Need carry anywhere camera

[snaz]

Currently have the Canon G6 and believe it or not it is a little bulky to take everywhere we go. Looking for a very compact dig cam that is pocketable and takes quality pictures. Will be used mostly for outdoor pictures of family on dya trips etc. 3-4X zoom lens and 5 MP is probably good enough. Also like camera to be fast in AF dep't. Full manual controls are not critical, as long as I can control the aperature and/or shutter speed.

Have been thinking of a Sony P series (P93 or so) not the P200 due to budget. Would like to keep cost under $200 for camera. P series seems to produce reliable good quality photos.

Any thoughts or other ideas? Thanks.

[PhilR.]

The Sony's are fairly speedy, and do have manual exposure modes. I'm not sure though if you can get a 93 under $200, but you might be able to get the P73 for that price.

Otherwise, there isn't a lot to choose from in manual exposure cams under $200. It would seem that the logical choice for you would be the Canon A510 (or slightly more expensive A520), which has manual modes accessible via mode dial, and can easily be found in your price range. There's also the Fuji E500/510, which have the unusual feature (in this price range) of a wide-angle zoom lens.

One other thing to consider is that 5mp cameras with manual exposure modes for under $200 is a rare thing. Assuming that you will not find a P93 under $200, then about the only thing left would be the Fuji E510, which can be mail-ordered for just under $200.

PhilR.

[jessie25]

Does the whole P-series have the quirk with the default flash shutter speed being 1/40, or is that just the P150/P200?

[kimnicho]

All? of the Sony Point-and-Shoots use 1/40 as default including the W and P Series....as long as the subject is STILL, it will give you a sharper picture...that's their thinking anyway