Compact Digital Camera - money no object

[IBM]

I just love saying that.

So, my lovely wife is looking for a compact (smaller the better) digital camera to carry around in her purse to take pics of the kids. I've had a look at a few models, but haven't done any camera research since I picked up my Canon 10D.

Since we're all gadget freaks here (I won't be listening to any protests, you know you are) I thought I'd see if any product had 'cause anyones eye recently. If so, please feel free to let me know. Many thanks as always.

[TeePee]

I like the look of the ultra-compact Sony cybershot U

http://products.sony.co.uk/productde...p?id=8_60_5677

mainly for the small size rather than it's features as a camera.

[IBM]

Thanks TeePee, but she's looking for something larger than 5x7 at a decent resolution, so we're looking for something in the 3megapixel and up category (3MP being the smallest we're looking at, and it'd have to be pretty special).

Plus, it's going to be a handbag camera, so something in the 'credit card styling' is preferred...something like the Sony DSCTI http://products.sony.co.uk/productde...p?id=8_60_5676 but we heard it's not the best images, and it's not got a viewfinder, which has its' downsides...

[Iain]

I've literally (i.e. tonight) just received my Casio Exilim EX-Z40 and it's amazing. Pictures are high quality (based on my own minor experiences of digital photography) and the features on the camera are excellent. The only downside is that you need to put it in the docking station to charge it and get pictures off but that's mainly because it's such a small camera.

[Jonny M]

Try the Ixus I

[Howard]

I have an Olympus MJU:300 and I can't really fault it.

Small and takes lovely photos.

Stay away from Sony cameras IMHO, the quality is less than great.

[joshwa]

Pentax Optio S4 / S4i very small 4mp. (same pentax lens as the casio Z4/Z40) - probably one of the smallest with 3x optical zoom

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_...s/optios4.html

these are fairly small:
Konica Minolta G500/G600 (5mp/6mp, small) ?
Canon IXUS 430/500 (4mp/5mp)
Sony P100/P120 (5mp)

[Iain]

The other downside with Sony cameras is that they use MemoryStick which is useless in anything other than Sony appliances

[Iain]

I considered the Pentax Optio S4 as well but there are numerous reviews stating that the picture quality varies on each camera, on some it's great on others the edges are noisy and blurry. Try www.dpreview.com for some good feedback

[IBM]

Az...yeah, I know what you mean about Sony's MS, it's a pain in the proverbial, but I've had two Sony Camcorders, plus a DSCF717, and a DSC-F88 so I've got MemorySticks all over the place....

[IBM]

oooh, look, 99 posts

[TeePee]

If you have loads of sticks, maybe you should look specifically at sony's range of cameras. I know thats why they have sticks that don't work in anything else, but it makes sense!