Best pocket camera?

Kris, I'm going to use my iPhone 4 as a backup to my larger DSLR. It takes amazing pictures (and video) for it's size. I'm sure other smartphones do the same so if you have one just consider using that.
Bob

I can't tell you how much I love my Panasonic Lumix ZS-3. That's an older model, I think they're up to ZS-7 now. Look at Costco, I got mine there for about $200.

I really like my little Pentax Optio. I purchased it 5 years ago and have brought it along on many adventures and it still works great, taking great photos and good quality video as well. The version I have is also waterproof which is handy in wet climates or if you're near water. However the waterproof versions will likely be above your $200 price point. Non waterproof models look like they'd fit your budget (based on the quick search I did). This is the model I have: http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-Waterproof-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B000HDHAOO

Most smartphones really do take great photos these days, but I prefer to use my old Nikon Coolpix. Nikon has arguably the best lenses, and you can get a tiny 12 megapixel for something like $150 at Best Buy.

Get a copy of the Consumers Report Magazine that rated all kinds of cameras for some good information. Most libraries would have copies of that magazine.

kris, With your reference to "DSL", I assume you're referring to a DSLR Camera? I've been using a Canon SD-870 IS as my backup Camera for a couple of years, and it's been working well. I sometimes get a bit frustrated when using P&S Cameras, as they don't allow of lot of manual control and don't have the same low-light capabilities, but overall it's great to throw in a pocket when I don't want to pack the DSLR around. That particular model is a few years old, so I'm sure it's been replaced by newer models. Referring to the reply from Syndey, I happened to be looking at a ZS-8 in the Camera store last night, and was quite impressed! The reviews seem to be reasonably good, and that particular model has a 16x image stabilized optical zoom, which is incredible in a pocket size Camera. One problem was barrel distortion at the wide end, but likely a lot of people wouldn't even notice that. Also, image quality is apparently not as good as previous models in that line, due to higher noise reduction processing. There's also a ZS-10 in that series. The difference is that the ZS-8 uses a CCD Sensor, while the ZS-10 uses CMOS. Also, the ZS-10 has a built-in GPS (according to the reviews, that draws the battery down fairly quickly when it's switched on). Both models have the renowned Leica Lenses. I don't really need yet another Camera, but there seems to be a "magnetic attraction" drawing me back to the Camera store, so I might try the ZS-8 on my trip this year? It's "on sale" which is also good. I also briefly looked at the Nikon S-9100 but it didn't really appeal to me for a number of reasons. One reason is that the battery can only be charged while in the Camera. That's a goofy method IMHO - I prefer the ability to charge a spare battery when I'm using the Camera. Cheers!

Ken Rockwell knows what he's talking about: http://www.kenrockwell.com/index.htm

@ ed, Ken Rockwell is very knowledgeable, but I don't always agree with his assessment of Cameras, especially in the DSLR class. His list is exclusively Nikon and I feel some of the top-end Canon models are equally as good. There's always a strong rivalry between those who use Canon and those who use Nikon. This is much a matter of personal preference. His reviews of pocket P&S Cameras was interesting, but in this case it was definitely leaning towards Canon. For excellent reviews of a variety of Cameras, I always check www.dpreview.com or www.steves-digicams.com (it takes time to review Cameras so they may not have all models reviewed yet). Cheers!

I vote for the Panasonic Lumix ZS series camera. Last year I purchased a Pentax Optio for about $100, and then six months later I purchased the Lumix ZS-7 at Costco for about $200. What I liked about the Lumix are: 12x optical magnification (vs 4x found on most point and shoots), and the image stabilization. It is a bit thicker than those slim point and shoots, but that is a minor price to pay for a superior camera. The camera is not with me as I write this, but I believe that the case has a rugged feel to it; it might even be made of metal. The only major downside is a problem that is common with many point and shoots: it has no viewfinder, and the 3 inch screen can get washed out in bright sunlight. Maybe this is not unique to point and shoots these days, but I can set the camera to a rapid fire mode and shoot at around 10 frames per second for up to ten seconds. Last year I was at the Olympics and had a hard time shooting the 90 mph bobsleds and luges with my DSLR. I wish that I had the Lumix at that time. I think the Lumix ZS series is now at model 10 with 16x optical magnification.

For what it's worth, I just replaced an older Canon point and shoot with a Canon PowerShot SD1300 Elph, on sale at Costco for $120 (including memory card and leather case). It has a really awesome low-light setting (but it's hard to find, you have to read the online reviews/manual to get to it). It's seriously pocket sized and takes 12 MP pics. I also use my iPhone for taking blog photos as my backup. Can't wait to travel with both.

If you get the urge to splurge, I would definitely recommend the Canon Powershot S95, which can produce great photos and gives you lots of control options much like your DSLR will. If you want to stay around the $200 range, I would recommend the Canon Powershot SD1400IS. Talk about a pocket camera! It is so small and compact, I could easily fit it in my shirt pocket! It's smaller than my cell phone, and I don't have a relatively larger smart phone... Enjoy your travels!

I use a Canon Powershot SD1200 and find it does a great job, both for pics and videos, and is very compact and lightweight. Last year I picked up an iPhone 4 and have been quite surprised at the quality of the pics it takes. I intend to take both on my trip this Fall as I like the ability to change settings( for low light, etc) on the Canon, and the multi use functionality of the iPhone for things other than picture taking...

Canon and Nikon make great lenses. If you use one of their products, you will get really clear pictures with excellent color quality. A pocket camera isn't as good as a DSLR camera but works wonderfully for most shots (landscape, portraits, candids). Depending on the camera's lowlight capability, a pocket camera will also produce decent museum, fireworks, or action shots. The features I look for in a good pocket camera are zoom (if it's under 5x optical, it will bother you), view window (the bigger the better, anti-glare is nice but can be added cheaply after market), shutter release time (some cameras shoot almost instantly when you press the button, others take a few maddening seconds), low light capablility (the good ones can take really nice museum or low light shots without a flash), correction for camera movement (really helps), multiple focus zones (will focus on subjects other than the center of the screen), hd video (yes you can get quality video from a pocket camera). Virtually any decent camera now has plenty of megapixels in the photo to produce great pictures (and enlarge if needed). Remember the flash on a pocket camera has a limited range (maybe 6-18 feet, check the owners manual). Too close and your picture is washed out, too far away and the subject is dark (but the foreground is lit). The built-in flash is nice, but only if you use it within it's limitations.

In my profession I use cameras. When traveling I stick to the one bag philosophy and to do that the big cameras stay at home and the small, fabulous, trustworthy Canon Powershot Digital Elph comes with me. LOVE IT. Get one with a 4x zoom and 12 megapixels. You'll be set and pleased. BEST things about it are the clarity of the pics, and its' the ability to photo in low light without a tripod. A perfect travel companion. Enjoy.

Too bad you can't increase your budget because the Canon G11 or G12 are fabulous cameras. They run about $400, double what you want to pay. My suggestion would be to stick with Canon or Nikon, they make the best cameras. Decide if you need an ultra zoom, or other features, then purchase and don't look back!

What brand DSLR do you have? As I have a Canon DSLR, I decided to stick with Canon for my point-and-shoot. Most important reason for me was the way they operate: functions are displayed in the same way, which makes it easier to use. I have a Canon Ixus 130 (a.k.a. PowerShot SD1400 IS / IXY 400F). Very small and light, 14.1 MP (which compensates for the 4x optical zoom, if I want better pictures, I use the DSLR). And 720p HD video, that makes my 16GB SDHC cards look tiny. Within your budget.

I should have added, my current travel camera is a Nikon S-8100.

I have a Canon Power Shot SD1400, really like it and it's small.

Thanks to everyone who gave me their expert advice. I ordered my new camera last night and it is on the way!

kris, Perhaps I missed seeing it in the replys, but which Camera did you decide on?

Sorry - I got a Canon PowerShotElph.

kris, Which model???