Point and shoot camera suggestions

[stumprat]

I have been using a Nikon L-18 for last few years. It finally decided to start acting up. I like everything about the camera, but ready to see what else is out there. Not looking to spend a fortune on a point and shoot. As we already have 2 SLR's in the family. Just something to pack around in the woods with me.

Things I would prefer: At least 4X zoom, ease of use, ability to use AA batteries.

I have never used a Canon point and shoot. So some feedback on these would be great.

Thanks

[boneaddict]

I always recommend Lumix for P/S.  THey use their batts though with charger.

[canyelk48]

Hey bone, I've been window shopping for a P/S camera also and came across the new Canon Powershot SD4500 that is soon to be released on the market.  What's your opinion about this camera?  Thanks!

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sd4500_is#Overview

[boneaddict]

I haven't seen it.  I have a friend that really likes the video on it. 

[high country]

panasonic zs series here.....it shoots NICE hd video, and I photoed a couple books......300 or more pages and never ate a battery. it seems to last forever. image quality is VERY good.

[HuntingFanatic]

I cant remember who pointed me towards a panasonic.  It has been a quality camera for me. I got the fz-18. I am happy with panasonic electronics as a whole. Not that my testimonial will help! I just wanted another post! One of these days I will hit 600! Oh and the rechargeable batteries are a must in my book!

[Decker]

They might be a little spendier, but the Canon Powershot G series (in particular the G10) is IMHO probably the best point and shoot on the market. It has full manual and programmable modes as well as the capability to shoot in RAW. The G10 does not have HD capabilities, but the newer versions might. They do use a specific battery, but I ordered 3 of the off brand versions for like $25 on ebay and they did me right.

100 reviews on ebay give this camera 4.5 out 5 stars.

The bear picture for my avatar and the couple posted in 2009 season were taken with the G10. It's small enough to carry around in my hunting pack, but I can get DSLR results. It's also the backup for many professionals.

 Deck's

[stumprat]

Ended up with a Canon A1100. Not many choices out there for a pocket camera that runs on AA's anymore.

[billythekidrock]

I use a Cannon Powershot S2 IS which is about 5 years old with 12x optical and 5 megapixels, but it is great. The newer versions have more optical zoom and megapixels. It takes 4 AA and if you use the Engergizer Ulitmate Lithium batteries it will take tons of pictures. The down side is there is no internal memory so you always have to have a SD card with you.

I also have a Canon Powershot A570 IS that is much easier to carry but it is only a 4x optical zoom with 7.1 megapixels. It runs on two AA batteries and burns through them real fast when not using the good batteries.

[jackelope]

They might be a little spendier, but the Canon Powershot G series (in particular the G10) is IMHO probably the best point and shoot on the market. It has full manual and programmable modes as well as the capability to shoot in RAW. The G10 does not have HD capabilities, but the newer versions might. They do use a specific battery, but I ordered 3 of the off brand versions for like $25 on ebay and they did me right.

100 reviews on ebay give this camera 4.5 out 5 stars.

The bear picture for my avatar and the couple posted in 2009 season were taken with the G10. It's small enough to carry around in my hunting pack, but I can get DSLR results. It's also the backup for many professionals.

 Deck's

How much smaller is this unit than a DSLR?
Reading some of the reviews on Amazon it looks like it's bigger than the Lumix series which is nice for me because I've got some big mitts.
I'd also need to see some serious benefits displayed before I spend $700-800 on a point and shoot camera. I am open to a G10 but I'd love to hear more..

sorry...... 

[Kain]

i am really liking my new Lumix.

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/2010-LUMIX-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-ZS6K_11002_7000000000000005702

Here are some pictures I took with it.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,54096.0.html

[stumprat]

I am with ya on the Lumix cams. But for a pocket camera I need to be able to use AA's.

[high country]

if you get tired of hauling that canon around, you will be flat amazed at the battery life of the zs series cameras.

[lokidog]

I always recommend Lumix for P/S.  THey use their batts though with charger.

 

And has, I think, the besgt optical zoom.  Ours is 12X.  Costco special.  And shoots HD video.

[winshooter88]

Been using a Canon A720 IS for over a year now, takes great photos and video. It uses 2 AA bateries, has a 6x zoom and is 8.0 megapixels.  I have used Canon for several years and haven't had a bad one. I use the Energizer lithiums and they last a long time. Good luck with whatever you get.