Best "credit-card" sized digital camera?

I'm looking for a nice digital camera that I can slip into a shirt pocket.
I already have a Canon 10D and an Olympus C2100-UZ for times I can use a
larger camera, but sometimes I just can't bring a big camera along, and I
want a decent backup that I can carry in my pocket. I saw the Canon S-400
at Best Buy, and that looks about my size. Is that a good choice? Is there
something better? Thanks!

 

I looked at the little Pentax credit card sized camera but didn't consider it
after I saw the crappy battery access door. It didn't look to me as though
it would last very long! Then I bought one of the little Casio Exilim Z3 and
used it for about 3 weeks. I liked the size and features of the camera but
I had a hard time taking good pictures with it ..... it was probably my fault.
So I took it back and bought the Canon S-400 and I like it very much.
I had just sold a Canon S-100 so its size was familiar to me.
I also have an Olympus C2100-UZ and intend keeping it too.

Jack Mac

 

I have had my eye on the Canon Elph for the same reasons as you:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/s400.html

In fact just this weekend I was looking at one, and right next to it
was a Fuji FinePix F401 (F410 is the new model):

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/fuji_f401.html

I was more pleased with the overall look and feel of the Fuji, and
since this was last years model it still used SmartMedia which I have
lots of because I too have been an Olympus fan. Well to make a long
story short I now own it.

It was only $159 at Circuit City, the Canon Elph next to it (also last
years model) was only $204...both were great deals.

With any camera always handle and look at how the ergonomics are for
you as everyone is different. This Fuji is exactly what I was looking
for and I believe the above review site will tell you the same.

 

I own the S400 and love it. Am amazed with the pictures!

 

With all due respect, the Canon S400 is not last year's model. It just came out
in March of this year (announced on February 27). And if you could get that one
for $204 as you claim, you are a fool for not having done so. That must have
been the deal of the year.

Abrasha
http://www.abrasha.com

 

Maybe he was talking about the S230?...

 

The Fuji F401 is a very portable P&S camera. It's very light (the Canons
weight a ton by comparison), small, and produces quite nice pictures.
However, I wouldn't recomend it for the OP.
I think the Canon Elph cameras (they're called IXUS around here, but I
believe they're identical otherwise) have better controls and features, the
Fuji's menu controls are awkward (changing WB, ISO, or EV compensation is a
pain). The focusing on the Canons is also better, though I think the Fuji
gets the edge in macro shots and in noise levels at the higher ISO settings
(at least in the models I tried).


Flux

 

Thanks for your input guys. Since I've heard only good things about the
S400, and it takes compact flash (which I have tons of for my 10D), I
decided to go with that. I ordered one from B&H for $435. Thanks again!