I want something that will take decent photos for client locations, maybe ok-ish 720p video for quick and dirty about-us vids for low-rent clients. I am working on a local videographer partner for high-end.

It would be nice if it were something I could stick in a baggy shorts pocket to take on the business trip to Hanoi or where ever we go.

Mainly point-and-shoot. Budget $350 but would prefer the 200-300 range.

Olympus TG4 is on the shortlist:
http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Waterproof-Digital-Camera-3-Inch/dp/B00UKV5D4C

It would be nice in case I forget it in the vehicle after a quick client shoot and it freezes overnight. Bonus for double-duty on wet vacations.

The new canon sx720 coming out next month looks like a nice compromise between quality and portability, though I'm worried I'd not carry it as much as the lighter/smaller TG4.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX720-HS-Black/dp/B01BV14I40/

What say ye?

Lumix keeps coming out on top where I read, but a LOT of cam stuff is driven by techno-snobbery.

Powershot consistently ranks very high. It what I bought last time (but we never use since Note 4 cam).

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2369450,00.asp

http://www.cnet.com/topics/cameras/best-digital-cameras/

http://www.techradar.com/us/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-camera-1271079
I'd look at bridge cameras

Scanning through the lists, the Canon Powershot XS60 is what I'd probably buy today
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX60-Digital-Camera/dp/B00NEWZ8EY

<added>
Here's what I bought 3 years ago.  4.5 stars @ 1458 reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0075SUK14

You might search and see what the new model is. Should be in nearer budget.

IMO, anything above 20 power optical zoom is a waste for 95% of users for general/lite-commercial photography.  Whatever you narrow in on, check reviews on image stabilization.

Thanks, I knew you'd have a ton of input.

The bridge camera is probably my next step (later), but definitely won't be carrying it around everywhere I want.

I did find this on slickdeals, something to go everywhere and if I lose it I'm only out $50, so no biggie:
http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/powershot-elph-150-is-blue-refurbished

This looks like the newest version of your old sx260:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX610-HS-Red/dp/B00RKNNK0C/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

That looks like just the ticket. I'll dig on reviews and see if new model is coming out soon, it came out jan '15. For $200 probably perfect.

Maybe get the blue refurb elph too, to take to the lake/beach and other "beater" locations.

THANKS mf

So a couple reviews of the sx610 note shitty stabilization.

The sx710, 100 more (though one package from ritz has mem card, tripod, etc for that money), only has a couple of stabilization mentions and seems good.

The 720 is due out next month, so I just grabbed that refurb one for 50 to hold me over til the new ones come out for comparison or at least cheaper pricing on the current models. Can't seem to find anything on a new sx620.

That refurb looks good. 10x optical zoom was all we used to have just 5 or 6 yrs ago. It's all you need for 99% of your shots.  This would make a good client loaner or travel cam that you wouldn't care too much about.  Stabilization isn't too much of a problem at 10x either ...except for Louise at 65mph and shooting out the car window because I wouldn't stop.

lol.

So I short listed a nikon s7000, s9900, samsung wb350f and canon sx610/710.

Using review search keys
stabilization
low light
focus
autofocus

the Canon Sx710 HS is the clear winner. Currently on the 'bay for ~200 new, some auctions closing at 150-160. Stock has been dumped for incoming new models and surplus is ripe. Time to strike.

I was already leaning towards canon before the search began, plus the 710 is the only model with 1080p video at 60fps.

Picked up one for $192 delivered. Company money.  Thanks for the research/tip!

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This one. It's red.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/391386792933

That's one of the ones I was looking at, but prefer black. Make sure to get your warranty card off, the red ones on amazon say international (gray market) only, with no warranty. Though someone in the reviews said the registered the warranty with no problem.

Glad someone else got some fruits of the research labor!

Grabbed a black one, went back-forth on a best offer, ended up at 185.

Love the haggle aspect sometimes. Almost as fun as elf work results in the mornings.

>get your warranty card off

At < $200 it's getting in range of throwaway. Not that I'm cavalier with that amount, but the reality is we rarely pursue registrations & warranties. Lazy.

Fair enough, felt I should mention.

Hoping either one of these gets to me before ATL supercross race this weekend. We have box seats.

>felt I should mention

And thanks. I'll give the regis card to Louise and tell her 'Drastic said do it.'

BTW, in case you need a new/larger sd card (most of my new stuff is micro), I found this:
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-sd-card/

and ordered the 2nd runner up ($28 for 64gb) which should be more than this camera could need and possibly still be useful for future tech.