Digital Camera Recommendation.

[Smokey]

Hey Guys

Was wondering if I could get some recommendation for a good Digital camera that is under $150. This is my first digital camera and what I should be looking at when buying a camera...

Rechargeable or regular (AA) batteries?
what size LCD
picture quality
reliability

I was looking at several cameras ranging from bulky (Cannon) to slim (Fuji) and compact cameras seem to be easier to carry around or put in the pocket. So should I go with compact?

Thanks.

[emesbee]

I have a digital compact camera as well as a digital SLR, both Pentax. Compact cameras are good for portability, but they are a real trade off when it comes to functionality. (I may be a bit biased, though, as I have always been used to using an SLR.) I'm not sure what prices are like in the US, but from the amount you mention I'd guess you are looking at a compact camera.

One thing to be aware of, with any camera, is not to get tooy hung up on the number of megapixels. Many compact cameras are advertised with 8 to 10 megapixels these days, but there is really no advantage of this in a small camera. 6 megapixels is more than adequate for good picture quality.

If you get a camera which takes AA batteries, be sure to user rechargeable nimh batteries. Non rechargeable batteries will drain very quickly indeed.

[02audionoob]

One thing to be aware of, with any camera, is not to get tooy hung up on the number of megapixels. Many compact cameras are advertised with 8 to 10 megapixels these days, but there is really no advantage of this in a small camera. 6 megapixels is more than adequate for good picture quality.


I agree 100% with this advice. The lens is more important. Consider something with a big lens....like this Kodak EasyShare. Of course, the camera brands that have been around since before digital...Canon, Nikon, etc. are going to be good places to start.

[audio amateur]

I can recommend Casio Exilim compact cameras. I have experience with two models, one a few years older than the other, both good looking, packed with features, both great.

[ForeverAutumn]

I'm on my third digital camera. The first two were Canons but I went with a Panasonic this time around. Many of the Panasonics come with Leica lenses. And I was able to get stability control on the lower end Panasonics but had to go up to about $500 on the Canon's to get this feature. My camera is two years old now and you can get way more for your money now than when I bought mine.

The features that I would recommend are a good lense and a stabilizer (reduces shake from your hands and when zooming). I like a strong zoom lense (mine is 10x optical/40x digital), but if you have a good quality lense and decent megapixals, you can always edit your picture in place of zooming at the time that you take it.

As for batteries, my preference is AA's because if your battery dies and you are not in a position to immediately recharge it (say you're on vacation or on a day trip), you can always buy a set of batteries to get you by. However, this feature requires a bigger camera since it has to be able to hold the batteries. If you want a pocket size camera, you'll have to settle for a rechargable lithium battery.

[JSE]

Been a photographer for many years and have some limited experience with digital point and shoots.

Batteries - don't worry about this. Not a big deal. AA or the dedicated rechargeables will work fine. You can also get rechargeable AA batteries that will work great.

LCD - most come with at last a 2.5" LCD now that is more than enough. Many now come with 3+ inch screen.

Picture Quality - Most digital P&S are in the 8 to 10mp range now. Personally, I would not go above 10mp. The sensors for a P&S camera are all the same size regardless of how many MP a camera has. The more MP you cram onto a sensor, the greater the chance of getting digital noise. Many P&S cameras use in camera tech to reduce this noise but this in turn will decrease sharpness. So try and stay between 6 and 10mp.

Reliability - don't worry so much about this. Most of the major players like Sony. Nikon, Canon, Casio, Fuji, Pentax, Panasonic, etc are all making good cameras now.

There are two big important items I would look at when buying a P&S,.

Number 1 and it's a BIG one.....DO NOT BUY A DIGITAL P&S CAMERA WITHOUT IMAGE STABILIZATION, PERIOD. It's just too hard to hold them steady when pressing the shutter release. The cameras are so small the act of pressing the shutter release will cause shake which will blur you shots. So, get some form of image stabilization. Different camera companies call it different things. If you buy a camera without it, I will hunt you down and beat you! :D :nono:

The next thing to try and look for...... try and find a P&S with a wide angle lens. Most P&S cameras these days come with lenses that are 35mm or so at the wide end. 35mm is not wide. I would try and get a camera with at least a 28 to 30mm lens at the wide end. The wider angle will come in very useful for indoor shoots, landscapes, travel, budilings, group shots, etc. I could not live without this.


If you want to buy online, try B&H Photo Video. They are probably the best online source for cameras. Good prices and great service. Adorama is a close second.

Here are a few choices that come to mind. They all have stabilization and a wide angle lens. They are right around your budget.

You might also checkout Dpreview.com for good reviews.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/545360-REG/Panasonic_DMC_LZ10K_Lumix_DMC_LZ10_Digital_Camera. html#specifications

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554009-REG/Sony_DSCW150_B_Cyber_shot_DSC_W150_Digital_Camera. html#specifications

A lot of MP but it might be worth a look since it's 24mm at the wide end.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/571721-REG/Samsung_EC_SL310BBA_US_SL310W_Digital_Camera_Black _.html#specifications

[Feanor]

Been a photographer for many years and have some limited experience with digital point and shoots.

Batteries - don't worry about this. Not a big deal. AA or the dedicated rechargeables will work fine. You can also get rechargeable AA batteries that will work great.

LCD - most come with at last a 2.5" LCD now that is more than enough. Many now come with 3+ inch screen.

Picture Quality - Most digital P&S are in the 8 to 10mp range now. Personally, I would not go above 10mp. The sensors for a P&S camera are all the same size regardless of how many MP a camera has. The more MP you cram onto a sensor, the greater the chance of getting digital noise. Many P&S cameras use in camera tech to reduce this noise but this in turn will decrease sharpness. So try and stay between 6 and 10mp.

Reliability - don't worry so much about this. Most of the major players like Sony. Nikon, Canon, Casio, Fuji, Pentax, Panasonic, etc are all making good cameras now.

There are two big important items I would look at when buying a P&S,.

Number 1 and it's a BIG one.....DO NOT BUY A DIGITAL P&S CAMERA WITHOUT IMAGE STABILIZATION, PERIOD. It's just too hard to hold them steady when pressing the shutter release. The cameras are so small the act of pressing the shutter release will cause shake which will blur you shots. So, get some form of image stabilization. Different camera companies call it different things. If you buy a camera without it, I will hunt you down and beat you! :D :nono:

The next thing to try and look for...... try and find a P&S with a wide angle lens. Most P&S cameras these days come with lenses that are 35mm or so at the wide end. 35mm is not wide. I would try and get a camera with at least a 28 to 30mm lens at the wide end. The wider angle will come in very useful for indoor shoots, landscapes, travel, budilings, group shots, etc. I could not live without this.

...

All good advice, JSE, and I particularly agree about the images stabalization and the wide-angle lens -- 28 mm or less, (35mm equivalent).

Personally I'd like this Panasonic DMC-LX3K (http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/Lumix-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-LX3K_11002_7000000000000005702) for the 24mm lens and relatively advanced features. Unfortunately for you and me, Smokey, it's well above $150.

[JSE]

All good advice, JSE, and I particularly agree about the images stabalization and the wide-angle lens -- 28 mm or less, (35mm equivalent).

Personally I'd like this Panasonic DMC-LX3K (http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/Lumix-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-LX3K_11002_7000000000000005702) for the 24mm lens and relatively advanced features. Unfortunately for you and me, Smokey, it's well above $150.


I have an older Panasonic FX 01 6mp P&S that takes great images. I take with me everywhere when we travel. Sometimes carrying a DSLR and assortment of lenses is no fun and just a small pcoket size P&S is all you need.

[Rich-n-Texas]

All good advice, JSE, and I particularly agree about the images stabalization and the wide-angle lens -- 28 mm or less, (35mm equivalent).
Meh, I'll give him a B+. He is Cartman afterall. :rolleyes:

Festus, you got a better chance of fishing out kex's camera that he sent overboard during his last cruise than finding a decent camera under $150. :ciappa:

[GMichael]

Meh, I'll give him a B+. He is Cartman afterall. :rolleyes:

Festus, you got a better chance of fishing out kex's camera that he sent overboard during his last cruise than finding a decent camera under $150. :ciappa:

I don't know. The three JSE suggested all look like they'd do a good job. All were in the $150 range.

I'll give him an A. A+'s are only given out to hot babes who went the extra mile.

[Rich-n-Texas]

I'm thinking... should I derail this conversation? Better not. Festus carries around two six-shooters. :eek6:

[JSE]

Meh, I'll give him a B+. He is Cartman afterall. :rolleyes:

Festus, you got a better chance of fishing out kex's camera that he sent overboard during his last cruise than finding a decent camera under $150. :ciappa:


Bite me! :biggrin5:



I don't know. The three JSE suggested all look like they'd do a good job. All were in the $150 range.

I'll give him an A. A+'s are only given out to hot babes who went the extra mile.

Thanks for the support buddy. Rich's comments really dug deep. :cryin:

[Rich-n-Texas]

Okay okay I'll send ya a Dundee!!! Sheesh!

[GMichael]

Bite me! :biggrin5:




Thanks for the support buddy. Rich's comments really dug deep. :cryin:

You'll be alright once you get a little beer inya.

[Smokey]

Emesbee: thanks for megapixel advice. pictures is going to be viewing on computer mots of time anyway, so as you said 6 mp should suffice.

02audionoob: having big lens and being compact seem to be in direct conflict with each other. That is why having a hard time choosing :D

Audio amateur: I see alot of good reviews on Casio Exilim, including from ConsumerReports. This camera is under serious consideration. The only sticky point might be that it uses rechargeable lithium battery vs AA.

FA: Your comments regarding lithium vs AA is exactly my thoughts also. AA are preferable, but it dies make the camera bulky. Another sticky point.

JSE: Thanks for Image Stabilization and specially wide angle advice. I will look at lens range from now on. Also you get A from me also. Tex is bitter because he still got his Vivitar film camera from Walgreens. :D

Feanor: $500 camera?? Mmmmmm......no comment! LOL

Tex: I am with GMichael on finding a decent camera under $150. I am supposing camera will get alot of abuse, so disposability does factor in. I'm also cheap :hand:

[02audionoob]

02audionoob: having big lens and being compact seem to be in direct conflict with each other. That is why having a hard time choosing


I guess it depends on how compact you want it. The Kodak EasyShare is nowhere near as large as a Canon SLR but it's not something you slip into your shirt pocket, either. IMHO, size matters. People using tiny cameras might think they're getting good pictures, but they've likely forgotten what a good picture looks like. My wife bought a Canon compact camera to leave in her purse all the time and a Canon SLR for special occasions. The picture quality is so dramatically different she can't really tolerate the compact camera. It sits unused most of the time while she lugs around the big camera. I doubt the difference has anything to do with bells and whistles. I suspect it's the lens.

[JSE]

I doubt the difference has anything to do with bells and whistles. I suspect it's the lens.

The lens is part of the difference but in general, the smaller the piece of glass the easier it is to perfect it optically. Leica rangefinders and lenses are legendary and the lenses are second to none. They are about half the size of comparable SLR size lenses.

The biggest difference in the image quality between and DSLR and a P&S compact camera is the size of the sensor. The sensor in a Digital P&S camera is approx. just under 9x7mm. The image sensor for most DLSRS is approx. 24x16mm. The full frame DSLR cameras have sensors roughly the size of a 35mm negative or 36x24mm.

Here is a lonk to show the visual difference between a P&S sensor and a DSLR sensor. In the top graphic, the green sensor is for the P&S and the blue is a DLSR. Big difference.

http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Camera_System/sensor_sizes_01.htm

Like I mentioned earlier, the more pixles you cram into a sensor, the greater the chance for reduced image qaulity. In general, a larger pixel can capture more information which results in greater image quality. DLSR have big sensors that accomodate larger pixels, thus the better quality.

[02audionoob]

Given that bit of education on sensor dimensions, what do you make of the comment on the sensor on this specs page for an EasyShare...

http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=11619&pq-locale=en_US

[Feanor]

...
Feanor: $500 camera?? Mmmmmm......no comment! LOL
...

$500 :eek6: is more than a lot of people are willing to spend on hi-fi.

[GMichael]

Your comments regarding lithium vs AA is exactly my thoughts also. AA are preferable, but it dies make the camera bulky. Another sticky point.



You can get replacement batteries for the custom type. I have an extra that I keep charged up. They are not hard to carry (just slip it in a pocket). When one dies, I swap it out and then charge it when I get home.
Don't buy the replacements from a camera store though. They cost way too much there. 3rd party batteries can be found on-line for around $10 (depending on the make and model). Get an extra charger too. It's worth it.

[JSE]

Given that bit of education on sensor dimensions, what do you make of the comment on the sensor on this specs page for an EasyShare...

http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=11619&pq-locale=en_US


It's a little confusing but the image sensor is not 1 inch by 1.7 inches in size. 1/1.7 actually translates to 7.60mm x5.70mm. WTF?

See chart here:

http://www.anandtech.com/digitalcameras/showdoc.aspx?i=3290&p=2

Here is a cool chart from a Flickr member. You'll notice the image sensor in question is at the lower left corner of the chart. Very small compared to other sensors.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/martyoh/2441153135/

I think a lot (meaning most likely all of them) of companies use "fuzzy" math to describe their sensors.

If we have any math whizzes out there, please let us know how 1/1.7 translates to 7.60x5.70mm. I would interested to see this.

[JSE]

Feanor: $500 camera?? Mmmmmm......no comment! LOL

Hell, I have spent more than that just on each of my tripod legs to hold my cameras. Plus another $300 or so on a couple of tripod heads. And I have a few tripods. :crazy:

[Rich-n-Texas]

Good. Give me one knucklehead. :rolleyes:

[GMichael]

You already have a knucklehead.

[JSE]

You already have a knucklehead.


No, No, No, No........get that image out of my brain. No, No, No, No, No....:mad2: :cryin:

[Rich-n-Texas]

I want a second one!!! :throws tantrum:

[GMichael]

Work that image out of your brain.

[JSE]

Here is another "explanation" of the whole sensor size mess. I was just going to cut and paste the text to make me look smart but you might end up asking questions so......

Here's a link. :p

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0210/02100402sensorsizes.asp

[blackraven]

One feature I find a must on a digital camera is a through the lens view finder or separate optical view finder. This allows for holding the camera up to your face for better stability and it saves greatly on battery usage by not having to keep the lcd screen on to frame up your shot. Also, I would stay away from the larger LCD screens because you will run through your battery power in no time. If you do find one with an optical VF then this is not as much of an issue.

[Smokey]

My wife bought a Canon compact camera to leave in her purse all the time and a Canon SLR for special occasions. The picture quality is so dramatically different she can't really tolerate the compact camera. It sits unused most of the time while she lugs around the big camera. I doubt the difference has anything to do with bells and whistles. I suspect it's the lens.

I was told that since SLR camara have bigger lenses, they can capture more light. Don't know how that relate to Sensor size JSE is discussing, but it made sense.


The biggest difference in the image quality between and DSLR and a P&S compact camera is the size of the sensor. The sensor in a Digital P&S camera is approx. just under 9x7mm. The image sensor for most DLSRS is approx. 24x16mm. The full frame DSLR cameras have sensors roughly the size of a 35mm negative or 36x24mm.

Thanks for info. My question is what does limit P&S from having a bigger sensors? Size of the lens or something else.


You can get replacement batteries for the custom type. I have an extra that I keep charged up. They are not hard to carry (just slip it in a pocket). When one dies, I swap it out and then charge it when I get home.


One feature I find a must on a digital camera is a through the lens view finder or separate optical view finder. This allows for holding the camera up to your face for better stability and it saves greatly on battery usage by not having to keep the lcd screen on to frame up your shot. Also, I would stay away from the larger LCD screens because you will run through your battery power in no time.

Good information guys. Thanks.

[Rich-n-Texas]

Do not... I repeat, DO NOT do any self portraits Festus! They'll see the cloud of dust before they see you and not honor the warranty after the lense shatters!!! :eek6:

[Feanor]

One feature I find a must on a digital camera is a through the lens view finder or separate optical view finder. This allows for holding the camera up to your face for better stability and it saves greatly on battery usage by not having to keep the lcd screen on to frame up your shot. Also, I would stay away from the larger LCD screens because you will run through your battery power in no time. If you do find one with an optical VF then this is not as much of an issue.

That's a great observation, b/r.

It seems to me that the selection of moderately priced cameras with traditional view finders has shrunk a whole lot. That is, to the point where if one insists on the feature, one is limiting one's choice pretty severely.

[JSE]

That's a great observation, b/r.

It seems to me that the selection of moderately priced cameras with traditional view finders has shrunk a whole lot. That is, to the point where if one insists on the feature, one is limiting one's choice pretty severely.


Yes, a very good obeservation. Unfortunately, viewfinders are becoming a thing of the past for P&S. About the only way to get them now is to go with a "tweener" P&S that is a larger more full featured P&S that has some DLSR qualities.

[Rich-n-Texas]

Yes, a very good obeservation. Unfortunately, viewfinders are becoming a thing of the past for P&S. About the only way to get them now is to go with a "tweener" P&S that is a larger more full featured P&S that has some DLSR qualities.
Do you mean DSLR Mr. expert? :rolleyes:

[JSE]

I was told that since SLR camara have bigger lenses, they can capture more light. Don't know how that relate to Sensor size JSE is discussing, but it made sense.

The lens is part of the issue. Bigger (fast aperture) lenses have larger glass elements so they can capture light more effectively. However, even a smaller element can capture the same amount of light, it just takes longer (longer/slower shutter speed) to do it. That's where DLSR shine. You can have fast aperture lens that can capture light quickly so your shutter speed is faster. This allows you to stop action which is very usefull to sports photographers and wedding photographers. It's also useful for low light. Fast aperture lenses also allow a much narrower depth of field which is helpful is blurring out a background like you see in portraits. I have a Nikon 85 1.4 lens that can render the eyes sharp as a tac and yet the front tip of the nose can be out focus. The field of focus is that narrow. Try that with a P&S.

So, bigger lenses can't really capture more light, they can just capture it quicker or more efficiently. Generally speaking.


Thanks for info. My question is what does limit P&S from having a bigger sensors? Size of the lens or something else.

A few things. First is price. Bigger sensors mean bigger price. It's hard to justify paying DSLR prices for a P&S. There are a few P&S out that have larger sensors but they are costly and are aimed at a smaller market.

Here is one I have been considering buying.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/472377-REG/Sigma_C70900_DP_1_Digital_Camera.html#features

Second is the size of the lens. Actually the size of the rear element on the lens. In P&S cameras you have to have a smaller sensor to match up with the small rear lens element. The small rear element can only project an image to a certain size at a certain distance. If you were to put a large sensor behind a small rear lens element the image projected onto the sensor would only take up a small portion of the sensor. The way to correct this is to move the rear element farther away from the sensor but that creates other problems. For one, the camera body would have to be much deeper which kindof defeats the point of a small P&S camera.

A good example is a projection TV system. If you have a 8 foot screen and you put the projector a foot away from it, you get a very small vidoe image. Move it back and the image gets bigger but you also need the room (camera body depth). This is a very simplistic explanation and there are other factors to consider as well.

Hope that clears it up a bit. Feel free to ask any questions. I can talk photography stuff all day.

[JSE]

Do you mean DSLR Mr. expert? :rolleyes:


.........:mad2:

[blackraven]

Many of the Canon Sure Shots have an Optical VF. We have the A710. It takes nice pics and has a 6x zoom with image stabilization.

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-a710_reviews.html

[Rich-n-Texas]

So what's the verdict Festus? Better hurry, I heard Dollar Riot's getting ready to close a bunch of stores. They can't keep up with Dollar General and Odd Lot's everyday low low prices. :biggrin5:

[Smokey]

So what's the verdict Festus? Better hurry, I heard Dollar Riot's getting ready to close a bunch of stores. They can't keep up with Dollar General and Odd Lot's everyday low low prices. :biggrin5:

Its good to know you keep tabs on your neighborhood stores :ciappa:

After reading your guys comments and reading many reviews, I might have narrowe3d it down to four:

Panasonic Lumix LZ8 ($129)
http://www.steves-digicams.com/images8/panasonic_lz8_450.jpg

Pro: Have widest angle (32m) and longest lesns (6X) of the bunch, and excellent night time/low light capability
Con: Resolution seem to be a problem with this camera as too many reviewers indicated photo being too soft in details.

Canon Powershot A590 IS ($120)
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/canon_a590is/canon_a590is_450.jpg

Pro: Excellent all round camera with 4x optical and View Finder.
Con: Slightly too bulky.

Sony CyberShot DSC-W120 ($129)
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/sony_w120/sony_w120_front_blk.jpg

Pro: Excellent day and night time/low light photos. Compact.
Con: Proprietary Sony Memory Stick storage. Low screen resolution

Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS ELPH ($160)
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/canon_sd1100/canon_sd1100_450.jpg

Pro: ConsumerReprts magazine top rating winner. View Finder
Con. Most expensive of the bunch

[Rich-n-Texas]

Only an Odd Lots in town. A few pawn shops though. :biggrin5:

If it were me Smoke, I'd splurg and pick choice #4. I would. :yesnod:

[JSE]

I think you would be happy with any of the four.

If you can stomach a pink Sony, B&H has a demo for $89! and the regular priced pink ones are $109. Granted they are PINK.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sq=desc&Q=&sb=ps&pn=1&ci=0&A=search&shs=Sony%20Dsc%20120

[Rich-n-Texas]

...Granted they are PINK.
Just like your underware right? :lol:

[JSE]

Just like your underware right? :lol:

So many responses come to mind. However I will hold off. No need to involve your mother or sister............:yikes:

[Rich-n-Texas]

Mother's no longer on this earth, and sister is a wacko, so...

Irregardless...

BRING IT!!!

[GMichael]

Sister is really you in drag?

[JSE]

Mother's no longer on this earth, and sister is a wacko, so...

Irregardless...

BRING IT!!!


Oh, it's brought'in......

Something so painful for Richie his head will spin for days.

http://beernews.org/2009/01/shiner-100th-anniversary-commemorator-ale-067/

[Rich-n-Texas]

I'm no longer going to participate in the derailment of this thread.

:biggrin5:

(Other than to say... only ONE person's allowed to call me Richie, anybody else gets a big can of whoopass open on their sorry... whatever) :incazzato:

[JSE]

I'm no longer going to participate in the derailment of this thread.

:biggrin5:

(Other than to say... only ONE person's allowed to call me Richie, anybody else gets a big can of whoopass open on their sorry... whatever) :incazzato:


Richie, Richie, Richie, Richie! :ciappa:

[GMichael]

I'm no longer going to participate in the derailment of this thread.

:biggrin5:

(Other than to say... only ONE person's allowed to call me Richie, anybody else gets a big can of whoopass open on their sorry... whatever) :incazzato:

OK Richie-poo.

[Rich-n-Texas]

:rolleyes:

Silly little 10 y/o's.

Festus, when you get your camera, dust off your cowboy hat and send us a pic of yourself!

[GMichael]

:rolleyes:

Silly little 10 y/o's.

Festus, when you get your camera, dust off your cowboy hat and send us a pic of yourself!
I'm 12 years, 10 months, 3 weeks and a day!:prrr:

[Feanor]

Hey Guys

Was wondering if I could get some recommendation for a good Digital camera that is under $150. This is my first digital camera and what I should be looking at when buying a camera...
...

The company I work for lets you choose from a short list of slightly cheesy gifts on major employment anniversaries. For my 40th, (it only seems longer), I select one of digital camera options offered.

I selected this Nikon Coolpix S600 (http://www.nikon.ca/en/Product.aspx?m=16670&disp=Features); they reserve the right to substitute but hopefully this is what I get, (or the successor model, S610). Looks pretty good. 28mm equivalent wide angle; removeable rechargeble batteries, 10Mp, motion stabalization, etc., -- unfortunately no old-fashioned viewfinder. The Canadian MSRP is $240 but the US$ street price could be significantly lower.

I could have choosen an Olympus Stylus 1030 SW (http://www.olympuscanada.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1363&fl=4) which is extra rugged and has some underwater capability. However reviews of its image quality were pretty poor whereas the Nikon tested above average (http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3426).

[JSE]

I could have choosen an Olympus Stylus 1030 SW (http://www.olympuscanada.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1363&fl=4) which is extra rugged and has some underwater capability. However reviews of its image quality were pretty poor whereas the Nikon tested above average (http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3426).


Great gift there Feanor.

I actually have the Oly 1030 SW. Image quality is not outstanding but's it's decent enough for good 5x7 prints. I bought it for it's underwater capability and knew it's IQ limitations going in. For it's intended purpose, it's a great camera. I have used it in blowing sleet/rain with 50mph winds 7K feet up on a mountain while hiking, my pool and the salt water of the Florida Keys. Never missed a beat. However for everything else, one of my other cameras come out.