How about a good compact camera?

AsSiMiLaTeD

I've already got a good slr in my D90, and a good mid-range camera in my Canon S3-IS. What I'm missing is a good compact camera, something my wife can throw in the purse when we're out. By 'compact' I do not mean micro, I just want a smallish camera that's easy to carry around.

I'm familiar with places like steve's digi-cams and dpreview and have used them before when looking at specific models. However, the one thing that neither of those sites does well is group camera into categories, so unless you're looking for a specific model it's difficult to do something like, I don't know, do some research on compact cameras.

The small cameras appear to be a dime a dozen these days, so I don't even know which models to start researching.

If any of you other camera guys have any input I'd greatly appreciate it.

bobman1235

I've been pretty happy with various Canon SD / Digital ELPH cameras. My current P&S is a Canon SD1100IS. They kind of suck in low-light, but... so does any little camera, really. Other than that, they're very compact, easy to use, durable, ubiquitous...

billbillw

DPreview and Steve's don't group, but Imaging Resource does:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/WB/WB.HTM?view=dp_compact

I've found Dave's reviews to be every bit as professional as Steve's and DP's.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Bob, I've also heard good things about the Canon models.

Bill, that links is exactly what I'm looking for, thanks!

vc69

Just got a powershot SX120 IS for xmas. Effing thing takes amazing point and shoot pics and has a LOT of settings for those that need the flexibility. I love it.

vmaxer

I use a Canon PowerShot SD880IS as a carry on me pocket camera. It does a great job!!

AsSiMiLaTeD

The sx series are nice cameras, but bigger than what I'm looking for, that's almost as big as my S3 IS

SKsolutions

Sony for small and cheap, Lumix for compact.

shack

My wife has a Canon SD880 IS and my daughter has a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. I purchased both after considerable research and hands on testing with the primary consideration being picture quality. Both are excellent P&S cameras and I would not hesitate to purchase either one again.

halo71

Small and cheap....my Kodak Z710 took these. Just some examples.



Macro adjusted and less than 8 inches away.



My old Hamer guitar at 12" maybe?!?

Disc Jockey

Another vote for the Canon PowerShot. We've had one for about a year now. Great looking accurate pictures, durable, good battery life, quick on, and very little shutter lag.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I'm looking at the SD1200 IS right now, that's what I'm leaning towards. It looks to be a bit lower end than the 880, but seems to get good reviews everywhere.

Knucklehead

+1 for Canon Powershot...I have the A590, love it.

bigaudiofanatic

I love the canon elph's!

tcrossma

bobman1235 wrote: »

I've been pretty happy with various Canon SD / Digital ELPH cameras. My current P&S is a Canon SD1100IS. They kind of suck in low-light, but... so does any little camera, really. Other than that, they're very compact, easy to use, durable, ubiquitous...

+1 to this. I love mine.

I-SIG

I love my Panny Lumix DMC-ZR1. It has the same sensor as the ZS1 but does HD video, is only an 8x zoom vs 12x on the ZS1, and is the size of a deck of cards, literally. This camera also has a fairly wide angle lens (25mm) too.

Here's a link to the dpreview Compact Superzoom Shootout:

Link: Compact Superzoom Conclusion & Recomendations

The Panny ZS1 and ZS-3 were the joint winners so I went with the more compact ZR1 for my South Africa trip. I'm not the least bit disappointed with my daylight pics.

Wes

huggies

I-SIG wrote: »

I love my Panny Lumix DMC-ZR1. It has the same sensor as the ZS1 but does HD video, is only an 8x zoom vs 12x on the ZS1, and is the size of a deck of cards, literally. This camera also has a fairly wide angle lens (25mm) too.

Here's a link to the dpreview Compact Superzoom Shootout:

Link: Compact Superzoom Conclusion & Recomendations

The Panny ZS1 and ZS-3 were the joint winners so I went with the more compact ZR1 for my South Africa trip. I'm not the least bit disappointed with my daylight pics.

Wes

I had the ZR1 but recently lost it. Loved that camera. I've since bought the Lumix DMC-ZS-3, ugh that's a Panny for those that dont know. Havent used it much yet. Has excellent reviews though. The 12x optical zoom is awesome and the camera still does macro. Really cant ask for more in a small point and shoot.

Shizelbs

Leica

Gadabout

While I don't have the ZR1 I have recommended it to a lot of folks. Especially with small cameras, it's about the size/speed of the lens and the quality of the optics in that lens.

The main reason for the recommendation is the lenses are made by Leica. I have the Panny DMC-FZ18 and have had very good results with it.

I'd also recommend the Panny DMC-ZS3 series, but it might not qualify as a compact camera.

Other than the Pannies, I would recommend something like the Nikon CoolPix P60

Hope that helps,
Scott

nguyendot

Have the Canon SD1200IS and it's very good as well.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I ended up going with the SD1200 IS. It's a bit more in the price range I'm looking for. We're headed up to Colorado for our yearly trip, I'm gonna take this and the D90 and do some comparisons and decide if this will work for me.

As long as it's reasonably good I'm fine with it, we'll find out in a few days

shack

I think you will like the Canon just fine.

Yesterday, I did a brief shooting comparison with my wife's Canon Powershot SD880IS and my daughter's Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and they each have their strong points. Outdoors they are both great. Both have limitations with indoor photography due to their small flash but they do well if you stay within the flash range. Image quality was pretty good on both, but I found the Canon to be superior in color rendention. The IS of both is well worth the money and really help in "low-light...no flash" situations. High ISO modes (above 400) in both were not particulary good with lots of noise.

Someone questioned whether the ZS3 was a compact...It is. It is only slightly larger than the SD880 which is a fairly small. However the ZS3 is heavy. It weights about twice as much as the Canon due to its heavier metal vs the Canon light weight stainless steel body. It feels very solid, which is nice. I think it has the better glass (lens) and has a significantly longer optical zoom (4X vs 12X). I really try to avoid using the digital zoom on these small P&S cameras since it is nothing more than in camera cropping which degrade the image too much. The Canon sensor and in camera processing (Digic 4) may be the best of the small P&S cameras out there. They seem to be a step ahead of the rest.

The Canon has better technology...the Panasonic has better glass. Depending on your shooting needs both are very good choices.

The SD1200IS has the same Digic 4 processor and IS technologyas my SD880IS so I'm confident it will give you good results. I hope you enjoy it.