[MaxCast]

Not asking for the best pns for the money but rather who is happy (impressed) with their pns.  After my wife breaking the last 6 or so cameras and taking a ribbing from me and getting a bad rep...I lost our camera...right before the Chicago Car Show 
Looking for <$200 camera (in case I loose it again, or it gets broken) that you may have had happy experiences with.  If your happiness floats above 200 give me a review I can't refuse.
Following functions are a plus:
-quick shutter response.
-Good video, 1080p not a requirement.
-Easy integration with imacs and transfer to DVD
-Any type of batteries.
-To be used in auto mode, fine pic mode of stereo equipment a plus
-anything I missed.

Again, not looking for the best of the best, just a few suggestions to look up and get one.  SO getting cranky.

Thank you

[drphoto]

I've actually been pretty impressed w/ photos and videos taken w/ the new iPhone, believe it or not. That is the one function where my HTC EVO that doesn't hold up in comparison to iPhone.

Sorry, didn't mean to do a phone review, but seriously, if you just want snapshots....you might not really need a stand alone camera. And obviously, you're going to have Mac compatability.

[SET Man]

Hey!

   I was thinking of getting to replace my now 5 years old P&S cam....

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/671993-REG/Sony_DSCHX5V_B_DSC_HX5V_Digital_Camera.html

   Well, I haven't done so yet since I ended up spending my money on something else and usually I ended up dragging my DSLR out instead anyway. 

    Anyway, it is a bit over your budget but I think it got a lot to offer for P&S cam.

Take care,
Buddy

[Jon L]

I really don't think it matters too much.  I have the Canon S95, which is quite heralded and indeed very good.  When there is enough light, it takes great pictures, but when there isn't enough light (dim restaurant, indoors, etc), P&S just simply cannot give results like a good DSLR with a real good lens.  S95 sports a nice f2.0 lens, much better than most P&S, but my DSLR with a good f1.4-1.8 (not to mention my f1.2) simply blows it away for indoor photos...

Many (most) much cheaper P&S also take nice pictures in good light.  So if most of your shots are in good light, I would go for a cheaper P&S, but if many shots indoors is required, then consider a used/refurbed smaller Canon older generation camera with something like Canon 35mm f2.0 lens...

[MaxCast]

Thanks for the replies guys.  Joe, this has to be for the wife mainly.  Can't let the 4 out of me sight.  It sure is great for the quick pic or video of one of the kids or whatever.


 

[woodsyi]

Rich,

I carry this to places I can't take big cameras.  It's good and really convenient.  It fits in your breast pocket of a coat or a shirt. 

[Levi]

I think the Canon SD series will surely fit your budget.

[JohnR]

Thanks for the replies guys.  Joe, this has to be for the wife mainly.  Can't let the 4 out of me sight.  It sure is great for the quick pic or video of one of the kids or whatever.

Get her one too? I can see a lot of points accumulating here.

[charmerci]

I use the Fujifilm JV100 (now $70) It's small, light and takes excellent shots. I've blown them up to 8x10 and they look great.

Canons generally have the better picture quality. In the Jan. 2011 PC World, Panasonic digital cameras had by far the best reliability.

[JakeJ]

Rich, here's my .02.

When looking at the p-n-s cameras in your budget try to find one that sports a high-end, name-brand lens.  I have a Panasonic DMC-FZ18 and it has a Leica lens set in it.  Sony offers cameras with lenses from Carl Zeiss and my old one was one of these and both cameras are awesome.  As mentioned they both work best with lots of light and that is one of the Achilles heels of the p-n-s cams.

It has been said in this circle that you can hang a great lens on a crappy body and get much better results than with the other way round.  No you can't change lenses on a p-n-s but you are stuck with whatever glass the mfr. used so get the best you can afford.