Best Pocket Digital Camera?

Hi A. - before you shop for cameras, let me tell you a couple of things about taking photos. I suspect you old Canon's default setting was "fully automatic". This means that the user (aka you) want the camera to have full control of taking the photo. This also means that the camera needs a few moments to figure out what you're trying to take a picture of and then puts all the information together to take the best picture. This is why there is a two-second delay between when you push the button and when the picture is actually taken. My new Sony does the same thing. The fix is to read the instruction manual and find out what camera setting allows the user to control the moment. In most cases, this is a "P" setting. Another setting that will help you be more instantaneous is to turn off the red-eye flash feature and just go with standard flash. The camera probably has an edit setting that will fix the resulting red-eye.

For your next issue - zoom - the little pocket cameras are going to be generally poor in this category. Because the big idea now is to make the camera as slim as possible, the shell case doesn't accomodate the length that a good zoom lense needs to extend. The type of camera that has the round lense that sticks out from the case is probably going to get you the best zoom, but you'll sacrifice overall size. For the most part, all camera brands compete equally with each other - Canon, Sony, Olympus, Kodak - its just a matter of how much money you want to spend. If you've been using a Canon for 6 years, I'd stick with a new Canon. All the buttons and symbols will be familiar already, and a new camera will be light years superior that the 2004 model. It can even take HD video if you want it to.

We have had a Panasonic Lumix for 3 yrs now and I LOVE it. We wanted a really good zoom and it has 10x zoom on it. It also has a setting for kids and pets that takes into count they will not sit still. Occasionally they move too fast and it blurs but 99% of the time the pictures are perfect.

I have a Nikon Coolpix and I love it. I just used it at a concert and the pictures turned out great. This is my second one (lost the first one) and I haven't had problems with either model. Battery life is great and you can also take video. There is also an active child setting. I haven't used it that much, but like it when I do use it.

That is exactly what I was looking for but didn't want the bulk. I spend a lot of time researching & finally ended up with the Fuji FinePix F72EXR with 10x zoom. I also wanted a fast shutter speed where I wouldn't miss all the sports stuff. We are very happy with it.

My daughter has the Nikon CoolPix - her first one got stolen so I gave her mine (I had one just like it). She LOVES it - I HATED it (hence the reason I gave mine to her. However, the zoom isn't bad and it snapped pics pretty quick. It was really just a personal preference for me and now I am saving up for a Canon Rebel :)

Check out the CoolPix at Target or Wal-Mart. They always have some on display so you can see how the zoom will work for you. Good luck!

I recently bought a digital camera based on the recommendation of a photographer who has a great blog. His name is Ken Rockwell. I bought a Canon S90 and I love it! Takes great pictures. Pretty easy to use. I have to confess that it's my first digital camera. It has lots of features and options, so I will be able to 'grow into it'.

It takes excellent pictures in low light. Zoom is good. The only thing that they could improve on is the battery life. Other than that, I would recommend it.

I got a new camera in March since I had lost my old one. I went with the Canon Powershot Sx120 IS. I bought it at Sams and have seen it at Target and Walmart also. The great thing about this one is it's a 10.0 megapixel and 10x optical zoom. A lot of the pocket cameras have 3x optical and 10x digital but then you have the problem with blurriness on the really zoomed in photos. With the 10x optical, you don't have that problem. I didn't know about that till I was showing it to my boss, who knows alot about cameras. It's a little thicker than some other cameras but still fits in my pocket! Good luck!