I have a canon s3is that has the features I personally need although it’s getting old (decent zoom/manual modes/etc) HOWEVER in trying to find a camera for someone else for a Christmas present, I’m having a hard time finding something to meet a few requirements.
1. at least 8 mega pixels (mine is 6 and I’m happy with it!)
2. zoom of at least 5x (optical)
3. uses AA batteries and SD cards
all of this in a fairly small shell (my canon is huge and not pocket friendly) I’ve found some cameras that meet all this however they have downfalls such as huge time between taking photos when using a flash (some make you wait 8 seconds which is unacceptable!!!!).
I’ve mostly been looking at Nikon and Canon but if someone has recommendations of a camera of another brand, I would be happy to listen…
Another thing that I would like but isn’t necessary is an optical viewfinder (again, not a necessity)
If anyone can find this camera, that’d be great. Perhaps under $200?
Canon SX120is is a good camera that suit to your need.
- 10-megapixel resolution for poster-size
- 10x wide-angle optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
- 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD; Smart AUTO detects and analyzes faces, brightness, colors, distance, and movement
- Powered by AA batteries
- capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LITT3S?ie=UTF8&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002LITT3S