I'm sure I posted something about this a few years ago, but looking for fresh thoughts as I'm considering re-entering the hobby.
Interested in a digital camera that has the following attributes:
1) is not a cellphone (I just don't enjoy photography with that shape of device)
2) is available for under $500 Canadian
3) is more compact than old-school SLR size. Can be a true "compact" or more mid-size, but I don't want a whole separate backpack for it.
4) Would be good to have some amount of optical zoom and ideally a legit macro mode.
5) don't care about massive megapixels count. Nothing from this will be blown up to poster size. Would like good light-gathering and color rendering above MP's, you know?
Looking to re-enter the photography hobby, and small size and reasonable cost will be key to making this something I can squeeze in around other activities. Want something I will bring with me most places so I can fool around for 30 minutes when I have time.