Thanks for more great pictures, Tak!
Originally Posted by The Fixer
I like chimivee's camera as well. It's a Canon. The camera is a non-protruding, fixed lens type.....perfect for cycling. Problem is, it's difficult to find a camera with simple features like that these days. Most come with short optical zooms, either protruding lens type of folded optical zooms (non-protruding).
It's a Canon SD10. It has a fixed focal length (no zoom), but the lens does extend when powered on (only about 1/4"). The camera is about 3 years old has been superceded by the SD20, and currently the SD30, so it's no longer available retail. But you can find them new/used on eBay.
It's an excellent little camera and I take it everywhere - road riding, mountain biking, camping, hiking... It's super tiny/compact. The outside is made of steel(!) and is very solid. I crashed pretty hard once with it, and the camera flew out of my jersey pocket and skidded about 30 feet. It has a few dings, but it still works just fine! I never carry it in it's case. Lots of people immediately dismiss a camera that can't zoom, but I really like the fixed focal length - keeps me from fiddling w/ zoom composure and encourages a different shooting style. Controls are straight forward and easy enough for one-handed operation.
The camera does not have an optical viewfinder (one of the reasons it's so small). But usually, optical VFs in point&shoot digicams aren't very accurate... and who uses them anyway? The LCD, though, is pretty small by today's standards - this is probably my biggest gripe, but it only bothers me when I compare it to other camera's w/ mondo screens that take up the entire back of the camera. I'd like it if the start-up time was quicker and focus was a little faster. I think it takes maybe 2.0 - 2.5 sec to power on, and depending on the subject, another second or so to focus - not at all unreasonable, but on rare occassion, not quick enough to grab that quick shot.
My GF has the latest version, the SD30. It's about the same size, but w/ a bigger screen, moderate zoom (lens extends quite a bit further when "on," but still retracts flush when "off"), more megapixels, and is slightly more ergonomic. Construction is similar, but w/ more rounded edges - still very solid, but because the design is less "boxy," it doesn't seem as robust. Functionally, it's probably a better camera in every way. But, I've come to like the "basic" approach of the SD10's fixed lens... kinda like a fixed-geared bike!