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Looking for a pocket camera

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S

soccerballtux

Lifer
Dec 30, 2004
12,553
2
76
I'm traveling europe this summer, and would like a camera that will nicely fit in a pocket. So one of the slimmer types.

Are these any good? Can I get an ok one below $200? The only slim model I'm aware of is an Elixim; if you who know of some others could list some options I'll go research them and report back with hopefully more informed questions.
 
jpeyton

jpeyton

Moderator in SFF, Notebooks, Pre-Built/Barebones
Moderator
Aug 23, 2003
25,375
142
116
Can't go wrong with a Canon SD1000 (or SD1100 IS, which adds optical image stabilization for slightly more money). Both are right around $200 (SD1000 is under, SD1100 IS is over). Canon has higher model SD series cameras too, but they would stretch your budget.

I'm a fan of Casio's Exilim line too; the absolute thinnest they have is the EX-S10, which will run a little over $200. The EX-Z100/Z200 are slightly thicker (still comparable in size to the Canon SD series), but are also good options. Don't get any of the lower Exilim models (EX-Z80/Z77/Z9) because their LCD resolution sucks.

I would check out both options in person (Circuit City and Best Buy will carry both brands).

The Sony W series is a good third option; I would only consider them if you have other devices that use Memory Stick Pro Duo memory (like a PS3, PSP, etc.).
 
DrPizza

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Mar 5, 2001
49,601
167
111
www.slatebrookfarm.com
My wife just picked up a new "disposable" camera for recreational use:
~$125
Kodak Easyshare M753

Only had it for 2 days, but I've been fairly happy with its performance. We've been taking some photos in our barn (poor lighting conditions) and the photos have been turning out quite nice. Better than our old disposable camera. The camera seems to have plenty of features with an easy to use menu.
 
jpeyton

jpeyton

Moderator in SFF, Notebooks, Pre-Built/Barebones
Moderator
Aug 23, 2003
25,375
142
116
DrPizza

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Mar 5, 2001
49,601
167
111
www.slatebrookfarm.com
I went back and took a closer look at the photos at full resolution. Yes, taken in our dark barn at midnight, with only a couple CFL lightbulbs operating at 25 degrees F, the photos came out a bit grainy. I haven't had a lot of P&S cameras; this camera takes pictures in that environment just as good if not better than the other P&S cameras I've had. Maybe I've just been unlucky at choosing P&S cameras. Apparently, my expectations aren't as high as they are for others for a cheap camera?

I certainly don't wish to promote Kodak's products, but some of those reviews - "my son dropped it on the floor and it stopped working. My old camera survived being dropped on the ground several times." Wow. My expectations really ARE a lot lower than they are for other people!

However, here are 3 pictures for comparison. (All taken by my wife, so don't blame me for the flaws. ;) )
100_0124.JPG
That was taken at night (obviously, if you look at the windows. The goats nibbled away the plastic.) Also note: Goats don't have a problem with red eye. That room/stall is lit with two equivalent of 60 watt CFL's operating at less than full brightness due to the temperature outside (below freezing.)
One taken during the day: 100_0124.JPG in the barn. Doesn't seem too grainy to me. Not a great photo when viewed at full resolution, but I'm not exactly planning on printing out posters either.

And one really really grainy one, taken at night outside. I believe the ducks were about 20-25 feet away from my wife when she took the picture. (It was snowing outside at the time) Maybe it's just luck of the draw, but all of my P&S cameras have been poor at taking a photo like this while on auto. (I haven't tried playing around with the settings yet for such a photo.)100_0124.JPG

edit: heck, the more I use this thing, the more I don't like it.
 
S

soccerballtux

Lifer
Dec 30, 2004
12,553
2
76
Wow fun pics! I esp like http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/drpizza/100_0135.JPG . Thanks a lot for those; they have helped me decide. I think I'll look elsewhere...probably get one of those coolpix cameras. Those are nice and slim.

Not too bad but that digital noise is kinda bothersome. I'd rather spend the money once and get a good camera that I can use for 10 years.
 
T

troytime

Golden Member
Jan 3, 2006
1,996
1
0
Originally posted by: DrPizza
I went back and took a closer look at the photos at full resolution. Yes, taken in our dark barn at midnight, with only a couple CFL lightbulbs operating at 25 degrees F, the photos came out a bit grainy. I haven't had a lot of P&S cameras; this camera takes pictures in that environment just as good if not better than the other P&S cameras I've had. Maybe I've just been unlucky at choosing P&S cameras. Apparently, my expectations aren't as high as they are for others for a cheap camera?

I certainly don't wish to promote Kodak's products, but some of those reviews - "my son dropped it on the floor and it stopped working. My old camera survived being dropped on the ground several times." Wow. My expectations really ARE a lot lower than they are for other people!

However, here are 3 pictures for comparison. (All taken by my wife, so don't blame me for the flaws. ;) )
100_0124.JPG
That was taken at night (obviously, if you look at the windows. The goats nibbled away the plastic.) Also note: Goats don't have a problem with red eye. That room/stall is lit with two equivalent of 60 watt CFL's operating at less than full brightness due to the temperature outside (below freezing.)
One taken during the day: 100_0124.JPG in the barn. Doesn't seem too grainy to me. Not a great photo when viewed at full resolution, but I'm not exactly planning on printing out posters either.

And one really really grainy one, taken at night outside. I believe the ducks were about 20-25 feet away from my wife when she took the picture. (It was snowing outside at the time) Maybe it's just luck of the draw, but all of my P&S cameras have been poor at taking a photo like this while on auto. (I haven't tried playing around with the settings yet for such a photo.)100_0124.JPG

edit: heck, the more I use this thing, the more I don't like it.
Click to expand...

dude, that first pic is seriously creepy

i grew up in a small town and seeing animals is nothing new
but the eye glow with that one goat up close like he's the satanic hellgoat
*phew*

 
J

Jawo

Diamond Member
Jun 15, 2005
4,125
0
0
Originally posted by: soccerballtux
Wow fun pics! I esp like http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/drpizza/100_0135.JPG . Thanks a lot for those; they have helped me decide. I think I'll look elsewhere...probably get one of those coolpix cameras. Those are nice and slim.

Not too bad but that digital noise is kinda bothersome. I'd rather spend the money once and get a good camera that I can use for 10 years.
Click to expand...

My parents and sister randomly bought two different Nikon coolpix cameras (the 4000 and the 5500, IIRC) and THEY were underimpressed with them. The pictures never came out good and they really weren't cheap. Since then, my sister has gotten a Canon SD800 IS which she loves!

I doubt you will use a digital camera for 10 years, more likely with a true film camera. Technology changes a great deal in that time...10 years ago (1999) APS film was the cutting edge!
 
soydios

soydios

Platinum Member
Mar 12, 2006
2,708
0
0
The Fujifilm F40fd works fine is a slim party camera for my sister, and it has a manual mode. Sadly it isn't the same as the f31fd in the high-ISO range.
 
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