However, for those who can handle the downsides to ultra thin cameras, these models can provide some significant advantages. They're usually pretty stylish, and having the ability to carry a camera in a pocket, without the need for a large camera bag and extra lenses, is pretty nice.
Here are some of the best ultra thin cameras that I've found currently on the market. For this list, ultra thin cameras are considered those measuring less than 0.8 inches in thickness, according to manufacturer specifications.
1. Canon PowerShot A2400 IS
Canon
With the Canon PowerShot A2400 IS, you'll find a 5X optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, and 720p HD video. All of these features are a bit lacking, at least when compared to other new 2012 models.
However, considering the A2400 has pretty low price point, some beginning photographers can deal with average features. The A2400, which is available in light blue, pink, silver, and black, also measures just 0.84 inches in thickness, which is great, and its image quality is good for its price point.
2. Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS
Canon
Colorful sub-$200 cameras have been a staple of Canon PowerShot cameras for quite a few years, and the recently announced PowerShot ELPH 100 HS camera follows that formula, while also providing an ultra thin camera body (0.78 inches in thickness).
The ELPH 100 is part of Canon's new "HS System," short for high sensitivity. Canon designed its HS cameras to work well in low light, thanks to a 12.1MP CMOS image sensor.
For a camera in its price range, the ELPH 100 includes some nice features, including a 3-inch LCD screen and full 1080p video capabilities, along with a 4X optical zoom lens.
Canon is offering the ELPH 100 in five body colors -- blue, gray, pink, orange, and silver.
3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS
Canon
The sharp-edged design of the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS gives it an interesting look for a point and shoot camera. It's also a very thin camera, measuring only 0.76 inches in thickness..
The ELPH 520 HS includes a 12X optical zoom lens, which Canon claims makes the 520 HS the world's thinnest 12X zoom camera. In addition, the ELPH 520 HS uses a 10.1MP CMOS image sensor, which should improve low light photography results. It has a high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD and full HD video capabilities. The ELPH 520 HS is available in blue, red, silver, and black camera bodies, depending on your location in the world.
4. Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS
Canon
Canon mixed vibrant and tradtional camera body color options with its PowerShot SD1400 IS camera. Canon offers this model in traditional silver and black, along with non-traditional colors in orange and pink.
The SD1400 IS includes 14.1 megapixels of resolution, optical image stabilization, a 4X optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD, and the ability to shoot in 720p HD video.
The SD1400 IS is an extremely thin model, too, measuring only 0.70 inches in thickness, easily making it one of the thinnest cameras on the market today.
5. Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
Canon
The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS provides some very impressive features for a point and shoot camera, giving both beginner and intermediate photographers a model that's going to give them some nice options.
You'll find 12.1 megapixels of resolution, a 20X optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD, and full HD video options with the SX260 HS, which measures only 1.29 inches in thickness.
In addition, the PowerShot SX260 HS features a built-in GPS unit and a popup flash unit. It's an expensive camera, but it has quite a few features that you won't find in other point and shoot models, making this camera well worth considering.
6. Casio TRYX (EX-TR100)
Casio
The Casio TRYX camera provides a very interesting looking model that can provide support for odd-angle photos, while being perhaps the thinnest point and shoot digital camera on the market, measuring only 0.59 inches in thickness .
The award-winning TRYX introduces a new form factor from Casio, as a thin frame surrounds the camera. The frame can rotate away from the camera body, providing the ability to support the camera at odd angles -- as shown in this photo -- or to provide a grip for an odd-angle shot. If you leave the frame in place, it works just like any digital camera.
The Casio TRYX includes a 12-megapixel CMOS image sensor and a 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD. However, it has no flash (using an LED to light subjects instead) and no optical zoom lens.
7. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 (FS22)
Fujifilm
Panasonic has touted the Lumix DMC-FH7 -- called the Lumix FS22 in some parts of the world -- as a great point and shoot camera for portrait photography and, thanks to this camera's "cosmetic" modes, it does work well for portraits of people. In addition, you'll find a touch screen LCD with the FH7, which isn't common in the sub-$200 price range. These two features, along with a camera body that measures only 0.76 inches in thickness, make the FH7 one of the best Panasonic cameras as well as one of the best ultra thin models.
I found in my FH7 review that this camera's image quality in indoor photos isn't as good as it could be, as images are a bit flat, but this ultra thin camera compares well versus others in this price point.
The FH7 has 16.1MP of resolution, a 4X optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch LCD screen, and can shoot 720p HD video. This camera is available in black, silver, gold, or pink camera bodies.
8. Samsung DV300F
Samsung
I've always like the DualView camera design from Samsung, starting with the first model a few years ago, as it simplifies self portraits while allowing quite a bit of fun photography options.
The latest DualView, the DV300F, adds WiFi capabilities to the camera that has LCD screens on the front (1.5 inches) and back (3.0 inches) of the model. That's even more impressive when you consider the DV300F measures only 0.72 inches in depth.
In addition, the DV300F has 16.1 megapixels of resolution, a 5X optical zoom lens, and 720p HD video. It's a budget-priced camera, which makes it a really nice and fun option for beginners.
9. Samsung ST76
Samsung
It wasn't too many years ago that imagining a thin digital camera with 16 megapixels of resolution seemed almost impossible. Now, you can find that type of camera for less than $100.
The recently released Samsung ST76 measures only 0.67 inches in thickness, while including 16.1 megapixels of resolution.
Outside of the resolution, there aren't a lot of high-end features on this camera, as it has a 5X optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, and can shoot only at 720p HD video quality, but that's still a great price for an ultra thin 16MP camera. The ST76 is only available in black.
10. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9
Sony
The sharp looking Cyber-shot WX9 provides a great mix of features in a camera that measures only 0.78 inches in depth.
The Cyber-shot WX9 includes a CMOS image sensor, which improves the camera's low-light performance. And, as I found in my WX9 review, this camera does a nice job in low light, with or without the flash.
Sony included limited wide angle capabilities in the WX9's 5X optical zoom lens. This camera can shoot 16.2MP still images and 1080i HD video. The WX9 is available in black, red, or silver.
11. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70
Sony
A high-resolution, 3.0-inch touch screen LCD highlights the Sony Cyber-shot WX70 camera. That touch screen technology is very impressive when you consider that the WX70 measures only 0.78 inches in thickness.
With the WX70, you'll find 16.2MP of resolution, a 5X optical zoom lens, and full 1080p HD video. You can select from violet, silver, pink, or black camera body colors with the WX70.
