I have only two days to decide, buy and learn how this new thing works. I recently own SLR digital camera. I'm leaving in two days for a business trip and would like to bring a small camera with me. I just don't want to drag my digital SLR and lenses on this trip.

I would like to buy a small size camera. It doesn't need to be inexpensive but don't want to spend a fortune too. I think that zoom capabilities would be important, maybe not on this trip but on all my future trips and many hikes we take in so many beautiful areas.

I need you to help me with choosing a camera that delivers the best quality of pictures. Until now I always had Nikon cameras and would like to keep it this way but I'm open to your other suggestions. I would greatly appreciate your personal recommendations. In addition, please suggest a list of accessories for this specific camera of your choice. I would love to see a few samples of your pictures. Thanks for your help.
Pat

I have a Canon S1 IS that I love, but I don't think that's what you're looking for.

You might get a lot better information from www.dpreview.com

Thank you GoAway, I hope to get a help from so many helpful fodorites. Unfortunately, I have very limited time to do any extensive research. Besides I really would like to hear personal opinions about digital cameras that fodorites own

I have the Canon A520, 4 megapixel, built in flash, and zoom capabilities. I love it. I've seen it for as low as $159

Look into the small Leica digital cameras (Leica D-Lux). The Leica lens quality is excellent. They aren't as small as some digitals, but you won't be sacrificing any quality.

I have a Canon S400 Power Shot and I love it. It's really easy to use and has 4.0 mega pixels.

Hi Pat, i have a Nikon Coolpix, 6.0 megapixels with a 2.5 screen. Its my fav camera ever, takes great pics and uploading is super easy. And trust me, i need easy Also very compact, almost as flat as my razor.

Topped some recent threads for you, Pat. Good luck!

I have the Canon PowerShot SD550, 7.1 megapixals. I love it! Very easy to use, takes great photos.

We just purchased a Canon PowerShot SD630 - 6.0 megapixels, 3x zoom, and 2 1/2 inch screen. Learned to use it in two days (but really need to learn more) - cost approx. $300.

Only drawback is there is no manual viewfinder. Only discovered that when trying to take a picture on a bright day (that's what can happen when you rush to by a camera, lol)

Love the size - half the size of my last digital camera.

Good luck!

I have an Olympus C60 which I love. It fits in my purse and takes great pictures.

We have a Canon Powershot at the office, that everyone uses, that's very user friendly and takes good pics.

I had a Canon and hated the delay it had between pushing the button and actually taking the photo.

I recently picked up a Panasonic FX9. It's user friendly, has a simple mode and also offers a "sport mode" which takes photos almost instantaneously, like an SLR. Takes great photos, up to 5 mega pixels.

I'm no techy, but can use this camera with ease. I'm a big fan, especially compared to my last digital point and shoots.

Hi Pat - After much research & a couple recommendations from professional photographers, my husband just gave me a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8 This is a compact (2" x 3.5") digital with Leica Lens, 5 MegaPixel with big LCD screen and Lithium battery (I hate the AA's...cameras rip through them like nothing flat). Tiny SD flash card that plugs right into the side of my laptop with no card reader required.

This camera has lots of features but is easy to use in simple mode as a basic point & shoot as well.

I've been enjoying taking photos with it for about 2 weeks now.

Sure beats our old Canon Powershot G1!

I'd also recommend the Panasonic Lumix camera. I think we have the DMC-LX7 and the size (small) vs. the quality of the pics is great. We got a bigger memory card and can take 197 pics on one card.

Thank you for all your help. I appreciate every single of your suggestions. You gave me a lot to think about it. I'll review each suggestion very carefully and make my decision tonight. Then tomorrow I have to buy camera, stay all night and read instructions, practice on Thursday morning, read a few more times your suggestion, clean the house, talk to the cat sitter, start packing around noon on Thursday and finally leave Thursday evening on my trip with a brand new camera. Wish me luck!

Pat, no matter which one you buy, I cannot stress enough the importance of trying out the camera before you leave in every type of light, etc. Friends of mine bought a new camera for their trip to Italy, didn't try it even though I told them to, and guess what - outside shots did not come out.

Lori, thank you for your concern. I have very limited time but I'm planning to try it out first at home on Thursday then during my 2 days in Paris before I continue to my final business destination.

I have the Kodak EasyShare V550--takes pictures and video--love it!

Glad to hear so many votes for Panasonic Lumix!

I have a 1 GB memory card. Camera setting can be adjusted for about 5 different size/qualities of images.

Had a reasonably fast learning curve for basic photography.

My choice for a second camera, aside from my nicer SLR digital was recently a Casio Exilim (EX-Z600) 6.0 mega pixels - it's small, light, and most important for me, the screen is huge on the back so I don't need my reading glasses to negotiate any photos or setttings. I paid $280 for camera, card, case, dock, etc.