I've done my homework, read all the past threads on digital cameras and checked out the links, found other links... But I still have questions.
We have a 2 yr old Panasonic that is fine, not great, not bad.

I'm looking for a second camera to take with us and I'd like a sub-compact.
Anyone use one this size? is it hard to hang on to and manipulate?
I realize the drawbacks on batteries but willing to deal with it.

I had it narrowed down to a Casio and got it down to a specific model. Come to find out the one I wanted not only wasn't out yet, they never made it.

So I'm back to square 1.
I'd like it to be a sub-compact, short to no shutter lag, image stabilizer and great picture quality (guess that's a given) not planning on enlarging. Looking for under $500

Any thoughts? I've been at this for 3 weeks and must purchase in less than 2 weeks.

Frustration is taking over the fun of trip planning. Save me!

I've always aimed for the mid-range digital cameras with "picture quality" as my priority. That said... we recently went an a family trip to Europe and I bought my 11 year old daughter a "cheap" little camera to use. Well, I found the size so convenient that I ended up using it at the exclusion of my bigger (better) camera. It was only about $140 as I recall. A Nikon Coolpix L4.
........for what it's worth...........
it was intended to be a child's "toy" and ended up being my primary camera! Downside is that it takes regular batteries -- having rechargables (and a recharger) would be idea.

I have a Nikon Coolpix S4 which I took on a three week trip to Croatia and Slovenia in May. I have just made the switch to digital and was delighted with the results. It has a 10x optical zoom and wonderful closeup facility. It was simple to use in auto and also had a menu for special situations. It was small enough to fit in my purse or pocket and so I took it everywhere. It takes two AA batteries which are available everywhere. I had a recharger which supposedly switched to European current but it blew the first night I plugged it in in Slovenia. I was fortunate that there was a camera shop across the street from the hotel and I bought a recharger with European plug and current for about $30. I know I will go back so will reuse it.

I will check out both Nikon cameras.

We will be in Croatia and Slovenia as well, maybe that's an omen on the S4!

I've had my mind set on a very thin camera but rethinking that....

Thanks! any more reviews?

If you already have a stillcam, I would suggest that you consider a small videocam, like the Canon Elura.

The added dimension of sound and motion is unique.

Love my (not tiny-tiny but pocket-sized) Lumix with 6x zoom. That zoom makes all the difference so often. Hate the lack of see-through viewfinder - in sunlight it's hard to know what you're framing. So - if I find one that has both and is pocketable - out comes the credit card! But I wouldn't want to go without 6x zoom now that I've learned to appreciate it.

Just my 2 kopeks.

WK

HA! the Panasonic we have is a Lumix 6x, last week at the beach we ended up just holding the camera at verious angles, shooting pictures and hoping we got more than sand or sky. Very bad LCD in sunlight! or when dark for that matter!

Consumer Reports just did a big review of digital cameras, and came up with top picks in each category. I remember the top picks in the subcompact were definitely under $500.
I also recall Canons rated high in general.
But check out the issue.

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/con...era-Review.htm

This is the one I'm going to buy (great price - was $330 can get it at Walmart for a bunch less - around $220 I think)

I have a Sony Cyber-Shot but it's 4 years old, but I loved it so much and got such wonderful pictures, I feel like we need a new one. I just want a good camera that I can "point and shoot" and these fit into my husband's shirt pocket.

Good luck.

Look for an optical view finder in addition to the screen. Also, although it is nice to have a good optical zoom, wide angle capability is great for those urban architectural shots where you just can't get back far enough.

You can go to the DPReview website and do a search for cameras by feature:
http://tinyurl.com/57dfz

My DH recommends the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01. Apparently all the Lumixes have image stabilization. I wouldn't call them subcompact, but they are pretty small. The Lumixes put out high quality images because they use Leica lenses (not to say offerings from other manufacturers won't also be good.)

You will always have some shutter lag in a digicam because the camera needs a moment to focus, but some have more lag than others.

Just about every digicam that's out these days does at least some of video as well as stills. Some might be limited to clips of a certain length.

I like my Pentax Optio WP. It doesn't have image stabilization, but it's pretty small and it's waterproof up to (I believe) 3 meters, which can be a nice feature to have.

Love the Casio Exilim Z55. Tiny, large screen, viewfinder, almost no shutter lagtime, battery lasts forever. Good reviews in Consumer Reports. Cost under $300 on amazon.com.

Bluehour - we not only get Consumer Reports delivered, we have the on line subscription. We got the on line part to help find the right camera. I feel I've been let down.

I read the reviews inside and out.
I still value their results and I know the magazine can't be 100% up to date but on line they should have the latest models - which they don't.

They also have a guide to help pick the exact camera for me - but it's been "being updated and improved" for 3 weeks.

I had hoped they would have all the answers for me!
decisions, decisions
I am getting closer with all the help here! Thanks all!

One good thing about the Casios, they tend to take better (i.e., more compact) videos than most. MP4 encoding keeps the files compact so you can shoot videos longer.

I am searching for a digital camera as well, every time I think I have made by mind up I read something and it puts me off.

I am with WallyKringren - why can't we have it all!

Anyway try this site - it might help.
http://tinyurl.com/6vnxs

Thanks for all the great advice
Last night I decided there was not going to be THE perfect pick for me. We leave in 2 weeks so had no choice but to bite the bullet and buy one.

I got the Casio Ex-Z600 (the smaller S600 does not have great reviews) it has 6 mega pixels and 3X (I wanted more but our Panasonic has 6X)
I got a 1GB ultra II card - the ultra is supposed to speed up the lag time between clicks - I'll let you know.

The Li-ion battery is supposed to be good for up to 550 shots. With the ultra card I was told it may be more.
We will be gone for 2 weeks so I'm now debating if it would be best to get and charge a second battery or take the small cradle and get adapters in case I need to recharge.

Steves Digicams - Casio Exilim EX-Z600 - User Review

I did strongly consider a Nikon and a Kodak. I really liked the zoom on the Kodak but found the "best shot mode" was hard to see and the LCD appeared to be more similar to our Panasonic which in bright sunlight or in the dark can't be used - pretty much click blindly.

So I charged it up last night and will play with it over the weekend. I'll post my thoughts!

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_...s/ex-z600.html