Digital compact camera/point and shoot model question
 

I own the Canon EOS Rebel and absolutely love it. I will be traveling to Italy later this summer and would prefer a pocket size digital, point and shoot type camera rather then lugging the big Rebel. I want as much zoom as possible, but I know the small cameras have limited features in comparison. Any recommendations?

I am very happy with my Canon Powershot A710is (I think the newest model is A720is) It has 6X zoom, double the normal zoom,. It isn't quite pocket size, but actually not that much bigger. It has lots of creative settings and video. Benefits as I see it with this camera are, The zoom, the size, it uses 2 AA size batteries (not lithium) and it has a view finder, which I prefer to the screen in most scenarios. The pics are great too :)

Some of the new Panasonic's have very large optical zooms (10X+). See what you think <http://panasonic.net/pavc/lumix/>.

BTW, pay absolutely no attention to digital zoom. It's optical zoom that really counts!

I have found all three of these review sites very helpful:

http://www.dcresource.com/

http://dpreview.com/

http://www.steves-digicams.com/

Since you already own a Canon, and use its software, I'd recommend Canon SD870is. It is truly pocket-sixed, has image stabilization, face recognition, and 3.8x optical zoom. The low end of the zoom is 28mm, so you have a pretty good wide angle w/o having to use the stitch mode, although there is a stich mode in the menu. It also has a viewfinder, in case the LCD has glare. (Very few small non-Canons have a viewfinder). I have its predecessor, SD800is @ 7 mp, and it is terrific as a point-and-shoot. Exposure always good.

Another vote for the Canon SD870is -- we also own its predecessor, the 800is, which we bought specifically because it has wide-angle capabilities. Most digital point and shoot cameras only have the equivalent of about 55mm or so.

Just noticed that the Canon 870 does NOT have a viewfinder -- if that matters to you (it would to me; I tend to use my 800's viewfinder rather than the LCD to extend battery life.)

I just bought the Panasonic Lumix FS5 with 7X zoom (higher digital zoom if you're willing to lose some pixals). So far, the pics are very good and ease-of-use is exactly what I wanted.

I looked at several cameras, particularly Canon because of my last camera. Most cameras in my price range ($250-300) had all the same features. I went with the one that seemed the most intuitive (to me) to use. I had wanted a viewfinder, but those are getting harder to find in the smaller cameras.

If you're anywhere near a store carrying many brands (like BestBuy), I suggest you spend some time examining several cameras. Don't just read reviews.

Azzure, thanks for pointing out no viewfinder on sd870is. Try sd850is, with viewfinder. Low end of lens is 35mm, so stitch mode is called for if you wand wider angles.

Try Sony dsc-W170. It is 5x optical zoom (low end 28mm), viewfinder.

Panasonic has a pocket camera 8MP with an optical zoom of 12.You'll need a tripod however.Paul

I have a Canon S3-IS with 12X optical zoom - takes very good picture and easy to use. The newer model is the S5-IS.

After I get home I have infinite digital zoom capability (everybody does) so I agree with Vic - ignore anything claims about digital zoom capability.

I'm not sure why a zoom mandates a tripod - that part I don't get.

I have a Canon XT SLR and wouldn't even think of travelling without it.

I have one walkaround lends, a Sigma 17-70 and don't change lenses on the go.

If you use an SLR you may have a problem using a P&S camera.

My camera is instant on and when I shoot there's no delay that causes you to miss the photo.

Most P&S camera are essentially automatic. The good thing is that they're automatic. The negative is that they're automatic.

They guess what you want based on a simple setting. They're either right or wrong.

Also, the lens is a little piece of plastic.

Don't get me wrong. An SLR camera isn't for everybody. However, you mentioned that4r you love it. That tells me something.

The use of a zoom giving you more than 140 mm will certainly require a tripod or you'll get blurred pictures.paul

My experience with 12x optical zoom is different - clear pictures at even the highest zoom without a tripod. Perhaps very good lighting (i.e. daylight) and image stabilization (IS) make the difference.

In low light situations a tripod definitely makes a difference.

I also rarely use a tripod with zoom settings and, once I learned to use the camera (Canon S2IS), had no problem with image blur. I simply use the TV mode when shooting long zooms and set the shutter speed to about the same length as the zoom (i.e. 520mm zoom = 1/500 shutter speed).

Depending on the light, I sometimes also have to set the film speed equivalent to ASA 200 or 400 but in good daylight, I can shoot at 100 and get good results.

If I am shooting in low daylight with a long zoom and want to use a slower film speed, then I would use a tripod but since these mid-range cameras do not have remote shutter release capability, you have to be shooting stationary subjects to use a tripod satisfactorily.

The answer to your question completely depends on what features you want. I used to have a 10X optical zoom digital camera, but the zoom made the camera "fat" (I think they're not as fat as they used to be) and I wanted a pocket camera. After much research, I realized the only things that were important to me were the size of the screen and having a viewfinder. The camera I got is tiny, I can carry it in the front pocket of my jeans if necessary. It has all kinds of features and guess what -- I never use them. It takes good pictures -- not the best, and not artistic, but that's not what was important to me. If you're looking for manual controls, this kind of camera probably isn't for you (even though they do have a limited number of manual controls, I bet most people do what the camera is called - point, and shoot.

What a great response!
I guess what it all boils down to is I want a small camera that will easily fit into my purse or pocket. And, I'd like it to have a larger screen and a viewfinder would be nice, but not necessary. I don't need all the bells and whistles nor am I looking to set it manually. Just want it to be simple to carry and "point and shoot" and with the best quality possible. Thanks everyone for your ideas.

Katiekate - What type of camera did you end up going with? We saw a lot of people w/ pocket sized digital cameras when we went to SF; many people had purchased them after arriving in the city. We've been to Best Buy & looked around, but hadn't made a decision.

FYI, Costco is selling the Panasonic Lumix FS5 for $209 which is about $75-80 less than what I paid at BestBuy.