Which Camera Has The Best Picture Quality But Is Still Compact???

[Kristy9895]

Ok, I've been going crazy trying to find the perfect camera. I'll think I found one and find out there are cons to it like bad picture quality sucky flash etc. So this is what I need: 5 or more megapix, big LCD, Good Flash, EXCELLENT picture quality, not too big like not pro size, preferably with an optical viewer unless it has a really good LCD that one is not really needed. As far as price I'm pretty flexible nothing over $450 but if the best picture quality I can possibly get is higher than $450 I can do that. Also I mainly want to buy this camera for a trip to St. Lucia in the Caribbean so I'll be taking a lot of outdoor vivid beach and jungle pictures. Also most will have people in the pictures. So if anyone can help in anyway to help me find a Camera with THE best picture quality that would be great. Thanks, Kristy :)

[JTL]

Ok, I've been going crazy trying to find the perfect camera. I'll think I found one and find out there are cons to it like bad picture quality sucky flash etc. So this is what I need: 5 or more megapix, big LCD, Good Flash, EXCELLENT picture quality, not too big like not pro size, preferably with an optical viewer unless it has a really good LCD that one is not really needed. As far as price I'm pretty flexible nothing over $450 but if the best picture quality I can possibly get is higher than $450 I can do that. Also I mainly want to buy this camera for a trip to St. Lucia in the Caribbean so I'll be taking a lot of outdoor vivid beach and jungle pictures. Also most will have people in the pictures. So if anyone can help in anyway to help me find a Camera with THE best picture quality that would be great. Thanks, Kristy :)Make your life easy...Canon SD550...:)

[Ruffian29]

Take a look at the canon SD series (SD500 i'd recommend, I have the SD300 and LOVE it but its only 4MP)
Also look at the A series. I think its the A95 (i could be missing a number or letter in there) They are a little bigger, not huge, runs on AA batteries (good incase your in a bind) and have a rotating LCD which is great, and takes awesome pictures. The only reason i went for the SD300 is b/c the A series were just to big for me (i wanted something i could take in my purse w/o really noticing it)

good luck, and go with a canon

[TampaJim]

Ditto ... Canon SD550. Great camera, great software suite, great support.

Please realize that ALL sub-compact cameras have some degree of redeye. It is an issue related to the flash being so close to the lens. The software package (ArcSoft PhotoStudio) can take care of it in most cases.

FYI - Canon makes a very nice "underwater" case for the camera. This could be very convenient if snorkeling, diving, etc. - or if you get caught in a tropical downpour on dry land. It is good to 130 feet. The case isn't cheap, but it sure is a nice accessory.