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Author Topic: Compacts  (Read 4234 times)

Compacts
on: July 30, 2010, 21:59:10 PM
I think its about time I replaced my compact, its crap, always has been, now the battery wont hold charge and I never use it because its so bad.

So Im looking for a compact, no point in getting a bridge as I have the DSLR and if Im going somewhere Ill take that but Id like a compact so I dont have to lug the beast round all the time.

I like the canon powershot g11 but wondering what you guys would recommend, looking for something with a professional edge

Has to have a viewfinder, none of the screen only BS
Has to have a good lens and some optical zoom 3x-5x if not more
Has to use rechargeable li-ion pack rather than std batteries that last 5 mins
Dont want to pay the earth for it
I like canon cameras but dont want to limit myself to one brand
Doesnt need to be 100mp, ideally wants good glass and sensor to take a good picture rather than the marketing gimmicks of 1000mp
Wont bother with underwater or waterproofing stuff, doesnt have to be too rugged as Im careful with my stuff
Ideally a good macro mode to

So, suggestions?
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Re:Compacts
Reply #1 on: July 30, 2010, 22:54:47 PM
Ignoring the fact you want a view finder, and Im not sure how much the earth costs...

The Panasonic Lumix TZ series cameras are seriously good, they have a nice big Leica lens which lets in a good amount of light, and 12x zoom.

I got my ex the TZ6 (Doesnt have HD video recording) and very impressed, the TZ7 has HD and I believe there are newer versions now TZ8 etc...

Take a look, its much much better than my old canon compact, not as good as my SLR, but not far off in some pics
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Compacts
Reply #2 on: July 30, 2010, 22:55:56 PM
my parents have a TZ-6

I hate shooting with the screen.

can get the canon for £350 or less so im looking at around that
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Re:Compacts
Reply #3 on: July 30, 2010, 22:58:58 PM
Sorry should have had a look at the canon you were looking at! Looks a very nice bit of kit!
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  • Offline BigSoy

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Re:Compacts
Reply #4 on: July 30, 2010, 23:26:59 PM
LX3 is v. cute although I havent used it - supposed to be excellent.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMCLX3-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B001D2NHE0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280528707&sr=1-1

Problem with the G-series for me is the size - if youre willing to go that big you could go for a cheaper, less rugged, canon that can still shoot RAW and all that jazz with CDHK.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Megapixel-Optical/dp/B002LSI1IW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280528744&sr=1-1

^^I had the model prior to that and was very impressed til I went DSLR.
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Compacts
Reply #5 on: July 30, 2010, 23:52:01 PM
Id lose the viewfinder on either of those
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  • Offline zpyder

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Re:Compacts
Reply #6 on: July 31, 2010, 10:25:40 AM
Why do you really want a viewfinder, why do you find using the screen so bad? The only problem I have with screens is when Im doing portrait shots with polarised sunglasses!
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Re:Compacts
Reply #7 on: July 31, 2010, 11:15:33 AM
TBH youre not going to do better than a Canon G series and thats coming from a guy who generally detests Canon kit.

I can see where youre coming from on the viewfinder, but it really limits your choices. If you must have a finder, just buy the Canon G and have done with it. I dont think theres another camera in your price range with a VF which will touch the Canon.

The only other option Id consdier in your shoes is the Olympus E-P series, the EP-1 is available around the right price and the Zuiko glass is sweet.
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Compacts
Reply #8 on: July 31, 2010, 11:22:01 AM
I just got rid of my G10 because of its size. Its just too big for a compact, if i was going to carry my G10 i would always end up taking the DSLR. The G series are just too big for a compact although the are excellent.

Im surprised no one has mentioned the canon S90 yet, its an unbelievable camera, smaller and better IQ than the G series and the Lumixs. Again though, no viewfinder.

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  • Offline BigSoy

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Re:Compacts
Reply #9 on: July 31, 2010, 12:01:37 PM
I also think the kind of photos you tend to take with a compact are less reliant on a viewfinder... seems like a limiting choice tbh.

Plus Compact viewfinders are nothing like a good DSLR viewfinder anyway.
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"Within your 'purview'? Where do you think you are, some f**king regency costume drama? This is a government department, not some f**king Jane f**king Austen novel!"
Compacts
Reply #10 on: July 31, 2010, 13:53:54 PM
Problem with screens is if the suns on it you struggle to see and they chew power so the battery life isnt as good
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  • Offline zpyder

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Re:Compacts
Reply #11 on: July 31, 2010, 14:08:17 PM
That used to be the case but not really any more. I know you dont want a rugged/waterproof jobby, but using my Olympus cameras as an example, you can see the screen crystal clear during the day just as well as indoors. Battery life is sufficient that I will fill an 8gb memory card with the 1300 picture capacity before it actually runs out. The only time I have had it run out properly has been when Ive been doing vids of birds in the back garden, but that isnt down to the screen I think, more the rest of the camera recording video when it really isnt a video cam.

If you want to see how the screen looks outside in the sun youre welcome to pop round to have a look if itll help burst that misconception about modern screens :P
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Compacts
Reply #12 on: July 31, 2010, 18:16:58 PM
My parents really struggle with their TZ-6 in the sunlight on the screen
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  • Offline zpyder

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Re:Compacts
Reply #13 on: July 31, 2010, 19:11:24 PM
Id suggest giving some newer compact screens a go outside if you can find a shop that will let you go outside with them when its sunny, before you discount them all as struggling in bright light, you might be surprised by what you find!
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Compacts
Reply #14 on: July 31, 2010, 23:26:48 PM
Ill go and check a few out, id like to see a G11 anyway, it may be too big as mentioned but until i can get hold of one i wont really know.

The G11 has a great layout of dials and buttons to change all the same stuff i adjust on my slr as well which is nice.
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