On Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:10:17 GMT, "Larry L"
wrote:

I have a Pentax Optio 33 WR that is 'water resestant' fits in a shirt pocket
and takes good enough photos for most uses

but I'd like to have a similar type camera ( water proof, small, good
optics ) that has a higher pixel rating .. ie takes 'bigger' photos

I'm not interested in a bigger than pocket sized unit, or SLR or ... ...
( been there done all that photobug **** way back when, I once owned an 8x10
view, 4x5 view, 2 1/2 SLR and a couple 35mm SLRs + a Leica focal plane ...
not to mention a full darkroom ... NOW I just want a 'good camera' to take
digital pictures for hard copy printing at a decent size and high standard )


Suggestions? What's out there now that I should consider ?

as always
thanks in advance

Larry,

Here's my take - I've been using digital for quite a while, and have had
a string of cameras, PnS and SLR, from Sony, Olympus, Canon, Nikon. I've
kept them until a "too good to pass up" deal came along rather than
simply going out and upgrading for the mere sake of upgrading, and I
can't remember any that I'd say I've been truly unhappy with. I would
advise that all things being equal, I'd pick one with proprietary
batteries last or one with an oddball memory card/stick - IOW, AAs -
rechargeable Lith-Ions are well worth it, and SDs as first choice. As
with laptops, I've found that unless there are some specific features
you _need_ (or _want_), I'd look for used units, and for the same
primary reason I suggested a used laptop. Many folks out there are
"latest and greatest" types who will buy the latest without regard to
what they actually need, and so, there are often great deals on
perfectly good items that would meet most folks' (actual) needs. Plus,
in the general consumer range of what you seem to be asking about,
competition tends to keep most of the majors pretty close as far as
features and quality. Finally, buying used is sorta like recycling.

IAC, what I'd suggest is that you make a list of which 1-3 year old
camera models from the "majors" - Olympus, Canon, Pentax, Nikon, etc. -
will work for you as far as "must-have" general features (waterproof,
"X" minimum MPs, type of memory, batteries, digital vs. optical zoom,
size, etc.) and look around for any one of them. Check eBay for an idea
of general "market price." Craigslist can be an excellent source for
good "upgraditus" electronics. And I'd be careful about actually buying
from eBay - if you must, buy from a long-time, highly-rated seller, etc.

HTH,
R