need new camera for DL

[kailuagirl]

I posted this is the photography section, but didn't get any responses We need to get a new point and shoot, we have a D90, but need something to just pop out and carry around. I don't have an iphone

Costco has the Cannon SX260 and the Panasonic ZS19 and a Sony WX150 right now. What would you suggest? or should I skip costco and get something else. I take alot of pictures as I have DD5.

Last year when we went to DL we took our new Nikon p/s, can't remember the # and it was terrible, took bad low light pics and kept getting lense errors, etc. and I haven't bought one since, just been using the D90, but I'm missing alot of pics now since I don't always have it with me.

Thanks!!

 

[eduk8r26]

I love my Panasonic. It's a couple years old. An FZ35. But it takes great pictures even in low light. Takes videos, too. And has an 18x optical lens. I'd go with the Panasonic.

 

[kirstie101]

I just got a Sony WX50 and it does take some great low light pics which is one of the main reasons I got that model. I've only had it a week but I'm pretty impressed so far. REally nice pics for a point and shoot. The panaromic setting is cool too. I bought mine based on the rec of my sis in law who has last years model of the same camera. (I also have a Nikon D40 DSLR and I bought the Sony to replace my Canon Elph that I loved.) I too have a DD5 so I know about taking lots of pics, especially at Disney!

 

[caltex]

I bought and used a canon sx 260 for my DLR trip. I took about 2000 pics (and videos) and I am very happy with it. I'm not an advanced photographer, though I did take a graduate class in outdoor photography back in the day of 35 mm films, so I like a camera that does the job for me. For a P&S, the sx 260 has the features, lens, and quality that are ideal for a travel camera. Battery life was fine if you turn off the GPS function. On the downside, auto focus in low light can be slow and you can still hear the lens motor when you zoom in/out when taking videos. Nevertheless, the sx 260 is an upgrade over the sx 230 which I also own.

 

[Butterfly123]

I have a Panasonic in the ZS series (an older model) and I love it. It does well in low light, and pics are nice and sharp. Good luck with your decision! I have a DSLR (fairly new) but ended up just taking my Panasonic into the park..it was so much more convenient for quick pics.

I
bought mine at Costco as well...the price was very reasonable.

By the way when my husband saw my pics, he bought a Panasonic as well.

 

[kailuagirl]

Kristie 101 - was your sony the WX150? or just 50?

It's so confusing what to get, but I guess I can't go wrong with either one? hummmm

 

[RSi]

I saw these cameras at the Hawaii Kai Costco. They are all good P&S cameras, but there are a few major differences. The Canon and Panasonic are considered compact megazoom cameras (optical zooms around the 20X range) that can somewhat fit in your pocket. The Sony is considered an ultracompact megazoom (around the 10X range) that can easily fit in your pocket. If GPS location tagging is important to you, the Canon is the only one in this lineup that has it (there is a Panasonic ZS20 that is exactly the same as the ZS19 but with GPS). Megapixels also vary (although with these smaller sensors, more is not necessarily better)... Canon: 12.1, Panasonic: 14.1, Sony: 18.2. One more difference, the Canon has a pop-up flash verses a flash built into the front body of the other two. Unless you know it's popping up, it could get in your way of holding the camera. There other differences, but these are just a few off the top of my head.

Although I usually shoot with a DSLR, when visiting someplace like DLR, I like to carry a pocket-sized P&S the size of the ultracompact Sony WX150 instead of a large, heavy camera and accessory bag. But because I wanted the equivalent of a 25-500mm lens, I ended up purchasing the compact sized Sony HX30V. In addition to everything the WX150 has, the HX30V has GPS, 20X zoom, built-in Wi-Fi, and enough automatic settings to take a very decent picture when I hand it to a CM without them having to fumble with the controls.

As I said, they are all good P&S cameras. They are all 2012 models with the latest technology for their brands. All three use SD/SDHC/SDHX memory cards (the Sony can also use Memory Sticks), but none save RAW photo files, only JPEG. It comes down to size, zoom range, and user features. The good thing about Costco is that you can buy one, test out the the low light abilities and features, and if you're not satisfied with that one, return it for the next one.

Good luck! Let us know which camera you end up choosing.

 

[kirstie101]

Kristie 101 - was your sony the WX150? or just 50?

It's so confusing what to get, but I guess I can't go wrong with either one? hummmm

Its just the 50, not 150. They both have the same sensor which is what is supposed to make the low light performance good. The 50 is less MP's and less zoom I think than the 150.