What's the best ultracompact camera out there right now?

[beer]

I need to buy a new ultracompact. Durability and size are key -- it needs to be as small as possible. I currently have a larger DSLR that I can't use because it's too bulky.

There are lots of models out there but they seem to all have the same specs/price point so I'm not sure what the differentiation factor is. Can anyone help?

 

[angry hampster]

Why buy a DSLR if you're afraid of its size?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: angry hampster
Why buy a DSLR if you're afraid of its size?

Sometimes you just can't bring a DSLR along with you easily. When I travel on business I just slip my F100fd into a coat pocket. It's a lost simpler than adding a second bag for my DSLR.

There are plenty of occasions where someone who normally uses a DSLR may want to just have a simple point and shoot.

To the OP's question: While it's not an ultra-compact, I have been happy with my F100fd. I like Fuji's color rendering and overall I am happy with the camera. It has some shortcomings, notably the crippled "manual" mode that doesn't allow one to choose shutter speed or aperture but overall it is a versatile and pocketable camera that provides passable web-size images even at ISO 1600.

ZV

 

[ElFenix]

i don't think the fuji f series is an ultra compact.

LL liked the sony W300, it fits into an altoids tin.

 

[TheDrake]

I am debating this same question, the W300 looks good. I currently have a T200 and love the huge screen, 5x zoom, and the fact that the lens doesnt pop out, but IQ is pretty bad in low light. A lot of times its pretty much unusable so I am seriously thinking about switching to another camera with better IQ and sacrafice some of those other features.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
LL liked the sony W300, it fits into an altoids tin.

So did Imaging-Resource.

 

[episodic]

Check out the panasonic fs3. . . I sat on it - nary a problem. . .(i'm not light either) - btw - it is an amazing little cam . . . check the reviews

http://www.amazon.com/review/p...=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

 

[Kaido]

I like the Canon SD890 IS - great zoom for the size (5x), IS, 10 megapixels etc.:

http://www.usa.canon.com/consu...ryid=145&modelid=16719

The A2000 IS is great too, a tad larger but has a 6x zoom.

 

[NTB]

Originally posted by: episodic
Check out the panasonic fs3. . . I sat on it - nary a problem. . .(i'm not light either) - btw - it is an amazing little cam . . . check the reviews

http://www.amazon.com/review/p...=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Another good Panasonic model (if you don't mind the short zoom): DMC-LX3

Been looking to get one myself, but I'd like to see it in person first - and nobody out here in BFE carries it

Nathan

 

[ElFenix]

the LX3 is not an ultra compact.

 

[NTB]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the LX3 is not an ultra compact.

It's one heck of a lot smaller than my Rebel XT & XTi...good enough for me

Nathan