smallest backpacking camera

“what do you think? I found the camera the other day at our PX, cost $179

Check out the review: Sony
Camera I am thinking at the times I rather don't take a camera, but never leave without it because I am worried that I'll regret it later. This thing is really small and weighs 4.9oz. Pretty cool!

What do ya think?”

“But I think I'd want at least 3 megapixels and at least some degree of optical zoom.

I tend to like to zoom in or go wide-angle on shots, and scenic stuff I tend to do at 8x10 or 8x12 -- a little beyond what a 2 megapixel camera can comfortably do.

If you're okay with the fixed focal length and don't expect anything more than the occasional 5x7, then go for it. Otherwise have a look at the Olympus Stylus 300 or Canon S400. The Oly should be getting cheaper as it's being replaced by the Stylus 400.

Also, check out www.dpreview.com -- I find that Phil tends to put a lot of the key specs all together in an easier-to-figure-out format, but that may just be personal preference.”

“Gemini: I have a Sony Camera that is 2 mp and I really like it. It was 8 ounces when I bought it, but that 4.9 ounce camera has the same features. This xmas I'm going to buy myself a new Sony digital camera - one with over 3.2 mp.”

“yeah, but dpreview.com doesn't have the review on the camera yet. I found the link to the review on the dpreview site.

My "good" camera I am using is a 4 megapixel olypmus and I love it, but just like I said once in a while I just don't want to take a camera, maybe I have too much stuff packed already or for other reasons....

there is just no excuse to leave without camera if you have this one. come on 4.9oz, that's just too cool”

“my friend got the new casio exilim cam..it takes good pics.. 4x zoom, 3.2 mpixm, 30 second videos with sound, is the size of 10 credit cards stacked together weighs like 72 grams”

“Yeah, right. There is no need to lie here bro, everybody knows that you don't have any friends.”

“oh I think I am going to check this one out. It would take my current memory cards I think, and got more megapixels. dang, I just checked,that's only 2.5 oz.

how small can they get?

Thanks opie.”

“Hey Gemini, I think I would go for it. I am in the same boat as you regarding a camera. Most times I don't take one because of wieght and wish I had. 4.9 oz man that is like the wieght of a power bar. $179 bucks is like 10 disposable cameras, and you won't even have to pay tax.”

“That Casio doesn't have a real zoom!!!

Be REAL careful when the manufacturer talks about digital zoom. It's completely different than optical zoom.

Optical zoom is what we're used it; the lens zooms in or out through the range.

Digital zoom is b*ll#&%!$ marketing to make you think you're getting something you aren't. It's just taking some of the pixels from the middle of the image and interpolating them to a larger file size. Something you can do yourself on your computer after the fact and do a better job while you're at it.

See DPReview Glossary for more info.

If you wanna buy a camera without and optical zoom, fine -- but know what it is you're getting and don't let the marketing b@stards fool you into thinking you're getting something you aren't.”

“yeah, I never use my digital zoom. No use because the picture is just way too blury.

Deeddawg, this is a camera that you can take anywhere. I understand that it's not the best camera out there, it's just something I have no excuse for not taking. It always can stay in my backpack.

I have the Olympus C-5050 and it's a great camera, but I have trips where every oz counts and I rather don't take a heavy camera.

dang, i just noticed it's a 5 megapixel. I totally forgot. :) anyway, my olymus is a great camera, but a smaller camera would be real nice once in a while.”

“yeah, I never use my digital zoom. No use because the picture is just way too blury

That's my point, I'm sorry I didn't make it clearer.

All I'm saying is watch out for the trap of thinking digital zoom is a real zoom, such as when OPIE indicated that the camera had 4x zoom. If someone's fine without an optical zoom, that's great.

I just hate to anyone think they're getting something they're not. That's the "ripoff" I spoke of; I didn't mean to malign the camera.”

“naa, my fault. I knew what you were trying to say. Just wanted to say that I know about the "ripoff" LOL

I am checking them out right now. 3 cameras and pretty small... I need to sell my 4megapixel cdr sony.”

“It's Waterproof!”

“That Sony does look like a pretty cool camera and the price is great. I checked pricegrabber and no one is near it. I have the C-5050 but am afraid to take it backpacking, especially if it may rain (like every trip). I usually end up taking my cheaper and smaller 2 megapixel camera.”

“sorry..i forgot to differentiate that fact...this camera is almost small enough to be a zipper pull. It's definately not for the detailed zoomed out mountain vistas. It takes clear pics, inside and out, haven't had any probs shooting pics in the woods with it. and the video's can be funny at times. we use it with 1-2 256mb cards and get lots of pics and vids with it. We really don't use the zoom..but i saw it on the website and thought i'd bring it up. I do think one of the other model #'s of this camera does have a real zoom, but the lens sticks out a bit more from the face of the cam.

I mean come on..when was the last time you confused your camera with your zippo in your front pants pocket...lol well..we were drunk..and let me tell you the zippo doesn't take good pics!”

“Didja singe anything when you tripped the "flash" on the Zippo? :)”