favorite point & Shoot digital camera?

[elhombre]

I am in the market for a new "point & shoot" digital camera I can fit in the pocket of my hiking pants. I currently have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 with a Leica lens. It has been good but I would not buy another one. After our last 3 week trip in the desert I think it picked up some major sand and is not working well.

Any favorites out there? I don't need it to be super fancy with lots of bells and whistles, more dependable on quality without a huge hesitation after you take your shot.

Thanks for the input!

~Cookie

[Cookie]

Sorry, that post was from me and not ElHombre
Tried to remove it but it wouldn't let me.

~Cookie

[Ray52]

I lost one to the windblown sand on the South Kaibab Trail and in Bright Angel Campground.  I replaced it it with a Canon Powershot G12 which.  Its a little on the bulky side for a P & S, but shoots really nice photos. I've managed to scratch the lens and am sending it for repairs, but it feels like it will hold up well to the beatings it will get as my backpacking/kayaking camera.

[mule ears]

I really like the quality of my Canon s-90 which is now replaced by the s-95.  It has the same sensor/chips as the G-12.  Robert has one too and his pictures are great.

It fits in my pocket perfectly and held up well on my last trip to southern Utah with the super fine sand.  It is very wide angle and does low light well.  Weighs 6.5 oz.

If you can find an s-90 somewhere it might be down around $200, unfortunately the s-95 is around $400 

Here is my favorite camera resource page

[RichardM]

I haven't shopped for one in a while, but there are a few topics here on this subject:
http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/photography-gear-and-tips/recommend-a-good-point-and-shoot/
http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/photography-gear-and-tips/i-need-a-camera/
...probably a few others, but they might be kind of stale.

I'd recommend hitting your local camera store to check them out in person, then hit http://www.dpreview.com/ for specs and comparison info. As far as good deals in brick & mortar stores, Office Depot often has deals better than Fry's, etc.

[steelfrog]

Panasonic Lumix LX-5.  I take it everywhere, no problemo

[Verduretiger]

I carry the Olympus Stylus which is waterproof and shockproof.  It is designed for backpacking , built tough, the viewfinder only opens when taking the picture so sand and grit stay out.  Takes good pics and has reasonable manual controls.

[SHANEA]

Just got the Kodak M583 a few weeks back and really like it.  I've always had good luck with Kodak equipment.
http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/Camera__M583/productID.222433500

but, this little handy dandy thing is too cool and I really like it - more than I thought I would.  Figured I'd get it and return it - boy was I wrong...
Kodak Playsport
http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/PLAYSPORT_Video_Camera__Zx3/productID.169976100

[Cookie]

Thanks for all the responses! I will be looking in to all of these trying to make a decision!

~Cookie

[rauburg]

I have been using a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 too. I am not a photographer and I carry a camera just to capture a few simple memories. I got the LZ8 when Dpreviews rated it their number 1 budget camera a few years ago. It has been a good camera but three things bugged me. 1) The mode dial is exposed and I would accidently move it to another mode when putting it in the case. 2) The power and print display controls were slider switches and I had problems with bumping them accidently too. 3) I also had problems with the LCD panel in bright sunlight. But silly me, I didn't know that you aren't supposed to take pictures in the bright sunshine in the middle of the day. Oh well live and learn.

I recently found the Canon A1200 which answered these points. The A1200 has a small but very effective view finder  that works in all conditions. The mode dial is recessed and it takes two fingers to move it; you can't accidently switch modes. And instead of switches the A1200 uses recessed buttons for power and print display.

Other than that it has many similarities to the LZ8. It also uses 2AA batteries which, depending on your preferences, can be a good or bad thing. I personally like AA batteries.  The A1200 may be less capable camera than the Lumix in that it doesn't have Aperture, Shutter, or manual modes but that isn't important to me. The Canon looks almost the same as the Panasonic and it is about the same size and weight.

I made a couple of other change that is going to help the handling of this camera.I ditched the Lowepro zippered case that I have been using. I replaced it with simple case that came with a pair of compact folding binoculars. The case is very light and uses a flap to cover and secure the camera. No more fumbling with zippers. I also found a smaller wrist strap to use with the camera. Little things but they make handling easier and more convenient.

I haven't taken many pictures yet but I have been pleased with the ones I have taken so far. I went to the field this week and took this picture of the abandoned school house at Toyah. The picture surprised me. I wasn't expecting much, it was after all, the middle of the day.



Randy

[iCe]

Powershot G12

[Arlon]

I have a Canon SD790IS, not the perfect pocket cam in my opinion. It works but lacks a few features I wish it had. Lot of good pocket cams out there these days including a few that are water proof (Ricoh PX). Water proof version appeals to me.

Side note, my pocket cam goes almost everywhere I go. If I'm anywhere in the least bit hostile (environment wise) it stays in a ziplock. I've never had issues with it getting crud or moisture in it.

If I were after a pocket cam today I'd start by looking at the Ricoh PX. It's lens does not extend making it a TRUE pocket cam and it's water proof. Next on my list would be a Canon S95 which just has a lot of features I really like but it isn't waterproof. Third one I'd look into would be the Olympus "Tough" series which have fewer features but are again waterproof. The waterproof thing appeals to be from several angles. The waterproof cams seem to have fewer features and less artistic control but you can stick them under the water of a stream and take a picture.. (-:}

If a P&S doesn't fit in my pocket, I'd just as soon carry a full size DSLR. I have an in between P&S and it always seems to be in my closet when I'm on the road.

[MMTaco]

I use the Canon S90 when I'm backpacking and don't feel like hauling a big DSLR and several lenses.  The biggest reasons are because it will shoot in RAW and it has manual controls.  For me as a photographer those are the two biggest concerns besides the most important element, the glass.  That is where this camera shows its weakness.  It isn't close to as sharp as an "L" lens but it's just as good as any point and shoot that I've seen.

[Casa Grande]

You know, I've really gotten lazy with my photography the last couple of years.  Sadly, I mostly use my iPhone 4s as a "point and shoot" these days. About the only time I use my big gun is in BIBE.    Sad but true.