quick advice...what should I look at

[jcav]

OK, so I realize a million people have asked this question, but honestly...I'm nesting, so please give me a break. :-)

Our sony p&s has a very $$$ error to repair and since we are not happy with the picts it was taking, we are looking for a new p&s.

Obviously, nothing compares to my 5D and 40D, but I'm hoping you can help point me in the right direction... I have a 2 year old and a newbie on the way (I'm due in March), and need a versatile p&s. I'm not one to use all the crazy settings, I like to keep the picture with as much data as possible (if there is a compact p&s with a raw setting...)

Anyways, I hope you get what I'm looking for...something that my hubby and I can take picts of the kids spontaneously and get a high quality shot.

Thanks --
Jen

[fishtek]

I bought a G10 to serve as an alternate/backup for my 30D. I'm quite happy with it. It can be used as simply as you want, or as "techy" as your 40D and 5D. I've got a panoramic shot listed in the "G-series" forum, made in "Program" mode, and have done everything from grab shots to macro to landscapes to busy kids. You'd like it.

I also bought an A590IS, primarily for my wife to stick in her purse and shoot when she feels like bringing a camera along. That'n works quite well, too.

Remember...you'll get what you pay for....but then...you know that.

Regards!
Don

[LowriderS10]

I'd take a look at the SD and SX series :)

[hnikesch]

Conon's P&S don't shoot RAW out of the box (except the G series), many A and SD series will with the help of CHDK in camera software (loaded on SD card) I like the SD series size, The SD1100is is the smallest of the bunch great IQ and with CHDK added settings and raw

[LowriderS10]

whoa...what other added settings can you do with CHDK?

[hnikesch]

Check out the site http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK

[LowriderS10]

lol I'm on that site right now :)

soooo seriously? It'll give you manual controls over aperture and shutter speed???

too bad nothing for the 790 :(

[hnikesch]

looks like the 790 is in beta testing now, so is my sd900, the 900 is mostly functional just a few bugs

check http://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php/topic,2187.120.html

my sd500 is working with chdk all features

the chdk forum is the best source for up to date info on new cameras being ported, you could get into beta testing your 790, I am testing my SD 900

[LowriderS10]

wow thanks!!! How long do you figure 'till they have an actual running program out?

[hnikesch]

read the complete forum for the 790 port looks like it's mostly working now, try and load the software do some testing it can't hurt your camera, study the wiki and the CHDK manuals referanced on the main page of the wiki, good luck, my SD900 is almost 100% complete just a few raw issues and I use it every day with CHDK

[LowriderS10]

well, my 790 is still on its way (just ordered it a few days ago). On the main page I couldn't find a download for the 790...am I missing something? Do you have the link for that?

And thanks for letting me know about this...I've never heard about CHDK before and was kinda bummed that I won't have much manual control over my camera...this completely made my night.

[hnikesch]

I have not found the down load link but it should be in that forum somewhere, good luck

[LowriderS10]

thanks :D appreciate all your help :) I'll definitely be looking that up when my camera arrives.

to the original poster: sorry for hijacking your thread...got a little excited

[jcav]

apology accepted :-)

anyone else got ideas?

[hnikesch]

My preferance is the SD990is as it allows real manual settings of shutter speed and choice of 2 f stops 2.3 & 8 at wide angle (just ND filter) It can be put into any pocket and allows you to always have a camera with you. The 990 uses the same sensor as the G10 larger than all A & SX series Canons except the no longer available A650