Surfing Waves

Hey guys I was looking at getting the Kodak HD Digital Camera ZD8612 with 8.1mp and 12x optical zoom.

General Features:
8.1 megapixel effective pixels (3296 x 2472)
1 /2.5-inch CCD
36 - 432 mm (35 mm equivalent) lens with f/2.8 - f/4.8
Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon lens
12x optical zoom
5x continuous advanced digital zoom
Optical Image Stabilizer
1/2 - 1/3200 second shutter speed (smart scene mode auto)
16 - 1/2000 second shutter speed (S/M mode)
2.5-inch high resolution LCD (230k pixels) with indoor/outdoor display
21 MB internal memory
SDHC/SD card expansion slot
1/4-inch standard tripod mount

Was just wondering if this would be a good buy (entry level and beginner photographer) I think it would be good as it has 12x zoom so even if I am far away, i can still get a close up of surfer out on a wave?

I have read a few reviews and stuff about the features, but as i am new to the cameras I have no idea if it would be good or not, any input would be much appreciated.

Or would just a standard digital camera like http://www.einfo.co.nz/shop/product_info.php?products_id=14575 be sufficient as it has 10.1mp and 5x zoom?

Thanks Guys

I know bugger all about cameras... but I have just spent the last month traipsing around shops with the Mrs who has a degree in photography and needed a new digital SLR.

But what I can tell you is that if you want to take shots of surfers (as opposed to waves with a surfer on them) then the zoom levels you are talking about are nowhere near good enough. With that Kodak, you'll get some nice shots - but nothing like photographer quality.

If you want decent shots, then you'll need to spend the money on a good SLR camera. And then you're talking serious money

Hey nah we not looking for photographer quality ay, just something that will take some decent shots of us surfing and the places we surf. As we don't have anything at the moment to take photos of us with and would love to get some of us out in the water. Would the Kodak be better than any other compact digital camera (like the standard ones) for surfing?

So would that Kodak one be able to take all right shots of us on waves and the scenery etc? Like at $260 here in NZ, its the closest thing to an SLR camera at half the price (I'm a poor ass student) and as an entry camera and beginner photographer i was just wondering if it would be aight for capturing us surfing as that's really all it would get used for

Oh sure, for normal shots, the kodak'll be fine (and better than a normal compact).

The point was, though, that you wont be able to take close-up shots of surfers with that type of camera (or at least not very well). But for 'normal' shots, it'll be fine

The other option for close-up shots is to get something waterproof - there are a few about. The waterproof compacts arent great but you can get nice close-up shots as long as you dont mind getting run over by your mates

If you want a waterproof one, Harvey Norman do a nice little Fuji digi cam with a waterproof housing for about $200.

Hang11 wrote:If you want a waterproof one, Harvey Norman do a nice little Fuji digi cam with a waterproof housing for about $200.

Yea Hang11 was looking at that one as well but for the extra $70 i was tempted by the Kodak's 12x zoom.