Advice re Compact Camera

[kpc]

Hope this is the right forum otherwise mods pls feel free to move; this topic comes up from time to time but I think it is an ever changing area and an update now would be OK!

I have seen many superb pictures posted on AFF. I have a DSLR camera which shoots nice pictures but it is too heavy and bulky to carry everywhere and use in all situations. My current compact camera Panasonic TZ7 does not shoot nice photos in low light situations. I want to buy a new compact camera that can do this!! I have read about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 below:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 - Design, Performance, Image Quality and Verdict

I'm a complete amateur and noob when it comes to photography but can any AFFers suggest which compact cameras I should consider esp. for low lighting situations. Also, being able to shoot HD video will be important as well.

thanks in advance.

 

[TonyD]

. I want to buy a new compact camera that can do this!! I have read about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 below:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 - Design, Performance, Image Quality and Verdict

I'm a complete amateur and noob when it comes to photography but can any AFFers suggest which compact cameras I should consider esp. for low lighting situations. Also, being able to shoot HD video will be important as well.

thanks in advance.

The Lumix is awesome and great for underwater as well!

 

[moa999]

Many would say that isnt exactly compact.

I have recently purchased a Nikon Coolpix S9100 (most equivalent with the Pana TZ series) - probably a little more Auto than the LX7 but have been fairly impressed with it at night - has a backside illuminated CMOS... also comes with a whopping 18x zoom and a wide aperture.
Obviously greatest issue at night is often to get light you need long shutter opening which means you generally need a flat surface or tripod... (eg default shutter when taking photos of lights in HK is 0.5 to 1 sec). Using the Party/Indoor mode actually gets down to 1/10 or so which gives a slightly darker but crisper shot.

 

[Alanslegal]

Its very compact, very versatile, shoots pretty good low lighting shots (using their anti-shake mode; instead of having longer shutter times which often produces blur when not relying on a tripod, it takes 5 quick frames and layers them on top of each other which produces quite good results), its shockproof, dust proof, freeze proof and water proof ..... and its a Sony-DSC TX20.

 

[Geegeela]

There are many good compact cameras around and as in most things price is generally a fair guide.

However, before making an investment you might like to bring yourself up to date with the next generation in digital photography, “mirrorless SLR”

Here is a link that is now 9 month old but a good start and I am sure you will be able to bring yourself up to date and fill in any gaps by scooting around the web.

Mirrorless Cameras: A Primer: Digital Photography Review

 

[Bundy Bear]

Canon S100 powershot is the one I own

Digital Photography Review is worth a read when looking for a new camera.

Canon PowerShot S100: Digital Photography Review

i am on to the 2nd camera as I lost the first one.

 

[amaroo]

We have Lumix DMC-TZ20 and have been very happy with it.....

 

[medhead]

We're looking to replace our compact, currently an IXUS with about 5x zoom (5years old). I reckon it can no longer focus at max optical zoom. Wife is not fussed. Anyway, I've looked at the S100, cool pix P7700, Sony HX20. I'm really struggling with the idea of going for a full on zoom camera, can't work out if I'd use the zoom or not.

Anyway I just really wanted to say how useful I'm finding this thread. Thanks.


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[NM]

We have Lumix DMC-TZ20 and have been very happy with it.....

Similarly I have had a Lumix DMC-TZ15 fir several years and have been very happy with it. Would not hesitate to by a Lumix again if I lost this one for any reason. But have no plans to be in the market for a new compact camera for many years.

 

[richie9x]

For low light conditions you really want a camera with a fast lens. So look for a camera with low f-number. A fast lens allows more light to hit the cameras sensor allowing you to use a shorter exposure time.

The another feature you will want for low light conditions is a camera with a high ISO. A higher ISO value means the signal from the sensor is amplified more. But this has a trade off that the higher the ISO value the more noise will be introduced into the picture. Typically the larger physical size of the sensor the better it performs at higher ISO settings.

The third thing good for low light conditions is image stablisation which will counter act some of the camera shake which is an issue when using longer exposure time.

The camera you were looking at, Lumix DMC-LX7, has all these three features. The lens is very fast at f/1.4 which is quite incredible for a compact camera.

I would also recommend Canon S100 (or S95 if you can get it cheaper) or a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100.

 

[airbridge]

Hi kpc

When deciding on a camera you should have a look at the cameras that are coming out with Android OS on them. I believe Samsung and Canon (I think) have recently come up with Android on their cameras. One of the benefits is that you can download Apps that will sync your photos over your home WiFi to your PC (or NAS). Imagine coming home, turning on your camera and your photos are uploaded automatically. Of course you also have the ability to upload photos to services such as Facebook, Instagram etc straight from the camera while you're still on holidays for friends to see. I believe at least one of these cameras will also take a SIM for those who are keen to have data access all the time.

I have not yet reviewed them. They are very new and possibly not released in Aust yet but will be doing so soon and purchasing one.

Something to consider.

 

[here2go]

Hi kpc

When deciding on a camera you should have a look at the cameras that are coming out with Android OS on them. I believe Samsung and Canon (I think) have recently come up with Android on their cameras. One of the benefits is that you can download Apps that will sync your photos over your home WiFi to your PC (or NAS). Imagine coming home, turning on your camera and your photos are uploaded automatically. Of course you also have the ability to upload photos to services such as Facebook, Instagram etc straight from the camera while you're still on holidays for friends to see. I believe at least one of these cameras will also take a SIM for those who are keen to have data access all the time.

I have not yet reviewed them. They are very new and possibly not released in Aust yet but will be doing so soon and purchasing one.

Something to consider.

On the same vein - Nokia 808 Pureview has beaten a large number of compacts in reviews with its 41MP camera. Pity it comes with Symbian software, but it does make it a great travel feature phone (photos, fb, twitter, email and Nokia Maps - preload maps for driving) all from the one device.

The thing with any camera is that you have to weigh up what you are willing to live most without. Photo quality, size, zoom, sturdiness. For instance, if living in Mrs Here2go's handbag, Panasonic Lumix Tough or Olympus mju. These are knock about, go anywhere including water, with fair images. I love my 3/4 lens Fuji (almost SLR) but it is a monster that is pretty much the same as an SLR, and I treat it gently. I have also found that it is a pain in Singapore when taking your first photo of the day - the camera is chilled from the aircon and instantly fogs over in the heat. You don't get the same level of problems with smaller lens as they warm up more quickly.

Go somewhere where they know what they are talking about and try the cameras for yourself.

 

[munitalP]

On the same vein - Nokia 808 Pureview has beaten a large number of compacts in reviews with its 41MP camera. Pity it comes with Symbian software, but it does make it a great travel feature phone (photos, fb, twitter, email and Nokia Maps - preload maps for driving) all from the one device.

The thing with any camera is that you have to weigh up what you are willing to live most without. Photo quality, size, zoom, sturdiness. For instance, if living in Mrs Here2go's handbag, Panasonic Lumix Tough or Olympus mju. These are knock about, go anywhere including water, with fair images. I love my 3/4 lens Fuji (almost SLR) but it is a monster that is pretty much the same as an SLR, and I treat it gently. I have also found that it is a pain in Singapore when taking your first photo of the day - the camera is chilled from the aircon and instantly fogs over in the heat. You don't get the same level of problems with smaller lens as they warm up more quickly.

Go somewhere where they know what they are talking about and try the cameras for yourself.

Easily the best on the market - come over for coffee and have a play with Kims one, it cost a bit more but worth the cost. It has the same sensor as the 600D & 60D so has awesome capabilities...

PowerShot G1X - Digital Cameras - Canon Australia

 

[deadfish]

It has the same sensor as the 600D & 60D so has awesome capabilities...

Not quite, it has a sensor size that's about 20% smaller than the 600D/60D.

If camera size is an issue I would recommend the Sony RX-100. It's expensive but it has a sensor not much smaller than DSLRs, but it's about as pocketable as the Canon S100.

 

[jetlagger]

We're looking to replace our compact, currently an IXUS with about 5x zoom (5years old). I reckon it can no longer focus at max optical zoom. Wife is not fussed. Anyway, I've looked at the S100, cool pix P7700, Sony HX20. I'm really struggling with the idea of going for a full on zoom camera, can't work out if I'd use the zoom or not.

Anyway I just really wanted to say how useful I'm finding this thread. Thanks.

The Sony HX20 which I've recently acquired is a fantastic all round compact, excellent sharp images in all light conditions - Made in Japan & a very reasonable price level.

 

[kpc]

Wow, thanks....a lot of great info and suggestions! I'm going overseas in 3,5 weeks, so I need to make my decision soon, and can buy anytime now and claim the GST back on the way out

 

[Jmrocky]

The Sony HX20 which I've recently acquired is a fantastic all round compact, excellent sharp images in all light conditions - Made in Japan & a very reasonable price level.

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.

 

[here2go]

Wow, thanks....a lot of great info and suggestions! I'm going overseas in 3,5 weeks, so I need to make my decision soon, and can buy anytime now and claim the GST back on the way out

Best advice is go into a camera store with this wealth of knowledge and try them for yourself. Living in Sydney you'll have some great stores to chose from too - jealous.

 

[drron]

Mine is not quite compact but I find it great.it is a Sony HX100v-16MP,30x optical zoom.Can take good wildlife pictures with no blur even though i have an essential tremor.And I basically always use automatic mode.
There is now the HX200 at 18MP but in Japan last month saw one that is now 24MP.Still 30x zoom.
As to the HX20 which is compact there is now an upgrade with the HX30.

 

[medhead]

As to the HX20 which is compact there is now an upgrade with the HX30.

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


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