I have decided to buy a new Camera. Even though I want a SLR, the wife is insistant on a compact as she fears I will never bother to actually carry and use the SLR. Which may be true.
She is pretty keen on Canon cameras due to past good experiences, but I am pretty open to other good makes such as Nikon too.
I am thinking maybe the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS, what I want is a good compact with some nice SLR-Like features to play with.
Any ideas?
the Canon G11 is pretty spectacular. That is my semi-compact of choice for @ $500.
If you are willing to go up to $1k or so, the Micro 4/3 cameras are a good in between step. Not quite SLRS, but interchangeable lenses, and better image quality. The New panasonic GF1 is tops on my list of those. Followed by the Olympus EP1 (cause it looks badass, and performs pretty well).
You can get a good SLR for less than that... you can get a Pentax *ist, out of the box, at a buy-it-now price for about 400 bucks US on eBay - takes any Pentax lens, even the old MF ones that are about 20 bucks each.
But in any case, regardless of make, pick the SLR you like and check a couple of models ago - you can get fresh from the warehouse 3-5 year old cameras for half the price of a new one. The technology is moving so fast that even an older camera is still really good.
It is not really a matter of budget, more a matter of my wife wanting something compact enough to go in her bag/pocket
Well hell then, get her a Leica.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Leica-D-Lux-Digital-Compact-Camera/dp/B001HZLWN6
Though according to the reviews the Lumix LX3 is the same thing but less expensive.
Originally posted by: arigato Well hell then, get her a Leica.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Leica-D-Lux-Digital-Compact-Camera/dp/B001HZLWN6
Though according to the reviews the Lumix LX3 is the same thing but less expensive.
Aye. Both the leica and panasonic are fine sub compacts. I find them too small to be useful, myself.
For a Canon in the same class, look at the S90
But I still think the optics, speed, image quality and handling are better in the mid range G11 and EP1/GF1 categories.
The G cameras are amazing for the form factor. Much control for such a small body.
I like the look of the G11, the S90 is more the size she is after though. I will have a look at both and if I like the G11 better, I will have some arm twisting to do!
Thanks for the suggestions folks.
Well we ended up with a Canon Powershot SX210 IS. The wife set her heart on that one for whatever reason so I just let her get it.
I've been happy with all my Canons. I'm sure she'll love it.
Originally posted by: JimmyTheGent Well we ended up with a Canon Powershot SX210 IS. The wife set her heart on that one for whatever reason so I just let her get it.
just read up on it at dpreview http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10020804canonpowershotsx210.asp
sounds pretty damn hot to me.
Canon’s advanced Face Detection Technology identifies up to 35 faces in each frame, ensuring that portraits and group shots are always in focus and well exposed. Smart Shutter mode also uses Face Detection Technology to remotely control the shutter, allowing users to take a picture with a simple smile or a wink. FaceSelf-Timer makes it easy for the photographer to join group photos, analysing the scene and waiting until an additional face has entered the frame before taking the shot.
the hassle I've had of late trying to take group photos... man I'd love that feature. And a family that were a bit less uncooperative 
I havent had much of a chance to look at it yet. I am sure it will be a decent camera though since canon usually mak 'em good.
Playing with all the features and learning to use em may take some times, unless I take the ladies approach and read the book....