Looking for a small general purpose camera

[kellya]

I am looking for suggestions for a small camera. We currently have a Canon S3 IS but I am looking for something a lot more portable to keep in my purse for candid shots of my children. My budget is $300 or less (prefer less lol) I'm not a professional photographer by any means so a simple point and shoot would be best.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I saw that Henry's has free shipping ending tonight and a GST price reduction so I was tempted to buy something from them but all the options has me a bit confused.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions :)

Kelly

[7jaii]

Buy a Canon SD1000, it's every RFDer's fav camera :D

It goes on sale regularly and lowest price is $139 at SDM (but that's over), it's currently at Bestbuy for $179. Grab your flyer and most retailers like Henrys Futureshop Staples will Price Match.

SD memory is also dirt cheap. You can find 2GB under $20 everywhere and there's a 4GB for $20 somewhere (it was posted today).

[fastlayne]

Or the Panasonic

Lumix® DMC-LZ6
7.2 MP Digital Camera, With Case, 6x Optical Zoom
Intelligent Image Stabilizer
2-in. LCD Screen

for $169.99 at Costco. A similar model, the LZ7, was recently on sale at 2001 Audio Video for $189 (or perhaps $179).

This camera has optical image stabilization and uses 2 AA batteries.

Personally I am not a fan of any camera that uses the battery packs. I like the convenience of being able to walk into any store to buy a fresh set of batteries, when I do not have time to recharge.

[7jaii]

Or the Panasonic

Lumix® DMC-LZ6 I like the convenience of being able to walk into any store to buy a fresh set of batteries, when I do not have time to recharge.

That's a good point and the Lumix is a good camera. The Canon A series also uses AA batteries. Very good review and full-featured.

[KorruptioN]

Or the Panasonic

Lumix® DMC-LZ6
7.2 MP Digital Camera, With Case, 6x Optical Zoom
Intelligent Image Stabilizer
2-in. LCD Screen

for $169.99 at Costco. A similar model, the LZ7, was recently on sale at 2001 Audio Video for $189 (or perhaps $179).

This camera has optical image stabilization and uses 2 AA batteries.

Personally I am not a fan of any camera that uses the battery packs. I like the convenience of being able to walk into any store to buy a fresh set of batteries, when I do not have time to recharge.

AA batteries are indeed easier to find, but flash recharge is a lot slower on those. The LZ6 is very plasticy, I don't recommend one as a first choice.

Canon's SD850IS is starting to show up under $300.