I'm in the market for a P&S camera and have totaly lost touch with that part of the market. Any help would be appreciated. I'm looking for a (relatively) compact P&S camera that has Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, (manual mode would be a bonus), and has some form of hardware based image stabalization.

Any sugguestions would be appreciated.

 

I would suggest Canon SD600, right now you can get at slightly below $400.

Very good for the price, reliable, lots of useable functions (Aperture Priority, explosure compensation, etc.), very good lens, enough resolution (6mp), real-image optical zoom viewfinder , and so on.

Canon SD600

 

Dave, the SD series from Canon have the best image quality IMHO.

However, I went with a Panasonic LX1 (twin of the Leica D-Lux 2) because of the advanced features that match my SLR usage and also the RAW capture mode (used exclusively). Also because Juan has the Leica version and highly recommended it. My 12"x18" prints look great. Honest review of the LX1 is here and the newer LX2 is here. The conclusion of the review at DPreview.com pretty much sums it up if this is a camera for you.
FWIW, the only difference between the Leica and Panasonic version is the DSP settings for JPG file creation, a minor lens coating, a red dot, and $$$. B&H is asking $409 for the current model (LX2) in black. PM me if you'd like to know more.

 

My suggestion is a Canon S3-IS. FOr $350 or less on average, you get image stabilisation, excellent image quality, 12x optical zoom, excellent video capability, lots of modes and extras. The feel is of a miniature DSLR. Works well for P&S and with the various manual modes you can get creative as your skills improve.

Downside is mainly the size. While not a big camera, it's not something you can drop in your back pocket. The newest SD 700 and SD 900 Elph cameras are very portable and capable.

 

I have a FujiFilm S5200 it works very nice, takes nice pictures. Its in for repairs right now (power slider/shutter button popped off) but besides that boo boo (from bouncing around my glove compartment) it is a great camera, i think it was around $300.

 

I just got an S3 IS last weekend and I like it alot. Image quality is nice and the 12X optical zoom really gets you close. I got mine for just under $300 online.

 

I can only reiterate what SpeedNut Dave said, that Panasonic is probably a good choice. It's supposed to be the same as the D-Lux 2, which I really like as a snapshot camera.

The only reservation I have is that Once a camera has .RAW and manual, is it no longer a point-n-shoot?

 

Canon SD 900.
10 MP, small size, superb pic quality and $335 at Amazon.

For my SLR's and D-SLR's I'm a Nikon guy but that little shooter really broke my heart

 

Take a look at the Canon Powershots, SOmething like the 800IS or 700IS is pretty great with the image stabalizer. The benefit to the 700 nad 800IS is the image stabalizer, I have and SD1000 that I love also but sometime I wish I had gotten the IS model.

Sample from the SD1000 can be found here: http://www.megapixelphotos.com/index.php?showimage=267

 

Dave, check out http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

All price ranges and features along with reviews.

 

Wifey is sold on the Canons - she just got me an SD900IS

Compact, good zoom, lots of features and key for me - takes AA batteries.

 

Thats your wife? Isnt she just a bit young for you

Seriously, some GREAT travel photos in there. AWESOME!

 

So what did you decide on?

 

I have the LX2 and love it. My only gripe is how easy how easy the mode dial spins. It tends to end up in a mode I wasnt expecting when i take it out of my pocket but I've trained myself to check it when turning it on. The wide lens and the 16:9 sensor allow for some interesting things creatively (atleast for me). The image stabilization is also handy.

I'm sure the SD600 is a great camera but don't underestimate the difference between the 35mm wide of the SD600 compared to the 28mm of the LX2. Depending on the type of shooting you do, this may be important.

 

Hi, I bought a SONY DSC-T10 Cyber Shot from Staples for around $300.00, plus $50 or so for the 2 Gigabite memory chip. You probably can get it cheaper somewhere. This is a real compact (it's the size of my Motorola Razor phone, only 1/8" thicker) so it fits in the pocket quite easily. It also has 7.2 Megapixel capability, large-ish (2" by 2-1/4") screen, image stabilization, etc. and it records live footage quite well. Additionally it is one of few pocket cameras that has a sliding cover to go over the lens, keeping it clean and scratch free. The 2GB chip will hold 985 2MP or 278 7MP pictures. Suits my needs fine. I also bought a "Craftsman" !?! cell phone holder that hooks either on a belt or thru the belt. Camera goes in fine and I don't worry about losing it. Like they say, GET WHAT YOU LIKE; LIKE WHAT YOU GET.

 

Hey Dave, you never said digital! :-)

If you're still in the market, how about a Lomo LC-A?
It's ugly as heck so no one will steal it. There's a semblance of aperture priority. No I/S though. However, snapshots are its forté!

Here's a recent "automotive" snappie:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/iguana_azul/906304052/
-J/C

 

I wound up getting a Canon A570 IS

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So now I own both Nikon and Canon gear.

 

At least you mentioned Nikon before that other brand.