Please help me choose a "SLR-like" point and shoot camera

[chorltonmeateater]

Hello there,

I am currently fairly happy with my Fujifilm F30 for the photos I take, but have half an eye on getting something a bit more advanced which would allow me to take some photographs that you just can't do with a compact camera such as this.

For mainly financial reasons, I would still like to stick with a point and shoot camera, but am thinking of getting one of those which is almost "SLR-like", in that it may be a point and shoot but it definitely isn't a compact. Does anybody have any recommendations for cameras in this class, especially those that have a particularly good macro mode which can get me in closer than the 5cm the F30 can achieve. The Fujifilm S9500 looks good (although a lack of image stabilisation at 10x zoom seems controversial to reviewers), but what else is out there?

Thanks in advance.

[oriolhdz]

Don't listen to me because I'm new on this. If your read the forums you will see that i had my camera stolen few weeks ago. I had a DSC-H2 from sony. Let me tell you that i liked a lot that camera. In fact it made me want more and get a DSLR. Now there is a newer model for the DSC which is the DSC-H9. I don't know other brands for point and shoot but I only can tell that i liked a lot that camera.
But as I said earlier, DON'T listen to me...I bet Saralonde, Wulf, Richard, Murtasma and other members could help you better than me. I just wanted to share my previous experience with my last camera.

[Tunedout]

Have you checked out the Canon S3 IS or the new S5?

[Sime™]

Not so SLR like, but the new Panasonics are pretty nice - I was playing with one the other night while one of my servers was rebuilding... lovely little camera. But then, they are a little pricey and if I were to buy one of those, I would maybe wait an extra couple'a months and buy an entry level DSLR...

The Panasonics are HERE (http://http://www.panasonic.co.uk/high-zoom/dmc-tz3eb-k/index.htm)

Good luck with your search!

s

[ribkaje]

As Tunedout suggested, try checking out the S3 IS / S5 IS. It's probably what I'll be getting if can't afford an SLR.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0705/07050703canons5is.asp

[NaturesPixel]

2 cameras ago i had a Minolta Dimage Z5 brilliant camera i still have it but since then sony brought Konica-Minolta but they still make the same camera with the same kinda specs
Sony's DSCH7 Cyber-shot®
Digital Camera with 8.1 Megapixel
Super HAD™ CCD & 15x Optical Zoom
http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet/ProductDetailDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=1003849&navigationPath=n32090n32091

[smc1377]

Well, I guess if you'd consider a $500 camera like the Canon S3 IS, why not just spend like an extra $25 and get yourself a Nikon D40 DSLR camera with kit lens? Or better yet, spend $400 and get a used Canon Digital Rebel with kit lens? That way, most anything you buy for the camera can be used on an upgrade later on when you have more money to devote to your hobby.

[chorltonmeateater]

You're probably right, smc1377. Maybe I should just start saving... Thanks all, for your advice.

[ELAY]

If my own experience is anything to go on, buying a long-zoom point and shoot is just going to whet your appetite for a DSLR.

Myself, I found out the hard way (bought a long-zoom and then traded up in a year).

EL

[mangia]

Have you checked out the Canon S3 IS or the new S5?

To expensive.... Better option is Fuji S6000/S6500...

[rikkersc]

I have a SLR that I love, but my husband wanted something a little smaller to carry around. He also wanted something we could use when we were in situations where we really want to take photos, but didn't want to take a chance on ruining the SLR (weather conditions, having to set the camera down and not worry about theft, etc.)
He got a Kodak Easyshare Z612 and is really happy with it.
It is a zoom P&S (not too large) It has the Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon lens (which means it is a P&S Zoom, but there is an attachment you can get where it will take other lenses.)
-6.1 Megapixel
-12x optical zoom with IS
-2.5 inch hi-res LCD screen
It also has a video mode where it captures TV quality video with audio and you can print the video in 4,9, or 16 video frames on a 4x6 print.
-It also has some of the SLR features like an on-camera histogram-It has internal memory plus it takes SD cards.
- It has a "Share" button where you can tag photos in the camera for easy printing, emailing and organizing (We haven't used this feature yet)

The camera comes with a rechargable li-ion battery and a battery charger.
My husband bought it online (new) and got a package deal where it came with the EasyShare Dock kit as well.
We only paid $160 US for the whole package, including shipping.

So far it has taken great photos and we are really happy with it.
:D

[velvet4269]

When I was looking at p&s cameras, I was eyeing the Canon Powershot A630. It was somewhat DSLR-like, in that it (supposedly) has options for aperture & shutter priorities, had good reviews on http://www.dpreview.com, (http://www.dpreview.com)and had a bunch of other features that made it stand out above the others (but since I went the way of DSLR, I don't remember what they were). I've seen it around for about $230 USD.

[violetbliss]

For an SLR-like camera that does great macros, Olympus has two options, the SP-550 UZ and the SP-510 UZ.

http://www.olympus.co.uk/consumer/29_97.htm

I have the SP-500 UZ, and it's a great camera, but the newer versions have image stabilization. And it really does macros well. It has shutter and aperture priority, manual exposure, and even has an option for manual focus. It also has the scene modes like kids, snow, sunset, available light, etc. It takes video clips as well.

However, for price, try the Pentax K100D SLR. Great camera with in-body image stabilization and is a superb value.

All the above cameras use AA batteries.

[jafane]

When I was looking at p&s cameras, I was eyeing the Canon Powershot A630. It was somewhat DSLR-like, in that it (supposedly) has options for aperture & shutter priorities, had good reviews on http://www.dpreview.com, (http://www.dpreview.com)and had a bunch of other features that made it stand out above the others (but since I went the way of DSLR, I don't remember what they were). I've seen it around for about $230 USD.

I have the A630. It does have aperture and shutter settings as well as manual mode. So far I've been quite happy with it. The only thing I don't like is that it's not capable of taking a remote shutter release thingy. :) It does have a couple of lenses you can add on to it (Only 2, not sure how good they are, and they almost cost as much as the camera)

It's got lots of great features, most of which I haven't tried yet, but will look for opportunities to all the time....

[mysticeyesx]

i am using an olympus sp 320 it has a nice macro mode and you can get an adapter to use telephoto,widescreen and filters on it. all relative cheap to buy off ebay etc. it is small and compact. also has manual features and scene modes etc. a review is posted here of it http://www.dpreview.com/news/0601/06012601olympus_sp320.asp
i have some photos posted i took with it in the macro section and fireworks thread. hope this helps.



Hello there,

I am currently fairly happy with my Fujifilm F30 for the photos I take, but have half an eye on getting something a bit more advanced which would allow me to take some photographs that you just can't do with a compact camera such as this.

For mainly financial reasons, I would still like to stick with a point and shoot camera, but am thinking of getting one of those which is almost "SLR-like", in that it may be a point and shoot but it definitely isn't a compact. Does anybody have any recommendations for cameras in this class, especially those that have a particularly good macro mode which can get me in closer than the 5cm the F30 can achieve. The Fujifilm S9500 looks good (although a lack of image stabilisation at 10x zoom seems controversial to reviewers), but what else is out there?

Thanks in advance.

[amit]

Well, I guess if you'd consider a $500 camera like the Canon S3 IS, why not just spend like an extra $25 and get yourself a Nikon D40 DSLR camera with kit lens?
why are you comparing an MSRP of S3IS with the actual price at which the D40 is available?? if you have to compare MSRP then compare it fairly!! $500 indeed!! I bought my FZ50 for $449 in first week of june & at that time the S3IS was way below $350 and right now its for $295 at amazon!! heck, even the newer S5IS is for $458 at amazon & the Canon EOS350D(digital rebel) with a kit lens is above $600 at any reliable store(online/offline). and whats more, you say $525 for D40 with kit lens?? the body only is for above $550.

so please stop spreading false info & misleading those who don't know much about these things!!

[smc1377]

why are you comparing an MSRP of S3IS with the actual price at which the D40 is available?? if you have to compare MSRP then compare it fairly!! $500 indeed!! I bought my FZ50 for $449 in first week of june & at that time the S3IS was way below $350 and right now its for $295 at amazon!! heck, even the newer S5IS is for $458 at amazon & the Canon EOS350D(digital rebel) with a kit lens is above $600 at any reliable store(online/offline). and whats more, you say $525 for D40 with kit lens?? the body only is for above $550.

so please stop spreading false info & misleading those who don't know much about these things!!

Wow, what's with all the hostility? To be honest, I posted the post your quoted awhile back and don't remember where I got the $500 price for the S3IS. Whatever the case, if it was MSRP, then you're completely correct. It would be unfair to compare MSRP of one camera vs Street Pricing of another.

However, you said that you can't find any place online for a D40 with kit lens for $525? Try this link or any other reputable way to list current prices at multiple online vendors.

http://cameras.pricegrabber.com/digital/nikon/m/29541608/search=d40/sort_type=bottomline

There are 6 merchants that have the camera with kit lens for less than $525 shipped including such reputable places like Butterfly Photo. Even B&H Photo, which I consider to be top notch, has the D40 with kit lens for $536 shipped.

So before you go chastising me for misinforming the public, do a little research yourself in order to not look like a hypocrite.

**EDIT**
Ohh and I said used digital rebel, not a new digital rebel xt. There's a difference between a digital rebel (300D) and the 350D you're talking about in your post for $600.

[amit]

Wow, what's with all the hostility?

sorry if I came across as hostile, didn't mean to! :)


However, you said that you can't find any place online for a D40 with kit lens for $525? Try this link or any other reputable way to list current prices at multiple online vendors.

http://cameras.pricegrabber.com/digital/nikon/m/29541608/search=d40/sort_type=bottomline

There are 6 merchants that have the camera with kit lens for less than $525 shipped including such reputable places like Butterfly Photo. Even B&H Photo, which I consider to be top notch, has the D40 with kit lens for $536 shipped.

So before you go chastising me for misinforming the public, do a little research yourself in order to not look like a hypocrite.

sorry again, I just had a quick look when posting the reply to your post & I guess I overlooked a few things as well. my apologies. :)

[kunaldaswani]

Canon IS S3 or S5. simple. You cannot go wrong with one of those

[beckywithasmile]

As someone who can't afford an SLR at this point in her life, I really like my Panasonic fz7 (I think the 8 should be even better).

[amit]

As someone who can't afford an SLR at this point in her life, I really like my Panasonic fz7 (I think the 8 should be even better).
yeah, I've read that FZ8 is quite good & the upcoming FZ18 will be rocking with its 28mm wide angle lens & 18x optical zoom! :) now I wish I'd waited 2-3 months more, hehe!! ;)

[jimmy512]

The canon S3 and S5's are quite expensive here in the UK, but are a great make. I can definitely recommend a Fuji s6500 or an s9500 (or a 5600 if you want something smaller). You get a great camera for your money packed with features. The Panasonic Lumix series are slightly more expensive, but also seem to be very good. However, I have heard complaints about noisy pictures. Definately one to check out though.

[amit]

The Panasonic Lumix series are slightly more expensive, but also seem to be very good.
good? FZ50 is quite better than the Canon S3IS, can't say the same for FZ8 but its a good one & there's a lot of hope from the upcoming FZ18!! ;)


However, I have heard complaints about noisy pictures. Definately one to check out though.

since am a user of FZ50, I can say that the noise issue is there when you are shooting at ISO 800 or above!! and that too depends on what you are shooting. :)

[Mefistofeles]

Ah... Go for the Kodaks... Those are CHEAP cameras with full manual functions. Best value for the money.

i would suggest:
Z 712is ---> i actually own this one. For less than $300 bucks i got a 12x Zoom, full manual controls, image stabilization, and 7 megapixels. The cons are: Poor battery life, no manual white balance and the manual focus sucks.

The Kodak "P" series are another great choice, more powerful, and yet: Cheap. Forget about all the weak points found on the "Z" series.

Another great option could be the CANON G9. Great image quality, manual features, image stabilization, can be flash/lenses(limted) upgraded... but its more expensive.

If you are looking for:

Value for money = Kodak
Image Quality = Nikon or Cannon

I wouldn't recommend panasonic because are pricey and are really bad cameras when it comes to night photography (personal experience with an old lumix and leica lenses, hopefully this has changed).

[amit]

Its a several months old thread, I doubt he'd still be waiting to get his camera, but anyways, just thought I'd try to correct some things!


Another great option could be the CANON G9. Great image quality, manual features, image stabilization, can be flash/lenses(limted) upgraded... but its more expensive.

Excuse me, but I think that an S3IS/S5IS would be much better option than a G9 pricewise & featurewise since G9 costs more than $100 over S5IS. Besides, Panasonic FZ50 costs just about same as G9 & is a lot better than G9.


Value for money = Kodak
Image Quality = Nikon or Cannon

I wouldn't recommend panasonic because are pricey and are really bad cameras when it comes to night photography (personal experience with an old lumix and leica lenses, hopefully this has changed).

Kodak gives pretty good image quality with good colour reproduction, I say that being a former Kodak digital camera user! Nikon is pathetic in point & shoot business, not worth considering!

Panasonic is expensive, I agree, since the lens is top quality! Bad with night photography you say?

Consider this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amit_gupta/869735500/in/set-72157600482120643/

This was taken handheld after sunset in dark with 6 second exposure & ISO 100 & no support! Consider the quality of Optical Image Stabilization!!

Consider this as well, of same night:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amit_gupta/869798758/in/set-72157600482120643/

This is again handheld without support but at 0.5 seconds exposure & ISO 100. See the clarity?

Consider this as well:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amit_gupta/830660489/in/set-72157600482120643/

Shot again after sunset handheld & without support with an exposure of 0.067 seconds & ISO 400.


None of these went through any image editor like Photoshop etc. All are as they came out of the camera. Still gonna say panasonic is bad for night photography? All three of these were taken with a FZ50, the best digital camera money can buy in the superzoom/prosumer segment.

No camera is without its share of shortcomings & panasonic have them as well, I admit. Like if you go above ISO 800 or take an exposure longer than 10 seconds then noise will creep in the photo, but that holds true to every digital camera & entry level dslrs. I counter that in my FZ50 by keeping the noise reduction settings to absolute low & shooting RAW when I've to take ISO 800 or exposure of more than 10 seconds. Taking RAW means the photo isn't processed by camera & hence noise is low & can be worked on easily in softwares like Photoshop or Lightroom etc.

But the camera is only as good as the person using it. If you don't know how to make best use of your camera then you can't blame the camera for poor results! Like I'd said to many others, I've seen people taking really good photos with mobile phones & I've seen people take crap photos from high end dslrs as well, its all about how well you know your equipment to workaround its weaknesses! :)

[Mefistofeles]

an S3IS/S5IS would be much better option than a G9 pricewise & featurewise...

... it's just that i had a G9 for a month and i loved it!!...


Kodak gives pretty good image quality with good colour reproduction, I say that being a former Kodak digital camera user! Nikon is pathetic in point & shoot business, not worth considering!

I think Nikon it's great for point and shoot on SOME situations, specially when it comes to macros and image quality. I had one a few years ago and i'm still amazed by the vivid colors and the great macro shots that i took and haven't been able to recreate with more expensive cameras (Kodak z712 and Panasonic Lumix)


Bad with night photography you say?


Yep... i went on a trip to Zacatecas, a gorgeous colonial city in north México, i went for a stroll in the night... i took somewhere around 50 or more shots of the beautiful city... and only 3 or 5 where usable.... i was so disappointed with the awful colors and the lack of light that came into the sensor.

BUT....


Still gonna say panasonic is bad for night photography? All three of these were taken with a FZ50, the best digital camera money can buy in the superzoom/prosumer segment.


After i saw the photos... i'm thinking that it must have been the camera model that i used back then (can't remember which one, but it had the IS, maybe the cheapest with the leica lens)

i was wrong (eating my words here)... NOT ALL PANASONIC are bad cameras. Some pros and some cons, just like everything else.

But you have to agree whit me here... Panasonic it's a little bit on the expensive side ;)

[amit]

I think Nikon it's great for point and shoot on SOME situations, specially when it comes to macros and image quality. I had one a few years ago and i'm still amazed by the vivid colors and the great macro shots that i took and haven't been able to recreate with more expensive cameras (Kodak z712 and Panasonic Lumix)

Dunno about you but the couple of different Nikon p&s that I've tried of my friends gave me other impression. The colour reproduction was not good or sharp, kinda *starved* there. Didn't try macro but I've seen that for closeups Kodak ain't bad(I have LS753) but Canon p&s are quite good there. Even an Olympus a friend of mine had(dunno model number) had excellent macro capabilities(as my friend shot a lot of macros of butterflies, bugs etc).



Yep... i went on a trip to Zacatecas, a gorgeous colonial city in north México, i went for a stroll in the night... i took somewhere around 50 or more shots of the beautiful city... and only 3 or 5 where usable.... i was so disappointed with the awful colors and the lack of light that came into the sensor.

Like I said, a camera is only as good as the person using it. No offense but it might've been that you didn't know that camera quite well, as it takes some time to get to know the camera. When I first got my FZ50 the photos that I was taking were crap. I'd assumed that it would be about 6-7 months of usage after which I'll understand the camera well & that held true. The reason for earlier crap photos was that I was shooting on Auto(& camera used to set the ISO to 800 in low light) & also I was not accustomed to the bigger camera size. But after that the results of my photos have improved.



After i saw the photos... i'm thinking that it must have been the camera model that i used back then (can't remember which one, but it had the IS, maybe the cheapest with the leica lens)

I've tried them as well, a friend of mine has that kinda model to complement his Nikon film SLR & he can get pretty good photos from that as well. A lot depends on the person's creativity & knowledge of camera being used. :)


i was wrong (eating my words here)... NOT ALL PANASONIC are bad cameras. Some pros and some cons, just like everything else.

Yep, everything has its pros & cons! :)


But you have to agree whit me here... Panasonic it's a little bit on the expensive side

I don't think I said that otherwise, Panasonic cameras are expensive compared to other brands but then like "expensive is not always best" it also holds true that "cheap is not always good"!! :) Sure Panasonic are expensive but they are worth the money you spend on them. When I was looking for a prosumer camera I finally had narrowed down to S3IS & FZ50. Some places I read they all said that S3IS was the way to go but after comparing them both & trying them out I was leaning in favour of FZ50. Then one knowledgeable guy told me that if I was tight on budget I should go for S3IS which was $100 cheaper than FZ50 but if I can spend it then I should get FZ50 as its definitely worth the premium & I went with it. Its been almost 1 year & I've not regretted the decision even once! :)