I'm in the market for a camera to take on multi-day snow, ice, and rock routes.

Battery life is very important. Rechargeable is very preferable.

Image quality is very important. I took a point and shoot (panasonic Lumix) on my last trip; took over 200 photos and was not pleased with a single one.

Ability to function in low light would be a plus.

Durability would be a plus; but not necessary.

Light weight and compact would be nice... but still; I'd rather have a good camera than a light camera.

Thoughts?

Image quality is very important. I took a point and shoot (panasonic Lumix) on my last trip; took over 200 photos and was not pleased with a single one.

There are a lot of different Panasonic Lumix cameras - and that's just the P&S models - using different versions of Panasonic's software, depending on model/production year. The lenses are made by Leica, and all the Leica digitals are rebranded Panasonic Lumix models. Frankly, if you didn't have one shot out of 200 that pleased you out of a Lumix, perhaps its not the camera that is the problem.

What was it that didn't please you? Did you use default settings when you made the shots or did you use some modification? For example, on my Canon P&S, I use Canon's "vivid" setting and drop exposure by 2/3 of a stop. I can recover shadow detail with post-processing, but no one can recover blown-out highlights. Did you do any post work in PS or whatever? There are extraordinarily few digital photos that do not need some degree of adjustment in the digital darkroom, even if it's just a subtle boost in saturation and a very gentle unsharp mask.

A "better" camera does not mean you will get better pictures.

If you want a pocket P&S that takes great photos and offers just enough adjustments, get a Canon S95 IS. It uses the same sensor and software as the G11 and G12 but with a faster lens at a lower price point - and it's not as bulky.

Read this: http://www.kenrockwell.com/...ommended-cameras.htm
for some suggestions.

Then for some real perspective, read these:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/...bout-your-camera.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamera.htm

I took a few minutes to look at your album. Honestly, I think they are pretty typical Point-n-shoot shots. Some basic photoshopping (levels mostly) would really make those look nice.

Honestly, looking at your album and results, I don't think the two cameras you've selected will do any better.The nice thing in general with the Lumix series is the long zoom and wide angle of the included Leica glass. That Canon you listed is the equivalent of a 28-112 optical zoom (whereas your lumix is 28-224) and the Fjui is a 28-140. you'd be giving up some zoom if you swapped out your camera.

The Leica glass and image processor in the Lumix are generally considered quite good and rivaled only by that Canon listed in the replies here.

Honestly, if you're trading out camera for features I can understand (like if you want that ruggedized one) for if you're doing it for image quality I think you'll be dissapointed.

Images quality wise, you're going to have to step up to s DSLR or EVIL type setup. Alternatively, you could just learn more about using the manual options on the Lumix and seeing if that doesn't work better for you than auto mode.

Best of luck!

Thanks for all the advice and thoughts. I do need to learn a little more about camera function. I don't know enough.

We bought the Panasonic at Cost Co, so we're looking right now at two others they have that have good reviews.


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Thoughts?

Thanks for the response! ...I'm starting to see what everyone is telling me. I've been researching this morning how to actually use a point and shoot. I've been doing it wrong. My camera probably is actually fine. I'm going to give it another chance.