Digital Camera Shopping

[Jon325i]

This year I plan to spend Thanksgiving in Honolulu and I've been starting to research the digi-cam market since my current camera bit the dust several months ago (a 7-year old Canon PowerShot S30). I really liked the features and functions of the Canon product as well as the software interface when uploading & editing, so I am partial to stay with this brand based on my positive experience.

The type of photography I do is primarily family, car stuff and scenery. Having HD video recording capability would be nice as well. I believe a digital SLR would be a bit too much camera for me since I consider myself an amateur when it comes to taking photos, not to mention Canon's entry level DSLR (~$550) is beyond what I'm willing to spend. If you have any experience with some of Canon's more recent products, please chime in with your pro & con feedback.

A few examples of Canons I wouldn't mind owning:

PowerShot XS200IS

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx200_is

PowerShot SD4500IS

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sd4500_is

PowerShot S95

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_s95

PowerShot SX130IS

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx130_is

Jon

[Dude]

I only shoot Nikon DSLR equipment but I love Canon point and shoots, there great.

Take a look at Ken Rockwell's site. Hes a bit of a lunatic but he has the time and money to try out all this stuff. Hopefully this helps.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

[mrsleeve]

Panasonic LX3 or the new LX5, its the same thing as the Leica D-lux line and have the same Leica Glass in them.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmclx5.asp

[daniel]

In my humble opinion, i think Panasonic's Lumix series kicks the ass of everyone else when it comes to full featured P&S cameras. The Canons are great, but the Lumices are insanely awesome. Depending on your budget, you might as well go for the top of the line pocketable one they have, the ZS7:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-ZS7-Digital-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B00395WIXA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1286774623&sr=1-1-catcorr

[unrlmth]

I've heard very good things about the s90. Personally I would try and get a DSLR or one of the smaller interchangeable lens cameras. My dad has a G9 which while I have to say its the nicest P&S I've used it just doesn't compare to a slr. You can find a D40 with the kit lens for the same price as those other cameras you are looking at. It will be bigger, but the image quality will be better. You would also have an upgrade path if you ever want something nicer.