Considering Panasonic DMCFZ3S

[Ambusher]

I am in camera buying mode and looking for some feedback on the Panasonic DMCFZ3S.

The number one feature I am looking for in a new camera is more zoom (at least 6x Optical). The DMCFZ3S has 12x optical.

My single problem with it so far is the Lithium-Ion battery. I am used to AA's and like having a power source that is non-proprietory (I don't know, are Litium-Ion different for each camera, or are they standardized?). Can somebody tell me the approximate operating hours I can get from a full charge, and how hard and expensive obtaining an extra battery can be?

Any other opinions on this camera will be appreciated. There is a single FutureShop in a nearby town that is selling it for $448 Canadian (roughly $360 U.S.). Does that seem like a good price?

Other cameras I have been considering:
Canon S1
Fuji S3000 or S3100
Kodak DX6490

Basically, these are the high-zoom cameras that are in my price range.

[Gonja]

Let me please suggest the Nikon coolpix 5700. It has 8x zoom, 5mp's and around your price range.

I used to use that camera before I upgraded to the Coolpix 8700 and I loved it!

I dont know a thing about the other cameras u mentioned...so I can't help you on that..sorry.

[Gonja]

about the batteries...IMO Lithium-Ion batteries are better, they have better life.

[SilentShutter]

Ambusher...

I've been looking for a new cam also... and after reading many many reviews and user comments across the web... I've decided to go with the FZ20. It seems to be the best value right now. The FZ20 has the manual focus that the FZ3 and 5 don't have (as Oly said), plus it has a hot shoe for an external flash.

If you need to stay under about $400... you may wanna look at the FZ15. It's available online for about the same price and is 4mp.

Check out http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=PNDMCFZ15K