digital camera help please

[twotoohappy]

Hi,
I'm looking for a small, pocket type digital camera that takes video with sound. I use it mainly for our trips to WDW. I'm looking for one that takes great pics inside and out without breaking the bank.
thanks for any help!

 

[Jalva22]

Check out www.dcresource.com and click on "Reviews & Info". The site lists all the cameras you can imagine and has indepth reviews of most, along with links to vendors. Canon is my favorite for pocket cameras, but the video mode isn't as strong as others. One Canon with a great movie mode is the S1 (now replaced by the S2), but it is not pocket size. You might read up on the Sony DSC-W1 for a start.

 

[rifamtrav]

One thing I always tell people is to go to a store and hold the camera, get the feel of it. The Canons for example, have some very small cameras, but for me I actually find that they don't feel comfortable in my hand, they are rectangular and I feel like its hard to hold. We have a nikon 3200 which I think feels a little better because it has a slight pistol grip built in, my fingers don't feel as cramped. Another feature I like to look for is a camera that can use rechargeables but also take standard AA batteries - you will want to use the rechargeables most of the time, but if you're ever stuck you can always walk into any store and buy a pack of AA's. Our particular nikon is probably not even available anymore but I believe the 4600 is very similar and under $200. This isn't to say Nikon is the best, just my experience.

 

[jerbroni]

I have a Canon SD400. It is definitely pocket sized. It takes OK video indoors, but super video outdoors in the sunlight. It takes videos up to 640x480 resolution for a max of 3 minutes I think? I could post a couple of samples if you'd like. PM me if you're interested and I'll get them uploaded.

 

[asaj]

If you want pocket size, the canon elph style cameras are good. I just bought the S2, because of it's big 12x IS zoom, and it also has probably the best video mode of any digicam. Not pocket size, but the extra features make it worth it, IMHO.

I carry all my junk in my camera bag (money, room keys, etc) so I don't mind having a small camera bag to carry. Keeps everything secure on the rides, and it water proof.

Andy

 

[twotoohappy]

Thanks for the info everyone! I'm going to check that link and visit the local store. I have until August to decide. All I know is that basically I need a point and shoot type

 

[jswalker1981]

I know that I went to the local Ritz camera store to at least get the info I need and to hold the cameras. I love what the SLR cameras can do, but I hate the size. So I went with the Casio Exlim EX-Z57. It is compact, a little bigger then an altoids tin (which the Pentax Optio s5i and s5z can fit in, which are good cameras too). I chose the Exlim because it has a longer battery life then most other cameras, up to 400 shots before needing a charge. I just bought so I can't comment on the video quality, but I am sure that I won't be discouraged. I am also looking at the Sony DSC-M1 for the next camera my girlfriend and I will buy for her. We want a camcorder, but we aren't that held up on professional quality, and the DSC-M1 is supposed to have good video quality with good snap shot quality and the compact size is something we are definitely looking at. But my advice is to make sure to do as much research as you can. I went to Ritz camera about 4 or 5 times just to look at two cameras over and over again just to get an idea of what I like, because after reading reviews, I wanted to know if the cons was really someone being really picky.

 

[jennat]

I got my second (left the first in Vegas) s410 at walmart.com for $247.00 Love, love,love this camera. Had the first one for a year.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I know that I went to the local Ritz camera store to at least get the info I need and to hold the cameras. I love what the SLR cameras can do, but I hate the size. So I went with the Casio Exlim EX-Z57. It is compact, a little bigger then an altoids tin (which the Pentax Optio s5i and s5z can fit in, which are good cameras too). I chose the Exlim because it has a longer battery life then most other cameras, up to 400 shots before needing a charge. I just bought so I can't comment on the video quality, but I am sure that I won't be discouraged. I am also looking at the Sony DSC-M1 for the next camera my girlfriend and I will buy for her. We want a camcorder, but we aren't that held up on professional quality, and the DSC-M1 is supposed to have good video quality with good snap shot quality and the compact size is something we are definitely looking at. But my advice is to make sure to do as much research as you can. I went to Ritz camera about 4 or 5 times just to look at two cameras over and over again just to get an idea of what I like, because after reading reviews, I wanted to know if the cons was really someone being really picky.

I just bought the Casio Z750. Could we be talking about the same camera? My model came out just a couple of months ago and has the long-life battery and does stills and video and tons of stuff, including just plain audio if you want to record information. I just got it last week, but I am loving it and the small size is the greatest, actually it is almost too small. My hubby using Nikon's, but we looked at this Casio together, and I think it will be great for me.

 

[jswalker1981]

I just bought the Casio Z750. Could we be talking about the same camera? My model came out just a couple of months ago and has the long-life battery and does stills and video and tons of stuff, including just plain audio if you want to record information. I just got it last week, but I am loving it and the small size is the greatest, actually it is almost too small. My hubby using Nikon's, but we looked at this Casio together, and I think it will be great for me.

Very, very similar. It actually has a 2.7 inch LCD screen and no optical viewfinder. I was thinking of getting the Nikon Coolpix S1, but the shutter speed was faster with the casio. The only other camera I really thought of buying was the Pentax Optio s5z, but the battery life with the casio was my deciding factor. I am glad you are loving it, because I am supposed to get mine on friday by FedEx.