Not another one!!!

So yea, I'm a noob and hope that I'm not going to get flamed. The GF has an old point and shoot that I've gotten into trying to take photos with. I've deceided to step up the ante, a little bit that is, and move onto something a little better.

I would like to spend under $300 for a good all around camera.

I would most be shooting motorcycle racing, football/hockey games, some landscape and wildlife while backpacking/hiking.

I want something that is ok to carry, however it doesn't need to be compact.

I know nothing other than the little that I have gleaned by lurking recently and want something that is going to take good enough pics to pull me into the web of photography.

Any thoughts?

BTW used or refurbished is not a problem for me.

Personally, if you would add another $50 or so, you'd have more choices. I recently purchased a Panasonic DMC-FZ7. This is a 6 mp advanced compact P & S with image stabilization and 12X optical zoom. It comes with a highly regarded Leica lens. Every review I look at gives it a rating of 4.3. I've taken a few good shots with it and know it is capable of much more than I've accomplished so far. Another good choice would be a Canon S3 IS. I believe this camera also has a 12X optical zoom and also has the image stabilization feature. I think you would be happy with either of these, for around that price range. They have the necessary zoom for sports and most wildlife and total manual control for the creativity in you. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by Minnesota scroller

Personally, if you would add another $50 or so, you'd have more choices. I recently purchased a Panasonic DMC-FZ7. This is a 6 mp advanced compact P & S with image stabilization and 12X optical zoom. It comes with a highly regarded Leica lens. Every review I look at gives it a rating of 4.3. I've taken a few good shots with it and know it is capable of much more than I've accomplished so far. Another good choice would be a Canon S3 IS. I believe this camera has a 10X optical zoom and also has the image stabilization feature. I think you would be happy with either of these, for around that price range. They have the necessary zoom for sports and most wildlife and total manual control for the creativity in you. Good luck.

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Too bad for me $50 more I can't do, $300 would be tapping me out. I was actually hoping for closer to $250. But I'll look at the ideas that you gave me. Thanks for the help so far.

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Originally Posted by rocklax

Too bad for me $50 more I can't do, $300 would be tapping me out...

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Currrently, B&H Photo has the Canon S3 IS for $293 and some change.

As Minnesota stated earlier the Panasonic is a good camera. I currently use a Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ20 5mp w/12x optical zoom and it takes AMAZING pix. I have shot action, portrait, landscape and even nighttime shots with it. No complaints on my part. I've had this camera for 2 years now and have been more than happy with it. I am going to be looking to upgrade to a SLR sometime later this year tho.