digital camera suggestions

[hikergrl]

I would really like to purchase a new digital camera before my next backpacking trip but I have no idea which one to get. I'd like one that is lightweight, compact, and since I know nothing about camera settings, idiot proof. I currently have an Olympus but it's getting old and I really don't like the way the pictures are coming out anymore. Any suggestions? The cheaper the camera the better but I want some good pictures. Thanks

[BlueDog]

As far as Point-and-Shoot, I'm looking for one myself, instead of lugging my dSLR around. I can't recommend a specific model, but I've been very happy with Canon for many, many years now.

[mtruman]

I really like the Canon Powershot line. I currently have a Powershot A530 and it's what I've used for most of my hiking photos in the last couple of years. I have a Panasonic DMC-FZ50 that I use for everything else but I don't lug it around on many of the hikes. The A530 is a 5MP model which is plenty for the kind of outdoor scenery photography that is typical for hiking. I'm actually getting ready to buy a replacement so that my daughter can start using my A530. I've decided on the A570IS which is basically a 7MP version of the A530 with several other new features including optical image stabilization (which hopefully is useful since the zoom on the A530 often results in a bit of blur). Ritz Camera is currently selling this one for $149 on Amazon here. One of the nice things about the Powershots vs. many of the other small point-and-shoot digitals is the form factor. It is not too small and has a really good grip that lets you easily grab it out of a case on your belt without worrying about dropping it - really important when hiking. In terms of image quality check out my hiking photo gallery (link in my signature below) - most are taken with the A530.

[Patrad Fischroy]

For outdoor activities, you may want to check out the Pentax Optio W60. I have heard that it is priced about $300-$350 but it is waterproof to 13 feet and it says it will work in sub freezing temps.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM

You can also look for the W30 with somewhat lower specs

[mtruman]

For outdoor activities, you may want to check out the Pentax Optio W60. I have heard that it is priced about $300-$350 but it is waterproof to 13 feet and it says it will work in sub freezing temps.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/W60/W60A.HTM

You can also look for the W30 with somewhat lower specs

I actually bought the W30 prior to my Canon because I wanted something waterproof (for kayaking, etc). The image quality was really bad and I returned it. Hopefully the W60 has improved this. My current all weather solution is a Fuji A500 with a waterproof case. I bought the combination through a couple of eBay retailers last spring for less than $150 and the picture quality (including under water is great). Not anywhere near as portable as the W30 or W60 which are pocketable. I generally carry it in my backpack as a backup on long hikes in case it rains and I still want to get some shots.

I did a review of this camera for geek.com which is here if you want to check it out: http://www.geek.com/hwswrev/conel/a500aqua/index.htm

[Brad]

A feature to think about is a wide angle lens. My wife's small Canon has a wide angle lens built in. It is very good.

[Charlie]

A feature to think about is a wide angle lens. My wife's small Canon has a wide angle lens built in. It is very good.

what # canon is it

[h2oeco]

My small/backup camera is a Canon SD800IS (IS is for Image Stabilization - works pretty well) - this is part of their "digital elph" line. Very small, but very capable. Has a "real" viewfinder in addition to the LCD on the back - important in sunny/glarey conditions... Uses SD cards, pretty responsive for a non-SLR - not much delay. Uses proprietary rechargeable batteries, but they seem to hold up well. I've had it for a number of years now, and like it. It is in the 6-7 megapixel range, I believe. The newer models are even higher MP...

Ed

[M_Six]

I like the Panasonic Lumix FZ18. It looks like a dSLR, but it's much smaller and lighter. You can get one at Amazon for around $300. The lens goes from 28mm to 504mm (18x). It's very fast, has a really nice auto-setting feature, and basically will not take a bad shot. I'm no pro (not by a long shot), but I've been pretty happy with the images I've taken.

Read some reviews. It usually comes out on top when compared with similar cameras.

[Steve M]

I had the Canon Powershot A60 and was happy with it for almost a year, then the zoom in/out lever got lose so I sent it out to be fixed while under warranty. It was still lose when I gor it back. Six months after that the image sensor bit the dust so I became leary about buying another canon point and shoot. Instead I bought the Nikon d80 DSLR with two lenses.