"Emergency" purchase
Well, perhaps "emergency" is stating it a little strongly, but I'm on the road and finding I need a smaller camera than the dSLR - I'm simply not taking pictures because I can't lug the bigger camera to rehearsals with me at the moment and didn't bring the pns I have (which I hate anyway - Canon 750SD which was a disappointment from the outset and I avoid using whenever possible).
So, am considering picking up (yet another) point and shoot. In a perfect world, I want an S90, but I really can't justify spending quite that much and I need one now, not in a couple of months when the price drops further. However, I can find good deals right now on:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1
Canon SX120is.
Neither shoot raw, but the Canon does have a manual mode (how valuable is that on this type of pns?); it also uses AA batteries which is useful when travelling. The Lumix has that great lens, however, and is actually a tad cheaper - given how positive everybody here is about the Lumix series, that seems tempting on the face of it, even without a manual mode.
Thoughts? Either of them any good (or horrible)? Will it make me crazy to have no manual control if I get the Lumix? Is this Canon better (better lens, less shutter lag, less unpredictable) than the Elph that I have and hate? I"ve read reviews of course, but always trust the views of the dgrin community even more....
So, am considering picking up (yet another) point and shoot. In a perfect world, I want an S90, but I really can't justify spending quite that much and I need one now, not in a couple of months when the price drops further. However, I can find good deals right now on:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1
Canon SX120is.
Neither shoot raw, but the Canon does have a manual mode (how valuable is that on this type of pns?); it also uses AA batteries which is useful when travelling. The Lumix has that great lens, however, and is actually a tad cheaper - given how positive everybody here is about the Lumix series, that seems tempting on the face of it, even without a manual mode.
Thoughts? Either of them any good (or horrible)? Will it make me crazy to have no manual control if I get the Lumix? Is this Canon better (better lens, less shutter lag, less unpredictable) than the Elph that I have and hate? I"ve read reviews of course, but always trust the views of the dgrin community even more....
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Maybe its me, but lugging a DSLR around is no more intrusive in my wondering than a P&S....
(well pending if you just bring the one lens attached)
It is when you're riding a bike everywhere, don't have a suitable bag, and can't really intrude on rehearsal proceedings with a biga** dslr
You had a G-series, right Aaron?
I do have a Lumix LX-3 (approx $400) that I stick in my pocket, even when carrying my DSLR. And I confess that I never use the M mode -- it is a true PNS for me and I actually am relieved to shoot JPeg (even though it has RAW capability -- I did not want to learn a new software for it). Selling points for me on this camera were the 24 mm wide (many were 28) and the f/2.0. Batteries, etc. really are nonfactors. So decide truly which features match your shooting needs to make your decision.
I did use a G10 and I didnt find the M mode all that great. I did like having RAW files but then it became super super slow response time when shooting RAW, so so aggravating.
Thats why I'm trying to suggest that you strap that DSLR around you with one lens attached and forget the p&s...
I am really happy with my Canon S950 but I know that might be a chunk more than you want to spend. I will say that I have found two things in my previous hunt for a P&S. 1) Office Supply places often have discounted last year's models. 2) I like having the same brand of P&S and DSLR as the characteristics are very similar.
Good luck.
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Low light not a big deal for this situation - I've yet to see a PNS which can deal with high iso's, so not too worried on that score; if I want high ISO, I'll take the slr. Sharp images and reasonable responsiveness are the most important thing for me in a pns - that's what I hate most about the SD750 - it's never been sharp (my prior Canon psn, a lowly A75 was heaps better on that score. I loved that camera, to be honest).
Sounds like the Lumix might do the job quite nicely, especially since its' small and very affordable - the reviews are consistently good (much better than the Canon) and it's a silly price for a 12x zoom with a lens as well-rated as the Panasonic line.
ETA: Brad, that's exactly why I've stuck with Canon pns, but the last one disappointed me so much I'm a bit reluctant...
But I also have a Canon Powershot SX100IS Since upgraded with a new model number - Lvoe that camera, still use it constantly takes phenomenal photos, not quite small enough to stick in a pocket, but certainly easy enough to carry around.
I also have a Nikon Coolpix S70 That My Aunt Just gave me, because she didnt like the touch screen...... I on the other hand find it convienent to have with me at all times. doesnt have the biggest zoom, or the best features, but still great, because I always have it...
Im thinking something closer to my canon is what will suit your needs.
Nikkor 18-55mm Kit Lens
Nikkor 55-200mm VR Lens
Nikkor 18-105mm VR Lens
Nikkor 70-300mm VR Lens
Nikon SB-600 speedlight
Nikon EM Film SLR
50mm Lens
85mm Lens
Canon Powershot SX100IS
Low light performance is good in my opinion, it's got a slight shutter lag- but it's never bothered me, probably because most of my subjects, frankly, don't move. I do use manual mode a lot- it's nice to have.
I abuse mine, subject it to horrible dusty gritty conditions, and the lens retraction mechanism failed 16 days before the 1 year warranty was up (to be fair, it had been dragged into dust storms on two continents), I cleaned it well, pulled off the scratched up cling on LCD cover, sent it into Canon and they repaired it under warranty.
I've read good things about the Lumix, but it is really convenient to have a camera that takes AA, so I stick with the Canon.
Totally manual or totally automatic (in other words, absolute control); 2 x AA batteries; light enough to always be with me; common enough to have an enthusiastic following on the web - cool tweaks (CHDK) available to add the few features which Canon overlooked and will never be fixed (e.g. constant read-out of remaining battery meter etc.)
I think in the past year, about 90% of all my pics were from the little Canon
FWIW -
- Wil
April, I'm not home so don't have my old pns with me to trade in - by the time I did a Craigslist transaction and then got a refurb I think it would all take too long.
Will, looks like a great camera, but I could get the s90 for that price, and it's just too much to spend in this situation.
Thank you ALL SO MUCH for comments (and keep 'em coming).
'Course both are more expensive than the typical P&S, so if money is an issue, go for the P&S; but if you have the bucks, I'd aim for a larger sensor.
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There's a reason they win every single compact/travel zoom comparison.
Otherwise, just do a comparison on DPR, using their comparison feature, and pick which features are important to you. Personally, I'd go for an indestructible camera, and one that has as wide of an angle lens as possible. Currently, that camera is the Sony TX5 or something... Not sure what the price is though and I'm too lazy to look it up right now. I'm sure it's in the $300-$400 range...
=Matt=
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Used it for white water rafting, mountain biking.
But the noise level is terrible. No low light photo at all.
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+1
I went and grabbed an EP-2 kit and can't tell you how happy I am that I did. The quality of the kit lens was shockingly good compared to the Canon offerings. Plus there's an adapter for just about any lens out there if you want to start playing with old/alt glass.
I know it's more than you care to spend but the IQ blows the P&S cameras out of the water(maybe the top tier comes close, but then the price is pretty much on par[refurbed Adorama EP-1]). If your a little light on the scratch you could always try Bill Me Later, I've used them for years and love not paying interest to the CC companies.
Good luck sorting it out.
5D2/1D MkII N/40D and a couple bits of glass.
I am using G9 from Canon as a P&S and it does fine. The manual mode is handy as is the RAW on occasion. I use these modes to shoot images on stage or off-screen and whenever I am not sure about white balance, other times too. Mostly the automatic works fine. I can also use the Canon accessories like the 430 flash and tripod.
A P&S is essential when you want to have a camera with you always, as a backup, or to lend out to family and friends. I'll be keeping the G9 for many years unless it dies on me. Like you, the DSLR is for serious stuff.
You can probably buy a G9 second hand for relatively little if you can't afford the G11 right now. My instinct would be to buy the one you really want (S90?) even if it means saving up. To fill the gap while you have no money, buy whatever you can get second hand or whatever is on special offer locally The P&S is an essential part of the picture. Get a good one for the longer term when you can afford it.
I wonder if they would give me even 5 dollars for my old A75 :cry
As to manual features with a P&S I have none on my S600 Nikon and just use exposure compensation....seems to do the job for 95% of shots.
If you want something small you'll actually use quite often for quick snaps, it's a great camera.
In the end, I've decided that I'd rather save the money and get what I really want a little down the line, so I'm just going to get hubby to send me the Elph-that-I-hate instead. It was all just getting too complicated to think about when I'm in intensive rehearsals and really don't have the time to drift into "obsessive photographer" mode
However, this is a great thread of suggestions -hopefully it will help somebody else at some point too. It's certainly given me food for thought! I know that I DO want a better pns than the one I have, so it's good to have so many suggestions to consider as I start shopping in a somewhat more leisurely fashion