I need recommendations for the "best" pocket digital camera - with "best" in quotes because I know everything's a compromise.

The main purpose will be relatively close up shooting, although I would ideally like some optical zoom, enough to get me to 150-200mm equivalent, if that is possible in a pocket model. (I'm assuming I said that right, but I am NOT a sophisticated shutterbug, so forgive me if I screwed up the jargon.)

What do people think about the Olympus ELPH models? Are there better ones out there? Any help will be much appreciated.

My brother wanted a pocket camera with good zoom lens .He bought a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 with 10x zoom [28-280 equivalent] The only drawback I can see is getting used to not having an eyepiece , just has an LCD screen. Check www.dpreview.com for detaled review.

Thanks, mete. That camera is very well put together. Not crazy about the lack of an optical view finder, but all in all, I do like it. Thanks again.

Got money and want good pics? Canon G series cameras are hard to beat. View finder/live lcd, j-peg and raw capable etc. Dr.C

I have a Fuji finepix something or other, I think it is an A205? It's a couple years old but does the job for a pocket camera.

Here's my thoughts on the matter- I like a traditional viewfinder in addition to the LCD. When it is sunny and there is movement you really need a viewfinder. Other than that, I think the quality of pics is probably going to be close across the various brands. The only other main thing I'll have as criteria is to decide what format of memory card to use. Here is why I know that is important- This is the second Fuji camera I've had. For the first one, I bought a 512 mb memory card for it, back when they were like $250 for the card. Then a couple months later the camera gets dropped and busted. Well now I have a dead camera and a couple hundred dollar card. Then I find out the XD format is pretty much only used by Fuji and Olympus. So I'm stuck with those 2 brands if I want to keep the card.

Nowadays memory has gotten so cheap it is not such an issue, but when you start getting card readers and all that stuff it is something else to keep in mind.

Thanks, doc and Mark, for the leads and tips.

As I look into this, I am finding that no one produces the camera that I really want. Just like factory rifles.

Buy one of the canon Uxus models - I have been using these continuously for years, right now on Model 850 IS.

What is your budget???

The new Olympus is good for environments where dust, water, cold and shock can be present like hunting situations...now thats a camera.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1314

The camera built for life's adventures. The Stylus 790 SW is packed with technology tailored for active people. The Shockproof, Waterproof, Freezeproof and Dustproof design means it's incredibly durable, but it's also sleek, stylish and available in five cool color options. The new Face Detection feature recognizes subjects' faces and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portraits. Whether you're playing volleyball at the beach, mountain biking or just hanging out at the pool, the Stylus 790 SW is a must-have vacation and party accessory.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Buy one of the canon Uxus models - I have been using these continuously for years, right now on Model 850 IS.

I have the same camera as Saeed. Its a great little unit. Comes with anti shake and an equivalent 28mm wideangle lens.

I have an Ixus 900Ti from Canon, (they are called something like digital ELPH in the US). It is pretty good at standing abuse, since the case is made of titanium instead to magnesium, and the pictures are IMO pretty good for a pocked camera. I will sure recomend it to anyone who wants to take a camera for hunting.

MR
Talk to Doug at cameralandny,He has specials on a few now in the classifieds.I'm sure he would be a lot of help.

Fred

quote:

Originally posted by WVFred:
MR
Talk to Doug at cameralandny,He has specials on a few now in the classifieds.I'm sure he would be a lot of help.

Fred

Yeah, I'm really eying that Canon S5IS...

Cannon G7 - hands down the best Pockect or Point & Shoot Digital Currently available. Not shirt pocket sized and pretty technical to use.

dude...the g9 is here already
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_g9.asp?dontcount=1

not reeeeeely a pocket camera but it got a great review...

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/4599/camera-test-canon-powershot-g9.html

OK TechStick! It just came out two weeks ago! I'm not that far behind the times am I??

Anyway - I have one and it rocks for sure!

For a pocketable camera it is the Pentax Optio W30 hands down. Waterproof, shock resistant, terrific battery life, and takes outstanding video clips. The last two items beat the pants off the Oly.

is the pentax really shock resistant to compare with olympus 790 ?
How longer does its battery last than oly?

Using my daughters 790 as an example, about twice as long. I don't know about the shock resistance, mine has dropped about 4' unto a steel deck on a rocking icebreaker ship, and other than a handsome nick, still functions flawlessly.

Its great you have both cameras to compare, which aspects would you like to have into your pentax from the olympus 790

I'm on my 3rd digital, a Fugifilm FinePix. The camera is OK with great low light capability (ASA 2200 equivalent or so) BUT has a big LCD screen only and no viewfinder.

The lack of a viewfinder is a critical problem in bright daylight! I also find that my pics are just snapshot quality due to poor framing.

For outdoor photography buy a camera with a viewfinder.

quote:

Originally posted by mete:
My brother wanted a pocket camera with good zoom lens .He bought a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 with 10x zoom [28-280 equivalent] The only drawback I can see is getting used to not having an eyepiece , just has an LCD screen. Check www.dpreview.com for detaled review.

We have the one with only the 3.5 zoom and love it!

Canon SD800 is awesome

SD-800

I'm going through the same research. I've decided on the canon SD-850IS; the same one Saeed uses. There are some newer ones out from Canon, but 'bang for the buck' the 850 can't be beat. Pricing is right, too. These were waaaay expensive a year or so ago, but you can pick them up for ~300 now. Check out newegg.com for a nice combo with a 1gig card and case for just over $300. It has the optical viewfinder, too, which is a must since we're shooting in direct light a lot.

A lot of the photos and trophy phoots that I have posted on the forum comes my my simple Sony Cybershot with 3x zoom 5.1 mg and using a 1G card. I always have it close to me when Im travel.

The only downfall now that it's getting a bit older and had much use is that If I leave the batteries inside for more than two days without switching it off the batteries get flat.

I'll chime in with a vote for the Canon SD-850IS. I bought one back in the summer from Doug at Cameraland. I'm now hooked on Canon camera's. Hands-down the best pocket camera I've owned.