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Expert Recommendation
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Overview
Taking pictures of sporting events with an inexpensive, digital point and shoot camera presents challenges that cameras in this category are seldom equipped to handle. With features like a 6X optical zoom, automatic high sensitivity ISO, minimal lag time between shots, fast autofocus and unlimited continuous shooting, the Panasonic DMC-LZ7 gives you all of the tools you need to capture fast moving action at an affordable price.
My Best In Class Pick
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7
In this case, I am most impressed with the Panasonic LZ7. The Fujifilm Finepix S700 has a powerful 10x optical zoom and the highest rated battery power. Where the camera lacks is in speed and quality. This particular model just does not deliver the high level of picture quality that we have come to expect from Fujifilm, Especially when higher ISOs were used. The shutter and fps ratings are also lagging behind the other 2 models. Between the LZ7 and the FE-280, both are fully capable of photographing fast moving action. The Olympus FE-280 does have the edge in resolution with 8 megapixels. Where the LZ7 outdoes the FE-280 is with its optics and ISO settings. The LZ7, with its Leica optics, make it the clear choice, and the numbers back it up. A 6x optical zoom compared to the FE-280’s 3x optical provide the LZ7 with more zooming capabilities for sports photography. Even with twice the zoom as the FE-280, the aperture rating on the LZ7 has a higher rating. Also the ISO settings on the LZ7 go all the way up to 3200. The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that powers the Olympus FE-280 is a wonderful feature at this price range. The LZ7 once again outperforms the FE-280’s 180 shots with 250 shots on a set of AA batteries.
The bottom line is: when it comes to sports photography, the Panasonic DMC-LZ7 is a decisive winner and outperforms the other models in the categories that matter the most.
Where to buy
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7
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Best Price:
$149
See It »
- $149 - $299 Compare Prices »
Specifications
- Zoom: 6.0x
- Resolution: 7.2MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.5 sec
- Burst Speed: 4.6 fps
- Easy to Use: Yes
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
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| Customer Rating |
 
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| Price | $149 - $299 | $299 - $399 | |
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Effective Sensor Resolution
The Effective Sensor Resolution tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The units are MP, which stands for megapixels or millions of pixels. For outstanding fine compression prints, 3MP is required for 5x7's, 7.1MP for 8x10's, and 10.9MP for 11x14's. The effective sensor resolution is only one of many important factors that will determine the quality of the photograph when displayed or printed at different sizes.
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7.2 megapixels | 7.1 million pixels | 8.0 million pixels |
| Max Shooting Speed (continuous) | 3.75 fps | 1.4 fps | 3.75 fps |
| Optical Zoom | 6.0x optical | 10.0x optical | 3.0x optical |
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Image Stabilization Available
Image stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera.
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Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Max Aperture (wide-angle)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/3.1 |
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Max Aperture (tele-photo)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/4.5 | f/3.7 | f/5.9 |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 sec | 1/1000 sec | 1/2000 sec |
| Max ISO Setting | 3200 | 1600 | 1600 |
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LCD Screen Size
The LCD Screen Size is the length of the miniature LCD monitor measured diagonally.
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2.5 in. | 2.5 in | 2.5 in |
| Battery Type | AA-size (x2) | AA-size (x4) | Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Battery Life | 250 shots | 500 shots | 180 shots |
Fujifilm FinePix S700
The Fuji FinePix S700 is another good option for shooting action. It has a 7.1 megapixel sensor and a 10X optical zoom. Overall operation is smooth and response time is fairly quick. The mode selection dial is set up like an SLR, with full auto and manual modes as well as scene modes. ISO settings are available up to 1600 with shutter speeds up to 1/1000 sec. Battery life is excellent, as the camera runs on 4 AA batteries and gets about 500 shots. Image playback is also nice with a 2.5” LCD
The Fuji FinePix S700 is not a top of the line ultra zoom camera by any means. As a matter of fact, it’s not even one of Fujifilm’s best attempts. It does, however, reach out to an audience of consumers looking for an inexpensive camera with a lot of zoom and the look and feel of an SLR camera.
Where to buy
Fujifilm FinePix S700
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Best Price:
$299
See It »
- $299 - $399 Compare Prices »
Specifications
- Zoom: 10.0x
- Resolution: 7.1MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.6 - 2.2s
- Burst Speed: 1.4 fps
- Easy to Use: Yes
Olympus FE-280
The Olympus FE-280 redefines the expectation of what a point and shoot camera can do in terms of sports photography. Most pocket sized digital cameras cannot handle freezing fast moving action with acceptable results. The FE-280 allows this style of shooting by offering shutter speeds up to 1/2000 sec, ISOs up to 1600 and minimal shutter lag. Lithium-ion battery power helps keep the size and weight down and is a feature not normally found within this price range. An 8 megapixel sensor with 3X optical provides optimum picture results. The 2.5” LCD allows for critical framing and reviewing of shots. Additional optional accessories include an underwater housing.
Where to buy
Olympus FE-280
How It Works
You tell us your budget, intended uses, and desired features. We show you personalized recommendations from unbiased experts to quickly identify the best digital camera for you.
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How to Pick Digital Cameras
- For Travel Photos
- For Photos of Children or Pets
- For Action or Sports Photos
- For Photos in Low Light
