A good ultracompact with fun features

[anagram7507]

I've been looking at digital cameras lately, and I've come up with a list of specs that I'd like to have in one:
-Optical zoom 4x or higher
-5+ megapixels
-Battery charger included
-Hooks up to USB
-Memory card= SD
-Optical image stabilizer
-Face recognition (optional)

Does anyone have recommendations? I've been thinking about getting a Canon of some type.

[KCook]

The SD card requirements knocks Olympus and Sony out of the list. Otherwise, there are lots of cameras that will work, from various brands. Canon is certainly a good one.

Other fun features for play are control preview, electronic viewfinder, HDR option, i-pod style control wheels, panorama assist, smile detection, swivel LCD, touch screen, and specialized scene settings.

Features are fun, but for plain enjoyment I'm more keen on a LCD with good performance. Plenty bright in daylight, and wide viewing angle. Unfortunately this is something the reviews only mention in passing, don't really try to measure. So you end up struggling to do your own evaluation in the store.

Kelly Cook

[David Metsky]

What do you mean, hooks up to USB? Do you mean connects to the computer via USB? Pretty much all cameras do that; you'd be hard pressed to find one that doesn't.

All ultracompacts have Li-Ion batteries and come with their own charger. In the Canon line, the SD890 or SD850 would be good options. I'd also look at the Panasonic FX35 or FX500 and the Sony W-170 (no SD cards).

Did you have a price range?

[anagram7507]

Sorry I wasn't clear about that. Yes, I do mean hooks up to a computer through USB. Price range is probably $125-$275. Thanks for your help!

[bascom]

What price? What do you mean by "Battery charger included". Cameras that use lithium batts will include the charger. Those that use AA's you can buy a charger for $20 or less.

Canon SD890, Fuji F100, and Pan TZ4 are options.

[anagram7507]

Thanks! I'd prefer a camera that had a lithium battery.

[tkbslc]

In my opinion, the Casio Exilim series are some of the best ultracompacts on the market. I have the z77, which I love. It is only about $150, but only has a 3x zoom and digital IS, though. Their most expensive model, the Z200, would meet all your criteria, but is near the top of your price range. These cameras are incredibly easy to use, extremely pocketable and take fantastic video with full zoom function in video. I haven't used my MiniDV camcorder in over a year! Battery life is incredible. I generally charge mine about once every 4-6 weeks. Don't think you could go wrong with any of the Casios.

[David Metsky]

Full zoom in video mode? Are you sure? It's not mentioned in the specs on the Casio site.

[tkbslc]

I was sure. :) I just checked and apparently it is using digital zoom. Although it doesn't seem to have affected the image quality any.

[David Metsky]

At 640x480 it's easily noticeable on a monitor. I have digital zoom on my SD800 in movie mode and while it is better then nothing, I use it very sparingly. I love the optical zoom on my S3.

[anagram7507]

Thanks for your help, everyone. I ended up getting a Canon Powershot SD750 Digital Elph, and I love it :D