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In preparation for our Overseas trip, we got out my wife's Kodak EasyShare CX6230 (almost 2 years old) , she is planning on taking it out with her while I work. (She doesn't want to walk around alone with the D70). Today while in office works she noticed some new P&S cameras, all of them more compact and light then our current Kodak.

Since see has patiently looked at nearly all the photo's posted her, she asked me to post this enquiry on her behalf.

She would like a new P&S camera which meets the following criteria.

** atleast 3 X Optical Zoom
** atleast 4 Mega Pixel
** LCD display (she doesn't like view finders)
** "little" smaller then the CX6230 (handbag size)

She is willing to pay upto $500, but would prefer to spend less if possible.


While this is a SLR forum, I'm hoping some of you could help her out with some suggestions ?

Thanks, Craig (and Kate)

How about the new mini coolpix series: http://www.maxwell.com.au/products/niko ... index.html

i had great success with my coolpix 8700 i am sure that camera would be much less now.

Thanks Wendell!


She likes the Nikon Coolpix 5900 Blue (likes the blue colour, and the rest suits her) but it's close to her price limit.
http://www.camerastore.com.au/product.asp?product=Nikon%20Coolpix%205900%20Blue


She also likes the FUJIFILM FINEPIX A345 AND A350.

http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/catalog/cat_fam_sku.asp?ID=6546406&LEVEL=FM&SID=031E8B7KTA7Q9KK3HM2VEWFQ14WS3RL1&viewimages=no

Bed time now, will look around more tomorrow.

If you were not so fussy on size or price, I'd say go for a Powershot G6. I have a Powershot G2 and it produces image that are not far off my 20D and L glass. In fact the Powershot G6 has the same image engine in it as a 300D, I think.

It has twist-and-flip LCD (great), 6MP too.

I agree that the G6 would be great (I have the G3, love it) but it would virtually double your budget. I reckon the Canon P&S are hard to beat. The IXUS 50 is <$500, and anything in the A series would be excellent.

I have recommended the A90 (I think it was that one, could be 80,85,95) to a couple of people who have been very very happy and have produced great results.

Craig (and Kate!) There have been a few other threads on this recently which should pop up in a search (something like P&S AND Recommendation), I'd track them down for you but I'm at work and don't want to spend too much time here

Going to look at those models suggested also found on the forums.

http://www.d70users.com/viewtopic.php?t=9239&highlight=point+shoot

http://www.d70users.com/viewtopic.php?t=7878&highlight=point+shoot

http://www.d70users.com/viewtopic.php?t=5593&highlight=point+shoot

http://www.d70users.net/viewtopic.php?t=5157

http://www.d70users.net/viewtopic.php?t=4697

Yikes, thanks Stubbsy! Got plenty of reading material now.

Lately I've been tempted by the Casio EX-Z750 ultra compact. It's pretty much best in it's class and is good at everything that a full DSLR kit is not (portable, video).

Craig,

I just got the Olympus MJU 500.
Got it and an underwater housing to take surfing and diving pics - worked out cheaper than buying a housing for my D70 or 5700.
Anyways the point its small - excellent large LCD - fun - excellent picture quality - 3 zoom - 5 megapixes - $415

Regards

John

Just got my brother in law a fujifilm finepix 9500. 9 megapixel, focal length of 28 - 300mm (10x optical zoom, 2x digital). 1.5 pics per second. Powers up in .8 of a second and less than .1 second lag time. Appears pretty good. $850 from camerastore.com.au

Anyone got an opinion on Panasonic ? Hadn't really considered them before, but they offer a 6x optical zoom in the same price range as the 3x from other brands.
http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/4337c08d031c895a2741c0a87f9c06f2/Product/View/XG3700

Can't go wrong with an Olympus Camedia C-60 6.1 Megapixel (metal body, small & compact). Fantastic images for the price!

I bought a 5900 for my future brother and sister in-law for their wedding last year. Its an excellent point and shot camera, it was so easy to use and small. They started taking shots right away without reading the instruction. I can say that they loved the camera.

I would be having a look at Ricoh cameras. Aside from the fact that they have a good lens on them (most of them range from 28-85mm range) they also have a reasonable sensor, a very quick reaction time and ... a feature that is very useful if you are travelling ... the option to use Li Ion batteries and AA batteries.

I have tested the GX and the GX8 and both of these are good... whats more, they are also affordable and compact.They are very good value for money for any photographer.

After much research, deliberation, consultation and a lot of patience from me, translating reviews and technical specs into more user friendly data. Kate has finally reached a decision on her new P&S camera.

Drum roll please....


The Canon IXUS 50 - In the end it's size and cute factor, won her over from many other viable canidates. Someone at work has a IXUS 40, so she got to see some photos and was happy with the quality.

I also made 3d models of the favourite camera's so she could check out their relative sizes (I did say I was patient).

On her behalf (and of course my own) I'd like to thank everyone that offered very suggestions or opinions. I'd also like to aplogise for the over use of brackets in this post

Cheers!

Woohoo!

It's exciting! Just placed the order, and had it confirmed by phone. Should be here thursday/friday. I am secretly hoping this will allow me more leeway with d70 spending, but will see how things progress. Apparently we can claim back the GST since we are flying out in just over 2 weeks, so even more reason to Whoohoo!

It's arrived! Charging the batteries now!!

Kate is very happy with her purchase so far (hasn't turned it on yet), its defintely little and cute!