Any good as a PnS Camera.?

BaRoN30s · 28 Jul 2013

My holidays getting closer n closer (sept) & I still havnt got a point n shoot camera to take with me, im looking for something that takes decent photos as well as video.. this can even be a bridge camera I just don't wonna be humping my dslr around all day long plus all the lenses whilst abroad...

anyhow see link Olympus SZ-31MR iv had this in my hands at Tesco & it feels nice to hold BUT that's less important to me than pic quality

iv also seen this Samsung WB800F Smart Camera with Built-in Wi-Fi which would come in handy whilst away to upload photos directly to facebook for kids to see back home.. (if that's what it wil do) BUT is this just a gimmick and will I be loosing on photo quality for the things it does... iv also held this & didn't think it felt anywhere as nice as the Olympus one, but yet again its the photo quality im after & not the feel..

or could I get better for around the same price.?

:thankyou:

thanks for any advice..

Ferj · 29 Jul 2013

You will never get DSLR quality from a compact so will have to make sacrifices.

Premium compacts are very good but also very expensive. The best thing would be to try them outside the store in bright light taking pictures and also in the darkest part of the shop to see if you're happy with the images and try and make a choice based on the results and other features!

MarcM · 29 Jul 2013

If you want something that very good video and is light, have a look at the Panasonic Lumix range.

JohnN · 29 Jul 2013

Yes, the lx7 is pretty good, perhaps quality wise on par with an older model entry slr, auto focus is fine for slow moving subjects and excellent for video.

Not the best zoom wise, but a excellent image for a pns all the same.

Really comfy too as it has a decent grip.

bloomen · 30 Jul 2013

I have a Sony HX20 for days out and about. The video is excellent. The photo side isn't so hot, especially when it dips into the digital zoom, but I have managed some satisfying images.

viewfromthenorth · 31 Jul 2013

As always with cameras, it all depends on the budget, but as already noted you're not going to get slr quality.

If you place your expectations accordingly, most cameras within the £100-200 budget will take a perfectly acceptable snapshot, and have an excellent zoom range. Just don't expect it to stand up to pixel level scrutiny at 100% viewing, be any good over ISO 400 or look good printed at A3 or above.

I bought a Canon compact of some description for my holidays and for family snaps for viewing on facebook, 6x4 prints etc, it's more than acceptable, and a damn sight more portable than my D700 and lenses.

TheDrift- · 31 Jul 2013

Don't know what your budget is, but it might be worth considering the Sony rx100

It's got the biggest sensor of any compact out there, and is around £400

mid_gen · 31 Jul 2013

The RX100 is really not that far off a DSLR in terms of performance and capturing a shot. ISO performance is incredible and unless you pixel peep you'd be hard pressed to tell much difference to the output.

I bought one before I went tramping round Indochina for a few weeks last year. DSLR never left my rucksack and has since been sold. RX100 is an amazing travel camera.

desantnik · 31 Jul 2013

I've got a Canon G11 that I've been using for holiday snaps for the last few years and been pretty pleased with it overall. Despite having plonked for a top end compact its still nowhere near what you'd get from a DSLR, but its pretty acceptable for holiday stuff.

My son has just got a Lumix TZ30 last week - 149 quid at the mo because the TZ40 has replaced it. That also seems pretty good - certainly good vfm!

The main thing with all of this is that having a camera is better than not having a camera - which is why i'd always choose this type of P&S over a DSLR for holiday stuff where I just want photos of what I'm doing rather than actually being out on a photography shoot!

frank · 31 Jul 2013

RX100 is a amazing little camera for it's size, I sold all my dslr gear, then M43 gear and just use the RX100 all the time now. The best P&S I have ever used and quality is superb. Best part is it fits in the shirt pocket.

Lots of sample pics using the RX100 here >>> RX100 Photos