What's the best point 'n click compact & FAST digital camera for a photo enthusiast but not a professional?

Question

I've long been a fan of Canon's PowerShot series. I currently have the PowerShot S50, but it's too bulky, too slow, and I don't need all the manual settings. I used to have the Digital Elph s100 and loved it. I take a lot of pictures, but don't care about manual settings.

Most important factors (in order):
1) Image quality on screen AND in print (I'm an avid Kodak EasyShare Gallery user).
2) Speed to snapping picture.
3) Compactness.

Cameras I'm considering:
- Canon PowerShot SD600
- Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T9
- Kodak Easyshare One (built-in WiFi)

Good resources:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/Digital_cameras/2001-6501_7-0.html?tag=img.dc

What do you think I should get?

Thanks!

Answer 1

be sure to check out the HP low end line. A lot of them have all the features of a high end camera with slight drawbacks.
example: Macro will only focus at 4 inches or more, no real close shots... for me, no problem.
The HP warranty is super also with 24/7 free phone help.

Answer 2

Well... Sony alpha is a very good camera (it caries Minolta technology!) but I am not sure for its future for professional use (not only the specific camera but all sony). When you buy an SLR you choose the brand that suits you best(philosophy, design, ergonomics). SLRs have a problem: if you start with a specific brand you "must" stay in that brand. Lenses, flash lights and all the equipment made for an entry level SLR is exactly the same for the state of the art camera body of the same company. If I were you I would buy one of the three main brands (Olympus, Nikon and Cannon have a long tradition in photography) depending on the best offer that is: which offer gives more than one lenses and/or other equipment. That would be a real investment. I hope that I helped you. For photo software I'm sorry but I am not the right person.

Answer 3

The Wi-Fi function on the Kodak Easyshare One is an expensive gimmick and the pictures it takes aren't great. I'd go for the Kodak V550 - it's compact, very easy to use and takes great pictures. It has a large screen with very high definition, a view finder (lots of compacts have done away with this), its video mode is astonishingly good and it is especially quick to start up and shoot. Also, you know and trust the Easyshare system, which is another bonus. Check it out, you'll love it.

Answer 4

From your list, I would go with Canon.

But I have a Nikon Coolpix L1 that I bought at Costco. It is cheaper, using AA batteries (and I plugged in rechargeable). The display screen on the Nikon is HUGE. This camera is so easy to use, I never even looked at the manual. (but it does come with a manual)

You see, you can get a 4 pack of AA rechargeable for about $20. It is always important to have a spare battery.

You also need more memory, so get another memory card right away. The bigger, the better.

Answer 5

From those choices the Canon SD600 is definitely the best. If you are looking at image quality above all, you should perhaps consider a Fuji Finepix F30. It has amazing image quality up, ISO up to 3200 so you need much less the flash, is very fast and has battery life of 580 shots per charge,

Answer 6

I agree with the Wi-Fi answer. At this time it is a gimmick . Another resource I would suggest looking at is:
www.dpreview.com

It allows side-by-side comparisons of these cameras and offers the pros and cons. It's a great site.

Answer 7

Fuji finepix F10 , Excellent unit !

Aluminum housing,Not plastic !

Answer 8

CANON sd700is best point and shoot out there. i love it. super fast....image stabalizer.....compact....4x optical zoom....i love it