I am looking for a portable digital camera with the following specific requirements.
Requirements
- Must easily fit in a pants pocket. The smaller the better. Maximum size: 4.5" x 3" x 1.5" (smaller than that is better).
- Must have image quality and sharpness that is noticeably superior to typical point-and-shoot cameras. I'm intentionally not stating it has to be a 1" or larger sensor because I am open to all options. I want to get DSLR quality images out of a small camera (I'm interested in the result, not bragging about sensor size.)
- Under $500 USD (on sale price is fine)
Preferences (none required)
- A nice zoom range. I'm flexible on this, but more range (starting at a nice wide angle) is better.
- Optical view finder
- Manual exposure settings (in addition to automatic)
- Manual focus (in addition to automatic)
- Water resistance or even waterproof
- Good battery life (at least 250 photos per charge)
- WiFi
Not needed (okay if it has these features, but not needed)
- GPS
- Image editing within the camera
UPDATE
Please read meta before downvoting (and consider reversing your downvotes): http://meta.hardwarerecs.stackexchange.com/questions/386/recommendations-for-digital-camera-with-very-specific-features-on-topic
It's a bummer to get downvotes when you first take your time to ask whether or not a question is appropriate on meta. It makes one not want to post on this SE. :-(