I currently have an HP 945 that I love but needs fixing so am looking for comparable models, any suggestions?

I like the ergonomics of the 945 and want to stay at or above the 5.3mp. Sounds like getting my HP fixed is possibly not possible so I'm shopping for comparable models. Thanks.

Hi,

There are many cameras these days that match or exceed the specs of the HP 945. The Fuji S5200 you've selected above is one of them. Others include the Canon S3 IS, the Sony H5, the Panasonic FZ50, and the Kodak P712.

The Canon S3 IS is a 6MP camera with a 12x optically-stabilized zoom. It features a nice flip-out & swivel LCD screen, a great macro mode (can focus on things actually touching the lens), and an absolutely beautiful video mode, along with signature smooth and accurate Canon picture quality. It uses AA batteries, which means you can use rechargeable AA NiMHs.

The Sony H5 is a 7MP camera with a 12x optically-stabilized zoom. Its LCD is fixed, but also huge and of great resolution (3" at 230,000px). Like the Canon, it uses AA batteries (though only 2, where the Canon uses 4). It uses Sony's proprietary memory stick, which might be a turnoff to some.

The Panasonic FZ50 is a 10MP camera with a 12x optically-stabilized zoom. It's the only one of these cameras to use a 1/1.8" CCD sensor, though it needs the extra space for all those pixels (the others use a 1/2.5" sensor). It has the feel that's closest to a SLR, and size and weight to match, about 8oz heavier than the next closest. Like most Panasonics, it has issues with excessive image noise in low light, but in good conditions it can produce amazing images. It uses a proprietary lithium ion battery pack.

The Kodak P712 is nearly identical in its specs to the Sony H5. Users seem to love it, and it's the smallest and lightest of the cameras here. It has a very ergonomic design, and trademark Kodak ease of use. Like all of the cameras here, it's capable of producing very, very good pictures. Like the Panasonic, this camera uses a proprietary battery pack.

You can get a full rundown of these cameras' specs side by side here.

There's really no clear recommendation between these cameras. I personally love my Canon S2 IS and would recommend the S3 IS based on that alone, but the truth is that all four of these models are very comparable. I'd recommend going to your local mega-electronics store and trying as many of these as possible in your hands.

Good luck!

Thank you for your response, it was quite helpful.

I did as you suggested and visited one of our mega-stores prior to posting my question...I intend on returning with your specific suggestions and trying both the Panasonic and Kodak. I tried the other two on my first visit. One thing I noticed right off was the smaller physical size than my HP. I am a man with man hands and both the Cannon and Sony you mention above felt like little toy cameras. Navigating between all the dinky little buttons and controls felt a bit awkward, a condition I suppose I could eventually learn to live with.

Can you shed any light on the Pentax K100D? I haven't found one yet to try it on for size-n-feel but all the other published characteristics seem to fit what I'm looking for.

Thanks again for you help.