I have a cousin that's interested in a new camera. I'm a DSLR guy so my knowledge is limited on the "all in one" cameras. The last time I looked for a camera for a friend the Panasonic Lumix series had good reviews.

My cousin wants to be able to shoot long distances since her husband plays goalie in soccer and hockey. So a long zoom and high shutter speed is a must. Her price range is around $350. I'm assuming this might include shipping charges. What do you fellow photographers recommend?

Thanks

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-PowerShot-SX110-IS-9-Megapixel-Digital-Camera-Black-SX110ISK/sem/rpsm/oid/221270/catOid/-13062/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
they also have it in silver
or
if you can find a sale or coupon this is :drool: 20x optical zoom
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-SX10-IS-10-Megapixel-Digital-Camera-SX10IS/sem/rpsm/oid/224328/catOid/-13062/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

if she can goto $390

http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/p16_All-Cameras_171238_Business_Supplies_10051_true_SC3:CG 43:DP1600:CL140465

+ $25 off 100 coupon

roughly 390

if she can goto $390

http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/p16_All-Cameras_171238_Business_Supplies_10051_true_SC3:CG 43:DP1600:CL140465

+ $25 off 100 coupon

roughly 390

She doesn't want a DSLR. I wish she did this would be a lot easier for me

You might consider the FZ28 currently at $302 US, Amazon direct (30 day) no risk.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0807/08072104panasonicfz28.asp

Try looking at the reviews at consumersearch.com , consumerguide.com , wize.com or epinions.com They've work pretty well for me.

I have to agree with NeoSlick, I've read tons of reviews (a few professional and many many end user; unfortunately most of the pro camera review sites don't review bridge cams much) and nobody seems to be able to find much fault with the Panasonic Lumix FZ28. It sounds like the description of what your cousin wants matches it pretty well. It's currently $260 at B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/573588-REG/Panasonic_DMC_FZ28K_Lumix_DMC_FZ28_Digital_Camera. html) (or in silver (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/573590-REG/Panasonic_DMC_FZ28S_Lumix_DMC_FZ28_Digital_Camera. html)). It was actually at $240 from B&H from Black Friday through a couple days ago, so it might drop a little below $260 before too long. I'm planning on getting one myself on the next seriously slick deal available for it (I can afford to wait until April, so I can try to be patient).