Best smallest pocket camera

[UKBob]

As well as the SLR (which, due to finances, it looks like I wont be getting just yet ) I need a pocket camera. Im looking at the powershot S80 - somewhere between 3-400 quid - any recommendations? The S80 isnt as small as Id like it to be, but it does look like a good camera. Has anyone else considered one (or got one) or anything similar?

[_dobbo_]

Well if it were me, I'd be buying either a 350D or a D50 at very nearly that price. Gets you into SLR land without having to wait.

Can't see the point of a big bulky compact vs. a slightly bigger bulky SLR!

[UKBob]

_dobbo_ said:

Well if it were me, I'd be buying either a 350D or a D50 at very nearly that price. Gets you into SLR land without having to wait. Can't see the point of a big bulky compact vs. a slightly bigger bulky SLR!

There are days when I didnt want to take my G5 out with me (when on a non-photographic mission) it was just too big and bulky.

I need both an SLR and pocket cam, and would rather buy the models which are best than make a compromise, even if it means waiting a little. Im gutted I dont have an SLR 'today' though I'll admit, but my finances have for the short term taken a turn for the worse, and I simply cant afford the best of both worlds at the moment.

[ehasler]

If you really want pocket sized, then something like an IXUS 750 would probably be better than the bigger S80. That's what I went for anyway, and it's been great

[chris.mapey]

[quote=UKBobI need both an SLR and pocket cam, and would rather buy the models which are best than make a compromise, even if it means waiting a little.[/quote]

I used to think that I needed a smaller camera, I have now flogged it.

I have my D70, and the camera in my K750i phone. Works for me, as I always have a camera on me.

My old compact was a Pentax Optio 330, and 3MP, the camera in the phone is 2MP, and works well for snaps etc. Anything more serious, out comes the D70.

My 2p...

Chris

[UKBob]

The trouble is, I often want to be able to take decent photos, but dont want to be lumbered with a 'proper' camera which is so big and bulky, it needs to be held in your hand all day. I wear combat trousers quite a bit and dont need a super small camera, and I dont think a mobile phone camera isnt going to give me the quality Im after for general snaps.

[V6GTO]

I really like my Ixus 750

Martin.

[bacchus180]

ukbob said:

The trouble is, I often want to be able to take decent photos

will discover its not about the camera.... but the plonker using it..

[_dobbo_]

Don't get me wrong Bob, having both is sensible and i think most people who frequent these forums have compact+SLR

Just a thought, but on a limited budget why not consider...

350D + Kit lens now.

5D later on, sell 350D, buy pocket cam.

[tybalt]

Fuji F10 or F11.

If you can wait the F30 will probably be better.

Small, fast and does high iso very well - nothing else small comes close yet.

Canon ixus type things are all apparently good too.

Dave

[UK nob]

If i rob gary's Hasselblad H1 for you will you stop pixel peeping and take some photos?

[bananagravy]

thats a bit childish

[dinkel]

tybalt said:

Fuji F10 or F11. Canon ixus type things are all apparently good too. Dave

I've heard and seen good things from the Fuji's.

Canon is a nice avarage but I wouldn't get away with it.

350D 28-55mm for a few Bob more . . . but I know the feeling. It's so damn handy having a cellphone-size cam.

[Captain Beaky]

V6GTO said:

I really like my Ixus 750 Martin.

I've got an Ixus 700 which I'm very happy with. You might find a cheap one since the 750 has recently launched.

[rhubarb]

I seem to remember one famous photographer in an interview saying he's constantly asked what's the best camera he has , his reply was 'The one I've got with me at the time'. Given you're on a budget, £400 is a lot to spend on a compact, when ultimately you want an SLR, so I'm with chris here.

However for what it's worth I've got a W800i 2MP phone and I carry an old Ixus 5 (or is that 500) 5MP camera round with me. I use both, whatever is at hand at the time.

[Bee_Jay]

I have on pre-order with WarehouseExpress an IXUS 800 IS to complement my digital SLR equipment - due out in April.

Things that attracted me to it:

Definitely pocket-sized
4x zoom on a nice UD lens (35-140mm equivalent) which is f/2.8 at it's widest
800 ISO
proper, 3-stop optical IS
640x480 30fps video
Optional waterproof case (down to 40m) - making it pretty-much go-anywhere...

£349 pre-order - I think it fits your criteria perfectly.

[chris.mapey]

UKBob said:

... I dont think a mobile phone camera isnt going to give me the quality Im after for general snaps.

Dunno

Not much wrong with these in my opinion, ideal for snaps, and yes they were taken with my phone...





Chris

>> Edited by chris.mapey on Wednesday 29th March 16:57

[poah]

IXUS 55 is an ace camera

[Andy M]

Bee_Jay said:

I have on pre-order with WarehouseExpress an IXUS 800 IS to complement my digital SLR equipment - due out in April. £349 pre-order - I think it fits your criteria perfectly.

£285.99 here: www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?quicklinx=3ZTR

[LongQ]

http://luminous-landscape.com/essays/