«

Hi,

>From the thread "Hamstrung by a dSLR", I concluded that its a good idea
to acquire a P&S for using when I don't want to lug around the Canon
300D. Now the obvious question is which one. I don't want to spend too
much on a super-sleek/small, mega mega pixel and the latest P&S out
there. My wish list in the order of priority is:
1) Priced somewhere around $300
2) Atleast 5MP so if capture a real good one, I can atleast put it up
in 8x10
3) Good high-ISO performance
4) Good low-light AF
5) light-weight (around 300 gms)
6) An all manual option where I can set Aperture and Shutter
7) 3x-6x optical zoom
Preferably uses CF cards so I can share them between the P&S and the
300D
9) Video with audio at 640x480 30fps would be a nice addition
10) Good macro capability

I narrowed it down to three cameras, the Canon A95, Nikon Coolpix 7900
and Panasonic LZ2. But got good and bad points against each one of
them.

Canon A95
=========
Fits the bill perfectly except for high-ISO performance (as dpreview
reports). And I don't want to trade-off the first five in the wish
list.

Nikon Coolpix 7900
==================
Again, fits very well except for AF issues especially in low-light

Panasonic LZ2
=============
Lots of nice features like image stabilisation and a 6x optical zoom.
Downsides are that low-light AF is poor, high-ISO performance is poor,
it has a plastic body as against the metal ones of the former two, has
no viewfinder (optical or EVF) and video is only 320 x 240 at 10fps.

Also, the Canon and the Nikon have a 1/1.8" sensor while the Panasonic
has a 1/2.5" sensor.

So whats your opinion?

Thanks,

- Siddhartha

On 5 Jul 2005 00:59:34 -0700, Siddhartha Jain wrote:

> So whats your opinion?

The Coolpix 7900 has manual exposure controls? If it does I've
probably mis-recalled a recent message here. If you already have a
Canon external flash for your 300D, and if the G6 can benefit from
some of its 'smart' features, it might be worth spending some more
money than you originally planned by getting a G6 instead of the
A95. It's lightweight, but 80 gms above the 300 in your wish list.
It uses Canon's BP-511A, which is probably also used in the 300D (I
know that it is used in the 20D), so getting a G6 would almost (not
quite) be like getting a backup battery and charger at no extra
cost. And the quality of the images it produces from its fast
f/2.0-3.0 lens is much better than what the A95 can do. I don't
know if it can do videos as a magazine review I'm looking at doesn't
mention of it. But it concludes that "the G6 is a great second
camera for pros that don't want to carry an SLR around with them"

ASAAR wrote:
> On 5 Jul 2005 00:59:34 -0700, Siddhartha Jain wrote:
>
> > So whats your opinion?
>
> The Coolpix 7900 has manual exposure controls? If it does I've
> probably mis-recalled a recent message here. If you already have a
> Canon external flash for your 300D, and if the G6 can benefit from
> some of its 'smart' features, it might be worth spending some more
> money than you originally planned by getting a G6 instead of the
> A95. It's lightweight, but 80 gms above the 300 in your wish list.
> It uses Canon's BP-511A, which is probably also used in the 300D (I
> know that it is used in the 20D), so getting a G6 would almost (not
> quite) be like getting a backup battery and charger at no extra
> cost. And the quality of the images it produces from its fast
> f/2.0-3.0 lens is much better than what the A95 can do. I don't
> know if it can do videos as a magazine review I'm looking at doesn't
> mention of it. But it concludes that "the G6 is a great second
> camera for pros that don't want to carry an SLR around with them"

Not so sure about manual controls on the Coolpix 7900. The G6 is
definitely nice but its 167gms heavier (you checked the weight without
batteries) and $185 over my budget

- Siddhartha

Siddhartha Jain wrote:
> Hi,
>
> >From the thread "Hamstrung by a dSLR", I concluded that its a good idea
> to acquire a P&S for using when I don't want to lug around the Canon
> 300D. Now the obvious question is which one. I don't want to spend too
> much on a super-sleek/small, mega mega pixel and the latest P&S out
> there. My wish list in the order of priority is:
> 1) Priced somewhere around $300
> 2) Atleast 5MP so if capture a real good one, I can atleast put it up
> in 8x10
> 3) Good high-ISO performance
> 4) Good low-light AF
> 5) light-weight (around 300 gms)
> 6) An all manual option where I can set Aperture and Shutter
> 7) 3x-6x optical zoom
> Preferably uses CF cards so I can share them between the P&S and the
> 300D
> 9) Video with audio at 640x480 30fps would be a nice addition
> 10) Good macro capability
>
> I narrowed it down to three cameras, the Canon A95, Nikon Coolpix 7900
> and Panasonic LZ2. But got good and bad points against each one of
> them.

For a start, worry *not* about the type of memory the camera uses -
they're cheap enough to just leave in the camera and forget now. Get
them from ebay.

The Fuji f10 excels at those photographic points above such as low
noise and low-light AF, but it has no manual settings for aperture and
shutter except scene modes that in most situations would suffice. Then
there is the Fuji f810 which is - in my opinion - currently the queen
of the compacts and was lately chosen along with the top of the line
canon dSLR (the 16mp) for professionals commisioned by a BBC program
series. The fuji e550 has good high iso performance but lacks low-light
AF assist light.

No other compact cameras on the market have a high-iso performance
worthy of mention.

>
> Canon A95
> =========
> Fits the bill perfectly except for high-ISO performance (as dpreview
> reports). And I don't want to trade-off the first five in the wish
> list.
>
> Nikon Coolpix 7900
> ==================
> Again, fits very well except for AF issues especially in low-light
>
> Panasonic LZ2
> =============
> Lots of nice features like image stabilisation and a 6x optical zoom.
> Downsides are that low-light AF is poor, high-ISO performance is poor,
> it has a plastic body as against the metal ones of the former two, has
> no viewfinder (optical or EVF) and video is only 320 x 240 at 10fps.
>
> Also, the Canon and the Nikon have a 1/1.8" sensor while the Panasonic
> has a 1/2.5" sensor.
>
> So whats your opinion?
>
> Thanks,
>
> - Siddhartha

Mike Henley wrote:
> Siddhartha Jain wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > >From the thread "Hamstrung by a dSLR", I concluded that its a good idea
> > to acquire a P&S for using when I don't want to lug around the Canon
> > 300D. Now the obvious question is which one. I don't want to spend too
> > much on a super-sleek/small, mega mega pixel and the latest P&S out
> > there. My wish list in the order of priority is:
> > 1) Priced somewhere around $300
> > 2) Atleast 5MP so if capture a real good one, I can atleast put it up
> > in 8x10
> > 3) Good high-ISO performance
> > 4) Good low-light AF
> > 5) light-weight (around 300 gms)
> > 6) An all manual option where I can set Aperture and Shutter
> > 7) 3x-6x optical zoom
> > Preferably uses CF cards so I can share them between the P&S and the
> > 300D
> > 9) Video with audio at 640x480 30fps would be a nice addition
> > 10) Good macro capability
> >
> > I narrowed it down to three cameras, the Canon A95, Nikon Coolpix 7900
> > and Panasonic LZ2. But got good and bad points against each one of
> > them.
>
> For a start, worry *not* about the type of memory the camera uses -
> they're cheap enough to just leave in the camera and forget now. Get
> them from ebay.
>
> The Fuji f10 excels at those photographic points above such as low
> noise and low-light AF, but it has no manual settings for aperture and
> shutter except scene modes that in most situations would suffice. Then
> there is the Fuji f810 which is - in my opinion - currently the queen
> of the compacts and was lately chosen along with the top of the line
> canon dSLR (the 16mp) for professionals commisioned by a BBC program
> series. The fuji e550 has good high iso performance but lacks low-light
> AF assist light.
>
> No other compact cameras on the market have a high-iso performance
> worthy of mention.

Thanks Mike This one looks a sure winner. Given what dpreview says
about this camera is true and the $340 price tag (from dell), I think I
can easily overlook the lack of EVF/optical viewfinder, lack of manual
controls and the xD card storage.

- Siddhartha

I did this same evaluation last February. What you are going to find is
that no P&S has all the things you referenced. You need to prioritize
the features that are most important to you and then find a camera that
has most of the ones that are on the top of your list. If low-light,
high ISO capability is most important than the Fuji F10 is really the
only camera out right now that offers high ISO with acceptable noise
levels. I have a Sony P200 and it meets all your criteria except for
high ISO and CF memory cards. The memory issue is really something I
wouldn't worry about. Most all P&S use something other than CF these
days and the price between memory types is negligable. In addition, the
P200 also offers manual focus presets which is useful when shooting at a
known distance. This eliminates shutter lag and allows you to take a
picture immediately which is good for shots of pets, kids etc. Other
good features of the P200 is it syncs the flash up to 1/1,000th second
shutter speed and has a maximum exposure time of 30 seconds. This
provides noce flexibility for getting high speed flash shots within the
flash's range or low-light, low ISO night shots on a tripod. The P200
also has excellent low-light autofocus ability.

One other camera I recommend considering is the upcoming Olympus Stylus
800. It as an 8mp P&S that has many interesting features including high
ISO settings up to 1600. It also has an LCD screen that is easily
visible in the brightest sunlight. Here's a link to the website for it:

http://tinyurl.com/9v3ja

Siddhartha Jain wrote:
> Hi,
>
>>From the thread "Hamstrung by a dSLR", I concluded that its a good idea
> to acquire a P&S for using when I don't want to lug around the Canon
> 300D. Now the obvious question is which one. I don't want to spend too
> much on a super-sleek/small, mega mega pixel and the latest P&S out
> there. My wish list in the order of priority is:
> 1) Priced somewhere around $300
> 2) Atleast 5MP so if capture a real good one, I can atleast put it up
> in 8x10
> 3) Good high-ISO performance
> 4) Good low-light AF
> 5) light-weight (around 300 gms)
> 6) An all manual option where I can set Aperture and Shutter
> 7) 3x-6x optical zoom
> Preferably uses CF cards so I can share them between the P&S and the
> 300D
> 9) Video with audio at 640x480 30fps would be a nice addition
> 10) Good macro capability
>
> I narrowed it down to three cameras, the Canon A95, Nikon Coolpix 7900
> and Panasonic LZ2. But got good and bad points against each one of
> them.
>
> Canon A95
> =========
> Fits the bill perfectly except for high-ISO performance (as dpreview
> reports). And I don't want to trade-off the first five in the wish
> list.
>
> Nikon Coolpix 7900
> ==================
> Again, fits very well except for AF issues especially in low-light
>
> Panasonic LZ2
> =============
> Lots of nice features like image stabilisation and a 6x optical zoom.
> Downsides are that low-light AF is poor, high-ISO performance is poor,
> it has a plastic body as against the metal ones of the former two, has
> no viewfinder (optical or EVF) and video is only 320 x 240 at 10fps.
>
> Also, the Canon and the Nikon have a 1/1.8" sensor while the Panasonic
> has a 1/2.5" sensor.
>
> So whats your opinion?
>
> Thanks,
>
> - Siddhartha
>

> >
> >>From the thread "Hamstrung by a dSLR", I concluded that its a good idea
> > to acquire a P&S for using when I don't want to lug around the Canon
> > 300D.

I recently decided to sell my 300D AND my G3 which I had bought as
backup and upgrade that to a G6.After a lot of research I decided that
the G6 was as good as any compact available,in fact better than most -
and possibly the VERY best: review after review praises the G6 ;
DPReview and Steves Digicams to name only two.

I took this action because whenever I wanted a camera to use I
instinctively went for the G3.

I sold the 300D for a very good price on Ebay(UK) which more than paid
for the G6!

Denis Boisclair
Cheshire, UK

> >
> >>From the thread "Hamstrung by a dSLR", I concluded that its a good idea
> > to acquire a P&S for using when I don't want to lug around the Canon
> > 300D.

I recently decided to sell my 300D AND my G3 which I had bought as
backup and upgrade that to a G6.After a lot of research I decided that
the G6 was as good as any compact available,in fact better than most -
and possibly the VERY best: review after review praises the G6 ;
DPReview and Steves Digicams to name only two.

I took this action because whenever I wanted a camera to use I
instinctively went for the G3.

I sold the 300D for a very good price on Ebay(UK) which more than paid
for the G6!

Denis Boisclair
Cheshire, UK

> >
> >>From the thread "Hamstrung by a dSLR", I concluded that its a good idea
> > to acquire a P&S for using when I don't want to lug around the Canon
> > 300D.

I recently decided to sell my 300D AND my G3 which I had bought as
backup and upgrade that to a G6.After a lot of research I decided that
the G6 was as good as any compact available,in fact better than most -
and possibly the VERY best: review after review praises the G6 ;
DPReview and Steves Digicams to name only two.

I took this action because whenever I wanted a camera to use I
instinctively went for the G3.

I sold the 300D for a very good price on Ebay(UK) which more than paid
for the G6!

Denis Boisclair
Cheshire, UK

This is why I got a G6, same batteries, same type of storage, the
possibility of adding an external flash. A G6 with the 220EX flash is a
great combo. None of the small sensored P&S will give good low light
performance at high ISO settings, the G6 is no different but with a decent
flash it does as well as a DSLR. Altough I carry my DSLR most of the time,
I can get by in a much smaller package with my G6 and the 220EX flash.

Jean

"ASAAR" <> a écrit dans le message de
news:...
> On 5 Jul 2005 00:59:34 -0700, Siddhartha Jain wrote:
>
> > So whats your opinion?
>
> The Coolpix 7900 has manual exposure controls? If it does I've
> probably mis-recalled a recent message here. If you already have a
> Canon external flash for your 300D, and if the G6 can benefit from
> some of its 'smart' features, it might be worth spending some more
> money than you originally planned by getting a G6 instead of the
> A95. It's lightweight, but 80 gms above the 300 in your wish list.
> It uses Canon's BP-511A, which is probably also used in the 300D (I
> know that it is used in the 20D), so getting a G6 would almost (not
> quite) be like getting a backup battery and charger at no extra
> cost. And the quality of the images it produces from its fast
> f/2.0-3.0 lens is much better than what the A95 can do. I don't
> know if it can do videos as a magazine review I'm looking at doesn't
> mention of it. But it concludes that "the G6 is a great second
> camera for pros that don't want to carry an SLR around with them"
>