Smaller than G9

[Jannie]

My daughter's going to be traveling for a while and called to ask about cameras, whatever she has in a digital she hates. She still has a whole bunch of her film camera stuff but like most of us, doesn't use it anymore.

But she does want a digital that has really good resolution and a lens with some reach. I offered her my G9 or if I get a G10 she can borrow it for her trip to India. She did however balk at it's slight increased size and knowing she travels with a minimalist backpack, she just might object, opting for something that can more easily be carried in her pants pocket.

What is the closest to the G9 but may be somewhat smaller or thinner?

[canonxtip]

G9/G10 in the size of SDxxx would be great.

[Jon]

A650 if you can still find one. Same sensor, similar range, no RAW but has the classic flip-out screen the G9/10 lack. Otherwise, the SX-10 maybe.

[mullhawk]

I would probably suggest the sx110, I don't think you get much smaller then that without loosing zoom...

[MaDMaXX]

Depends on the zoom she needs, but maybe something like the 870IS or the new 950, though i'm not sure if it's out yet.

[Jannie]

It needs to be something that can be purchased within the next month.
Thank you everyone.

[Tee Why]

Higher Resolution (i.e. more MP's) in a digicam probably does not equate to better image quality, if anything just more noise.

I personally like the new Panasonic LX3. It's smaller and has less noise than the G9 with 10MP's. But it's focal length is equal to 24-60mm. For travel, a wider lens tends to be more useful than a telephoto. If she wants more zoom range than the G9, then she may have to go for a more consumer level 10x zoom digicams, but they tend to sacrafice optics for range.

I think she may have to find the best compromise between size, zoom range, and image quality. I'm not sure of any digicam that will equal the image quality of a 35mm film. Digital SLR's probably but not digicams.

[MrChad]

SD990 IS, same sensor as the G10 and some manual controls a first for an Elph.

[Raivyn]

For small, I would second the Panasonic LX3.

[denncald]

If it has to fit in her pocket, I would suggest the Canon 880IS. It has 28mm wide lens, and a 3" LCD, but no OVF. If she doesn't need the wider lens, then perhaps the SD990 IS with some manual capabilities.

And, not to be a heretic here, but Nikon's new S710 (http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-Camera/26128/COOLPIX-S710.html) looks interesting, with FULL manual controls, 28mm wide, and small like the SDxxx series.

Dennis