Manipulators
All are 5MP, use SD memory, are subcompact size, about 3X optical zoom (~35-100mm equiv). Haven’t read all these reviews and information yet, still looking through it, looking for more info, and looking for other similar cameras.
2 Pentaxes:
Pentax Optio S5i
$299 on NewEgg.com
Fits inside an Altoids tin, comes with charger cradle that can charge spare battery at same time.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/optios5i.html
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxs5i/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/S5I/S5IA.HTM
Pentax Optio X
$309 w/3year warranty http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_25287.htm
Swivel, comes with charger/doc (doesn’t look like it can do a second battery like the 5Si’s charger) and can serve as a webcam.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/optiox.html
Panasonic:
Lumix DMC-FX7
$365 on buydig.com
Seems to have highest picture quality, has a Leica lens, only one with optical image stabilization.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/fx7.html
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfx7/
Minlota:
Konica/Minolta Dimage X50
$339 on Amazon, some other offers available
USB2 (don’t think any of the others are), can also be used as webcam. Not sure how much I’d use movie mode on these cameras, but one review implied this was the only one that didn’t record sound with it’s movies.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/dimagex50.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/Konica_Minolta_Dimage_X50/4505-6501_7-30974578-2.html?tag=glance
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_konica_minolta_dimage_x50.php
The best memory card to get, HUGE and very fast:
http://www.pcmall.com/pcmall/shop/detail~dpno~505822.asp
The 1GB version of the UltraII goes for $100-$130 I think.
Ultimate photo printer plus prints directly on printable CDs and DVDs…
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/epson_r300m.html
Currently up to version R320 I think, less then $200 at Costco (w/USB cable and sample media).
Great site to look for the best prices:
http://www.techbargains.com
Wow, hell of a lens on that one, but a *little* out of the price and size range I’m looking in…
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikoncp8800/