Please help with selecting a point-and-shoot

[amol]

There's just way too many choices out there. I think I hit up at least 6 different stores today looking at p&s cameras. I think I've been spoiled by my DSLR in the sense that obviously takes MUCH BETTER pictures than any p&s ever will. But I need one for everyday shooting (my parents have been wanting to finally switch from film --> digital for their camera).

Basically, I'm looking for something "pocketable", something that can take good night pics with minimal noise/minimal flushing out from flash, and something that can take decent video. Our budget is about $350-400 and since I need it tomorrow, I'll have to get it at a B&M store in the Pasadena, CA area.

I'm a Canon fan when it comes to SLRs, but I'm not so sure about them for P&S. I'm open to other brands (except Sony).

Some of the cameras I've looked at:

edit:
Canon SD800/850 IS
Nikon Coolpix S50/S50c (didn't really like this cause the lens just doesn't seem that great, but the interface was pretty nice).
Fuji F40fd (I haven't been able to find this at a B&M store, only online).

Any suggestions? Thanks

edit: Yes, yes, I know, I make one of these every few months, but I'm serious this time. I really need a P&S!

 

[Krioni]

I think the Fuji F31fd is the one to go with, from what I've read, that's one of the best P&S cameras you can buy for low light situations. You should be able to find it for $250ish and there's a $30 MIR right now.

Also, from what I've read, many consider the F31fd to be *better* image quality than the F40fd.

Good luck

 

[amol]

Originally posted by: Krioni
I think the Fuji F31fd is the one to go with, from what I've read, that's one of the best P&S cameras you can buy for low light situations. You should be able to find it for $250ish and there's a $30 MIR right now.

Also, from what I've read, many consider the F31fd to be *better* image quality than the F40fd.

Good luck

I can't seem to find the F31fd at any B&M stores nearby, but I did find that Costco has the F40fd for $250 after instant rebate. I'm going to pick it up, try it out, and see if I should utilize the epic Costco return policy.

 

[Krioni]

Try looking for the F20... it's supposedly great quality like the F31fd, but without all of the manual controls and face detection.

I'm sure the F40fd is still a great camera in comparison to most of the market.

Take a look at dpreview.com for info on cameras that you're considering. (and no, I do not work for dpreview... I just recently discovered the site in my search for a new camera and happen to like the site a lot)

 

[msarp]

The F31fd is available at:
http://www.abesofmaine.com/ite...1&id=FJFPF31&l=FROOGLE
http://www.beachcamera.com/sho...JFPF31FD&sku=FJFPF31FD

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPag...tafeed.FUJ+FINPIXF31FD
http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...ag=interactiveda633-20

hope this helps!

 

[Aharami]

I ordered the f31fd from amazon plus a 1 gig type h xD card. card shipped right away from amazon and was at my house (NJ) within 4 days. camera shipped the next day from Complete Photo USA in OH and was at my house 1 day after the xD card. I'd also recommend the f31 over the f40 and those 2 over any other ultra compact P&S

 

[Aharami]

doh. just read that you need it by today. so i guess the f31 is out unless if you can find it anywhere locally

 

[Nocturnal]

The Canon SD1000 is a great cam and a really cheap one too. Compared to when I bought my SD700 at least.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
The Canon SD1000 is a great cam and a really cheap one too. Compared to when I bought my SD700 at least.

did you get in on the dell deal at fatwallet?

edit: the 700 has a longer lens and IS, i'd rate it as a more desirable camera than the SD1000. additionally, it was the top of the line SD at the time, whereas the SD1000 is not (despite the higher number in the name)



canon's naming scheme is worse than ATi's.

 

[msarp]

I ordered the f31fd ! from J&R. CAN NOT WAIT TO GET IT!