Pursuading myself to upgrade from a POS

[zippyvr6]

Hi all.

I have been using my pentax optio for a few years now and can take (i think) some reasonable shots with it, but It seems to be time for an upgrade. I like taking shots of cars at events and would like a bit of depth to my images, also I would like a decent zoom function. 3x optical zoom just doesnt cut the mustard.

I am looking at a S3 and a telephoto lens (opinions welcome). as it seems to do the things I want for the price I can afford and all without lugging a great weight about.

Ebay seems to be as good a place as any but can anyone sugest a shop to get it cheaper?

[RadAL]

what kind of camera are you looking for, exactly? I highly recommend the PowerShot A620, even though its disconntinued now... I got mine for 179.99 (192.51 with tax) and that was an amazing value, with the flip screen (its not just a fad, its very sweet for getting all kinds of angles), 7.1MP, if your into it, 640X480 AVI vid clips (depending on how long you want and how long your sd card could take).

[zippyvr6]

Blimey thats a lot less than I would be spending on S3 + a lens, is it comparable in quality?

Prety much sold on a cannon S3 IS, so this seems to be the place for a lowdown on it.

[Stefan A]

If long zoom is what you are looking for, than you should probably stick with the S3.

Stefan

[spur]

If your going from a 3X zoom to the 12X of the S3 you don't need any other lens to start with. Get the S3 and learn how to use it. Then if you feel you need more zoom than 12X you can get whatever lens you need. With the A620 you only have 4X so your not going to see much difference from what you have now. Do a search at Pricegrabber.com for an S3 IS and you will get lots of choices on where to buy one. Also take a look at Amazon.

[zippyvr6]

Good stuff peeps, Will be bargian hunting today. Thanks.

[laq]

i got mine yesterday for 362..circuit city. actually crutchfield but they price matched it. last week cc had it for 332 or so.

[3drcpilot]

For shooting cars the S3 with 12x is plenty. Now if your 300 ft away then a tele will help.

[zippyvr6]

Im looking for the zoom when at track days so I can get some sweet shots of squealing rubber. rather than just a detailed car at speed Im looking for a detailed wheel or driver expression.

Amazon.co.uk seem to be the place, 259 of your eengleesh pounds gets you one.

[zippyvr6]

Well Ive only gone and done it. After the good reviews on here and elsewhere the Canon S3 is the one for me. Ordered from Amazon.co.uk for 259 quid,

Bouncing off the walls with excitement now.