Advice re Compact Camera

[tuapekastar]

I am strictly 'point-and-shoot' but when I bought a compact digital (a Canon IXUS as it turned out) a couple of years ago I had this (perhaps irrational) desire to purchase from a camera company (e.g. Canon, Olympus) rather than an electronics company that made cameras (e.g. Sony, Panasonic) - any quality fears probably totally unfounded, but that was my thinking at the time.

 

[jetlagger]

Just purchased this for my wife. Initially leaning towards the equivalent Pana (TZ30 from memory?), but imo the Sony had better auto modes which my wife mostly uses. Taking test photos on the weekend and was very impressed. The auto HDR feature doesn't look too bad either.

Nice choice! I will also post some pics on my TR from Japan shortly using the HX20...

 

[codash1099]

one difference I found looking at the specs on Dpreview is the HX30 has built in wifi. Otherwise the specs looked pretty similar.


Sent from the Throne

True - the only difference is wifi. My understanding is that Sony will not be bringing the HX30 into Australia.

I've got the HX20 and love it. Much to learn, though.

 

[lmere12]

I've been really happy with my fuji finepix F600. Took great shots with it and fits in my handbag, i love the zoom and also the sweep panoramic http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/8/11/fujifilmf600exr

 

[johnny_the_knife]

I use a Canon Powershot G12. Te photos it takes are pretty darn good, not as good as you'd get with an SLR, but it is fairly compact, easy to carry, and if you are using p mode, the controls are mostly accessible without digging through layers of menus.

I'm very happy with it.

It has a low light mode. i try to avoid using it as you end up only working at 2.5 megapixels, but with an ISO of something like 64,000. Ok for social media or screen viewing, but not much good for any other purpose.

 

[awilcockson]

Canon S100. Purchased it just before a week on Heron Island, ended up using it 95% of the time and my 550D+expensive lenses felt very unloved. It takes a beautiful photo and fits in your pocket. What more could you want?

 

[amaroo]

Canon S100. Purchased it just before a week on Heron Island, ended up using it 95% of the time and my 550D+expensive lenses felt very unloved. It takes a beautiful photo and fits in your pocket. What more could you want?

Nice spot Heron Is - did you do the chopper or boat?

 

[awilcockson]

Nice spot Heron Is - did you do the chopper or boat?

Boat, I'm not loaded

Went there for our honeymoon 13 years ago, and it took us 12.5 years to get back there for a second visit.

 

[kpc]

Here are all the cameras mentioned above side by side

Side by Side Comparison: Digital Photography Review

 

[blu]

I should have got the Fuji HS20 for MrsB instead of a DSLR with 3 lenses. She's happy to leave it in Auto.
(The Fuji 30x zoom is equivalent to 720mm.)

 

[FlyboyAl]

I have a Nikon D700 and D800e plus a Canon S100.
I love the S100 and use it as much as the Nikons.
Will shortly be selling the S100 and getting a new Nikon 7700

 

[kpc]

Here are all the cameras mentioned above side by side

Side by Side Comparison: Digital Photography Review

I bought my camera today; if you are interested, this is the one I ended up buying:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100: Digital Photography Review
I won't go into all the pros and cons regarding my decision, and I'm sure you all won't agree with my choice, but at least the NY Times thinks it is a good camera
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/28/t...can-love-state-of-the-art.html?pagewanted=all

The best bit is that I can claim back the GST from Wayne Swan in 1.5 weeks' time...:mrgreen:

Thanks again for all your help and suggestions!

 

[leemin]

I bought my camera today

Are you happy with it?

Thinking of upgrading my Canon PowerShot S5 with the RX-100 before I head to Europe in September.

 

[kpc]

Are you happy with it?

Thinking of upgrading my Canon PowerShot S5 with the RX-100 before I head to Europe in September.

Absolutely...I have had it for more than 6 months now, and used it extensively in Africa and South America. Best compact camera I've had, photos are nearly (but not quite) as good as my DSLR. Excellent low light/ night photos, and excellent HD video (including low light). I paid $660 and claimed the $60 GST back on the way out. I saw it the other day in the Sydney duty free online catalogue for $600 (ex GST) so you should be able to do a bit better price wise!

 

[leemin]

Absolutely...I have had it for more than 6 months now, and used it extensively in Africa and South America. Best compact camera I've had, photos are nearly (but not quite) as good as my DSLR. Excellent low light/ night photos, and excellent HD video (including low light). I paid $660 and claimed the $60 GST back on the way out. I saw it the other day in the Sydney duty free online catalogue for $600 (ex GST) so you should be able to do a bit better price wise!

Great. I think you've sold me!

Looks like it can be had for just over $500 now (DSC-RX100 price:300 - Shopping and Price Comparison Australia - Buy Cheap), so if I do the GST trick (will have to read up on that!), it will come in under the $500 mark.

 

[Kefci2000]

For what it is worth you can get the Nikon 1 J1 in UK for around $300.

I have a Nikon D80 and find it is also too big to lug around on 8 day mainly business trip.

i have purchased a Nikon Coolpix 3300 as an interim measure (16 MP, 5x optical) for $58 from Dick Smith, with the hope of getting the J1 cheap overseas.