Forums: Photography:

I usually shoot with a Canon 1d mark II and I love the control I am able to exercise with a digital slr. I'm going to be going on a vacation with the kids to Disney world in October, and while I would love to take a camera with, I'm not about to lug that brick of a camera and lenses around the theme parks.

So I would like some recommendations on smaller more portable cameras that will offer me a good deal of control. I want it to have a built in zoom lens that is as long and fast as possible. I also want a reliable auto focus in lower light. I'm not interested in a digital rebel or the like. I want something I can put in my pocket and forget about if possible.

You are, unfortunately, asking the impossible.

The Canon G series (G7/9) are pretty good, but control is always sacrificed or less usable, as is a fast and long zoom range. And they aren't really pocketable.

No compact digital has accurate low light focus, even those with IR assist and other tools.

I guess - I would look at the Canon G's and some of the bigger Panasonic Lumix models.

Thanks. I new I was asking a lot. Both G7 and G9 are intriguing. They actually come closer to what I want than I thought I might get in a compact format. So again, thanks for the tip.

I'd second the Canon G series. I've had nothing but good luck with my G5, and it gives you plenty of control (Full Manual, Camera Raw, etc.)

It's not *quite* pocketable, but it's the camera I took to Disney World in January, and it was small enough to go everywhere and ride everything with me.

I've had a good run with the Oz equivalent of the PowershotSD range. for something that fits into a pocket and for point-and-shoot it does the job!