Canon, Panasonic Lumix, Casio Exilim, Sony, which is the best digital camera?

I haven't used the other brands - I'm a long time Canon 35mm film SLR user myself, of landscapes, travel and people. And have been thinking of converting to the EOS30D or 40D...

Canon is user friendly and 'intuitive'. Clean controls and (almost) self explanatory displays, if you're not completely new to photography. Not too fiddly. The layout has remained pretty much the same across both compacts and SLRs since I started using Canon in the late '80s, so I don't really need to re-teach my motor memory from scratch where the functions are every time I get a new Canon. Which is great for someone like me who doesn't like thumbing through manuals and getting too technical.

For everyday snapshots I use the Powershot A570 that I bought on impulse based on what I saw on a friend's older version (by a few years) of the same model. The lens is different, wider (not great for portraits). Which I regretted. It's all right at a pinch but not fabulous. I wouldn't be recommending THAT one. :/

So, new is not necessarily improved or better. It's also a matter of personal handling. Personally, I prefer something heavier and chunkier. Now it sounds like I'm talking about something else, lol.

I'm assuming it's a compact you're looking for... Because camera nerds would use a camera dedicated resource and get to personal grips with the cameras, not use Y!A?

Here's a review of the Top 5 Digital Compacts of 2008, have a good look and feel about them yourself before you decide. I'm not saying to buy from Best Denki but it's the one place I know that will print out test shots on the spot of a range of cameras together so you can compare:

http://www.digicamreview.com/2008/12/top-5-compact...

it would be difficult to talk about best camera as a make. this is possible only when one considers on certain parameters like built quality, price etc. since you have not mentioned it is not possible to talk about "one " best camera ! however, here is a simple brand guide: nikon- one of most popular makes. it is known for good quality affordable cameras. good value for money though not for best build quality. coolpix range is very popular. canon- one of most popular camera(all not just digital ones) makes in asian & african countries countries. the EOS series was hit amongst slr users & same was extended to digital as well. it is known for powershot series. certain models of powershot are best value for money like a240(i think that's the model no). currently ixus series is one of best digicam in indian market. sony- premium models. not into mass segment. not necessarily the best camera available. but does get the advantage of "sony" brand. they do tend bring in newness in styling. kodak & fuji are not popular & do not have new models launching in indian market. you can aslo consider olympus, panasonic(lumix), & casio (exilim) camreas.

1 ) Canon is the history Camera maker since 1930, all Canon products provide Quality + user friendly, + reliable with reasonable prices,after sales support ,for Compact ,Canon Digital IXUS serial is best choose . 2 ) Casio main Business still Watches,PDAs,Calculators ,cash register, For Digital camera , Casio Exilim always go for " Features ' and good looking ,,but just acceptable quality, if you need World Thinnest or other world " first ", Casio is the only Brand. 3 ) Panasonic is Japan bigger electronics manufactures with great Digital Technology, all Lumix model use Leica Lens, one of the world best lens from German , Panasonic Lumix is in great Quality. 3 ) Sony is another Japan maker hold Digital Technology , Sony Digital Camera is Based on Konica-Minolta Technology ( Sony Acquired Cameras Section for Konica-Minotal early 2006 ), the standard model use Sony Lens ( made by Konica-Minotal), hi-end professional model use another world best lens by German Zeiss. Sony Digital Camera = One great Electronics Technology Company + 2 Japan history Camera maker Technology with Top German Lens Technology . /// For Fashion and new features, Casio Exilim /// For Quality , reliable , friendly , compact, reasonable prices Canon IXUS and Olympus " U " is good choose./// For very high Quality + best Photo image + reliable ,Panasonis never go wrong.consider also Olympus /// Sony + Zeiss lens maybe excencence, but always in high price..///EDIT /// For Compact and Casual, should be 8-10 Megapixel , 28/35mmlens 3xzoom.Look for Canon model 860is , is wide-angle 28mm,good for Group photo. or other 35mm lens 8.0 mpx model 80 / 85 / 90 . Olympus FE series, model FE 360 / 320 . if need very Quality Panasonic DMC F33 /LS80 is good.Sony is out,because of Prices and more to hi-end . Casio is good prices, but subject to reliable ? for another 3/5 year. you paid much less now, maybe you need to buy another in 2 years times.(sorry, is from my point of view)

For casual use, Casio will be a better choice. With the same len and specs of Cannon, but lower price. It's more value for money.

I recommend Sony for the casual shapshot photographer. Easy to use and great quality.

They are all of simular quality, look at the specs of the individual camera, the brand doesnt really say much

canon