Yup, I actually use a card reader for my SD550. Very quick and easy.

Sounds like the way to go, any suggetions, Greg you always seem to find greate deals.

This is the one I have and it works perfectly LINK

I've been lurking on this one 'cause we're also shopping. Have it narrowed down to the Canon SD600 because you have the option of using the viewfinder to extend battery life to 600 shots, and while it has 1G vs 2G memory for the SD630 (which has no viewfinder option), the Ezonics card reader takes care of this issue.

I also like the optional waterproof case that is available for this line of cameras.

Since I'm a bit of a camera nut (meaning I spend WAY too much money on camera gear...and just gave a couple of seminars on how to choose the right digital camera), I'll throw in my $0.02 on this topic. From what I've seen in this thread, we're talking primarily about point & shoot cameras, not DSLR's (which can take better photos, but are a bit unwieldy for casual snapshots). Although I'm a Canon guy when it comes to DSLR's (I have three), I do not think you need to go with Canon for P&S's.

I've had three Canon Digital Elphs (including the SD550), and three Nikon Coolpix models. They were all great cameras, with their own pros and cons. However, I've ended up now using a Lumix (made by Panasonic - see http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/lumix/) FX01. The primary reason I chose Lumix is for Image Stabilization. Simply stated, you're going to get more clear, in focus (non-blurry) photos with IS than without, and Lumix has done a great job of incorporating IS in their cameras. Some of them (e.g., the FX series) also have extremely wide angle lenses, and some have other cool features. But IS is the MAIN attraction. Once you've had it in a camera (or lens, if you have a DSLR), you won't want to be without it!

A few other points:
- Don't get carried away with "pixel envy" - you really only need 5-6mp to get great quality prints up to about 8x10 (my FX01 is only 6mp). And pixels are not all equal; a good 5mp camera will produce better results than a crappy 8mp camera.
- Look for reviews of whatever cameras/lenses you buy on www.dpreview.com -- it's the most respected source for in-depth objective reviews.
- Stick with name brands - don't buy cheap no-name cameras.
- I personally would make sure you're getting a camera that takes either CF or SD cards; they're the winners in the media battle. Other formats either don't have high capacity cards at all, or high capacity cards are really expensive (sorry Sony and Olympus!).

Hope that helps!

Helpful, very. My camera expertise ended a few years after Marky Mark's underwear modelling career, so the digital world never ceases to amaze...I like the idea that Panasonic uses the Leica lens, but now to do the homework...

Edit: Confused...Net, net, what are the differences between the Panasonic FX01 and the DMC-TZ???

Hey, I started this thread. :rofl: I still didn't buy one. :confused: New shoes keep winning.

And they never show up topless on the internet...

man, my head is spinning...FX-ZX01, a RUN DMC-69z, Casio, Canon, Panasonic Remix...5, 6, 7.1, or 6.4 Mega Pixies, do I get the 3x, 4x, 10x, or just XXX?, and do I want the one with the underwater STD option?

This one looks cool, 'an it's got a LEICA! (Mopar joke)

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-...023948?ie=UTF8

I recently sold my Canon and have decided to wait for the full frame sensor DSLR (needs to be a lot more affordable). I was getting a good deal for the equipment so away it went.

3 days later I started getting digital picture hungry again and decided to invest in a P&S as a temp fix. Narrowed it down to two (wanted to keep it below $300)

1. Panasonic DMC-FX01
2. Casio Exilim 850

I loved #2 for it had a bigger sensor than all other P&S I have seen, great great battery life with the LCD (some insane 440+ shots using the LCD) and the samples I found on the web looked real real good (little noise indoors but negligible)

Bought the Panasonic FX01 instead as I really needed a true 28mm P&S (not that many around if you start looking ) and also it does true widescreen pictures and videos (16:9 and 3:2). A lot more indoor noise in pictures than I expected but very happy with it.

If I were CMYX5go I would go with the Casio Exilim 850. No question about it. Great and easy to use, looks super sexy, super small and takes fantastic pictures. I would rate it higher than most Canon P&S out there in terms of features and price

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Casio...oductDetail.do

Cheaper prices available on the net.

Thanks MiCkEy. I don't have to pass Nordstoms, do I. :rofl: