Pentax Optio X
Pros - Swivel Design that allows you to take Above-head and waist shots and self portaits. 640x480 movies. 160 minutes (CIPA standard). Has voice recording
Cons - Design is not for everyone.
http://reviews.cnet.com/Pentax_Optio_X/4505-6501_7-31000721.html?tag=tab
Ok guys, you've helped me understand a lot already, now please help me choose a camera.
I will mostly use this camera for travelling, hopefully with the Peace Corps. I also take a lot of pictures of friends and my dog. I need unlimited audio recording, which eliminates those beautiful canon s' and sd's, and various nice Sonys. The three camera's I'm choosing from are
1. Pentax Optio S5i Digital Camera
2. Casio Exilim EXZ50 Digital Camera
3. Konica Minolta Dimage X50 Digital Camera
(If anyone can suggest another compact with audio recording, I'll add it to consideration. These are all 5MP but I could live happily with 4.) Unfortunately, each of these cameras has a problem that might get in the way of what I want it for.
1. The S5i apparently has a very weak battery. Since I will be using it to travel, and in places without cheap electricity, this is a big problem. The weak burst mode doesn't really bother me. Also, this camera has a 1024X768 resolution option, meaning that the memory card won't fill up quickly with huge photos that I'll only have to edit down to size when I get home. I also like the look.
2. The Casio is often rapped for its image quality. As far as I can tell, my old ExM2 took fine pictures (in good lighting). The plus side is the reportedly fantastic new battery strength.
3. The Minolta X50 has no resolution between huge 1600x1200 and tiny 640x480, unless you're using burst (1280x960). So the memory will fill up quickly. Also, I think it lacks the classy and elegant look of the other two, and we all need a little help attracting attention don't we? Finally, you have to take the battery out to charge it, and I'm worried about wear and tear on the battery door. However, its pictures seem to be compared favorably to the other two's. Also, it's cool that the zoom is internal.
So, if anyone has advise on any of these cameras, or cares to toss another (compact with audio-only recording) into the area, I would appreciate the help. Pointing out any strengths or weaknesses I've overlooked (other than that they all take only small movies) would be especially welcome.
Thanks

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