Digital Camera help!

[Chris150x]

My current camera is the Kodak EasyShare CX7430 (4 mega pixels)- which I hate. It is bulky, I hate the software it came with, and it takes really bad pictures. It's impossible to take a picture at night with this camera. I usually take pictures on vacations, usually to (Disney) theme parks. I'd like a camera thats easy to use, takes good pics both at night and during the day, and a cool software to go along with it would be cool, but not at all necessary.

Requirements:

SD Memory Card compatible
Rechargeable battery
5+ megapixels
anti-shake/image stabilization would be nice..
Nothing big or bulky


I would really like it to be under $150 if possible, but I might buy a more expensive camera if it is really worth it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[bascom]

Canon A550.

Why do you want Rechargeable lithium ion battery? I think rechargeable AA's are better. You won't get anti-shake/image stabilization for < $150. Those start at $200.

[Chris150x]

You think rechargeable AAs are better than the lithium ion batteries? How? I always thought lithium ion was better because it lasts longer. I guess as long as it's rechargeable, I'll be happy.

[Paradox]

I think many prefer AA's because you can swap them out on the go. But I'm a Lithium-Ion pack person myself, I hate carrying batteries. Also, you could look at some compact Panasonics, as I believe they have Stabilisation. Probably not overly cheap though.

[David Metsky]

The advantages of AA are:
- Much cheaper
- Can swap in Alkalines in a pinch, which are available anywhere
- Can use AA Lithiums in very cold weather, best performance
- Can use the batteries in other devices and new cameras

Disadvantages
- Bigger then Li-Ion
- NiMH are not as good as Li-Ion in very cold weather
- Not quite as much energy per volume, but the difference is fairly small

I've got Li-Ion for my ultracompact, and AA for all the rest.

[Chris150x]

I looked up that Canon. I liked it, only problem is that it looks like it isnt the smallest camera that you can just slip into your pocket. It is definitely a step up from the Kodak I have now though. Any other ideas?

[tensixteen64]

I've used a Sony Cybershot T-33 for a few years. It's small enough to fit in my back pocket, very thin. It takes some great photos as well. I think that they even sell a waterproof case for Sony's. I'm not sure what's out there Sony wise, but, I do know that I would buy a new one if this one ever died. I love lithium ion batteries, I just take the charger with me on vacation. It's got a good battery life, usually I can take it for a party or a day trip to a theme park and the battery is fine. You can set most camera's to shut off after a minute or so of non-use.

[David Metsky]

The Canon SD-series fits the bill, but small comes at a cost. I'd look for someplace that still has SD600s around, but if you want IS you'll need to pay more then $150.

[Chris150x]

I like the Canon A550, but I also looked at the A560 and I like this model as well. I just dont get whats the major difference between the two? I'm not sure if I should spend more money on the A560 or just buy the A550 if I dont need the extra features. :(

[John_Reed]

I'm thinking of the LZ6, LZ7? I've heard of happy users of these cameras. And also, the TZ1 is now selling around your price range. It has a 10X zoom, zoomier than the LZs, but is 5MP instead of 7MP. All have image stabilization, I think the LZs are the teensiest.

[David Metsky]

The Canon A-series isn't small enough to slip into your pocket easily. They are compact, but not ultra-compact like the other cameras you've mentioned.