Trying to decide on a new "non" slr digicam

[ScoobyDooby]

Hey Gurus,

I am currently in the market for a new digital camera. I currently have a Canon Rebel Xsi as my main camera and want to pick up a small little pocket sized camera for my upcoming roadtrip to California. I want to get an idea of what would be the ideal choice for my needs and then look to purchase when I'm out on the road in Portland most likely (taxes here in Vancouver are blehh)

So far I've researched a couple and would love to hear some opinions on which would be the best.. let me also preface by saying that I would like one that does allow for manual adjustment of aperture/shutter speed, so not a true "point and click".. I would like some control over my shots yet still have it be a simple enough camera for my wife to use. Also, my budget would be $300 or lower.

Important for me are portability, durability, decent zoom range, good battery life and sharp image quality (as well as manual control, mentiond previously)

1) Canon PowerShot Elph 110 HS
I am torn with this camera as it seems to be a good performer for around the $200 price point, yet some sites give it a so-so review while others give it a very high review.

2) Nikon Coolpix p300
Sounds like this camera offers a goood balance of low light capabilities, 1.8 aperture capable, 12.2mp sensor.. never owned a Nikon before but would be happy to give it a go

3) Nikon Coolpix S9100
Has a super long reach of 18x zoom, HD Video (like the p300). Reviews seem to be favorable overall, however it seems to lack manual features

4)??


Really hoping for some guidance here.. I tend to know a bit more from the SLR side of things so opinions are most welcome!

[dcx_badass]

Panasonic Lumix TZ range are pretty good for a compact type camera.

[ScoobyDooby]

Originally Posted by dcx_badass

Panasonic Lumix TZ range are pretty good for a compact type camera.

Panasonic TX30
Key Features
•14.1 megapixel high sensitivity MOS sensor
•20x optical zoom (40x iZoom, 80x digital zoom)
•3in, 460k-dot LCD touchscreen
•Fully and semi manual exposure controls
•Range of Crerative Control digital filters
•Light Speed autofocus (0.1sec)
•Buy now for £275


Hmmmm not bad not bad! Sounds like this touches on several of my needs.. will look on this one further, thanks for the suggestion!

[sirrith]

If you can pick up a canon s95 with your budget, that gets my vote. Or an olympus xz-1.

[scoutingwraith]

Yeah i have a Panasonic Lumix series camera as well for point and shoot (mine is DMC-ZS3 series) and i am really satisfied with it. Mind you its not DLSR quality but its still quite good.

Ill also say look into the Lumix series by Panasonic.

[ScoobyDooby]

^ had a look at the Olympus XZ-1 and it looks great.. a bit out of my price range, but Amazon has one that is refurb for $300.. not bad at all.

Thanks again guys, I will read up more on these!