Wanting a P&S

[stewartlittle]

My wife wants a digital P&S camera,but I want it to meet my needs also.

Want it small enough to stick in her purse or my pocket.

Dont want to go over $200,but maybe $250.

MP dont really matter,5mp-10mp should be good enough and broaden the choices.

Also want atleast 5x optical zoom,but prefer 7x - 10x.

And lastly,I want it to have a REAL view finder so I dont have to rely on the LCD in sunlight.

I looked at a Nikon Coolpix P60 8.1mp 5x zoom and Canon Powershot A590 IS 4x zoom.

Anyone with expireance with these cameras? I'ld like some input.

Thanks,

[_aravena]

A590 is your best bet. The A720 would be better if you can find one. Check out local retailers as they are the only left carrying what's left of stock.

This is considering the P60 doesn't have a viewfinder and neither does Canon's replacements for the A series.

[canonxtip]

None of the P&S have a "REAL view finder". I found most viewfinders on P&S are close to uselessness. Maybe you should look at the DSLR since the price has come down dramatically. For a couple hundred dollars more, you can get a Nikon D40 with a kit lens.

[_aravena]

Yeah, that's small enough to go in a purse...

And actually they do have as real of viewfinders as they've always been on P&S..........

[Big Hands]

Well, when you say pocketable, you may have to define it a little more specifically. With Canon for instance, you have the ELPH series (SD) cameras that are very compact and will fit easily into even a front jean's pocket.

Then you have a slightly bigger models such as the "A" series which will fit into some pockets, but are bulky enough to be undesirable to some people. The SD series being so small is a convenience you will pay for in both dollars and a lack of more advanced features (which is likely fine for your wife), but they perform nicely for what they are.

If the zoom requirement is absolute within that budget, that right there pretty much rules out an SD series camera and puts you into an "A" series if you're shopping Canons.

[davidinvirginia]

Try the 590IS. It was recently offered for $129 at Circuit City, and is currently selling for $149 at Staples and Office Max. It may be larger than you want, but is certainly a good camera for the price.