New Ultra Slim Decision

[Hazemix1]

This is going to be my first digital camera. Normally I wait a while before jumping into a new market (got my first laptop a year ago), but I'm willing to go for a digital camera, and that means spending top dollar ($350-$550).

I want something I can take with me everywhere I go, so an ultra-slim is where it's at.

I'll probably be taking some low-light pictures (clubs, concerts, etc.). I'm not sure if I will use high-speed shots, but I definatly wouldn't want to feel like I need to buy a new camera if I went to a basketball game.

I have an SD slot in my laptop, so no SONY products for me thanks.

I'm trying to decide between:
Canon SD300
Casio EX-z750
Nikon S1
Canon SD400
Though I'm open to suggestion

I want to have a solid flash capability. Video isn't my concern, but it would be nice if I could have something to hold me over for the next few years (still no camcorder as you may have guessed). I think start-up speed will be important, but since I've never had a nice camera of my own I'm not a good judge of that. I even think the SD500 is a little bit bulky, but I'm flexible. I think the Nikon S1 is a little bit fragile/feminine.

Manual shots aren't really important, as I'm not a photographer and don't expect to be too artsy about it. Point-and-shoot mostly. Image quality at night/low-light is important to me.

I probably won't be printing much at first, at least not bigger than the standard picture size. The need may arise however, for some larger pictures. But it's not a huge concern. I like reliability and would prefer something that will last a good while (assuming there are no accidents).

Oh Forum lords, point me to the path of the righteous!

[JTL]

As far as the Canons go...if you're willing to go over $500.00, go for the SD500 and forget the SD300 and SD400. It blows them away...(I feel compelled to admit that I am a biased SD500 owner...but, in my opinion, it is simply the best of the pocket cams that I have used...and I've used a lot). My personal recommendation is to think carefully before purchasing a camera without an optical viewfinder. There will be many low-light and bright sunlight situations where you'd wish you had one!

[jeisner]

My personal recommendation is to think carefully before purchasing a camera without an optical viewfinder. There will be many low-light and bright sunlight situations where you'd wish you had one!

Agreed the EVF in the FZ20 (my previous digital) was the biggest fault with this camera for me...

I think if you have to go for a camera with an EVF, best to make sure it at least gains up in low light situations...

[Hazemix1]

I'm a little reluctant to go for the SD500, because of the price point, and since I don't expect to need the 7mega pixels, and the fact that it is a little bulkier. I don't expect to want a camera any smaller than the SD300 and SD400, so that's why I was leaning towards them. I'm sure there will soon be a camera that is the same size as the SD300 with 7 mega pixels, and then I'll be kicking myself for not getting the smaller one.
I'm concerned about the quality difference between the SD300 and the SD400. In my research I've encountered a number of sources that suggest that the SD400 is worse when it comes to detail in low-light situations (noise related). Is this possible? Why would the higher-end camera be worse in such an important situation?


Also, what type of SD card should I be looking for? I know I want a fast 1GB card, but what's a good one?

thx,

[Hazemix1]

The nikon doesn't seem to have an optical viewfinder, but the casio one does right?

How does the casio compare in image quality?

I'm itching to go buy the SD400 right now, but if it really is worse in low-light conditions I'll be rather dissapointed.

[PMR]

Here are some of images taken with my SD400. The first two were taken with a tripod but the rest were not.

http://myfotographyblog.blogspot.com/

[juliezim]

I've been wavering between the casio exilim and the cannon SD400 and have many of the same questions. In a forum (on Casio, I think?) was a direct comparison of casio/canon photos - and the casio compared favorably 90 percent of the time, sometimes out performing the canon in terms of contrast and lighting. Some of the Casios have larger LCDs and they are possibly a little more durable - there have been complaints about the SD series screens cracking. Canon insists users have abused them. The users insist it is a camera weakness. I called Canon - they said not to carry the camera in a pants pocket or purse, but in a shirt pocket is okay, and not to leave it in the cold for long periods of time. They do not stand behind screens that get a "purple blob" or crack, even under warranty. On the other hand, one user takes his Canon SD 300 skiing.
Camera purists seem to favor Canon as a brand in general. The Casio lenses are made by Pentax, I think, not by Casio itself.

[flyingmonkey]

I have been researching digital cameras for a few weeks now. I currently own a non-digital Canon Elph which I absolutely love. I was hoping to just get the digital version of this (S410) but then saw the SD series. I love that the SD200 is even smaller than the S410.

I have the same requirements as Hazemix1. I basically want a slim, digital, point & shoot camera (i.e. digital version of my Elph). It will be used for all types of situations, including clubs and lots of travel (so low-lighting situations to all types of weather), etc. I love the size of the Elphs as they are small enough to put in a small purse. However, I also have the same concerns as juliezim as I have heard about the E18 error and the cracked LCDs.

So, I am wondering if I should go with a Canon or perhaps go for the Sony DSCL1. I've not heard much about Casio either and was considering the Exilim Z55...only because of its size. I looked at the product specifications for the Sony & the Casio and it didn't state outright that they had an optical viewfinder like the SD200 did. I know I just gave you cameras that are not comparable as far as MP's are concerned, but excluding that criteria does any one have any recommendations?