Topic: P&S Camera reccomendations

[pjdavep]

This camera isn't out for a few weeks, but looks very promising for concert photograpy. It opens up to f/2

I'm looking for a camera to keep with me, just in case a photo op occurs, and also something that I can bring into shows where my 50D isn't allowed (or I don't want to lug it).

CANON SD 4000

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=145&modelid=20024

I saw this camera a couple days back, just three days after ordering a Canon S90 off Newegg.  The S90 is still sitting in the box, while I comtemplate what to do - return the S90 and wait for this, or keep the S90.  I am leaning towards the S90 because it has RAW capability as well as full manual controls.  This new SD4000 is still crippled with no full manual mode.   Although the SD4000 can do 720p movies, I have never used the movie feature on my point-n-shoot, so I think I can ignore that.

Later,
  pjdavep

[guysonic]

I tend to agree with having full manual controls and RAW output as highly motivating features.

I also feel a small pocket size full featured 720P movie mode is very useful for some if not most people into image capture in public spaces.  For this, of opinion that Panasonic's approach is likely the best combination for image quality/features/quality on-board mics.

[phanophish]

I tend to agree with having full manual controls and RAW output as highly motivating features.

I also feel a small pocket size full featured 720P movie mode is very useful for some if not most people into image capture in public spaces.  For this, of opinion that Panasonic's approach is likely the best combination for image quality/features/quality on-board mics.

I guess RAW is nice on a P&S but for me it's not a driver.  If I'm doing serious photography I'm not using the P&S.  For what I want from a P&S which is a simple, quick easy to use camera, that can be carried anywhere, & can take decent photos with minimal effort RAW really runs counter to that.  I ALWAYS shoot raw with my DSLR but just don't see the need for the added complexity of workflow on a P&S.

[phanophish]

So I went with the Panasonic DMC-ZS7.  Overall I'm very happy.  For my purposes it is great.  Good at everything, great at nothing.  Does not do bad in low light either, It's not my D300 but it is passable and I can get it in to pretty much any show...

in a related note, anyone played around with an EyeFi card?  Picked up one and really like it. 

Victor Wooten




Moonlit shot of the venue


The kiddo trying to blow bubbles...

[rastasean]

So I went with the Panasonic DMC-ZS7.  Overall I'm very happy.  For my purposes it is great.  Good at everything, great at nothing.  Does not do bad in low light either, It's not my D300 but it is passable and I can get it in to pretty much any show...

in a related note, anyone played around with an EyeFi card?  Picked up one and really like it. 

Victor Wooten

Well enjoy it! I think you will find yourself taking more photos daily than you have with the d300.

What iso did you shoot the concert photos at?

[phanophish]

Well enjoy it! I think you will find yourself taking more photos daily than you have with the d300.

What iso did you shoot the concert photos at?

Exposure:     0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture:    f/4.8
Focal Length:    45.7 mm
ISO Speed:    1600

There is some loss of sharpness from the in camera noise reduction but for anything 5x7 or less it looks fine.

[hipong]

hey there.

i went through this some months back ... and ended up buying an s90.  however, for me long zoom range was not a consideration.  from my experience p&s cameras just aren't up for it.  plus i mainly shoot landscapes, travel, gatherings, etc... and use wide lenses much more frequently.

the top contender for me was the LX3.  even then, late last year, it was on its way out an old model.  it's also a LOT bigger than the s90.  that being said, i think that the image quality from the LX3 is certainly better than the s90.  i was shopping for a pocket camera, not only a DSLR substitute, and the LX3 was just too big. 

i looked very briefly at the micro 4/3's cameras as well.  these though, would be more of a replacement for my DSLR rig than an addition.  if i didn't have my DSLR outfit i would go with one of these, but if i am going to carry a micro 4/3 camera i might as well carry my DSLR.  one of the guys in my office has the GF-1, and it really takes some killer great photos.  the zoom lens isn't all that, but with the pancake it's a nice setup and not TOO big.  there are some cheaper ones as well.  the E-PL1 for instance, but that thing just feels cheap to me.

a few s90 pictures, just for fun:

my dog at 70mph, dressed as a spider for halloween:

my garage about to collapse, luckily only an effect of the lens:

railroad earth:

so cool . 

[heikki]

LX5 coming this August!

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/2010-LUMIX-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-LX5K_11002_7000000000000005702

$500

I don't know if I'd say the LX3 was, or is, on its way out, given I don't know of another compact camera offering similar performance in a similar price point and size.  The S90 is both better and worse, depending on one's priorities -- they really suit different purposes, I think.  Both great digital cameras, as far as compacts go.

Anyway, here's a good flickr set comparing the LX3 / S90 physical size.  For sure, the LX3 is notably larger, though for my purposes as long as I can easily carry it in a case on my belt, I'm happy.

[rastasean]

WOW!!! I thought the lx would have died. panasonic likes odd numbers. I believe there was an lx2 but I didn't read much about it...

Its good to see they are not playing the megapixle game and keeping it at 10 just like the lx3 has. Its nice it also records avchd but unfortunately it is mono. the lx3 only records mov and mono.

Looks like a nice unit but I doubt I'll play the game and upgrade.

[Craig T]

I second the s90 recommendation.

[Kevin T]

I have 2 video cams flip Hd ultra & canon Sd 700 Is. Flip is very poor in bars
Low lite . Do u think the Canon is any better?

[johnw]

Didn't see it mentioned but the Samsung TL500 might be worth looking at if you are considering the LX3/5 or S90.