I am in need of recommendations for a P&S digital camera. It would be a bonus if it is a fast camera and on the smallish side.

Budget under $350.

Thanks!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 digital camera specifications: Digital Photography Review

SD880... have several SD870s in the family (predecessor) and they are fantastic.

Canon SD880. It's compact, relatively quick as far as compacts go, has a 28-112mm equivalent zoom range, and the overall image quality is very good as far as compact P/S go with a usable high ISO function. I prefer the DMC-LX3 if any compact P/S is considered, but it has a smaller zoom range and costs considerably more.

I have a Canon G9 and really enjoy it.

I third the 880 suggestion.

Thanks guys, I'll check on these!

I am really happy with my Fujifilm F100fd. Relatively small, very fast, with nice, sharp output and is usable (IMO up to ISO1600, or 3200 in BW) in low-light. You can get it for around $150 after rebate whereas the replacement, F200EXR is $350-400.

Thanks guys, I'll check on these!

Let us know how much you love the SD880 when you buy it

It's been a while regarding this question.

I went out and tested a bunch of options. I through out of the window the requirement for the AA batteries. It all came down to which camera power up fastest and allowed to take quick pics. I settled on a unit that came as a surprise, the Casio Exilim EX-S10.

It had the best options, including allotment for fast sequential pics. The feeling of the unit itself is very solid and very compact. It has a cool video option that it is really instantaneous and allows to take pictures while filming (it pauses the video, takes the shot and goes back to video rec mode.) Really cool. As to reliability can't say because I've only had it for about a month....

THanks for the suggestions, they helped me get acquainted with the features etc..

Ok, I think this is useful as an addendum, in case anyone is considering this camera:

After having it for about 2 months, it is evident that the quality of the pics taken by this Ex-S10 is variable. It is able to dispense fast pics and also it is able to switch from pic mode to movie mode with only one button, this are really cool features to have. Specially with an infant. However, the quality is really erratic. From great sharp ones to others that basically look as if they were taken with a cheap webcam.

I can't recommend this camera.

Not surprised. If a camera company (Nikon) can't make a good P&S with consistency, I certainly wouldn't have expected a watch company to do so. It's hard to find a good P&S these days that's not a Canon, Panasonic, or Fujifilm.

...watch company...

Hey, they make synthesizers, too.

I went with the fujifilm F200EXR. It can take decent shots in a wide variety of lighting situations and is small and sleek.

Biggie.

I've been using a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150. I find it on par with my old unit that it replaced, a Canon PowerShot S50

I use the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 with mixed results. It is a little more complicated than I really wanted with way too many settings. I always use the easy mode, the selection with the red heart. I would love to have a nice P&S that had some simple settings that could be adjusted as your focusing, like making the picture lighter or darker, and an easy manual focus.

Only reason I ended up with it in the first place is because is was clearanced at Walmart, and Panasonics had a higher than average customer rating on Consumer Reports at that time. CR may be a good place to look again for suggestions, I have a membership/subscription but haven't been there in some time.

It will be interesting to see what you end up with and how you like it.

Canon 590IS, great shots, kinda small...pretty cheap.

If you can find a nice used Canon 570IS and put the CHDK firmware on it, its a fantastic camera.