Advice for fixed lens digicams

[dunbar]

I just sent digicam #2 to the trash, the lens housing assembly on this and on the prior camera refused to function correctly.

Both cameras were the kind where the lens outer housing telescopes out when you turn the camera on, and then it pulls back in when the camera is turned off.

Both of the digicams were similar in that regard, but were 2 different vendors, both camera makers were decent lens companies, at one time: Fuji and Vivitar.

Both failed because the outer housing was too weak to withstand repeated uses.... the moving lenses got sticky and the focus mechanism failed to compensate.... blurry pictures.

As they neared the ends of their lives (NOT very long lives, mind you!), I was often able to turn each camera off, then on and the mechanisms usually managed to get set up correctly... eventually, the cameras (both) refused to setup after repeated power cycling attempts. I have zero tolerance for repair services and since both cameras were outside of warranty periods, total replacement makes the most sense.

As of now, I have zero respect for that telescoping lens housing design, and my next digital camera will have a lens housing assembly that does not have to telescope for each time I turn it on and off.

That design was also a bit wasteful of batteries since the cameras would turn themselves off if unused for a time - I'd rather the lens housings just plain never moved.

1] Is there a correct term for the lens design I seek? Hint: I think the term 'fixed lens' is not quite correct because I still need a lens that moves inside the assembly, in order to have variable focus; I have heard 'fixed lens' being used to describe point and shoot cameras, no focusing required because the lenses are 'fixed' in one position.

2] Something where the autofocus setup time is not 2 seconds long - that would also be handy.

Thanks!

[RobRich]

It sounds like you are ready to step up to an entry-level digital SLR model.

[dunbar]

I vaguely remember older Sony digital cameras (umm, the ones that take 3 1/2" floppies) had a lens assembly that didn't have to telescope out. Some Olympuses (Olympii? lol!) had that fixed type as well. I'd really love the digital SLR type, but I've not had much discretionary income lately, so maybe even old technology would still serve me well.

[rodgermat]

What you really really want is a Leica Digilux 2. Or the cheaper Leica Digilux 1.
Well, probably not, unless money is unlimited.
You didn't specify how you'll use the camera, but I assume you want a camera that's small enough to carry around without a large camerabag.
I chose my point and shoot camera based on:
1: Small size 2:Use standard batteries 3:Use SD memory cards for price and compatibility. Plus sturdy built, fast and easy to use. And last but not least; price.
I have had a Casio QV-R4, and used it for a couple of years. I then sent this to my mom as I found a Casio QV-R61 for a very good price. Both models have the "telescoping lens" and I have had no problems with them. I think the design is good as the lens is completely sheltered from rubbing surfaces in a pocket when the camera is shut off.
I think the problem might be the quality of the brands you have tried. Vivitar is cheap, both in price and quality. The lower end Fuji cameras as well. So stepping up to a better brand might be the solution.
If you don't mind proprietary batteries, Canon PowerShot SD550 might be a great little camera, and the other small ones from Canon as well.
If you don't mind a little bulkier camera, I would suggest Canon PowerShot A620. It's got great reviews, have a fold out/swiwel LCD monitor, and uses ordinary batteries (read rechargeable NiMH). And the prices for the A620 have dropped a lot lately. (Approx. $270 shipped). Unfortunately, it's too big for most small pockets.
But, all the Casios and Canons have lenses retracting quite a bit, or completely. So maybe the Leica is your choice
A digital SLR would be a solution also. I'm seriously considering one. But it will not be my "always carry with me"-camera. I'm using my compact Casio for that.
Good luck with your decision, and it would be interesting to hear what you end up buying. I find http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs.asp as a very useful source of info. Check it out if you haven't already.

[dunbar]

I ended up getting.... another... telescoping lens based camera, a Kodak Z650. Just too hard to find a fixed lens camera in this price range (you'd think fixed lens would cost less).

New camera included an adapter to allow adding a lens filter, so I used that adapter and a polarizer intending them to act as a mechanical shield over the telescoping assembly. I believe that the prior 2 camera failures could have been caused by the camera being activated in the carrying case, so this trick should protect the telescoping mechanism from accidental activations. And also from dirt infiltration, if dirt was a problem. And protect from banging the lens during operation. If it doesn't save the telescoping mechanism, well, I don't know what would, and I hope that Kodak will be responsive enough to repair it.