Obsessively indecisive about new camera..need advice!

[Laserstar]

Because I like to be able to carry a camera with me at all time, I've decide to purchase an ultra-compact camera. Unfortunately, the larger DSLR usually stays in my closet!...

I've been reading tons of reviews and really can't seem to make up my mind. My boyfriend has the Canon G7, which has really nice features, but even smaller and lighter would be a bonus, especially that we are often together, so perhaps two G7 is a little redundant.

My main requirements are performance (speed) and ability to take low-light pictures (and if possible have image stabilisation). True coulour and colour-brightness are also important. I have a pentax Optio 550 that I bought in 2003 and it just didn't make the cut for me. Start-up was very slow...so I missed many photo opportunities, and I couldn't get it to take pictures at night, even in brightly lit interiors unless I had a tripod...And carrying a tripod beats the pupose of a compact camera. And the colours weren't true. In the same situation, my friend's basic canon always delivered....

I was looking at the Canon SD1000, Leica d-lux 3, panasonic lx2, olympus 760, Canon PowerShot SD800,etc, and of course the larger G7. Apparently, leica and panasonic are disappointing in low-light (?).
If anyone has some advice, I would greatly appreciate.

[Photo-John]

Compact digital cameras have come a long way since you bought your Pentax Optio 550. Start-up and shutter-lag have been noticeably minimized and image quality has improved a lot, too. Since you have an SLR, I assume you know how to use and appreciate manual exposure tools? The Canon SD-Series cameras are great, but they're pure point-and-shoot. Personally, I have a hard time with them because they're too simple. On the other hand, they have excellent image quality and the fit in your pocket. If you do buy one of the Canons, I'd recommend the SD800 IS, because of the image stabilization. There are enough compact digital cameras with optical image stabilization now, that I don't want to use one that doesn't have it. That makes Panasonic an excellent choice, since all of their cameras include their excellent MEGA O.I.S. image stabilization. I did a review of the Panasonic Lumix LX2 and think it's a fine camera. My only issue with it is that it doesn't fit in my pocket.

If you want an alternative, I'd recommend taking a look at Casio compacts. One of my favorite compact digital cameras ever was the Casio Exilim EX-Z750. This was a couple of years ago. But the camera was quicker than anything I'd ever used, it fit in my pocket, and it had full manual exposure controls. They've since replaced it with the EX-Z850 and now the closest thing is the Exilim EX-V7, which packs a 7x optical zoom lens into a pocket-sized body. I am looking forward to getting my hands on that camera for a pro review.

Hope that helps!

[Mr Yuck]

Also check out the Canon A570 IS, reasonably small, image stabilization, good manual controls, AA batteries. It's in the top 3 for my next camera choice.

(Other choices for me are: Canon TX1, Canon A710 IS)

All 3 of these are compact and have image stabilization

[Photo-John]

Yes - thanks Mr. Yuck! The Canon A-Series compacts are very, very nice. They're like an inexpensive version of the G-Series cameras. I've been using an A640 for a few weeks now and it's a wonderful camera. The only thing it's missing is image stabilization. I think the A710 IS would be a wonderful choice - although, you will be trading size for features. The A-Series cameras, like the G7, won't fit in your pocket.

[Mr Yuck]

The A6xx series is nothing compared to the 5xx and 7xx series, the 6xx series used a different, cheaper lens, that doesnt produce images at night quite as well (it's close, but I notice the difference)

[Photo-John]

The A6xx series is nothing compared to the 5xx and 7xx series, the 6xx series used a different, cheaper lens, that doesnt produce images at night quite as well (it's close, but I notice the difference)

Interesting. What's the difference? I have found the image quality from A640 to be very, very good. In fact, I've been surprised by it. But I'm not shooting any night photos. Maybe I'll go take some tonight!

[Mr Yuck]

The 6xx series has a 1/8" lens, the 5xx and 7xx series has a 1/2.5" lens.

And the 6xx series is rumored to have a plexiglass or lexan lens, as opposed to the glass lens of the 5xx and 7xx series.