Best Digital Super Compact Camera?

[Atwoke]

Hi Guys,

I know similar questions have been asked before, but there doesn't seem to be much really up-to-date info considering the pace of camera development.

Basically, what I am after is the best super compact camera that takes AA batteries (thus eliminating the need for an extra charger) and SD card (since I have several gig worth of those already).

Any suggestions?

Cheers

Jens

[oldbmw]

Whatever you do get one with a good lense that gives plenty of optical zoom from fairly wide angle. Digital zoom is useless, has to be optical zoom. That way you will get the highest quality photos, and can frame them in high res. If you use digital zoom picture quality deteriorates dramatically. Once you have your picture computer software can size it to whatever you want.

[Atwoke]

Cheers Guys,

I just had a look at the A520 and it looks like a usefull tool, and I fully agree on the optical zoom (see below).

Reading through your reply, Patrick, I realised that I missed a few crucial bits out in my 'specification'.

First of all, I have a Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 with 4 Megapixls and a nice 12x Optical zoom, quick AF and little shutter lag. Now, I like all this, BUT...it's a trifle large for the quick out of the pocket access jobbies. After using my trusted Nikon EM for almost 20 years, I decided to to be modern and start learning about digital, and bought the Dimage because it seemed capable in most situations, apart from it's not the full wack proper camera and it's not small enough for most social occasions...blasted halfway horse (is that a mule?) really!

In addition (or perhabs replacement?) to the Dimage I like something more compact, for the carry it in the pocket, easy access high quality snaps. The new camera should also be very good at low light (especially since I have to focus the Dimage manually when it gets a bit dark!) with a decent 800 ISO performance. Again, next to no shutter lag is important to me, as I like to get a picture of the head of moving objects, and not the tail. 3x plus optical zoom is a must, but I am willing to think about this if the resolution is good enough to use a retrospective digital zoom. I could never bring myslf to 'crop' a picture at the point of taking it...can't really see the point!

I guess being this demanding on something small will push the price...

I had a look at one of the new Fuji Finepix (forgot which one, sodding booze!) and it looked great up to the point that I would need to carry the special charger (or additional special battery) and buy extra chips...bit of a waste i thought...

KNowing me, I will keep piling on details as this goes...what a sod I can be for shifting goalpost! ...or is it jumpers in my case?

Keep it coming, pleeeaase!

Jens

[Atwoke]

Anybody used the Polaroid i1032 Digital Camera?

The only knowledge I haveof Polaroid is regarding the old instand cameras...not seriously good advertising if it comes to picture quality, but kind of inovative....

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[endurotour]

Hi,

I use a RICOH Caplio R2.. about a year old, some are still around.

5 mega pixels, 4.8 optical zoom 28mm wide angle - 135mm end zoom

This camera has video, SD card etc, uses a good long term battery that will take approx 600+ photos with maybe 30% using flash over two weeks before going flat ish..
The camera also has AA battery options as well, that is take out the rechargable big battery and slip in 2 x AA batterys to keep going.
Very quick start up etc, i have mine in a small bag hanging over the handle bar cross bar, just pull out and shoot, takes a few knocks etc.
I like the option of several power sources, as well as the normal cables for TV use etc..
cheers al

[seanh]

I'm also looking for digital cameras at the moment, and i saw the new Olympus MJU 720 SW which is shock proof and water proof to 3m. Seems like a fairly rugged camera, which takes reasonable photos. A good website is "cameras dot co dot uk" , they have good, non-biased reviews and tests of many new cameras.
Sean

[Atwoke]

Anybody ever tried this one?

Ricoh Caplio RR630

Looks reasonably compact and just about pretends to be what I want...apart from the ISOs...

Jens