Need info on how to choose a P&S camera (details inside)

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I do not really want a SLR, just a decent cam which can shoot good pics all round, be it day or night and for budget too i have now fixed to under 400 USD and hence i drilled down the above options.

In terms of videos, i think i won't really be using that feature much. Also 720p videos is what i may take and not 1080p and that too occasionally, not really frequent. Also since i am not much aware about camera settings, i would prefer something which gives very good photos when using their automatic / intelligent Auto / EXR / Whatever they call settings.

So out of the above options i states or anything else within my budget would be preferred.

Buying an expensive camera / DSLR won't really work for me as i won't be able to leverage its potential.
 
You cannot go wrong with the panasonic FZ150 if still IQ is primary or else get the Sony HX100v.They both are tad above your budget but are better then older models such as FZ40.
 
Well earlier days CCD was better,but the future is CMOS all new generation DSLR sensors are CMOS and Sony EXMOR BSI P&S size sensor is used by most camera companies like canon,nikon,fuji etc .

The FZ150 was launched just a few months ago so reviews are yet to come ,but DPreview has however added the pictures of it in their studio comparison.

Now days reviews are mostly prioritized for larger sensor cameras such as DSLR /SLT or mirrorless cameras.
 
I have opened a thread on dpreview forums as well as steve camera forums too.

Other options seem to be

Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR

Sony Cyber-shot HX100V

Not sure how good they are, am checking reviews etc on those.
 
The HS20EXR is also great if you happen to use the EXR mode which will basically means it will use the 8mp of the 16mp sensor but will produce better images compared to other cameras.
The fuji HS20 however is bad for video application since you have to zoom manually it has no power zoom and the video quality again can't match the Sony HX100v or for that matter the panasonic.
 
So in that case i can remove the Fujifilm from my list then.

I was always of the opinion that Canon / Nikon are better but have no much information as to how sony fare.

This is solely based on my observation at various places i go and see max people carrying either canon or nikon cameras.
 
raksrules said:
So in that case i can remove the Fujifilm from my list then.
I was always of the opinion that Canon / Nikon are better but have no much information as to how sony fare.
This is solely based on my observation at various places i go and see max people carrying either canon or nikon cameras.
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Well neither of these two manufactures even make p&s sensors they are for the most using sony sensors including their flagship p&s cameras like g12.Even the lenses are supplied by third party OEMs.
In india atleast sony is the market leader in Digital Still Camera DSC (excludes DSLR),in the world they are around 2nd or 3rd.

One of the reason many people didn't adopt a sony in the initial years was because of the proprietary Memory Stick format,that all changed from 09 when they started supporting SD cards.
 
I think i have drilled down to final two choices. Let me know if my choices are indeed good or i have gone insane ?

My choices are

Sony HX9V or Sony HX100V

Now i know anyone who checks these two will tell me that they are different in terms that one is compact but other is bridge. The HX9V costs 299-350 USD while the HX100V costs like 450 USD or so. So is i worth spending the extra 150 USD for the HX100V for what it offers over the other ?
Or is it wise to take the HX9V for its compact size.
I don't intend to change my camera after this for quiet a few years for sure.
 
The main difference is the size,if don't mind the size for that extra $150 you get nearly double the zoom,extra controls,viewfinder and more importantly a tilt screen lcd and a carl zeiss lens so i think you better off with the HX100v.
 
i recently got a fujifilm S2950 for 8k
has 18x zoom, and looks like a DSLR, also does 720P video...
at 8.5k its a good camera you might want to consider...
 
reddead said:
i recently got a fujifilm S2950 for 8k

has 18x zoom, and looks like a DSLR, also does 720P video...

at 8.5k its a good camera you might want to consider...
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How are night shots for this ?? Illuminated Buildings, Street etc ?? (Las Vegas trip coming up you see :P)

--- Updated Post - Automerged ---

How is the recently introduced Canon SX40 HS ??

Canon Powershot-Sx40-Hs Review: Overview
 
Can anyone give me a final list of the cameras that I should consider ? I have sort of finalized my budget to max 400$ but if there is something really good, I can go bit over this. I need to buy the camera in 1 month, hoping to get some good deal on black friday.

I am ok with compact or bridge camera.
 
if you want a superzoom.. look into sx40IS / Fuji HS-20 (i own one ) / panasonic fz-47 / hx100v..

sx40IS ( sx30 has severe cromatic abbretion issues. reduced in this one.

FUJI-HS20.. (one of the best.. however few build issue and video is bad)

FZ-47.. new and sample pics looks good.. for lesser price pick a FZ-40 (fz40 is kick ass..friend has it and its awsome..)

hx100v.. (manual zoom like HS20 and has got good reviews)

all these are superzoom with zoom 24x and above.. all of them record 1080p and has good low light capacity..

if you want somethin smaller try to smaller camera but more controls..

look for canon g12... its good..
 
get sony nex 3 - INR 19500. It's a steal. Mid-range DSLR sensor size - excellent low light performance.. The only reason I did not get one is it's still not pocketable. I think down there in US, you get NEX-3N sumthin
 
The NEX 3 is like 400 USD and FZ40 for like 350 USD.

I am not really much keen on DSLR since i do not possess photography skills and am a casual point and shoot pics taking person.

So more of P&S cameras is my preference.

Also if i want more zoom in NEX 3 then i will need to buy lenses which is what will be more expensive.

Also considering the Sony HX9V. Any opinions on that ?

Btw the FZ47 seems to be priced lower than the FZ40. Possibly because of lesser Mpx, which is ok with me.

Check these links

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1320345389&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC...3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1320345389&sr=1-3
 
I was in the same boat and had decided to go for either Pana FZ150 or Sony HX100V. But since FZ150 is not yet launched in India, Panasonic Brand shops were clueless about launch date and I wasn't ready to wait any longer, I went with my second choice and ordered HX100V on eBay. Now patiently waiting for delivery :P

If you are okay with fewer manual options, HX9V is also very good camera. It's extremely compact compared to bridge cameras and is cheaper too.
 
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