jpconrad

I'm looking for a nice, compact digital camera that I can throw in the handlebar bag and has decent quality and decent speed. I know some of you ride with similar cameras, what do you have? Any problems/complaints with the one you have?

I'm too uncoordinated to use my camera's phone (and the quality's kinda lacking).

Thanks!

roadfix

I use a Panasonic Lumix. No complaints really but I wish it were a tad larger so it'll fit in my hand better, especially while riding and trying to take pictures.

Pamestique 

We just recently went throught this same question/thread so do some research and check what everyone else had to say.

My recommendation is Canon A540.

ronjon10

I have a Fuji F30 (I forgot to bring it yesterday @#$#@$) which I can use one handed, though I wouldn't mind it being even a tad bit bigger. I like it because it has a 3200 speed option, and the pictures turn out fine.

I like the quality of the Canon's just a tad bit more (better colors IMO) but I can't use those one handed.

If I was shopping, I'd take a look at the Nikons which have the wireless network capabilities, I really don't like dealing with cables or dealing with the cards. (I've left the card in my computer before one ride and didn't realize it til it was too late.)

nesdog

I just bought one to replace my dead A70. It's a nice sized cam plus the shape allows for easy holding by one hand.

Sheldon

urbanknight

Another for the Canon. My wife replaced her old Canon with it, and she used both cameras for her graphic design and architecure work in college. I was always amazed at how much clearer her pics were than my Fuji, even though they have the same megapixel rating.

Pamestique 

I agree, I can't use my Canon while riding although my friend has an Elph and very easily uses it while on the bike. Gets great photos too! I am just too uncoordinate no matter - I have to stop.

superdex

Bought a Canon SD550 and it takes GREAT pictures for a point and shoot. Small enough to fit in my jersey pocket ...

https://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/sd550.html

Stacy

Never heard of anyone who didn't like Canon. The new SD IS series with Image stabilization looks particularly nice.

phoenix

I found it entertaining that you wish your camera was a tad bit larger! In a time when everyone wants electronic equipment as small as possible, it's funny to hear someone say they want something larger.

roadfix

Camera ergonomics is just as important as your brake hoods, shifters, and handlebars. I find the older generation of digicams much easier to handle, one handed, while riding. Same goes for cell phones.

ronjon10

+infinity
(assuming you're taking pictures one handed while riding)

Are you coming out to the Bloat ride? I'll have my fuji then, I assume there will be several others you can check out also.

Pamestique 

The ELPH shown above is a wonderful tiny little thing that easily fits in a Bento Bag or jersey pocket and can be used while riding but I did not buy it cause the controls were too small for by big clumsy hands and old eyes. One reason I originally bought the A75 and then the A540 is the size of the controls. Easy to use and easy to read. And it's still fairly small and quite light.

One other plus for Canon - the factory is here in Irvine. Any problems you can drop the camera off for repairs.

One other plus for the Canon - my A75 was a good camera. It's just one day I left it on top of my car and drove off, no doubt tossing the camera off the top into the street. Because I feared the camera lost forever, I bought the A540 after some research (BTW best prices are at Costco). Weeks later I found out someone found the A75. I got it back and it still works perfectly. Something to be said for camera quality and durability.

urbanknight

My wife's A75 still works as well, but it started to have issues with going into camera mode. Her mother still uses it from time to time. The A540 has a bigger screen, though, which is nice.

Nachoman

I also have the cannon elf. I think it is the SD40. My only complaint is the battery life if SHORT. So outdoor shooting is okay, but if you start using the flash indoors, it dies quickly.

jpconrad

I've been wondering how well the IS would work while on a bike. One of my Canon SLR lens has built in IS and it's great for handheld telephoto shots, but I don't shake anywhere near the amount I would on a bike.

Pamestique 

That's one reason why I didn't get the ELPH was the battery issues. I wanted to use ordinary AA's which I can carry, easily buy if necessary an d didn't have to worry about recharging before use. The A75 took 4 AA's the A540 only takes 2 and you get lots of photos before you need to change. I just always carry my spares in the little camera case I got. And the screen is way bigger!

Nachoman

Good move!

superdex

I bought an extra battery with the camera. Problem solved

mateo44

We just got a Canon SD630, and love it.

chimivee

That's interesting... We have an SD30 and battery life is ridiculously long (but I rarely use flash). My SD10 had good battery life, as well.

Drew12

I used the Casio EX-s600 for apx 4 months.
The just a few weeks ago, picked up a Cannon SD600.
Used both side by side for a week.

Casio
plus; GREAT software. easy to use and very quick pictures with LONG battery life. ( battery included and rechargable).
Minus; picture midiocre. I never got what I thought was exellent picture quality. Just not "quite' sharp and clear enough.

Canon;
Plus, EXELLENT picture, very clear. quick start and shoot time. comes with rechagable battery. battery last a long time ( not as long as the Casio, but 160+ shots is pretty good).
Minus; software is OK, but not the easiest to navigate.

My opinion is;
A camera is ALL ABOUT THE PICTURE. I kept the Canon, and took the Casio to work and expensed it.
Which only makes sense since I had been using it at work since I purchased it.

1955

+ for Canons. After seeing the pics my x took of our daughter playing soccer I went and bought the latest version of hers, the Canon S3 IS. It's not for taking on rides, but for everything else, I love it. I would loved to have invested in a digital SLR, but it would have been three times the price and I just didn't have the bread at the time.

jsigone

I think I'm going to get the SD630 for the replacement camera I broke. Compusa has it for $270 right now. How big is your memory card and how many pics does it hold is it's highest res?

mister

I recently bought a Casio EX-Z70BK. I haven't taken too many pictures or really tried it out, but I like it so far. The only time I really used it was to take pics of my car after some schmuck backed into me; the pictures came out fine. It's small, light weight, made out of aluminum and 7 megapixels. It has a decent amount of pre-set shooting modes and some other things. I picked it up for $200 and got a 1GB for $10 more. Yay for after Thanksgiving sales.