Canon, Panasonic, or Sony?

[lollipop320]

I'm looking for a compact camera that I can carry with me everywhere. I currently have the Canon S3IS, but am looking for something smaller.

The cameras I'm looking at currently are:
Canon SD750
Canon A590
Sony Cybershot
Panasonic Lumix DMX-FS5K
Panasonic Lumix FX30A

I have always owned Canon cameras, but am considering other options as well.

I prefer a camera with image stabilization and that produces very good quality photos. The SD750 does not come with image stabilization, but from reviews others have been satisfied with its performance.

Based on these what would you recommend?

[David Metsky]

Is there any reason you listed the SD750 instead of the SD850, SD890, or SD1100? They are all newer models, all with IS.

The A590 isn't an ultracompact, but it is fairly small. Sony Cybershot is the name of an entire line of cameras, which model are you looking at and why? For the Panasonics you're also looking at an older model. Take a look at the FX35 or FX500.

What other features are you looking for? What's your budget? You need to give us a bit more information to go on.

[barreldistortion]

Don't get the SD750. Very blurry and has a lot of barrel distortion. I owned it for three days and returned it.

[lollipop320]

I don't want to spend more than $200. And from what I have read and researched these models seemed comparable and received good reviews.

[David Metsky]

I wouldn't worry about the moderate barrel distortion. All cameras in this class have it to some degree, it's not really noticeable in the real world except in some extreme cases.

For $200 I'd look at the SD1100, the Sony W130, the Panasonic FS5, and maybe throw in the Panasonic TZ4 and the Canon A590 or A720 if you are willing to look at a slightly larger camera.

[Turn]

SD850 is my pick

the s3 is can get a bit chunky yeh but compared to dSLR its nearly toy size!

gah...

[KCook]

I used to have a Canon S3, until it got burgled. Now have a Fuji, which lacks IS, but still does well. Here is a link to another discussion -

Best Digital Camera for $200? *Quick Question* Please read. (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39164)

Kelly Cook

[crump]

Personally I don't like the cybershots... They don't seem to produce great photos, especially when compared to the Canon.

But that's just me.

[tkbslc]

I like the panasonic fs5 from your list. 30mm wide angle lens, very compact, easy to use, IS.

The fx30 is really an old model, so I'd drop that one. The A590 is too big to carry in a pocket, so that might be a problem for you. You didn't mention a model of sony, so I can't comment there. If you really like the SD750, the canon sd1100IS is almost identical but adds IS and sells for about $200 at amazon.com.