Help me choose a pocket camera

emor · #1 12-21-2009, 05:22 AM

I'm giving my wife a camera for Christmas.
I think I've narrowed it down to the following two.
Anyone have experience with these?
Thanks.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 ($199.99)

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-sho...1396328&sr=1-1

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-came...?tag=mncol;lst

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 ($179.99)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-came...?tag=mncol;lst

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209...zoom/page4.asp

JulienJeff · #2 12-21-2009, 05:53 AM

I have the sony and I'm more than happy with it.
I have used a few times LUMIX cameras and they are great too.
Both are good choices, IMO

Flintlock · #3 12-21-2009, 06:38 AM

Get the one in her favourite colour.

My sister loves her cybershot, it looks classy, takes good photos and is nice and compact.

emor · #4 12-21-2009, 06:40 AM

Thanks.
One of the reviews mentions that the battery compartment door on the Sony is a bit flimsy and will open unexpectedly.
Have you had this problem with yours?

Auzzie-Phoenix · #5 12-21-2009, 12:03 PM

I have a previous model of the panasonic. They do rather well. I find it hard to take night photos, but that's more of a skill level problem than an issue with the camera. The most notable feature is the intelligent Auto mode on the panasonic cam's. They can easily pick out multiple focal points (faces or prominent objects).

jumbosilverette · #6 12-21-2009, 12:27 PM

I have a two year old Lumix and love it, but I just bought my daughter a Nikon Cool Pix and that looks pretty good too.

yellofury · #7 12-21-2009, 12:34 PM

Neither
I had a cybershot and the battery door broke after a small drop...on carpet
I was pretty dissapointed since it was a Sony

I like the Nikon Coolpix Lseries
I have a L14 I bought for my trip to Japan in 2007
and with the preset modes (Indoor, Museum, Outdoor, etc,.)
its pretty much idiotproof to take awesome pics