New compact or 18-55 for my EOS M

My wife killed another compact.

So with our ELPH 100HS being deceased, we now have just the EOS M +22mm and the 60D with some lenses. She rarely uses the 60D due to size, but she kind of like the EOS M. However, with just the 22mm, it isn't as flexible as I'd like for outings and travel. She also needs Wi Fi to transfer photos to her phone for instagram, etc and we've been using a 4GB Eye-fi.

So I'm thinking I could either add the 18-55 to our EOS M kit and buy a bigger wi-fi card, or just buy a new wireless compact like the ELPH 320HS, 530HS or similar. I wonder if the 18-55 might add a little more bulk than we'd like, while still not giving much zoom, even if the quality is better.

So the short version: What's going to give me the most versatility for a travel/walkaround kit? EOS M +22mm and a compact or EOS M + 22mm +18-55?

The M with an 18-55 is a bit bigger than the SX-1 (longer, front to back; otherwise they're about the same size). It'll go in a rather large jacket pocket or a small bag, if that's OK with yo, but I find it a bit awkward; when I'm carrying the M in a pocket I usually have the 22 on it and the 18-55 in another pocket. I do also carry an SX-230, for the extra reach. And I think the two-camera combo will give you the best flexibility, since you'll both be able to photograph even if you go off in different directions; also you can split the bulk that way - one camera each beats one person having to carry the camera and both lenses (and flash, don't forget - the two-camera solution will give you a PowerShot with a flash; adding the 90EX to the M will add still more bulk).

I think the smaller p&s idea is a good one. Adding a larger lens to the EOS-M will give you a short zoom, but more bulk to deal with...and may deter you from bring it at all. Also, having a small p&s to "share" may please your wife.

Reading some reviews on the 320HS/520HS would deter me. The touch screen on the 320HS is not as responsive as desired from my readings. Here's one example;

http://www.pcmag.com …le2/0,2817,2405​272,00.asp (320HS)

http://www.pcmag.com …le2/0,2817,2401​093,00.asp (520HS)

If you are willing to forego the touch screen, look at the longer zoomed 330HS;

http://www.pcmag.com …le2/0,2817,2417​693,00.asp

Also, here's a review on Canon's website for it;
"As a retired pro (mostly sports and business conventions/events, also Vietnam war correspondence), I needed something a little more portable than my DSLR kits for outings and trips with the grandkids. Old bones don't like heavy. I decided WiFi was a must, since I always have my iPhone and iPad with me, and cables/photo adapters are an unnecessary nuisance. Works perfectly for this.
Canon was also a must, because I've been using them since my first F-1 in 1971 in Vietnam and love the brand's reliability. This Elph 330 HS fits the bill perfectly. It fits in my shirt pocket, has excellent image quality, is easy to use, and transfers pictures via WiFi to my devices.
Took my 14-year-old granddaughter to Bush Gardens in Tampa with this camera, shared it with her, and now she wants one!
Seriously, you couldn't ask for more. I've rarely done video, but I'm starting to experiment with this camera. So far so good.
Take it from a pro...the value of this camera is outstanding."

Dennis

330 looked nice, but 320HS was a lot cheaper and my wife likes the touch shutter on the M. Thought maybe it would work good only 320HS, too. I'll compare them, though, thanks.

And just to be clear, I was looking at the 530HS. The 520HS has a 1/3" cell phone sized sensor, so that's a no go.

I went with the 330HS.

I almost bought the 530HS. That's a bit of a sneaky camera. They list the sensor at 1/2.3", which is true, but they try to hide that the lens doesn't cover the whole sensor and you actually get a 1.6x crop of the sensor, which effectively makes it a 1/3" sensor.