Recommendations

[ufcrusher]

Its time to replace my Sony DSC-W1 that I bought during the last ice age. While the camera was a top rated digital point and shoot when I bought it, the porter in Jamaica broke it while climbing Dunns Rivers falls. Of course, the fact that it was older than time itself didnt help either.

So I am looking to buy a replacement Point and Shoot digital camera. Since I already have all of the memory sticks, I think it is best to purchase another Sony. I am thinking between the W290 or the W300. Does anyone have a recommendation on this?

Just to be clear, I am going to be buying a DSLR soon, but I need a quality point and shoot to carry around with me.

[zippyjuan]

I don't know much about Sony cameras but Cannon probably makes some of the best P&S cameras. I understand your desire to not have to change media (memory sticks) now but when you go DSLR you will probably have to. Most use Secure Digtal these days.

Steve's Digicams is a good place to start if you want other suggestions (I am assuming you are reading reviews of the ones you listed already). http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

More megapixels is not necessarily better. Usually they are cramming more smaller dots into the same space so each one gets less light. My point and shoot (Fuji F31fd- the one I use for the infrared shots) is six megapixels. An optical viewfinder can be nice for seeing what you are shooting at in bright sunlight (where those LCD screens can become hard to view).

[Jeffbx]

:stupid: x2

Memory is cheap - REALLY cheap - so toss those memory sticks & look at a Canon. They're affordable, good quality, and do great in low light. Sony cameras have been going downhill - or maybe Canon is just passing them by quickly.

For the DSLR I'd also recommend against sony - Canon or Nikon. I'd say pick up an older DSLR (a Rebel XT or XTi can be found for about $300) & swap to a nicer one later.

[attgig]

:stupid: x3

changing memory USED to be a big deal, but nowadays, you can pick up a few gigs (more than enough for a point and shoot) for 10-20 bucks. sometimes less. plus, do some prelim work on what dslr you're going to get, and if that's sd memory, then you can share your memory there.

[ufcrusher]

Personally, I have had bad experiences with the Canon and Nikon cameras. While my Sony has been rock solid until it was damaged. In fact, I just returned a Nikon S camera that was defective.

This begs the question, which models are you guys using that you woudl recommend.

[Jeffbx]

Personally, I have a Canon SD800IS point & shoot and a Canon Rebel XT DSLR. Both are rock solid - great performance, good build, very sturdy. The P&S takes SD cards & the XT takes compactflash. I'm still amazed at how well the SD800 does in low light.

I've been eyeing the Canon 30d as a trade-up model to the XT, so I can get faster burst shots.

[ramazank2]

I am currently looking at a Canon SX200IS or a Panasonic Lumix TZ7 (also called ZS3). They are point and shoot cameras with ~12MP with 12x optical zoom. Both can take 1080p video. Currenly Panasonic is edging out the Canon. Despite the fact I have only had canons. I despise all things sony, except the PS3...

[attgig]

not necessarily canon. just saying don't be bound by your media.
such as, this deal on sd cards:
http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E1SDSD4GE3
it's a big rebate, but for high speed memory, pretty darn good deal.

that said, I use canon sd1000 and it's treated me well. I also purchased this skin: http://www.boxwave.com/products/flexiskin/flexiskin-canon-powershot-sd1000_2586.htm which has helped i think i keeping it in tact.

[mechmike0034]

Its time to replace my Sony DSC-W1 that I bought during the last ice age. Since I already have all of the memory sticks...

I was recently given a DSC-V1 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydscv1/) in mint condition because it was old and missing the charger. It is still a pretty amazing P & S to be as old as it is. I bought an open-box Sony-brand charger online for cheap.

In the event that you change memory, let me know what you want for your memory sticks. I bought two 512MB Sandisk MS Pro sticks from Surplus Computers for $7.00 shipped (http://www.surpluscomputers.com/348642/sandisk-2-pack-sandisk-512mb-memory.html).

[ray]

Canon SD870IS (if you can find it...older model, but still one of the better ones they made)

Panasonic DMC-LX3

Canon Powershot G10 (probably too big to be considered a true point & shoot)