While a digital SLR is great when it comes to photo quality and shooting options, it is often just too big to lug around and isn't nearly as versatile (i.e., it doesn't shoot video). If yo don't have the camera with you, you don't get the shot. A compact digital camera will fit in your pocket and can still take a a good quality photo when needed. These cameras have also become very reasonably priced in recent years.
The Criteria: It must be small enough to fit in your pocket (your pants pocket - not the pocket of your raincoat) and it must shoot photos and movies. This rules out any camera that uses AA batteries and also any camera where the lens doesn't close flush with the body.
After comparing a lot of alternatives, the Canon SD1100IS is the best. Here's why:
1. Canon has been making these tiny cameras for years going back to their film "Elph" series of film cameras from the mid-90's. When a company has been doing it this long they know what they are doing. This is why canon's compact digital cameras have been popular now for around a decade.
2. Photo quality is very good for a camera of this size. It also shoots excellent movies. They aren't in HD but what do you expect at this price? (See #5)
3. That "IS" stands for image stabilization. Image stabilization is necessary to get quality photos consistently with a camera of this size. This one's got it.
4. The camera is loaded with other features but I'm not going to go into them. The vast majority of the time you just want to pull it out and snap the picture.
5. The camera has a street price of only $149. Considering that it gets image-stabilized photos and movies at that price, you're getting an awful lot of value for your money.
6. The camera comes in 5 colors for those of you that like variety. I'd probably stick with the standard silver but I do find myself drawn to the bohemian brown.
The Best: Canon SD1100IS
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