Quick advice: pocket camera

[msmemory_archive]

Based on the research I've had time to do, and my current (old) Nikon Coolpix camera, I'm thinking I want to upgrade to more megapixels, more memory, higher ISO, and AA batteries, which added together comes up with the Coolpix L12. (current street price $130-180).

Anybody got any better ideas? At this time I don't want a large SLR emulator digital camera - if I want to use SLR features I'll break out the perfectly usable 35mm film camera.

ETA: The more investigation I do, the less likely I am to go for an L12. CNet's review tells me I'll be frustrated with it:
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-coolpix-l12/4505-6501_7-32319122.html?ar=o&tag=pdtl-list
Grrr. I do want ISO control, and the ready refresh rate is one of the negative points on my current camera.

Comments

Slow cameras

[metageek.livejournal.com]

I do want ISO control, and the ready refresh rate is one of the negative points on my current camera.

Oh, yes. That and shutter lag are perennial problems with budget cameras. I think they always will be, too: if "budget" means "take 20% off the features and 50% off the price", then those features are going to have to run more slowly.

Whatever kind of camera you get, go into a store and take a few pictures first. Best Buy and Circuit City usually have power and memory for their display cameras. When I bought my previous camera (not that long ago, but it got banged up), I was able to test enough to see that Kodaks still had the weak flash problem, for example; and you'll certainly be able to spot shutter lag and slow refresh time.

Canon's cameras are generally nice and fast. Look for something that says "Digic II" or "Digic III", which refers to the image processing chip they use inside. Don't think you need to get the III, though—IIRC, it's better overall than the II, but not a lot; and it's a hair slower. The difference between the Digic and the Digic II was a lot bigger.