In need of compact camera with all the "bells and whistles"!

[crazee4mickey]

We're off to Puerto Vallarta in a couple of months and when we were there this past March of '08 and I took my Rebel with me--I have great pics but it wasn't easy to lug around due to its size--I have a great backpack style case but it was just too much to carry all over.

I would like a smaller camera that I can just stick in my pocket or purse that also takes amazing pics ( I don't ask for much do I ?!)
A big problem I have with my rebel is the terrible flash, I had a Canon powershot A95 a few years back and loved it!

Is there any camera which will give me all the "bells and whistles" plus fantastic pics but is small?

 

[jfinke]

You could look at the Canon G9 or G10, though it is more of a bridge camera than a PnS.

 

[boBQuincy]

DPReview.com just wrapped up their series of reviews of P&S cameras, with budget, compact, premium, and enthusiast levels reviewed. There should be something for everyone in there!

 

[jk and ek]

You could look at the Canon G9 or G10, though it is more of a bridge camera than a PnS.

i second this recommendation!

i (the ek of jk and ek) am a photographer, and last year while trying to find a point-and-shoot for myself i did a ton of research and finally decided on the g9 because it is small, has the option of fully manual settings, AND it's one of the only small cameras that has the ability to shoot in RAW format.

 

[crazee4mickey]

Thanks...I believe the G10 is what my parent's own so I could check their camera out before committing---I like having a few more options than just a point and shoot so maybe this is the direction I need to go!
Thanks everyone for your advice!

 

[EnnEss]

I use a powershot A610, which is a couple years old (canon). They do make a newer model though and it has plenty of extra bells and whistles and lets you adjust various settings with modes you'll be familiar with from the Rebel (Av, Tv, M, P) and custom settings, colors and pre programmed things like portrait, landscape etc.

I can't recall the name of the new model, but I think they just upped the 100 number each year.

 

[senecabeach]

I have this one for your exact same reason. Have had it for 2 mos. and am enjoying not lugging my D 80 around all the time.
It allows me to shoot M, A, S, P as well and has VR and a few bells/whistle P&S perks: http://nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-Camera/26128/COOLPIX-S710.html