Need compact digtal camera recommendation
 

I need to replace my aging Canon A85 camera. I've typically liked Canon, but am open to other brands if they're good.

Here's my criteria:

-must be compatible with SD HC cards (I picked up the 4 GB SD HC card + reader at CostCo for $35 today) - this rules out most Sony cameras too.

-must have good Macro mode - I intend to use it as an ad hoc scanner to take pix of receipts and documents (as a digital organizer tool, when I'm traveling, and don't have my scanner)

-must be compact (I like to take it traveling, so it needs to be pocketable)

-should have good movie mode (this will be a replacement for my miniDV camcorder, which I find too bulky to take to most places), so I can record impromptu videos when I come across something interesting.

-4 megapixel or more is fine. I don't need more than 8 or 10mp (I typically don't print large prints, and I like photos to be 2 megapixel or less to be able to store more images, so more megapixel does not equal better in my book). Picture quality is more important than megapixels.

-must have a very quick start-up time, and quick photo capture time. I HATE waiting forever to turn on a camera and take a picture. It needs to be instantly on (less than 1.5 seconds on time).

I've avoided Kodak (seems cheap / entry level cameras), also not paid much attention to Fuji (not compatible with SD HC cards, never used them / heard many good things about them). I've heard good reviews on Casio / Panasonic, but don't have much experience with the brands.

I used to have a Nikon 4 megapixel 3 years ago, it took forever to start up and take/record photos. So I've avoided looking at Nikons so far as well because of that. Maybe they've improved their start up times?

Ok so this is my very pick criteria. Any good recommendations here based on my needs?

PS - I've looked at Canon SD1000, SD 750, SD 850 / 870 IS. I like the form factor of SD1000, but the lack of Image Stabilization is a bit of a negative (don't know how relevant IS really is though). The SD 850 / 870 IS is a bit bigger than what I'd consider ultra-compact (I'd consider the Casio EX-Z1080 to be pretty compact, it's thinner than the SD 850/870 IS).

Any photo gurus help here? Any one?

I guess I'll have to turn to Omni for help. eek...

I'm curious about this too, because though I love my Fuji Finepix digital, it's a bit too bulky to carry around every day. I bought a Canon Optio that was meant to be more convenient to carry around in my purse, but the extremely long shutter lag is so irritating that I gave up using it. Now my SO uses it for still pictures for work, and I still wish I had a compact digital with a decent shutter speed that I could carry around every day.

I like the Canon Sureshots...but I think they take CF cards. (At least our several older ones do)....I like that because I only carry one kind of card for my compacts and my trusty 10D

[1] The Fuji 'F' series cameras are very responsive in terms of turn-on-ready, focus, and shot-to-shot speed. And up until the F50 they had absolutely incredible high ISO performance [the F50 is only so-so].

If you can find a good used F30 or F31 for under $300 [they have become cult cameras for their quality] then I would buy one.

[2] Nikon Coolpix models have great macro capabilities, great exposure, and produce a really pleasing image quality straight out of the camera [though most Coolpix's can be a little soft and need some sharpening in-camera or software to look their best].

[3] Canon's P/S digicams tend to not do anything really great IMHO but do most things well on average so they have really good over-all image quality.

There are so many P/S digicams out there, and they change models so often that it is hard to recommend anything for more than a couple of months - good luck.

re: Canon Image Stabilization, we have had both the SD550 (mysteriously disappeared from our checked baggage) and SD850 IS (current P/S). The IS feature was most noticeable when using the manual mode. Without IS, manual mode pretty much always ended up blurry when handheld - definitely need a tripod/stand if in that mode without IS.

There may also have been a difference with macro or scene modes, but honestly can't recall those for the SD550.

I have always been very happy with the Canon SD series, I am giving a number of people SD1000's for Christmas this year.

The size can't be beat and in your pocket it looks like a pack of cigarettes.

I have a good Canon SLR too, but there are not many places I will take it.

I'm leaning towards purchasing a Canon SD800. While similar to the SD850, it has a wider lens and is slightly lighter in weight. You can find it various places for $239.

I have also been interested in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3. However, it is a bigger and heavier camera.

Casio EX-Z1080 gets my vote.
Been using one for 1 month. Great so far. Better than my Nikon Coolpix P4 (8.1 mpx).
Like it for its light weight and compact size.

Thanks. Picked up a Casio Ex-Z1080. Fantastic value.

Glad to learn that you like it.

I have used mostly Nikons since 1998 and the latest compact P&S is a Coolpix S7c. It is fast both in startup and taking a picture. It has face recognition mode and VR (vibration reduction). I used two wine glasses as a tripod and took a movie clip of a luau this past summer. The S51/S51c are the current models.

The slightly larger P5000 and P5100 are much more capable with more accessories such as lens and hotshoe.

Had used Coolpix S1, 5400, 5000 and 880 before. And yes, the older cameras such as the 880 were much slower. Except for the 880, I still have the other cameras but passed on to other members of the family.

I have a CAnon Coolpix S6. It's convenient for carrying in a purse. Takes a pretty decent picture. Lots of fun "scene" modes to play with. Starts up pretty quickly. Not too great for action, but I have a DSLR for that.

If you don't care for manual control, then Panasonic TZ-3 is an absolute gem of a point-n-shoot. Pocketable, and from real wide-angle to meaningful tele zoom (28-280).

If you want manual controls, look at Panasonic LX-2. You lose some tele (28-112) but gain many controls that serious photographers desire. This is the same camera as Leica D-Lux-3, only 30% cheaper if you can live without the prestige of the Leica logo on the body. :)

In a way, Panasonic FZ-18 provides the best collection of features, capabilities (28-504), and price on the market today---but it is not "pocketable", although it is lightweight and manageable.

All of these cameras have Leica lenses.

The old two wine glasses as a tripod trick. Nice. ^