Here are my top picks for compact cameras you can slip in a pocket. Don't travel without your camera just because it's heavy and bulky--try one of these compact digital travel cameras, selected for the best image quality for their size. Today you can get some good wide angle lenses on those compact cameras--all the better to fit those travel landscapes and architectural pictures into the frame.
1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 digital camera
The compact Panasonic features a Leica 25mm wide angle, the widest in a pocket camera--and you can still zoom into those faces with a 125mm telephoto top end. The camera also takes pretty nice HD movie clips, but owners complain that you can't zoom during a movie. Image stabilization and touch screen controls make this a top contender among travel cameras.2. Canon PowerShot SD870 IS digital camera
A 28-105mm zoom in a very compact camera with IS, or Image Stabilization brings this camera to the head of the pack. I bought this one for my family to use on a recent trip to Italy, and it performed perfectly for such a small and light package.
3. Nikon Coolpix 5600 Digital Camera
A 28-112mm zoom with image stabilization highlight this inexpensive Nikon camera in stylish brushed metal case.4. Pentax Optio W60 digital camera
What's special about the Pentax Optio W60? It's ruggedized; the manufacturer claims this compact camera will "operate up to 13 feet underwater for two hours and at extreme temperatures well below freezing." The 28-140mm zoom is the widest in this class. You'll have to wait until about August to order this one though.5. Sony DSC-W170 digital camera
Similar to the Pentax above, the Sony has a 5x 28-140 Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with optical image stabilization. Comes in 4 colors, but silver is cheaper.6. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 Digital Camera
6x zoom lens with image stabilization, 5 megapixel resolution for a rock bottom price. Why does a travel photographer you need image stabilization? Well, think of shooting in dark churches and museums that don't allow flash or tripods. I know I do. May not fit in a shirt pocket, but it'll go in a coat pocket.7. Fuji FinePix E510 Digital Camera
Looking for an innexpensive, compact travel camera with a wide angle lens? Here's one I recommend. 5 megazixels, 28mm to 91mm lens (35mm equivalence). Uses AA batteries, available most anywhere. Accessory lenses to increase the telephoto or wide angle are available.8. Canon PowerShot S410 Digital Elph
The latest evolution of the digital elph. A far more compact camera than above with a 35-105 equivalent lens. You can slip this one in that small pocket for sure. 4 megapixel resolution will produce fine 8x10 prints.