cyclespeed Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada

I am still using a 5 year old p&s. Almost all my shots are taken while cycle touring and I like that I can pull the camera from my jersey pocket while often standing astride my bicycle.
I'm beginning to notice some friends with newer cameras take superior images of exactly the same view. Thus I've decided the technology has improved sufficiently that a new pocket size camera is warranted.

Please help me through the myriad of choices out there

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

There are a ton of topics on this already if you use the search feature. Really we can't just tell you what is best. It's going to depend on your budget, size, megapixels you might want, zoom you might want, if you prefer a particular brand, what size screen you want on it, if you need a viewfinder for those times you aren't cycling, if you want something that will be a tough camera in case you drop it, etc. I would suggest you try to go to several stores and look at the different kinds of p&s size cameras they have and what features they have on them that you think you might like. Then Google search for other camera that might fit your criteria. We can try to guide you toward something you might like if we knew more of what you wanted out of your camera, but ultimately making that decision is going to depend on if you like the camera.(For that I would suggest you go to a store where you could try it out.)

picpiper Loc: California

I would suggest a Canon Powershot because they take good photos and become extremely more powerful when you use CHDK. I used an SD770 with CHDK for a couple of years before upgrading to an Elph 310.

See my comments here:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-70621-1.html#1182591
and
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-73246-1.html#1229936
and
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-58667-7.html#972654

When I am at these camera decision points I rely on model searches on Flikr and Google/Picasa web albums to determine image quality. Also dpreview, steves and snapsort.

Here are a couple of random pics (regular .jpgs) out of my Elph 310.

Shopping mall kid bungee


From airplane - only PP Picasa "I'm felling lucky"

Iduno Loc: Near Tampa Florida

I'm selling my Nikon P7000 to get the new model P7700. They are bigger than a P&S but can shoot in raw and have a ton of manual controls. I also like the layout quite a lot. This is my "always with me" camera.

Deejay Loc: Norwich, UK

I second the Canon Powershot, slips in the shirt pocket and is very forgiving if you have to take a quick shot and don't have time to set the manual controls to optimum.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Canon power shot. Lots of models, pretty range of pricing. Second choice for me would be Panasonic, Sony or Nikon third. Happy hunting.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Tea8 is right. Sorry, but we can't help. There are too many choices. :D (kidding)

Basically, you can't go wrong with a name-brand $200+ P&S camera. Having said that, you must read reviews and see what features are important to you. One nice feature is GPS, especially if you are traveling. Also consider a waterproof model. Buy from a good (online?) seller, and don't try to save $20 by dealing with a scammer.

Camera Reviews
http://www.kenrockwell.com
http://www.dpreview.com
http://www.snapsort.com
http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment.html

FX vs DX
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/full-frame-advantage.htm
https://www.google.com/search?q=fx+vs+dx

geonolta

I recently bought the Canon S100 after reading a lot of the reviews. It's an excellent little camera with all the high-end features you might want, except not a real long zoom. Takes great pictures and very portable.

shutterbug65 Loc: Oakville, Canada

Take a look at the Canon Powershot SX240 HS 12.1MP and 20x Optical Digital 4x. Many setting selections, HD video. Also available as SX260 HS only difference it has GPS if that is important. Great travel camera. Good in low light, has image stability for zoom. Does an excellent job on macro.
Worth taking a look and comparing with others in this class.

TdogKing

Since your outdoors in all kinds of weather and conditions , take a look at the Olympus Tough , they are great for all kinds of conditions and take excellent pictures. When the weather turns bad you can keep on trucking.I've owned a DSLR for years but plan on having one these in my pocket for our Alaska trip next May. Used it snorkeling in Hawaii too !

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

The choises out there are mind bogling, find out what cameras your friends are using and go from there. You probibly want a point&shoot that's pretty much automatic so you can ride your bike while taking pictures.

joe west Loc: Taylor, Michigan

get a canon S95 OR S100 its a big camera in a little frame