Need a digital camera recommendation, perty pleeeeeze!

Hey all, I am heading off to the Mexico border and would like to take a high-resolution, but very lightweight digital camera with me. That way, I'll be able to send as much info back to DU (obviously keeping Operational Security in mind) on what that mission is all about.

So, my criteria are:
- High resolution
- Good optical zoom power
- Very lightweight
- Small size
- Somewhat rugged

Other cool things, but not necessary:
- Ballistic level IIIa protection
- Army pixelated "ACU" camo pattern
- Plays various Sousa marches

CompactFlash memory card (the others are too small and fragile, because their electrical contacts are on the outside of the card).

AA batteries. You can get 2600 MAh rechargeables, and if you run short of charge you can always rund down to the drugstore for a pack of Lithium AAs.

Other than that, just buy one that haas the features you like tand is made by a company you've heard of (Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Panasonic, etc).

bhphotovideo.com is a good place to research, and to buy from.

Redstone

is no viewfinder.

OPTICAL, not "digital viewfinder."

Never, unless you HAVE to, do what you see so many people doing: hold the camera out at arms' length and use the LCD on the back as a viewfinder. You CANNOT hold the camera as still like that, as you can when you hold up to your eye and use a real viewfinder.

Redstone

I bought an HP photosmart back in November. Total piece of crap.

I was going to validate y statement, but I don't even know where to start. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!

it eats through batteries like candy. I bought it two days ago, and I'm on my third set of batteries. And I haven't even been taking pictures. I've just been running through setup, and looking at the different modes. The first time I got a low battery warning, I thought it was joking. I'd only had the thing out for an hour. But then it shut itself off.
The next day (with new batteries)it shut itself off, and didn't even bother to close the shutter.:wtf:

Today I'm trying it with fancy batteries (designed for digital camera use). If i can't last a week on them I'm returning it.

7.1 megapixel, 3x optical zoom, very lightweight, small size, somewhat rugged, huge display screen, tons of options, and even records short videos.

I bought it in February and am very happy with it.

I won't lie, I use Nikon D-SLR's, but that's just a personal preference. I've owned quite a few compact digicams in my day, however, from various manufacturers, and Canon is really the best damn choice there is.

Here's my recommendation for you...

Canon Powershot A620: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AYJDD6/ref=pd_ts_p_1/104-2877135-3747911?n=281052&s=photo&v=glance

or if zoom is really important to you...

Canon Powershot S2 IS: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009GZSSO/ref=pd_ts_p_7/104-2877135-3747911?n=281052&s=photo&v=glance

Both of them feature top of the line optics, high resolution (7.1MP for the A620!) megapixel counts, great zoom capabilities (4x on the A620, 12x on the S2 IS), image processors, flip-out LCD screens (to make it easier when shooting over people's heads or in awkward positions), compact and tough designs, and use rechargeable AA batteries, which, if you're on the move and can't come near an outlet for a while, you can always just pick up AA batteries at and 'ol store and throw 'em in there.

You won't find a better camera for your needs than either of these. I guarantee you'll be satisfied. :hi:

The S70 saves in RAW, which is a little useful if you're truly serious about photography. The S80 is newer and has some extra bells and whistles.