favorite camera for trips
 

I used to carry around my SLR and depending on where I'm going, sometimes a couple of different lenses. A couple of years ago, after getting a few sore muscles from packing the camera, diaper bag, kids, etc, I switched to a small Canon Elph. Works pretty well for pictures of the family on regular outings but I find the shutter speed too slow and I miss the zoom of my previous camera so before going out and buying another one I thought I'd get fellow fodorites' opinions on the camera they'd take on trips. Something not too heavy or bulky. Thanks.

I have a Canon s2is - it's pretty compact and takes great pictures, has a nice zoom. We just got back from CR and people can't believe our pictures. It's a couple of years old, so they've probably modified it slightly, but I'd highly recommend it. Before I bought mine, I subscribed to one month online of Consumer Reports, so I could read all the reviews - that was really helpful.

Now Canon has an Elph way advanced. It is SD800is. The shutter response is very fast, has image stabilization, and the zoom is 3.5 or 4X. The wide angle is eqiv. to 28mm on an slr. Also the stitch mode allows for panoramas pieced together in the Canon software in your computer. The auto exposure is so good, I rarely have to make any adjustments. Size is 3.5 x 2.3 x .8 (true pocket size--I bought a lightweight plastic-coated wire to put on the camera to hang around my neck while sitting in a shirt pocket--can't fall and break--also under jacket in case of rain--works great) I'm writing all this beacause I spent years lugging an slr and lenses. Freedom at last!

There are so many types of digital cameras out there you really need to figure out what type you want first.

In very general terms, these are the types you have:

1. Super compact - like the Canon SD or Panasonic FX series. Zoom range is usually limited to about 3x. Many Panasonic and the Canon's SD800IS or new 870IS have 28mm equivalent wide angle lens; but most others start at 35mm.

2. Second type is standard compact. They are larger and cheaper, like the Canon "A" series or Panasonic LZ series. They can have up to 6x zoom, but most start from 35mm.

3. Superzoom are SLR like, but no interchangeable lens. Zoom range can be up to 10x or more. Canon's S5, Panasonic FZs, Fuji S8000, Sony DSC-H5/7/9, etc are popular models.

4. Specialty cameras that are higher-end with various special features. Canon's G series, various Leicas, etc.

I think you really have to think about what's most important to you and decide on the type first. Then look at various competing models within that group for one that suits you best.

dpreview.com is one of the more comprehensive site to compare cameras.

I started digital with a Canon S2IS and 18 months or so later bought an S2IS for the longer zoom. I have been extremely pleased with both and use both often. They now have an S5IS but I have not used one yet so can't comment on it.

There is no 'best camera' for everyone since we all have different needs and wants. Here is a site that may help you http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html
Digital cameras now come with optical zoom (forget digital zoom) up to 18X. At anything over about 4X, be sure to get one with Image Stabilization which will help prevent camera shake. This is really a great feature and will help produce better photos. Everything is a trade off: size, zoom, image stabilization, etc. Look to a good name brand and check it's user ratings on various web sites. Good idea to get one that uses standard AA batteries but then get rechargable hybred batteries - at least 2 sets so you can have one set always ready. In a pinch, you can always use any AA batteries. Don't forget to get fast memory cards. At least 1 GB so you can take lots of photos at the best resolution your camera offers. Enjoy

I think I've found the perfect digital camera for practically all purposes.Last year,two months before our Southeast tour of the US I bought a Panasonic DMC-FZ30 after having read the tests made on this camera by the professionals.It has a zoom of 432mm.You can take Macro pictures...If you check on Google you'll find many references.PAul

As the posts here illustrate, there really are no "perfect" digital cameras for everyone. Tovarich really likes his Panasonic while I looked at it but it just didn't fit for me. On the other hand, he might not like my Canon S3IS which has almost identical features but packaged differently.

The best thing you can do is try to figure out what the minimum requirements you have for a camera are then spend some time in a camera shop handling the ones that meet those requirements to see which you like best.

The web is a great place for comparing camera features but it does nothing for determining how it feels in your hand or how it fits your face when taking a photo (assuming the ones you choose have a viewfinder).