A better camera than this?

[spincut]

I haven't gone camera shopping in forever, and it seems like every time I try there are too many models with a very difficult level of differentiation.

I am looking for a good all around camera (well, after research hopefully the best one), so think the closest thing to DSLR quality in a compact package. Granted, I'm no photo expert either and want it to have ease of use and good/quick performance, but even I know a lot of included options/features for shooting don't work the best all the time.

Anyway, this seems to be the best I can find so far http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx260_hs

The canon sx260. But I'd be curious to hear if anyone has any better suggestions?

 

[thedge]

If you want the closest to a DSLR, theres the G series from Canon (large point and shoot) or the top point and shoot is the S100. Beyond that youre going to have to get into Micro 4/3rds cameras which are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

 

[xero404]

^^ i like his choices
s100/s95/s90 are really pocketable and have many manual controls if you want something point and shoot sized. Price ranges from 200-300 for a used s90/s95 and the s100 brand new is 380. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=s100

Or you could go a similar route like mine and get a Micro four thirds which has a bigger sensor and has many DSLR like manual controls. I wanted a smaller body for traveling and did not want to lug my canon 40d to the Phillippines.

I picked up a GF2 with the pancake 14mm 2.5 lens for 350 imho was a steal at that time if you don't mind shooting at a 28mm focal length. It also gives you the option of switching lenses later on if you need zoom. I have not needed that yet lol.

Amazon has the GF3 (smaller body no hotshoe) for 380 but has been on salefor 314 last month. I personally wanted the GF2 since the GF3 has the same sensor but no hotshoe for external flash or Electric viewfinder. (has a pop-up one that i bounce off the ceiling)
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC...&tag=slicinc-20&ie=UTF8&qid=1316844018&sr=8-3