Pondering a new Camera

The last digital camera I bought was in 2006 for a trip to the States. It is an Olympus mu Digital 600 (pictured left). It is smal, fast, 6 megapixel but generally takes crappy photos. Specifically, the photos are really really grainy!

I need a new camera. Bad.

I did some thinking and figured I have 3 options: 1) Get another point and shoot digital and likely be let down again, 2) Get a full on digital SLR and re-learn how to drive one of those crazy things, 3) get an compact with DSLR-like features and try out the middle ground.

What the hell do I know about digital cameras? I at least know that the crappy camera on the back of my mobile phone is not good for anything other than ad hocery. I sent the word out to my camera-knowledgeable friends, who came back with some generalities:

• Point and Shoot: Small and high-resolution. Slow to focus. Poor zoom. Poor in low light. Look for fast shutter speed and selective focus.
• Compact: Cheaper and smaller than a full DSLR. Better lens than point and shoot. Close to the same functionality as a basic DSLR.
• DSLR: Full control over everything. Expensive and physically large. Likely lack video support.

I also got some specific product and brand suggestions:

• Point and Shoot: Canon IXUS 220 HS
• Compact: Canon PowerShot G9, Canon PowerShot G11, Sony NEX-3, Sony NEX-5
• DSLR: Sony SLT-A33, Sony SLT-A55VL

Recommendation of the Canon G Series came from two different groups of people. I note that the most recent model is the Canon PowerShot G12. Reading up a little on the Sony NEX series suggests some seriously cool tech on a seriously tiny frame!

I think a compact is the way to go and I think the Sony and the Canon are good contenders. I intend to get myself to a camera shop or two and try out some of these models before making a decision.

Thanks to Rod, Martin, Rick, and Hasan for the advice.