Point & Shoot Cameras

[LeeNetworX]

Time for a new one - our Olympus is 5 years old, 4MP, and has seen better days. Looking for something thin and light enough to carry in a front pocket, 9MP or higher, and under $175. Kind of leaning towards the Exilim right now, based on features and picture quality (after looking at a friend's).

What do you have and what do you like / dislike about it?

[derf]

I've been using the kodaks point and shoot cameras for a while, been through 5 of them in 4 years, but to their credit, I beat the shit out of them and don't take care of them at all. Compared to some of the other higher quality cameras I see around they are way more durable. The pictures they take arnt the greatest, and even though my current one is 8mp, it does take fuzzzy pictures sometimes.

[Ninjakel]

stay away from Fuji's

Nothing but problems, hell, we;ve sent it back to the repair place twice, and it fuck up your storage card too. Irritating, especially when on vacay.

[Papa_Complex]

I don't have one and it's a fair bit above your stated price, but if you liked your Olympus, then you might want to look at the new Olympus Stylus 'Tough' 6000. It's 10 MPix, 3x zoom, image stabilized, and water/shock/freeze resistant. Been getting good write-ups.

[LeeNetworX]

I don't have one and it's a fair bit above your stated price, but if you liked your Olympus, then you might want to look at the new Olympus Stylus 'Tough' 6000. It's 10 MPix, 3x zoom, image stabilized, and water/shock/freeze resistant. Been getting good write-ups.

We like our Olympus, but hate the proprietary XD format.

[Homeslice]

I would go for one with wide-angle (typically it will say something like 28mm instead of 35mm).

Also make sure you actually test the zoom feature, because some of those zoom motors operate too fast.

Check out Samsung and Ricoh, they aren't the biggest brands, but they some out with some pretty good stuff for the money.

[Papa_Complex]

We like our Olympus, but hate the proprietary XD format.

The "Toughs" will take Micro-SD now too.

[Amber Lamps]

stay away from Fuji's

Nothing but problems, hell, we;ve sent it back to the repair place twice, and it fuck up your storage card too. Irritating, especially when on vacay.

Ha these threads are always the same... I have a Fuji that I bought 4 years ago and it works perfectly! In fact, I was just playing with it the last few days and realized that it takes better pics than the Sony I got around Christmas and it's only 5M vs 10.1M. Of course anyone that knows anything about cameras will tell you it's all in the lens and not in the electronics (basically). Plus the Fuji will take pics in RAW format for HD pics.

The things to look for are aperture, auto focus speed, focus type, etc. Of course you have to balance size vs picture quality and pre-determine what you're using the pics for after you take them. Personally, I'd rather have more optical zoom than megapixels. My other "button" is how fast the camera is ready to take another pic. Usually, the higher meg cameras are a bit slow to load holding you up from another pic right away.

[Amber Lamps]

I've been using the kodaks point and shoot cameras for a while, been through 5 of them in 4 years, but to their credit, I beat the shit out of them and don't take care of them at all. Compared to some of the other higher quality cameras I see around they are way more durable. The pictures they take arnt the greatest, and even though my current one is 8mp, it does take fuzzzy pictures sometimes.

I think your camera's problem is it's focus speed or lack there of... It's one of the things I looked at first when I first broke down and joined the digital camera world from my OLD Minolta SLR I bought in the 80s when I was stationed at Camp Casey.

[Amber Lamps]

We like our Olympus, but hate the proprietary XD format.

Yea I hated that about Fuji, of course they went to a SD option a little bit after I got mine.

[t-homo]

I have a Canon that I like quite a bit, the rest of my family uses Nikon though. Anyone remember what camera CEO has? I think its some crazy 16 MP or some shit.

[R6Chick]

Lee,

I picked up the new Samsung at Best buy- 12. something MP for about $200 and I love the camera and it's the size of a credit card. I did a lot of shopping around too and found this to be the best ultra-thin (and affordable) camera on the market.

[LeeNetworX]

Which model? Thanks.

Lee,

I picked up the new Samsung at Best buy- 12. something MP for about $200 and I love the camera and it's the size of a credit card. I did a lot of shopping around too and found this to be the best ultra-thin (and affordable) camera on the market.

[fasternyou929]

I've had 2 Casio Exilims (7MP/10MP). They take great pictures and are about as thin and lightweight as they come. The 7MP rattled apart after a year of use on the camera mount on the bike and the 10MP belongs to some cabbie in Beijing now. :lol:

I have an Olympus now, not sure I like it as much as the Casio... the photos tend to be more blurred and washed out than my previous camera.

If you want a screamin' deal on a Sony, shoot me a PM.

Edit: Oh yeah, welcome back stranger!!

[Trip]

Canon for P&S/Nikon for SLR

[fasternyou929]

I've had 2 Casio Exilims (7MP/10MP). They take great pictures and are about as thin and lightweight as they come. The 7MP rattled apart after a year of use on the camera mount on the bike and the 10MP belongs to some cabbie in Beijing now. :lol:

I have an Olympus now, not sure I like it as much as the Casio... the photos tend to be more blurred and washed out than my previous camera.

If you want a screamin' deal on a Sony, shoot me a PM.

Edit: Oh yeah, welcome back stranger!!

Or, since they finally announced it today, you can just get our newest phone with a 12.1MP camera in it. :)

[LeeNetworX]

Or, since they finally announced it today, you can just get our newest phone with a 12.1MP camera in it. :)

I'm sure it won't be on our approved list. :skep:

[CrazyKell]

I would go with a Canon or a Sony.

I've owned 3 Sony's and my parents each have one. I have never seen better P&S photos from ANY other camera. Period. I thought it was just a fluke with the one but even my mother (who absolutely sucks at taking photos) gets good shots out of this thing.

The only thing you have to get over is their memory card format. But honestly it's not a big deal. I highly recommend them.

Other than that, I'd go Canon. The new HD ones seem cool. :idk:

[Amber Lamps]

Or, since they finally announced it today, you can just get our newest phone with a 12.1MP camera in it. :)

Who is "our" :drool:

[Amber Lamps]

The Samsung has gotten great independent reviews... Here's one for you too enjoy.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/19/engadget-labs-the-best-point-and-shoot-camera-for-under-400/

[fasternyou929]

Who is "our" :drool:

Sony Ericsson :D

[Amber Lamps]

Sony Ericsson :D

I searched later... came up with Sony, LG and Samsung! WooT! The digital p&s camera's days are numbered imho.

[Lamnidae]

I searched later... came up with Sony, LG and Samsung! WooT! The digital p&s camera's days are numbered imho.

i wouldn't say that...

they're just so inexpensive now-a-days...

[Amber Lamps]

i wouldn't say that...

they're just so inexpensive now-a-days...

Well, for me, I have a 5mp phone now and for normal crap it's plenty good enough for me! Besides, it lets me download via bluetooth which is more convenient than you may imagine. Bluetooth also lets me share the pics with the other people in the group right away. :idk: I guess I mostly like all of the other features that come with a camera phone. I guess if a p&s came with bt I may be more interested... A perfect scenario for me is a 12mp camera phone and a DSLR for important pics (weddings,etc)

[fasternyou929]

Well, for me, I have a 5mp phone now and for normal crap it's plenty good enough for me! Besides, it lets me download via bluetooth which is more convenient than you may imagine. Bluetooth also lets me share the pics with the other people in the group right away. :idk: I guess I mostly like all of the other features that come with a camera phone. I guess if a p&s came with bt I may be more interested... A perfect scenario for me is a 12mp camera phone and a DSLR for important pics (weddings,etc)If you like all that, you're going to LOVE what we haven't publicly announced yet!

[Papa_Complex]

If you like all that, you're going to LOVE what we haven't publicly announced yet!

16MPix SLR camera phone with GPS and HD video?

[Particle Man]

Sony Cybershot DSC T-90 (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665775580)

I have this little Sony Cybershot that is nice and compact and works pretty well.

Nothing special but it works.

[Amber Lamps]

16MPix SLR camera phone with GPS and HD video?

Samsung has a p&s with 720p and geo tagging (I think), I still would like bt.

16MPix SLR camera phone with GPS and HD video?

Now THAT I would buy!

[fasternyou929]

16MPix SLR camera phone with GPS and HD video?

You're not too far off!

[Amber Lamps]

You're not too far off!

So you're going to sell me an unlocked version for $100 that I can use with T-Mobile, right?:wink:

[Smittie61984]

I have an olympus stylus 850sw which is waterproof up to 10ft and drop proof up to 5ft. It runs about $225 at Brandsmart and their upgraded one is about $100 more. Takes pretty good pictures and it takes a fairly quick picture too. And I've destroyed 4 cameras (12 or so cell phones) and a lap top and this camera looks as good as the day I bought it.

[thunderex]

I'm switching wholesale to Panasonics. I have a Panny LX3 compact and I have a GH1 on order and I'll be selling my Canon 30D after a bit of comparison between the two. They make really nice compacts with WA on the wide side - usually around 28mm.

[Papa_Complex]

I'm switching wholesale to Panasonics. I have a Panny LX3 compact and I have a GH1 on order and I'll be selling my Canon 30D after a bit of comparison between the two. They make really nice compacts with WA on the wide side - usually around 28mm.

Micro Four-Thirds (Panasonic and Olympus) spec looks like an interesting way to go, but I haven't had a chance to check out the LCD view finder. The concept seems ideal for many applications, like wedding and conference shooting where the lack of mirror slap is a big advantage, plus you get DSLR quality images. The Panasonic version (G1/GH1) seems to be the ideal application of the standard for advanced shooters, but rumour is that Olympus will be announcing a rangefinder style model (LCD display only; no viewfinder) in the next couple of months. That'll have the advantage of being more compact, especially when used with pancake lenses.

[R6Chick]

Which model? Thanks.


Back in Fort Lauderdale to see it, it's the TL100 that's 12.2 MP.

[LeeNetworX]

Back in Fort Lauderdale to see it, it's the TL100 that's 12.2 MP.

Thanks - will add that to the list.

[thunderex]

Micro Four-Thirds (Panasonic and Olympus) spec looks like an interesting way to go, but I haven't had a chance to check out the LCD view finder. The concept seems ideal for many applications, like wedding and conference shooting where the lack of mirror slap is a big advantage, plus you get DSLR quality images. The Panasonic version (G1/GH1) seems to be the ideal application of the standard for advanced shooters, but rumour is that Olympus will be announcing a rangefinder style model (LCD display only; no viewfinder) in the next couple of months. That'll have the advantage of being more compact, especially when used with pancake lenses.
Yeah. The GH1 is going to be perfect for me really. I was at a relative's graduation ceremony and shooting it with her Rebel XSi. While I don't particularly like the cheap feeling of Rebels I did like how light the camera was. I forgot what it was like because my 30D and especially my 17-55 2.8 IS lens is so heavy. I've come to realize that it's a bit of overkill for me. I have two L lenses and they're nice, but I don't think they're worth the money I paid for them for what I'm using them for.

We're about to have our first baby, so a smaller and lighter camera with a large sensor AND a fantastic movie mode is perfect for me. I think it's a camera that I'll be willing to use a lot more often then my DSLR rig, which is really the most important thing. Also, since I'm coming from a 30D and not something like a 5D, I'm not sure I'm going to be giving anything up in image quality. In fact, I think the GH1 is probably a better stills camera than a 30D. I'll do some comparisons when I get the GH1.

[Papa_Complex]

You'll be giving up a bit in the high ISO noise area, but making up for it in tonality and sharpness. A flash would likely be a good idea.

[the chi]

I'd highly recommend a Sony I have a DSC-W80 (7.2MP), a few years old, its been dropped, gotten rained on, been carried around in the tail of the bike for tons of miles and in my pockets, and while it looks a little rough these days, it still takes pictures as well or better than many others I have played with. Its less than an inch wide and about 2 inches tall, perfect for portability. Obviously its got nothing on my DSLR, but I have no complaints about it!

[thunderex]

You'll be giving up a bit in the high ISO noise area, but making up for it in tonality and sharpness. A flash would likely be a good idea.

Yeah, I'm sort of waiting to see what works with that model. There's a nice Metz flash that I've had my eye on.

[No Worries]

The July, 2009 issue of Consumer Reports tested 77 cameras. Subcompact, compact, and superzoom in the point-and-shoot cameras. Basic and advanced in the SLR's. The image quality on many seem to be equal, but the battery life varies from 130 shots to 500.

For a camera that fits in your pocket, they recommend the Nikon Coolpix S610 ($220). The best under $150 camera is the Pentax Optio M50. For flexible editing and composition, they liked the Canon Powershot G10 ($450).

[Archren]

I'm switching wholesale to Panasonics. I have a Panny LX3 compact and I have a GH1 on order and I'll be selling my Canon 30D after a bit of comparison between the two. They make really nice compacts with WA on the wide side - usually around 28mm.

I had a Lumix on my last deployment in '04... I just mailed off my ZX-1 HD camcorder back to Kodak because it had some kind of short in it, so once I get my refund from that, I may just go back to old faithful Panasonic. The Lumix, in spite of being a crappy-seeming little 3MP P&S took pretty decent photos.. and got beat all to hell between a year in Iraq, 2 kids, and 4 moves since. My only problem with it now is I can't find it. :lol:

[Archren]

Wow, I think I just found my ideal camera:
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/Lumix-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-TS1S_11002_7000000000000005702

Although that means I have to forgo buying the uber-comfy Danner desert boots I wanted... but I think I'll live. :lol:

[thunderex]

Just got my Panny GH1 yesterday. Then I got smacked down with a pretty nasty cold that had been brewing for a couple days. But I did shoot a bit of video with it.

http://www.vimeo.com/5005933

and

http://www.vimeo.com/5006982

Photo image quality is not bad at all:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/jeffnee/th_P1010060.jpg (http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/jeffnee/?action=view&current=P1010060.jpg)

[LeeNetworX]

Not that anyone really cares, but finally got around to buying one; ended up going with this for $159 shipped from Costco. Couldn't put it off any longer, really want/need a decent camera right now.

Technical Details


Brand name: Casio
Model number: EX-S12
Color: Silver
Aperture: f2.8 (W) to f7.9(W)*6
Display: 2.7 inch Wide TFT Color LCD
Power Source: Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery (NP-60)
Storage Media: SDHC Memory Card, SD Memory Card, Eye-Fi Wireless Card Compatible
Optical Zoom: 3x
Digital Zoom: 4x (12x In Combination with Optical Zoom)
Minimum Focal Length: 3.9 inches
Maximum Focal Length: Infinity
Focus Modes: Auto Focus, Macro Mode, Pan Focus, Infinity Mode, Manual Focus
Focus Type: Contrast Detection Auto Focus
Microphone: Monaural
Exposure Metering: Multi-pattern, Center Weighted, Spot By Imaging Element
Exposure Control: Program AE
Exposure Compensation: Minus 2EV to Plus 2EV (In 1/3 EV Steps)
Picture Quality: 12.39 megapixels
Shutter Type: CCD Electronic Shutter, Mechanical Shutter
Shutter Speed: 1/2 to 1/2000 Second
White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Overcast, Shade, Day, White FL, Daylight FL, Tungsten, Manual
Light Sensitivity: Auto, ISO64, ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800, ISO1600, ISO3200
File Formats: Still Images: JPEG; Movies: AVI, Motion JPEG, IMA-ADPCM; Audio: WAV
Width: 3.7 inches
Depth: 0.6 inches
Height: 2.2 inches
Weight: 3.9 ounces






What's Included:

Casio EX-S12 Digital Camera
2GB SD Card
Camera Case
Lithium Rechargeable Battery
Battery Charger
USB Cable
AV Cable
Wrist Strap
CD-ROM
Basic Reference and Quick Start Guide

[MissHell]

Nice. :dthumb:

I have a Casio Exilim that's a couple years old, that's been good to me. No complaints. I'd like to upgrade to a newer one. Might need to check Costco out. :wink:

[Homeslice]

Color balance is the big issue I've found.......Some cameras look great on paper, they have all the right specs, but their color reproduction is horrible

Also, make sure to test the zoom function, because some cameras move the lens in and out too quickly, making it hard to get the right zoom.

[Papa_Complex]

White balance can even be an issue in a $1500.00 SLR, in odd lighting conditions. It's one of the things that you learn to deal with, either with custom white balance on-site or adjusting after the fact. I carry around a lens cleaning cloth that also functions as a gray card and try to note what items in a shot might be usable for white balance.

[LeeNetworX]

For any photos I consider important, I usually do post-processing on them anyway, if needed.

[Homeslice]

White balance can even be an issue in a $1500.00 SLR, in odd lighting conditions. It's one of the things that you learn to deal with, either with custom white balance on-site or adjusting after the fact. I carry around a lens cleaning cloth that also functions as a gray card and try to note what items in a shot might be usable for white balance.

But, even if the white balance is OK, what if it simply can't get the reds right?

[Papa_Complex]

But, even if the white balance is OK, what if it simply can't get the reds right?

That can be an issue with the in-camera JPG engine, or the software that's being used to convert from RAW to JPG. If the camera isn't getting JPGs right and has the option of shooting RAW, then you can use various software to 'develop' the shots instead, in order to get around the issue. Some photographers will create camera 'profiles' that give a look that they like, and then publish them to the 'net so that others can get the benefit of them.