Help on a pocketable compact

[TeenTog]

Hey everyone! I'm finding that these days I'm less likely to take my dslr most places, and that because of that I'm missing some key moments with friends and family. I'd like a compact that can fit in my jeans pocket and yet still has decent image quality and will serve me well for a couple of years. Again, just casual snapshots here and there. I'd like to keep the price around/under $250. After looking at a few options, the Lumix zs3 is interesting me, but I'm not quite sure yet. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[brad-man]

I have an S-100 that takes very nice snapshots, shoots in manual/RAW and is pocketable. They are currently on sale as a refurb from Canon for $200. I haven't used it much since I got the EOS M.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/310255?WT.mc_id=C126149

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

Hey everyone! I'm finding that these days I'm less likely to take my dslr most places, and that because of that I'm missing some key moments with friends and family. I'd like a compact that can fit in my jeans pocket and yet still has decent image quality and will serve me well for a couple of years. Again, just casual snapshots here and there. I'd like to keep the price around/under $250. After looking at a few options, the Lumix zs3 is interesting me, but I'm not quite sure yet. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

To call "pocket camera" I see something like Canon SX160, SX170.

 

[Don Haines]

thinking a bit outside the box.... there are now a number of waterproof p/s cameras out there. Great for pictures in the rain or times when you don't want to risk your DSLR. I have one that rides in the pocket of my life jacket when I am out canoeing or kayaking......

 

[Dylan777]

I'm really happy with Sony RX100 II from IQ to AF speed. Down side, the price tag is $750.

 

[fugu82]

+1 on the waterproof/shock resistant. A camera that rides in a jeans pocket or jacket or purse all day will need to be somewhat rugged.

 

[verysimplejason]

For IQ, my vote is for a Sony RX100 II. If you'd rather have Canon then an S120 or S110 (or G16 if it's still small enough for you). If you want a shockproof/waterproof camera, then a Canon D20 will do the trick.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-d20/

 

[Lichtgestalt]

Sony RX 100... cost more then 250$ but it´s well worth the price. think about it.

 

[alexanderferdinand]

+1 for Sony RX100, v1 or 2.
Expensive, but worth it.

 

[mifho]

I had a panasonic Lumix DMC-lx5 but the auto white balance was awful. I sold it on eBay. I currently have the Sony rx100 (version 1) and it is the best pocket camera i have ever owned. I had the s95 and thought it was great but it got stolen and I upgraded - I would still recommend the "s" series for the price. I'm selling an EOS M on eBay right now - the IQ is on par with the Sony IMO, and since its not exactly pocketable, I didn't really use it so I'm selling it to help pay for the Fuji x100s I just bought. But for the price, I'd say the the s100 or s110 would be a good choice (both under $300 on amazon) based on my experience with the s95.

 

[MK5GTI]

if you want quality, skip the zs3, or skip any smaller sensor.

buy something that has RAW capability. S100 refurb for $200 sounds very good for the money, and don't forget the Fuji XF1, i believe the sensor is even bigger. and i have seen it for $299 in Canada