I need suggestions on Canon P&S cameras.

[defwhig]

I haven't looked at P&S cameras in a long while, but a friend is asking for advice. I always suggest Canon, but I'm not familiar with the models. Can someone help me out? They want to spend $300-$500.

-Chad

[Jon]

How basic or sophisticated a camera do they want? How big or small? What kind of things do they want to photograph?

[spectru]

I recently bought a Canon SD800 IS digital ELPH. With a high speed 1 gig card, it cost a little over 300 USD. There are a number of different models of ELPHs with a variety of features. I chose the 800 because I wanted an ultra-compact with a wide angle lens, image stabilization, and an optical viewfinder. As far as I could tell, the SD800 IS is the only camera on the market that meets those criteria.

I'm also looking at the G9 as a gift. It is a robust compact with a 6x zoom and plenty of control. The person for whom the camera is intended is a point-n-shooter, so maybe the less expensive A720 would fill the bill.


If I wanted a superzoom digicam, I would consider the Canon S5 IS.

It really does depend on how the user is going to use the camera.

[gool]

From the Canon website.

G-series, S-series, and T-series
High-End, Advanced Digital Cameras

Canon's high-end PowerShot digital cameras incorporate the creative performance of a professional digital SLR camera and the compact convenience of a point-and-shoot.


SD-series
Performance and Style, Digital ELPH Cameras

Canon's point-and-shoot Digital ELPH Cameras are easy to use and boast an array of helpful shooting modes, creative features and advanced functions in an incredibly portable package.

A-series
Easy and Fun! A-Series Digital Cameras

You'll quickly discover that the easiest way to capture a great image is to simply "point" and "shoot" using any of our compact, feature-friendly A-Series digital cameras.


To me,
G=prosumer that is just under the DSLR
S=super zoom/super macro
SD=ultra compact
A=pocketable with lots of features


As mentioned above, it all depends on what features and size they are looking for.
Check out Dpreview.com or something and look through Canon's lineup.

[defwhig]

I know they want an easy to use P&S camera. They are the type of people that don't want to mess with manual settings, and will most likely leave it in AUTO mode all the time. They'll be taking pictures mainly of family and soon to come babies. I'll check with them on size, but I'm sure they won't want anything too bulky.

[_aravena]

I say Fuji F50. Canon wise, if they can spend it, SD950 IS.