New Camera Question

[LilyWDW]

Hello all. I have never posted over here, but was directed to this board by someone on another thread when I had a question about buying a new camera.

I am looking for a new camera before my 2014 trip (yea, I have some time I know). I would like it to be easy to carry with the small park bag I have, durable (waterproof would be awesome but not required), decent zoom and shots (I am not a professional by any stretch of the word but want it to look nice), and I would prefer it be under $300 but willing to go up to $500 IF there is a big enough difference.

Decent video would be nice too!

Thank you in advance to anyone who is willing and able to help. Cameras are not something I know that much about and I don't want to just walk into a store and "trust" the employees to not just upsell me.

 

[havoc315]

Hello all. I have never posted over here, but was directed to this board by someone on another thread when I had a question about buying a new camera.

I am looking for a new camera before my 2014 trip (yea, I have some time I know). I would like it to be easy to carry with the small park bag I have, durable (waterproof would be awesome but not required), decent zoom and shots (I am not a professional by any stretch of the word but want it to look nice), and I would prefer it be under $300 but willing to go up to $500 IF there is a big enough difference.

A more expensive camera can vastly outperform a cheaper camera, though a cheaper camera may certainly be "good enough" for you.

Many would say the best compact on the market is the RX100 -- last year's model has been "discounted" to just under $600, while the new model is $750. So this is considered the top of the line. It's considered 1 of the few true compacts (that can fit in your pocket) that can rival dSLRs in image quality. (and amazing video).

That's not to say you can't get good shots with something cheaper.

Though not quite as compact, but a very good price around your range --- The Panasonic LX7 would be worth a look. Recently discounted to $350 on Amazon. Excellent image quality, with a good walk-around zoom range. (Careful, you will find much cheaper cameras with much more zoom, but they often vastly inferior image quality and performance).

Another model around your price range would be the Canon S110/100/95. (the several models over the last several years).

None of these cameras are waterproof. None offer huge zoom. But they all offer good video and image quality that will far surpass your typical cheap P&S cameras.
If you do want a big zoom range, I'd look at the Panasonic FZ200. Which is at the high end of your price range.

 

[hakepb]

If waterproof is necessary, then you will be limited in image quality (they all have the smallest sensor size) and little zoom. (There are ScUBA enclosures for many of the cameras Havoc mentioned, but they are spendy and bulky)

DPReview is currently working on a waterproof/tough camera shootout, right now they just have individual reviews. The Olympus TG-2 looks to be the top overall one, and at least it has a somewhat fast f/2.0 lens at the wide end:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympus-tg2

 

[LilyWDW]

Waterproof is not at all needed, just was one of those things I thought would be nice. Been doing more reading about what things to look for and what means what. The camera will mostly be for traveling and family events. Nothing fancy.

Thank you for the information so far. Might go to a store to look and pick up the cameras to get an actual "feel".

 

[havoc315]

Waterproof is not at all needed, just was one of those things I thought would be nice. Been doing more reading about what things to look for and what means what. The camera will mostly be for traveling and family events. Nothing fancy.

Thank you for the information so far. Might go to a store to look and pick up the cameras to get an actual "feel".

Obviously, the feel of the camera in the hand is very important but unfortunately, cameras can be hard to judge in the store. They don't necessarily carry all the models, and you can't judge image quality in a store. But it's certainly a good idea to fínd the size and general feel you're comfortable with. Whether you are ok with LCD or prefer a viewfinder, etc.

 

[LilyWDW]

Obviously, the feel of the camera in the hand is very important but unfortunately, cameras can be hard to judge in the store. They don't necessarily carry all the models, and you can't judge image quality in a store. But it's certainly a good idea to fínd the size and general feel you're comfortable with. Whether you are ok with LCD or prefer a viewfinder, etc.

I am going out tomorrow anyway and will be on the same side of town as a couple of electronic stores. So, may as well if I am out there!

 

[Pixel Dust]

(Careful, you will find much cheaper cameras with much more zoom, but they often vastly inferior image quality and performance).

Truth It's a battle of zooms out there.

 

[Pic Stitch]

If you are looking for a waterproof camera, have a look at the Sony DSC-TX20 [TX 30 is the newer model]. I love Sony cameras and this one is a nice addition. Great for daya to day park activities and I dont have to worry about if it gets wet either by rain or a ride. it is a typical P&S [1/1.? sensor], so low light is not great [comapred to an RX100/mk2], but from my experience it fits the bill! Plus it comes in some nice colors and its under $300 [not certain but the newer TX30 might be as well? or very close to that cost]. My only gripe is the manner in which the camera turns on [you slide down the front cover] which at times, can be accidentally turned on. but i find that is a rare occurance [but none the less has happened once or twice to me!]. Hope this helps!

Enjoy your trip!

B-

 

[hakepb]

Truth It's a battle of zooms out there.

And very confusing model numbers...for instance the 12mp Canon SX50 is their best (and highly rated) bridge style superzoom, but they also sell a cheaper (with worse IQ) 16mp SX500. Other makes are like that, too.

 

[JediBonas]

I had this problem a few years ago and ended up buying (and returning) three cameras before I found one I was happy with the quality of. I wanted something small that could take good pictures and zoom. I ended up giving up some of the smallness I wanted and got a Canon G11. It's nice, takes great pictures and you can attach lenses (I have a large zoom lens for it). You might want to take a look at whatever G# Canon has out now.

 

[hakepb]

I had this problem a few years ago and ended up buying (and returning) three cameras before I found one I was happy with the quality of. I wanted something small that could take good pictures and zoom. I ended up giving up some of the smallness I wanted and got a Canon G11. It's nice, takes great pictures and you can attach lenses (I have a large zoom lens for it). You might want to take a look at whatever G# Canon has out now.

Yes, the G15 is a quality enthuiast camera:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-g15/
The Nikon P7700 has a bit more built-in zoom.

There is also the G1X with a DSLr sized sensor. (Greater IQ potential than the RX100, but the G1X is bulkier and slower)

 

[wiigirl]

Truth It's a battle of zooms out there.

So true...