Looking for advice on new compact camera

davetucker

davetucker

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Dave Tucker
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Hi

I am looking to spend a maximum of £500 on a compact, but not sure of which model. I have looked at the "Sony NEX-5" and the "Canon Powershot S95", would welcome any views. I want the camera to carry around in my pocket, rather than after carry my DLSR when on holidays...etc

Any advice welcomed.

Dave :)
 
The image quality will be worlds apart, since the NEX uses a full APS-C sized sensor, whereas the S95 uses a 1/1.7" if I remember correctly. And of course you have the option of switching lenses.

It depends on how pocketable you want it. The S95 is truly pocketable, and the image quality for the size is great. With the NEX cameras (or micro four thirds if you're interested in them), they're really not pocketable unless you have large jacket pockets or something. But of course you'll be getting much better image quality, and interchangeable lenses.
 
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Depends how big your pockets are!
Canon s95 or Panasonic LX5 are about the best small fully pocketable cameras with excellent iq. Next is a Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Canon G12. Nikon has a bigger zoom and IMO the better camera. Micro 4/3rds give better image quality but unless you just want the 14, 17 or 20mm lenses, they are too big for a pocket and even then they are bulky.
Best to see them all in a shop to see which suits you

Allan
 
Many thanks for the responses, Allanm, i thought about the nikon p7000, however I once owned the Nikon p6000 and was not greatly impressed, which for a devoted nikonian, is a hard pill to swallow.... has the P7000 improved greatly over the P6000?

dave
 
These threads (there have been a few of them recently) usually end up with the OP buying an S95...
 
Hi,

S95 vs LX5 vs P7000 review HERE

Mike.

PS: I'm going through the same dilemma too
 
If you're looking for a camera to take holiday shots, don't buy a Nex-5. I have a Nex-5 and have just bought a Panasonic G2 for holiday/family photos for the following reasons:

1) The Nex-5 autofocus misses in over 50% of photos. Even stopped down to maximise DOF. This is not a fault with my camera; several online reviews mention it, and one online review actually posts 2 sample images that are out of focus. My G2 autofocus hits the spot every time.

2) The kit lens and 16mm lens both suffer from awful distortion. This is corrected nicely with my G2.

3) The Nex-5 overexposes, and no exposure compensation is available in iAuto mode. The G2 exposes perfectly.

3) Both Sony lenses are rather poor.

I now use my Nex-5 only with my OM zuiko lenses, which are of course manual focus only, on a tripod. Image quality is superb.

If you are thinking that the Nex-5 has superior image quality to the G2 you are right, but what use is that if your holiday photos are out of focus and overexposed? I now have lovely, pin-sharp holiday photos from my G2.
 
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