How long does this camera have to last ? What kind of travel - car / city / off road / hiking /all weather/ camping ?
2 weeks in four counties in Europe..long days on feet...then in the car for just in case situations
what is the maximum realistic print size ? 8x10 or smaller ? or >> ? or screen only ?
Could go large 16x20 or 20 X 24 or just screen.. not sure. Can't get great stuff from poor files..
what is most important ? weight / size / controls familiarity / cost / technical control / ruggedness /
Good /great photo's/ but not too heavy
When i struggled with this to pick a camera to take on business trips, i ended up with a P&S that allowed full manual control and ability to save raw captures, AA batteries (no charger to carry ), with decent optical zoom, and small enough to stuff in a fanny pack while exploring the area on foot. Cost was low enough that if it was lost, no big deal. Images were good enough to print 8x10, or on screen (without pixel peeping!).
I'm serious about shooting... it's what I do..but I'm looking for something not so heavy to lug and wear all day, Sure I can take the Canon or Sony...great choices.... but traveling light could be a better one. Thus my search.