lightweight camera ideas

[actionshooter]

I'm looking for a new camera that is better than my old point and shoot. I virtually know nothing of photography as my pictures on the site indicate  .
 Looking for something simple that takes good pictures but doesn't weigh a ton as I'll be carrying it while backpacking/hunting.
 Looking for recomendations   

Thanks!! Steve

[huntnphool]

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=17624

[Dakota Dogman]

kenrockwell.com

This guy is a great source of information.
I got the Canon SD 800 I think, and love it.  The more you pay the better they are, so if you drop $100 vs. $300 it will show.

God Bless,

[billythekidrock]

My Canon A570 IS is lightweight and I pack it with me hunting most of the time.
Sometimes I take my heavier Canon S2 IS because it has better zoom.
The A570 uses two AA but if you don't buy good batteries it will eat them up.
The S2 IS uses four AA and with good batteries it will take hundreds of pictures.

[Slider]

You should be able to get a good point and shoot for about $150.00. I have also had good luck with the Canons. 

[jackelope]

the panasonic lumix fz18 is very light, almost to the point where it feels cheap, but it's a little big to carry while hunting. i might start looking at smaller ones just for the pack too.

[huntnphool]

Actionshooter, the reason I suggested that camera is because it will shoot RAW. FWIW, I wouldn't buy another camera unless it has this feature

[billythekidrock]

The current Consumer Reports (July) has a great cover story on 77 different cameras from Point and Shoot to DSLRs.

For subcompact (pocket sized) they recommend:
Nikon Coolpix S610  $220
Canon Powershot SD1100 IS Elph  $150
Pentax Optio M50  $120

For compact they recommend:
Canon Powershot G10  $450
Canon Powershot A1000 IS  $140
Canon Powershot A470  $90
The their "best buy" option is Canon Powershot A590 IS at $110 which I think would do you just fine.

[actionshooter]

The current Consumer Reports (July) has a great cover story on 77 different cameras from Point and Shoot to DSLRs.

 Thats a great idea, I'll pick that up!!

Hey Phool, Whats RAW?   

[boneaddict]

Panasonic Lumix FZ18.  I've recommended it to many folks on here and many have purchased it and loved it.  I'd have to scrutinize new models as I am sure there are some.   Many of my pics on here are from it and not my big canon.  Leica glass, gret macro shots, light and has 18power zoom stabilized. 72 power or something like that without stabilization. 

[washingtonmuley]

Action,
Take a look at the olympus 1030 sw. It is water proof to 30ft. and is very durable. It is 10 megapixels and has I think a 3x zoom. We were testing my boss' camerea out by freefalling from 15'-20' out of a helicopter into the ocean and then taking pictures and the camera worked flawlessly. I will be buying one soon.
Good luck

[jackelope]

shooting RAW allows for more processing modification or doctoring or photoshopping or whatever you want to call it in plain english.

[uncoolperson]

just got me a Olympus Stylus 550 Waterproof, small and light... although it does have the normal point and shoot lag, only had it for a week though.

my brother is packing a Pentax W30 (also waterproof) on the pct. (real world not even close to expert user picture examples at http://www.flickr.com/photos/uncoolperson/sets/72157619030539669/)


I still love my bulky D50 though

[MIKEXRAY]

I also want to get a light weight camera to take. My question is are some quieter to zoom & take the picture?  My wife's camera is pretty noisy. I want to take pictures of animals while bow hunting and not scare them. Might be a dumb question but I am curious. Thanks for the info above, make it easier to narrow down. Mike

[Kain]

I bought the Olympus Stylus 1050SW because it is waterproof to 10', drop resistant from 5' and cold resistant down to 14 degrees.  Figured it would hold up to the abuse in the field.  It is very slow and the picture quality is so-so.  But for the price and the features it is a pretty good deal.  I would hate to spend money on a really nice camera only to drop it in a puddle and have it break out in the woods.

I dont have buyers remorse but I do wish it had better pictures and was a little faster.  Maybe the new model will be better.