Multiple P&S Options: which one?

Status
Not open for further replies.
T

techie_007

Galvanizer
Ok, so the old trusty LZ has gone to my brother and I now need a new P&S cam.

Requirements:

1. Pocketable, but no card cams

2. Wide-angle (28 and below) for good group shots etc

3. Good image quality, and at least decent low light perf for indoor pics

4. extra zoom a bonus

I dont think megapixels are a decent measure anyway, with everything in the 10-14 range.

Ideally budget of $200, can stretch to Max 300$ (amazon/US cams allowed :)) for something really good.

Heres what I have so far:

1. (Almost same as SD1300, this is out)

Canon SD1400IS 14 MP/4x/28mm wide - $179

Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot SD1400IS 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Silver): Electronics

2. Canon SD1300IS 12MP/4x/28mm wide - $129

Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot SD1300IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Blue): Camera & Photo

3. Canon S95 10MP/3.8x/28mm wide - $369

Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch inch LCD: Camera & Photo

Out of budget, but its got really really good reviews for image quality...

4. OUT

Sony WX5 12.2MP CMOS/5x/24mm wide - $269

Amazon.com: Sony DSC-WX5/B WX Series Exmor R CMOS Sensor: Camera & Photo

5. OUT

Sony HX5V 10.2MP CMOS/10x/25mm wide - $299

Amazon.com: Sony DSC-HX5V 10.2MP CMOS Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle Zoom with Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization and 3.0 inch LCD: Camera & Photo

6. OUT

Lumix FH20 aka FS30 14MP/8x/28mm wide - $139

Amazon.com: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black): Camera & Photo

7. OUT

Lumix ZR3 14MP/8x/25mm wide - $179

Amazon.com: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black): Camera & Photo

8. Lumix ZS5 12 MP/12x/25mm wide - $207

Amazon.com: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black): Camera & Photo

Lots of options? Yes :ashamed: Hence the need for advice ;)

Any major issues with any of these cams that would rule them out of the race? Its more of an elimination game now :)

help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
The only cam with decent low light performance in the above list is the Canon S95, which is way out of your budget. Among the rest, the Panasonic ZS5 will make an excellent choice with regard to picture quality. It also has a wide angle lens and a good amount of optical zoom.

The Sony WX5 looks decent on paper, but I'm not aware of its real world performance. Sony manages to add quite a few nifty features within most of its basic cams like the sweep panorama, so if you are so inclined, the Sony might be the one for you. Still, read a few reviews on different sites for the same.
 
ZS5 hands down my friend. If you are getting it for anywhere near $200 then it is a great purchase. I bought one a few days back as my trusty FZ35 will go to my sister soon. Ditched the FZ35 completely since then and been using the ZS5 exclusively.

Its predecessor, the ZS3 is also a super performer, but its big brother the ZS7 has built in GPS which eats away the battery in a matter of hours. Go for ZS5, you won't regret it.
 
@Logistopath:

Ya, the s95 is good, but out of budget.

Same with the Sony's. Closer to the 300$ range, and Sony does hype their CMOS sensors and G Lens in these cameras, but reviews are a mixed bag.

Checked SD1300 and SD1400, same sensor size except for higher MP count on the 1400. Thats out between the 2.

Leaning towards one of the Lumix ones. In addition to the ZS5, even the ZR3 looks good. What do you think?

Will do some more research today and post.
 
Aces170 said:
This should make for a good read:

Enthusiast Compact Camera Group Test (Q4 2010) Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review
Click to expand...
I know its a great camera :( but its just too exp. If I had $400 I would probably move to an entry level DSLR. Yes, if I had a DSLR already and wanted a good P&S, this would be good, but thats a lot of money in my book :)

Both the Sony ones are out - good cameras, but compared to the ZS5 they are too exp without anything great being offered (I dont care for HD video/panorama modes etc)

Same with the other two Lumix ones - Compared to the ZS5.

So finally its SD1300 - ZS5 - S95 in the race - so pretty much a budget thing.

Anyone got any other advice?
 
I thought you mentioned that the S95 was out. :P I would choose the ZS5 without any second thoughts. The S95 IMO does not justify almost an 8K increase in budget compared to ZS5.
 
logistopath said:
I thought you mentioned that the S95 was out. :P I would choose the ZS5 without any second thoughts. The S95 IMO does not justify almost an 8K increase in budget compared to ZS5.
Click to expand...
Ya, its on the periphery so to speak, if I get a windfall or large inheritance in the next week :D Seriously speaking though, will probably be ordering the ZS5 sometime this week.
 
techie_007 said:
I know its a great camera :( but its just too exp. If I had $400 I would probably move to an entry level DSLR. Yes, if I had a DSLR already and wanted a good P&S, this would be good, but thats a lot of money in my book :)

Both the Sony ones are out - good cameras, but compared to the ZS5 they are too exp without anything great being offered (I dont care for HD video/panorama modes etc)

Same with the other two Lumix ones - Compared to the ZS5.

So finally its SD1300 - ZS5 - S95 in the race - so pretty much a budget thing.

Anyone got any other advice?
Click to expand...
Messa a P&S noob, saw the new article today, and thought it might help in narrowing down things. If video is not an issue, get a second hand DSLR, there are some nice deals on pre-owned DSLR's at jjmehta
 
Aces170 said:
Messa a P&S noob, saw the new article today, and thought it might help in narrowing down things. If video is not an issue, get a second hand DSLR, there are some nice deals on pre-owned DSLR's at jjmehta
Click to expand...
Size is an issue. Roomie has an EOS1000D that I can borrow when needed :) Actually I want something I can carry along in my bag all the time, and thats only possible with a P&S :)
 
Aces170 said:
^^ Oh yeah forgot about size :P, DSLR is a strict no in social gatherings :)
Click to expand...
yup. Social gatherings you can still take it along, but you cant always keep it handy for those moments when you wish you had a camera along :P Its only for planned outings ;)

Anyway, just placed an order for a ZS5 with 4Gb Class 6 SD card.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom