Suggest an ultra-compact digital camera for me?
 

I've been using a Konica Minolta Dimage Xg for a few years now, and I want to find a replacement that can handle low-light conditions better than this one can. I think that means that I'm looking for one with some sort of image stabilization feature and/or relatively large sensor.

I've been trying to read the various reviews and comments at the major websites (dpreview, image-resource, steves-digicams), but every ultra-compact seems to have people complaining about unacceptable noise levels in low light conditions. I can't tell if these are legitimate complaints, or astroturf posts from competing manufacturers, or just people who are comparing it to a top-of-the-line film SLR and developing poster-size prints.

The ultra-compact form factor is important to me, since if I don't have the camera handy in my pocket, I won't be using it to take pictures. Also important: a movie mode with sound. Most of my prints end up as 4x6, with an occasional 5x7. My subject matter is usually my preschooler kid, or family shots, or vacation.

Can anyone give me suggestions, or even tell me what questions I haven't been asking?

(Posted here instead of TFP Photography, since I'm not an artist, just a snapshotter.)

Redlemon, I recently replaced my Kodak digi which died with a Panasonic Lumix FX-01. I bought mine at Best Buy because I needed one that day. Amazon has it and plenty of reviews from satisfied users http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FX01. It has image stabilization, movie mode with sound, and it is ULTRA compact. Smaller than a pack of cigarettes definitely. I am very pleased with my purchase. I do take plenty of shots inside (what I think of as low light) and it works just fine. I don't know for sure if it would give you what you are looking for, but I think the Lumix is a pretty complete package for a decent price. It uses SD media cards which was important to me since I already had a collection of 1GB SD cards from my other camera and other digital devices.

I firmly put my support behind the Canon Powershot SD700 IS. Mine is a real trooper, and takes great photos. A full review is available at DPReview.com

Specs:
* 6.0 million effective pixels
* 4x (35-140mm equiv.) zoom
* ISO 800 and optical IS for flash-free indoor shooting
* Canon's DIGIC II image processor, iSAPS and 9-point AiAF
* Wide viewing angle 2.5" LCD screen
* 16 shooting modes
* My Colors photo effects
* Widescreen (16:9) stills recording
* 30fps VGA movies

If you get a Canon, make it a 700IS. There are multiple IS modes, a decent ISO 800 setting (though at 800 you'll be getting pretty strong grain no matter what ultra-compact you go with), and a 4x optical zoom when most cameras this size only offer 3. Definitely a winner in my book.

The FX-01 was a runner-up when I was choosing my own camera, but ultimately lost due to unacceptable noise even at low ISO settings. It might not be much of a concern for you, in which case the Lumix is also a fine camera indeed; very easy to use. Dpreview also has a full review for the FX-01 as well. The 28mm wide angle mode is certainly attractive.

I had my eye on the Lumix FX-03, glad to hear you liked its brother. I'll check that Canon as well.

I bought the Canon SD900 from Newegg.com and absolutely love it. Excellent images. Sometimes, you can look on Newegg.com and they will bundle a free 1gb SD card with the camera.

Ill throw another vote out for the Canon Powershot's... I have the 410, a few years old now, and it STILL impresses me with the images I get from it. I travelled around India and it was the only camera I took with me and have very few regrets. I wished I had changable lenses at places like the Taj Mahal, but then again, I didn't have to lug them around :).

Jason

Here's another proud owner of a Canon Powershot, the A620. Great pictures, and lots of options to play with. And it's compact enough to put in a pocket.

As for reviews, I suggest you visit <a href = "http://www.imaging-resource.com/">imaging-resource.com</a>. It has tons of info and sample pictures.

Another thing about the Powershots (at least mine) - the video is decent enough to actually use.

Jason

I ended up with the Lumix FX-03 just before I went on vacation last week, and so far I'm pleased with it. Thanks for the advice.