Current rec's for a back-up compact camera?

[Teddifish]

Hello everyone,

I mostly lurk here, but wanted to ask what the current favorites are for back-up cameras--the small ones that most of us tuck into a purse or a pocket for catching those unexpected shots. There are so many choices out there--I'm at a loss to choose one. Any suggestions (especially with your reasons) are welcome. Thanks!
~Teddi

[Scott_Quier]

I like the Canon G9

Decent to good optics
RAW (CR2)
Av, Tv, Manual modes
Compatible with my other Canon gear (580EX, PocketWizards, etc)
For a P&S, it does a decent job controling noise. ISO 80 - 400 is all quite usable.
1/500 x-sync speed when using Canon flash. Can boost that to 1/2000 when using non-dedicated flash.
Reasonably small - not quite shirt-pocket small, but still small enough. Can certainly fit in a lady's purse.
It's black

[Teddifish]

I like the Canon G9
Decent to good optics
RAW (CR2)
Av, Tv, Manual modes
Compatible with my other Canon gear (580EX, PocketWizards, etc)
For a P&S, it does a decent job controling noise. ISO 80 - 400 is all quite usable.
1/500 x-sync speed when using Canon flash. Can boost that to 1/2000 when using non-dedicated flash.
Reasonably small - not quite shirt-pocket small, but still small enough. Can certainly fit in a lady's purse.
It's black

Thanks Scott!

[swintonphoto]

How about one of the new micro-fourthirds cameras? Panasonic announced theirs, Olympus is supposed to announce one this week. You wont beat the quality in a compact.

[Teddifish]

How about one of the new micro-fourthirds cameras? Panasonic announced theirs, Olympus is supposed to announce one this week. You wont beat the quality in a compact.

Thank you!

I have been reading about those, but haven't had the chance to try one. Does anyone have a field report?

[gtc]

size is the issue for me- its either the full pack and tripod or something that is small and also unobtrusive.

How abot an olympus XA for $50 and a roll of good film or the later olympus mju? pocketable also means it will get more use.

[Teddifish]

size is the issue for me- its either the full pack and tripod or something that is small and also unobtrusive.

How abot an olympus XA for $50 and a roll of good film or the later olympus mju? pocketable also means it will get more use.

I hadn't even thought about an Olympus. Thanks Greg!

[Cato]

Thank you!

I have been reading about those, but haven't had the chance to try one. Does anyone have a field report?

Not a field report, but according to the specs - at least for the Panny 4/3 - it's size is more like a smallish DSLR, rather than a P&S. Definitely no pocket size.

Canon A650 has the same sensor and lens as the G9, as well as manual controls. With the CHDK hack it can also shoot RAW.

Panasonic recently intro'd the LX3, which has a 24-60mm (35mm equivalent) f/2-2.8 lens. It also has a fairly tame 10 mp on a large-ish 1/1.7" sensor.

Sony's W300 has been getting good press regarding IQ, even in the higher-ISO range.