I used to carry a camera all the time -this was pre-digital - and am thinking about doing it again. any reccomendations?

tro

my cell phone has a camera built in. may not be the best but it will work.

Something rugged is a good idea.

The Pentax Optio WP is rugged and waterproof. Unfortunately the small fixed lens is limiting (though will probably crush anything built into a cell phone).
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0501/05010501pentax_optiowp.asp

Olympus has the Stylus series and some other small cameras that are weather/dust resistant and should also be considered.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/olympus/stylus_500-review/index.shtml

I just ordered an amazing little camera from Panasonic (DMC-FX9).
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0507/05072002panasonic_fx9.asp

It has 3x optical zoom with stabilized optics. I don't think any other pocket camera can compare. I currently own the Panasonic DMC-FZ5. The stabilized optics in this camera has allowed me to take pics that would have been impossible otherwise. The FX9 is probably not as rugged as the Optio or Stylus, so I will be sure to pad it adequately. I am starting with this made in Australia, full cover, custom fit case I found on eBay.
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZatomichh

If size is not an issue, I'd say look for one of the small cameras that still use AA batts so recharging is not a concern.

Good luck, TR

You will not be dispointed with the fx9... I have fx7 in 3 feet radius on me all the time and it is a great little gadget.

Go for the best...

http://www.minox.com/minox2002/index.phtml?&speechchange=e&sprache=e
(EDIT: Not a direct link. Click on the left "Products - 8x11mm - 8x11mm Cameras" )


Thi s is a direct decendant of the ones that have appeared in so many beloved spy movies. When closed, it is about 4.25" x 1.1'" x 0.63". If it is good enough for James Bond, then it is good enough for me. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The base "ECX" model is not as good as the one shown above, but can be in the low $300 range.

**EDIT**
Check out the following page:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=616
I have ordered from this company before. They have a very good reputation in the photo world.

Also note that the "LX" is the "best" minox camera. The CLX and TLX are "special editions" with an associated price increase. The street price of the plain LX should be around $500 or so. It is funny that the LX is no longer listed.

I carry a Canon S330 (no longer made, but it has descendants). It is a pocket digital with a Stainless case. Quite rugged and small with very good optics and capabilities for a pocket digital.

I specifically remember laying under my desk in 2001 watching my building crack, lights crash down and wishing I had a camera...a bit odd but this was one of my reasons for seeking a pocket digital camera.

I currently carry this camera in my shoulder bag daily. I have since upgraded my digital equipment but really like this little camera.

I usually keep an older Olympus XA 35mm camera in my truck (previously, it was an XA III, but I found this one for $10 at a yard sale!) It's come in quite handy for those "wish I had a camera" sunsets & other such moments. It's also been of use, unfortunately, at a couple of minor wrecks.

However, I've about decided that keeping a Fuji or Kodak (or your favorite brand) of disposable camera may be the best way to go. It's basically nothing lost should it be lost or stolen, they're light, & take decent photos. I like my little Olympus too much to continue risking it.

You might have similar luck searching garage & yard sales. I've picked up several "junk" cameras that way. They're fully functional, just no longer desired by their owners.

David

I've been wanting a cell phone with a camera for a while. Hopefully DH will read this thread and find out how useful an EDC camera is and get me one. So far I've been able to convince him that an EDC camera would be neat, but I have not been able to convince him that one would be necessary. So, could one of you experts please tell me how an EDC camera can help in an emergency?

I started keeping a camera in my car after I totaled my first car. The tow truck driver was really nice and let me go to a convience store to get a camera to take pictures of my (wrecked) car. After that I put a cheap wind-up camera and a roll of film in my glove compartment just in case.

I do not think a camera for EDC falls in the essential category. I do think it can be useful post disaster or for lesser things like auto wrecks etc.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0301/03010801pentaxoptios.asp

I think they had some of us in mind when they did this <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />