to 3200 ISO rating (not sure how bad noise would be).


Basically, here are my questions:

  1. How important is the image stabilization feature for taking pictures in this environment (I won't be using a tripod)? Could I get by without it, or is it an absolute requirement?
  2. My preference (remember I'm a newbie) would be to sacrifice a little bit of quality to get better zoom. How much quality can I expect to lose, and/or do you agree with this decision?
  3. What are your opinions on the cameras I have listed here for concert photography, and/or can you think of any models that I haven't discovered?


Thanks in advance for your help. This is my first post here but I plan to stick around. :thumbsup: