Want a pocket camera to supplement S9000 suggestions?

[mike62]

I enjoy my fullsize FUJI, however, it is not always convenient to take along. I would like to get a smaller more flat camera that will fit in my shirt pocket. I have looked at a few Panasonics and Canons.

Ideally, I would prefer as much optical zoom as possible, 7MP+, and would like AA's batteries. Write time would be on top of the list I guess. I have noticed SONY cameras seem to write to the card pretty fast.

Also, I was reading on some of the Olympus cameras some type of low light technology they are advertising to avoid a flash is this just hype?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[David Metsky]

The real flat cameras don't use AA batteries, they all use proprietary Li-Ion batteries. You have to go a little bigger to get AAs, something that won't really slip in a jeans pocket easily, but they're still small enough for a jacket pocket. A shirt is somewhere in between and you'll have to decide which is more important to you.

The best for low light without flash is the Fuji F31 or the new F50. They still are quite a ways above any other compact camera on the market. Sony's aren't particularly faster writing to the card then other cameras, although the W80 does have a very good continuous shooting mode (2.7 fps).

What are you willing to trade off; size, AAs, low light?

[speaklightly]

Mike-

David has given you a really good answer. It you must have AA batteries look at the Canon A-710IS, and yes it is a bit thicker due to those AA batteries, and yes, it tops out at about ISO 800 in a pinch. That may be enough for you.

If a low light shooting environment is your ticket, take a look at the Fuji F-20, www.amazon.com has it on special at $149+change.

Sarah Joyce