Ultra Compact Camera: for Soil Studies!

[ericleeericlee]

Hi, I am currently in the market for a new digital camera.

I will be using the camera mainly for taking photos of soils (texture).
Key things I am looking for:
-Good in dim environments (important)
-Good stabliser (without tripod)
-Very little distortions around the edges
-Macro (min. distance ~ 6 cm +/-)
-Pocket size, oh-so fashionable ultra compact (ie. FujiFilm Z series, Sony T-series, etc.)
-Above average battery life
-Good contrast (distinction in colours) in the darker regions (not a major requirement though, can be manipulated on computer, but the on-camera view screen shouldn't be too far off)
-Hopefully not too fragile, and should still function between -5°C to 35°C
-Under $350 USD
-Any cameras released before April 2007

I've been looking at the FujiFilm F30, it fits all of my needs except I do find it to be slightly on the chunkier side and not so pretty as I found out in the store today. Just a minor moan, though. It is still high on my list, but I'd still like to hear any other suggestions aside from the F30.

Thanks.


Eric

[mattdm]

Speaking from experience, the Fuji F series isn't the strongest at that close macro range.

Plus, since presumably your soil samples aren't moving, this is a case where image stabilization would be a pretty clear win over high ISO. Or even better, get a soild micro tripod and focus on the rest of the feature list.