I have been looking at small digital cameras to take backpacking. In addition to relatively light weight, I want a viewfinder so I can take pictures without activating the LCD display; a viewfinder also helps stabilize the camera because your face can be part of a firm hold. I'll settle for around 6MP and, although I'd prefer a higher digital zoom, 3x appears to be the standard. The other limitation is not spending much more than $200. Weather-resistant/weatherproof would be great. I really like Olympus (have several of their film cameras) but they have done away with the viewfinder.
The Canon SD600 appears to fit the bill and the reviews I read say it's a pretty good camera. It's on sale this week for $200 (normal price range is $225-250).
Anyone have any thoughts on this one or any suggestions for better alternatives? Thanks.

Hi Siegmund,

I can't speak directly to the 600, but I've used the SD400 quite a bit and find it a very competent little camera, giving consistently good results and nicely made. I wholeheartedly agree that a viewfinder, even a tiny one, is a big advantage in many situations. They, sadly, are being left off most subcompact cameras.

For $200 I think the 600 would be a fine camera. I'd probably poke around a bit to try finding something as good with a 28mm equivalent, but they're not common!

Most reviews for this product are positive. You may want
to read them all from one page. Just compare what different experts are saying about it.

http://www.smartratings.com/review/photography/digital_cameras/39

A year ago I purchased this camera's predecessor, the SD550 and have been totally happy with the choice and the camera's results. Size and weight are great. BTW, I recently purchased the Gorillapod from the BPL store and I can finally get into a few photos when on solo treks. Nice item.

Edited by Quoddy on 03/13/2007 07:39:59 MDT.

Consider the Casio ex-z750. Comparable in beginner features to the SD600, but with many professional features such as almost a thousand user presents, 4 channel YRGB color histogram, two button manual white balance, etc..
My much more expensive Panasonix LX01 is a slow-lensed brick compared to my ex-z750.

Great review by a professional photographer here;
http://www.kenrockwell.com/casio/exz750.htm

Buy it here for $160 (about half the original retail price)
http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=645229

Thanks for Rick, Felicisimo, and John for comments on predecessor models and pointing me to some reviews I hadn't read.
Brett, did a quick look at your suggested Casio ex-z750 (ecrator.com pricing is for refurbished units - not necessarily bad) but decided to go ahead with the Canon. Like all electronics, there are so many models and they change so frequently it's practically impossible to find the "best" for the least money.
The SD600 is being replaced by the SD630 which is functionally identical except no viewfinder and a 3" LCD instead of 2 1/2". Decided to get this while still available.

Siegmund, looks like you made a good choice. The SD600 is one of the most common (and thus popular?) cameras in use on Flickr.. so I hope your newer model will be just as excellent.
http://www.flickr.com/cameras?fr=yfp-t-501