Recommendations for point-and-shoot for lightweight traveling!

[jextex]

My name is Jessica and this is my first post! I'm going to Panama around Thanksgiving and I've been looking into getting a new point-and-shoot (I currently own a Canon Powershot SD850IS). After some serious thought, I've decided against bringing my DSLR since I'll be traveling from city to city and want to pack light.

I've been considering the Canon SX200IS, Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR (when it's released), and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3/TZ7. I'm open to other suggestions as well though!

What I'm looking for--
- at least 5x zoom
- at least 8MP
- preferably wide angle
- good in low light
- some manual controls

And of course, I'd like the best image quality I can get given my other 'requirements'. Oh yes, and I'd like to try to keep it under $400.

I'd appreciate any advice and tips! Thanks in advance!

(Oops, just realized I should have posted this under a different category...how do I move this?)

[sk66]

My favorite is the Canon G-10, but I'd consider the SX for even more compact and more zoom function.

I find the canon system of adjusting manual focus, aperture, shutter speed on their compacts usable (the focus is more difficult). The SX offers the best compromise of features of the cameras mentioned.

I prefer the G-10's ISO and Exposure Compensation dials for ease of use, it's two "custom settings" on the picture control dial. The optical viewfinder, while not great, can be quite a benefit on bright days or for "fast framing". But other than those features the SX looks to be very similar and more compact.

The G-10 is the only P/S I've found that I will carry instead of my DSLR and expect the same level of quality pictures (but NOT in every situation). The SX performs almost as well.

All that said, I have never found a P/S that does not have some significant limitations.

I'd consider carefully....Your DSLR body with a wide angle zoom (10-20mm) and a medium zoom (20-200) won't take up that much room. You could buy a new lens, bag, whatever, by not buying the new camera....

[jextex]

I've been a Canon fan for awhile, so the SX is definitely high up on my list! I'll have to also take a look at the G10. I'm definitely afraid of missing some great photo ops with a crappy camera!

I did originally consider getting a medium zoom lens instead since I do have my wide angle, and then a bit of a gap. The point-and-shoot nowdays have such high zooming though, it's been very tempting! I can't remember what it was anymore but 8 years ago I had a Sony digital camera with something like 12x zoom (not a compact), and I remember it took some great photos...before my dad took it back and gave it to my uncle, haha. I'm thinking the size of that one is comparable to the G10.

Another reason for getting a point-and-shoot is that it attracts less attention than a DSLR! It's my first time to Panama and I'm a little worried about having something stolen. I'm also quite fond of taking pictures of food and it's a lot easier with a small camera. And lastly, I have yet to find the 'perfect' camera bag for my DSLR-- the ones I've had usually end up making my shoulders sore and are generally too bulky for me, especially when I want to hike and may also have a daypack on (I'm a petite person to start off with!).

Thanks for your input!

[LoveDSLR]

Canon had some excellent p&s including the G series but lately Panasonic and Fuji have some top notch models.

The Fuji F200EXR, Panasonic TZ7/ZS3 and Panasonic LX3/Leica D-Lux4 are among the popular choices.

[sk66]

For you, I'm not sure the G-10 is worth the extra 50%.....probably not if this is just for this trip. It's also not terribly convenient as a "pocket camera" which is what the camera you buy will probably be used for after the trip....

That Fuji f70exr would replace my recommendation for the SX if it lives up to the press release.

I will say though, my D300 gets a lot less use since I've bought the G-10.

[jextex]

@sk66, ah yes, I'm anxiously waiting for the release of the F70EXR! The main reason why I looked into Fujis in the first place was because of it's reputation for performing well in low light situations compared to it's competitors. When I look at the photos I've taken with my p&s, my biggest concern is that the pictures I take in low light have waaay too much noise or are too dark when at a lower ISO.

@LoveDSLR, while I've always been curious about the Leica's, it's definitely more expensive and not quite in my price range. I do wonder though if it's worth it's cost. But yes, I've seen the popular ones lately and it's tough trying to figure out which one is the best for me.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by jextex

@LoveDSLR, while I've always been curious about the Leica's, it's definitely more expensive and not quite in my price range. I do wonder though if it's worth it's cost. But yes, I've seen the popular ones lately and it's tough trying to figure out which one is the best for me.

I have seen both Leica and Panny LX-3 images and prefer Leica color curve more. Of course the bragging right will cost you money.
I gave up on Canon G series since G1 because they are too big and chunky for me. A lot of my friends use the Fuji F200EXR for its excellent images.
I love my Panasonic TZ7/ZS3's 15x zoom and AVCHD movie.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by jextex

The main reason why I looked into Fujis in the first place was because of it's reputation for performing well in low light situations compared to it's competitors. When I look at the photos I've taken with my p&s, my biggest concern is that the pictures I take in low light have waaay too much noise or are too dark when at a lower ISO.

Both LX-3 and Fuji are good choice. Since I have the TZ7/ZS3 already, I'm looking into the Fuji F70EXR instead of the F200EXR to replace my F31fd.

I don't like the LX-3 short zoom range even with a fast lens. That's from my experience with the G1 (f/2-2.5 & 3X). However, it's RAW output is excellent.

[inkista]

Have you looked at the Canon S90 press release? Chances are good it will be available by October. Blows your budget a little ($430), but it looks poised to take on the LX-3. The lens isn't quite as nice as the G11's, but it is faster.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by inkista

Have you looked at the Canon S90 press release? Chances are good it will be available by October. Blows your budget a little ($430), but it looks poised to take on the LX-3. The lens isn't quite as nice as the G11's, but it is faster.

G11?!! sheesh I just got my G10 this year! Technology!!!

Boy I'd be frustrated if they really added much more than a movable screen (same lens, same ccd, better low light?)

Anyways, the price for the G11 has dropped at least $100 from when I bought my G10 less than a year ago....it might be worth a look see.