Time for new camera. My Canon s200 takes great pictures, but I think it’s starting to show its age. I finally settled on a Panasonic TZ1, for it’s 10x zoom, and because Newegg had it for $189 with a 1GB SD-card.

Panasonic TZ1 Reviews:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/TZ1/TZ1A.HTM
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_tz1-review/index.shtml
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonictz1/

By the time I was ready to order they had sold out of it at that price, and due to other issues with the camera I don’t think it’s worth over $200. I’d decided on the TZ1 mainly because of it’s 10X zoom, Image Stabilisation, and low price at Newegg. In low light the TZ1 seems to produce poorer pictures (than the Canon’s listed below) and it only has a LCD screen and no viewfinder. So, as a sub-$200 compact-camera it would be a great deal, but for over $200 I think there are better cameras to consider with more MP’s (Mega-Pixels) and better ability in low-light.

I’ve been looking at the following 3 Canon cameras.

First up the Canon A710:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/A710/A710A.HTM
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a710-review/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona710is/

Most of the reviews give it a thumbs up, and comparable quality pics to the more expensive Canon G7 (see below). But, I don’t like the fact it uses AA batteries, which means having to buy rechargeable batteries & charger and hauling those around. I prefer having a camera that comes with a rechargeable battery and charger, which usually ends up as a less bulky solution. It’s 10 Megapixels, and has a 6x Optical zoom.

Price is about $250.

Next the Canon S3:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/S3IS/S3ISA7.HTM
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s3-review/index.shtml
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons3is/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/s3is.html
It’s a 6 Megapixels whereas the A710 and G7 are 10 Megapixels. It takes great pics, and has a 12X optical zoom! But, it takes AA batteries and is bigger than the other 2 Canons.

Price about $300.

Canon G7:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/G7/G7A7.HTM
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_g7-review/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong7/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/g7.html

Great, great camera, also looks great in a sorta of retro-way. It’s more compact than the other 2 Canons. But, it’s about $450 and has many complaints from users of previous Canon G Camera users for being crippled compared to previous G models.

Here are the 3 Canon cameras listed feature wise side-by-side.

I just discovered the Panasonic DMC-LZ7K, 7.1 MP, 6x optical Zoom:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16830180092
Less than $200 at newegg, with a 1GB SD card. But, it takes AA batteries …