Digicam advice from ADVrider.com

[Photog Rob]

Hi all,

This post was a reply to a "Which digicam?" thread on ADVrider.com. I asked for permission to post it here, since I believe it's helpful and right on target.

Roberto.

---------------Post follows:--------------

"Hey all,
I design lens hardware and adapters for digital cameras. Due to this unfortunate profession, I have had the pleasure/displeasure of working with just about every consumer to prosumer digital camera made in the last five years. Here are some of my notes and advice.
For size: Canon Elph
For Ruggedness: Nikon 5000,880,885
For Resolution and lens quality(minimal lens aberrations and color fringing): Nikon 5000, Sony 707(Zeiss lens;yeah!) and Kodak 4800
For ease of use:Nikon 950,995,880,885. Kodak 4800
For aftermarket and brand accessories: Nikon

I really prfer the compact flash type of data storage format. It's relatively rugged and the USB or PCMCIA card readers are cheap.

For bargains you cant beat the Nikon 995 right now. It has a hinged body which is funky but actually very nice for taking pics while sitting on a bike. The fold out display on the Canon G series and the Nikon 5000 are similarly handy but a little more damage prone. I personally carry a older Nikon 880 on rides because the damn thing is nearly indestructable, don't ask me how I know!

When looking at any of these cameras you should be aware of their battery use and power consumption. Nikon offers a really nice Lithium battery which can be recharged relatively quickly. For any of the cameras that use an AA type battery I'd suggest laying down the coin and purchasing the latest technology. Big $ but worth the freedom.

And as some have already mentioned take a good look at http://www.dpreview.com/
for great info.

Lastly, e-bay has some really great deals on Nikon 880s.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jorge"