Need expert advice on new P & S camera

[sayhello]

Hi. I'm new to this forum, and no expert. But over the last few years, I got tired of lugging the great big camera around, and bought myself a really nice point and shoot that I absolutely adore. I do like to think that a lot of the good pictures I get are because I'm a good photographer. But I also know a really nice camera doesn't hurt. I have a 3-year-old Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5, and I find it wonderful for most situations. Yes, it couldn't get the nighttime shots of Hogwarts at WWoHP. Only those with really great DSLR's managed that. But I've gotten great shots of the Osborne lights, the castle at night and fireworks, etc. FABULOUS camera, with a Leica lens. They also have auto-stabilization, which can really help.

A little trick I do with my point-and-shoots to get low light shots is to use the self timer. I brace myself against whatever is handy, trigger the shot with the timer on, then let the timer trip the shutter release rather than me. You have less chance of movement when you take the shot. It's worked for me numerous times.

Sayhello

 

[disneymarie]

I have been depending on my Panasonic Lumix, my ds has his for about 4 years and mine was from SAMS Club a few months ago with an extended zoom. Well the only disappointment I had was low to no light situations. Even in the caves with some fair light great photos, but in the shots with little light, nothing was going to help. On the whole, the 98% of photos area amazing. I can't complain about it at all.
As above some terrific photos, but as far as the haunted mansion, just did not get that done. Now, I can be in a basement at work that is flooded, and nothing but a dim lightbulb far behind me and get photos that light up the contents that I need to create an inventory for. SO that is an AAAA ++++

You will be very happy with a new baby coming to have the camera,
The one costly option and I do not think the low light photos are anything good, is the NEX 3 and 5. It has an amazing high 1080 video on it though. Plus the flash could use a boost.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Just to show that it can be done with a point and shoot in some of the more difficult situations, i.e. low light with movement.

These were taken with a Canon point and shoot. (Specifically the Canon S3IS, which is an older model now.) I'd studied and practiced a LOT to get these, and it paid off. Now they're not as great as some can get with their dSLRs and low light lenses BUT, they're passable.

BTW, I can't show you any from when I first got my dSLR because I couldn't get them with it. So disappointing when I thought it would be better with a dSLR.

I do have some from the trip after that which still aren't as good as some of these. (You have got to be kidding me. ) It's really all about knowledge, practice AND equipment. (Finally it came together, but it took a lot of trial and error and purchases. )

I saw this and thought I'd include it as an example of what happens when the CAMERA isn't stabilized in even a still shot. You get that blur that happens when you move even the slightest bit. Had this been on a tripod (or a trashcan or railing) with the two second timer set, it would have been clear.

 

[donac]

I have had some great success with a Panasonic Lumix. I have even gotten some decent low light shots using several of the special settings. I take a lot of pictures for a local high school theater group during dress rehersals when the lighting isn't the best.

Good luck

 

[Tiger926]

My Canon G10 is absolutely awesome! I have a very steady hand, and can take amazing fireworks photos set to Auto. I have had people see my photos and think they were taken with a much more expensive camera.

I have a very expensive Panasonic bridge camera (very close to SLR), and I prefer my Canon G10 over that one, because as I said, the photos in most any situation are fantastic. That being said, it is a heavy point and shoot, but nowhere near as heavy as my Panasonic or DSLRs, and that is what I like about it, as I have arthritis and osteoporosis at a young age, so I don't have much strength to be lugging heavy cameras around. My Canon G10 is the best point and shoot I have ever owned!

I think if you get one of the higher end point and shoots by Canon or Panasonic, you will get some decent shots.

Best of luck with camera shopping and with your new babe! Tiger