Digital camera recommendation?

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CatalogGuy

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Primary criteria are compactness and image quality. I am not hugely hung up on megapixels, manual control, media type, connection options, etc.

I am basically looking for the best quality images from a small camera. From Cnet I found the Casio EX Z750 7.2 MP
http://reviews.cnet.com/Casio_Exilim_EX_Z750/4505-6501_7-31319589.html?tag=pop

and the Fujifilm FinePix Z1
http://reviews.cnet.com/Fujifilm_FinePix_Z1_black/4505-6501_7-31289407.html?tag=pdtl-list

I like the $300-500 price range. I also read about a Leica 4mp made by Panasonic that seems to have people very excited about image quality. It is 800. Maybe it is worth it to me, but I want to feel pretty convinced first.

Any experience or words of advice from our Boxster snapping community? Thanks!
 
What types of pictures will you be taking? If it's just a P/S for documentation purposes then a lightweight pocket camera would probably do the trick. If it for other purposes then how light or heavy should the camera be?
 
I bought my gf a Sony Cybershot (the one that debuted last year right before xmas) b/c it she wanted that same sort of camera. To her, the ability to put it in her purse and have it always on her was more important than image quality. The Sony is a very slick package as well. 2.5" lcd, super slim, but no optical zoom at all. The problem with the Sony is image quality. It has problems in any non-optimal lighting situation. They are supposed to be releasing a new version in a few months that looks like hers on the outside, but has a 3x optical zoom and works better in low light conditions. Get this... the zoom works without a moving lense. I think the review was on gizmodo.com if you want more info.

If you want something now, I think the reviews say that the Canon Powershot lineup is hard to beat for compact point and shoot digicams. Check out the reviews on www.cnet.com. The prices are in your range as well.
 
Forgot to mention, Kodak just introduced a nice looking wifi camera. Twould be nice to xfer sans cables.
 
Cameras? Some thoughts...

Hello Andrew - I have owned a few digital cameras and currently have a (heavy) Digital SLR (Konica-Minolta D7) - but use a Pentax Optio S5i - it does a good job and seemed to be a good feature set (5mp, 3x zoom, good pix quality, reasonable flash range, and shirt-pocket size) for carrying around - I also use an Olympus 3040 which I like because of the large maximum lens opening - f1.7 - which allows no-flash pictures indoors in moderate-low light situations)....it's bulkier though, and a couple years old - so Olympus has replacements with the f1.7 lens feature now.....
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I'd tried a Kodak 280 (1998 - bulky, but very good picture quality)
Sony (can't remember what model) - good looking - but subject to image degradation due to light flare in sunny conditions. The Olympus (see above - bulky but good), the Pentax Optio S5i (see above) and the K-M D7 (great but heavy....)
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If you want to take action shots - I suspect you'll need an SLR of some sort...but otherwise I like the Optio S5i (listed on the Pentax site as "under $300" http://www.pentaximaging.com/produc...mera--Optio_S5i/reqID--1010/subsection--optio )
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RickJ
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free advice is worth every penny!
 
Check out the Nikon P1 and P2.

2.5" screen
Wifi
3.5x zoom
Pretty compact form factor and stylish design
Starts at $400

Notice how you get wonderful new choices everyday.
 
The leading candidate is........

Thanks all for the info. The leading choice is the Panasonic Lumix LX1. The Lumix line has Leica lenses and this model has optics reasonly larger than the usual compacts. It is a little large to put in my pocket and certainly does not fill my need for a highly "pocketable" point and shoot for travel. However, I do not have any really adventurous trips planned in the next year and I think I will appreciate the lenses and features of this camera. It is compact enough that it is easy to fit in a bag or car. About 600 at Frys. Good battery life, 8 megapix, 4x optical zoom, great control layout, and the lens.


http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wc...rogram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702







CatalogGuy said:
Primary criteria are compactness and image quality. I am not hugely hung up on megapixels, manual control, media type, connection options, etc.

I am basically looking for the best quality images from a small camera. From Cnet I found the Casio EX Z750 7.2 MP
http://reviews.cnet.com/Casio_Exilim_EX_Z750/4505-6501_7-31319589.html?tag=pop

and the Fujifilm FinePix Z1
http://reviews.cnet.com/Fujifilm_FinePix_Z1_black/4505-6501_7-31289407.html?tag=pdtl-list

I like the $300-500 price range. I also read about a Leica 4mp made by Panasonic that seems to have people very excited about image quality. It is 800. Maybe it is worth it to me, but I want to feel pretty convinced first.

Any experience or words of advice from our Boxster snapping community? Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
Woo Hoo!

OK I probably paid too much, but that is the cost of feeding my impatience (and the fact that high value electronics are subject to inspection and duty when brought into Mexico by a delivery service, so I just went to Fry's (a man's shopping wonderland).

This camera is more advanced than I can use today, but I used to take a lot of pics way back when fully manually, so I am looking forward to experimenting.

Here is one of my first pics. It is a bronze statue of an endangered marine mammal called the Vaquita Marina which lives only in this part of the Sea of Cortez and no where else in the world. Since commercial fishing (mainly shrimp) is the basis of existence for almost the entire local Mexican population in San Felipe, environmental preservation for the Sea has drawn significant global attention. Commercial fishing is now forbidden in the upper areas and is only legal by a limited number of permits in the lower areas. Yahoo Mexico gave the 2002 site of the year award to www.vaquitamarina.org (look on the right for English Version).






RickJ said:
http://dpreview-cnet.com.com/Panaso...nic+Lumix+DMC-LX1&part=dpreview-cnet&tag=4014
Click to expand...
 

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Too much flash, but macro is fun

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CatalogGuy said:
OK I probably paid too much, but that is the cost of feeding my impatience (and the fact that high value electronics are subject to inspection and duty when brought into Mexico by a delivery service, so I just went to Fry's (a man's shopping wonderland).

This camera is more advanced than I can use today, but I used to take a lot of pics way back when fully manually, so I am looking forward to experimenting.

Here is one of my first pics. It is a bronze statue of an endangered marine mammal called the Vaquita Marina which lives only in this part of the Sea of Cortez and no where else in the world. Since commercial fishing (mainly shrimp) is the basis of existence for almost the entire local Mexican population in San Felipe, environmental preservation for the Sea has drawn significant global attention. Commercial fishing is now forbidden in the upper areas and is only legal by a limited number of permits in the lower areas. Yahoo Mexico gave the 2002 site of the year award to www.vaquitamarina.org (look on the right for English Version).
Click to expand...
 

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