Suggestion for cheap second P&S Camera?

[rich0]

I've got a Canon Xsi that I'm very happy with, but there are times where it is just too much to lug around.

What is a good CHEAP point-and-shoot camera to use as a second camera. I don't care if it takes amazing pictures - that's what the DSLR is for. Here are my priorities:

1. It has to be reasonably cheap. The reason I want another camera is that I don't want to bash up my $800-to-replace gear on amusement park rides or whatever. I don't expect to spend less than $100, but I certainly won't go over $300 and I'd prefer closer to $100 than $200. I don't want to cry if it gets broken.

2. It has to be very compact. If it fits in the pocket of my jeans that is perfect. That isn't a strict requirement, but it is a strong preference.

3. It has to take better pictures than my cell phone. I don't care how many megapixels it has, I care whether it can take them in less than 1/8 seconds in a moderately daylit room on wide angle. Sure, features are nice, but I'd prefer modest quality.

I used to have a 5-year-old Nikon Coolpix 7900 that I was very happy with. It got child-abused, but otherwise it would have described what I'm looking for perfectly. I don't care if it is an older model if I can get it new.

I've seen really cheap cameras and they basically seem to be cell-phone cameras minus the phone - I already have one of those (and not a horrible one - has focus and flash).

If decent quality is too much to expect for under $200 I'd rather just stick with the cell phone than buy a camera I won't take on a roller coaster. I might go over $200 a little if there is a REALLY good reason to do so.

What are the thoughts around here? Are there really any decent options?

[OsmosisStudios]

Upper-tier Canon SD series should do the trick.

[rich0]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Upper-tier Canon SD series should do the trick.

Can you be more specific? It isn't clear which ones are upper end, perhaps vs last years models, etc.

[OsmosisStudios]

The one you see in stores right now will be the SD1400; the upcoming one will be the Elph 300HS (in North American terms).

[rich0]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

The one you see in stores right now will be the SD1400; the upcoming one will be the Elph 300HS (in North American terms).

Does the SD1400 get you anything you don't get in the SD1300, besides 2MP and an extra $40-50 (which is around 50% more expensive)? If the only difference is the 2MP it doesn't seem worth it. If there are substantial build/optical quality differences, or even a ton of features, maybe that makes a difference. I don't care about HD video.

[adrean8j]

I would suggest something along the lines of the Canon S series of cameras (namely the S90/S95). They cost a little bit more than what you suggested but not quite the price of a full on DSLR or G-series compact. The good thing about them is they still have Tv, Av, and Manual modes, 28-105mm (35mm equiv.), can shoot in RAW mode and many other things that a DSLR user can tinker with in a compact body you can easily put in your pocket. I just think a regular little clicker will irritate you in the long run....LOL..I have a co-worker with one and I messed with it and it has a very robust feature set and I would consider it as my secondary point and shoot...

[inkista]

Fuji F300EXR. Phase-detection autofocus, full PSAM modes, and all those cool in-camera processing options that are equivalent to HDR, focus stacking, etc. No RAW, though.

If you have the cash, a factory refurbed S90 might be better if you're heavily into available light shooting (I love my S90), but given your stated preference for a low pricetag, I think the pickings are kinda slim. The SD4000IS might be another possibility, as it's kind of like a cut-rate S90, but it's missing most of the key features that make the S so much more fun.

[rich0]

Originally Posted by adrean8j

I would suggest something along the lines of the Canon S series of cameras (namely the S90/S95). They cost a little bit more...

$350+ is getting into serious investment territory. My goal is a camera that I won't be afraid to let my wife use, or take on a roller coaster.

I agree that it does sound like a nice camera, and more control of course is something I'd enjoy since I tend to like to control Av/Tv/etc.

However, I already have a great camera that lets me control all that stuff...

I am seriously thinking about the sd1300, but I'm also thinking that I need to get outside in daylight with my cell phone and try experimenting - daylight shots are the typical use case for vacationing/etc, and I'd like to see what I can get out of what I'm already carrying all the time...

[rich0]

Originally Posted by inkista

Fuji F300EXR. Phase-detection autofocus, full PSAM modes, and all those cool in-camera processing options that are equivalent to HDR, focus stacking, etc. No RAW, though.

Wow - never realized they had phase-detect in a P&S. That actually looks like a pretty nice camera. I'd certainly take that over the sd1400 unless it has some non-obvious flaw. One of the things my wife likes best about the DSLR is the instant-shutter-release, and that the pictures just "look nice" (which I interpret as less dependence on flash). We would probably get most of those benefits from the Fuji to a degree.

I'll probably still experiment with the cell camera - this is a new one so I don't have much experience with it yet. My initial indoor impressions were that it was above-average for a cell, which isn't saying much.

Thanks - and other suggestions are still welcome. Right now I guess I'm between keeping the cell phone (free), the sd1300 (cheap), and the f300exr (good value).

Again, serious exposure control isn't as much of a need here - most likely unless I got something like the aforementioned s90 with the extra controls they will be too much of a pain to use anyway.

[LoveDSLR]

I paid $170 for a Canon S90 demo and I love my Canon SD780IS.