Small Point and Shoot Help Needed

I'm looking for a cheap point-and-shoot camera that is small and easy
to carry around (basically, an good entry-level small camera). It
should be under 350 USD (I'm in Canada though, where cameras like the
Fuji F30 cost 450+ CAD; I'm near the US/Canadian border, so if any B&M
stores are offering good prices, by all means, speak up!). Previously,
I owned the Canon A510, which suited me well, however there were a few
things about it that I did not like:

a) Size - It felt much too big and heavy for something that needed to
be pocketable
b) Batteries - I may be in the minority for this, but I acutally prefer
NOT having 4 X AA batteries as they add a lot of extra weight and size
c) LCD screen was small, and hard to see in moderately high amounts of
light

Also, there are some basic things that I'm looking for in a camera. In
no particular order...

a) 4 mp + (pretty much any new camera fits this already)
b) Minimum 3X Optical Zoom (most cameras fit this too)
c) 2.0" + LCD Screen (2.5" prefered)
d) Long Battery Life (350+ shots per charge is prefered)
e) Included (but probably proprietary) battery with included charger (a
must)
f) Optical Viewfinder
g) USB Connection to a computer (almost a must - I hate having to lug
around a dock in order to download pictures)

Based on what I've seen, the only camera that fits the bill for these
specs are the Sony W-series (specifically the W50).

Does anyone a) have an opinion on this camera, or b) have a suggestion
for another similarly priced/featured camera?

Thanks for reading!

On 14 Sep 2006 19:42:23 -0700, song.exe.RemoveThis@gmail.com wrote:

>I'm looking for a cheap point-and-shoot camera that is small and easy
>to carry around (basically, an good entry-level small camera). It
>should be under 350 USD (I'm in Canada though, where cameras like the
>Fuji F30 cost 450+ CAD; I'm near the US/Canadian border, so if any B&M
>stores are offering good prices, by all means, speak up!). Previously,
>I owned the Canon A510, which suited me well, however there were a few
>things about it that I did not like:
>
>a) Size - It felt much too big and heavy for something that needed to
>be pocketable
>b) Batteries - I may be in the minority for this, but I acutally prefer
>NOT having 4 X AA batteries as they add a lot of extra weight and size
>c) LCD screen was small, and hard to see in moderately high amounts of
>light
>
>Also, there are some basic things that I'm looking for in a camera. In
>no particular order...
>
>a) 4 mp + (pretty much any new camera fits this already)
>b) Minimum 3X Optical Zoom (most cameras fit this too)
>c) 2.0" + LCD Screen (2.5" prefered)
>d) Long Battery Life (350+ shots per charge is prefered)
>e) Included (but probably proprietary) battery with included charger (a
>must)
>f) Optical Viewfinder
>g) USB Connection to a computer (almost a must - I hate having to lug
>around a dock in order to download pictures)
>
>Based on what I've seen, the only camera that fits the bill for these
>specs are the Sony W-series (specifically the W50).
>
>Does anyone a) have an opinion on this camera, or b) have a suggestion
>for another similarly priced/featured camera?
>
>Thanks for reading!
You will find the W50 fits the bill, I have the W100 and it
is a little jewel, before that I had the W1, similar features,
built like the proverbial brick outhouse.
The battery is long lasting too.