New small camera needed.

[AussieCaribou]

Hi all,

I need some advice.

I just got back from my US holiday. I had a great time - took my DSLR, 2 point and shoots (one for DD and one for me), and my iPhone. So, I was able to get the photos I wanted...until my P&S died at Disneyland! I suspected it was unwell when the colour was off - very off - at the Halloween party... And then it started to vibrate like a phone and that heralded the end. RIP little friend. Fortunately, I still had the iPhone...but it's just not the same. So, I need to replace it.

I need a small camera that allows me to take those photos that arise when the DSLR is in the bag. My DSLR is a Nikon. My P&S's are Sony. So, I started to research. My issue with P&S is the fixed lens...I love to use just the right lens on my DSLR. I need something that is tough, resistant to shock and water (I love the rain), and is smaller than a DSLR.

So, what do people think about the Nikon 1's? I don't know anyone who owns one, so I can't give it a try. Does anyone have one? Any advice would be gratefully accepted.

~ AussieCaribou

 

[havoc315]

You'd love the new Sony RX10, but it's more than a bit pricey, lol.

The Nikon 1s are very good for total amateurs looking for better image results with good autofocus. I find they aren't great for enthusiast/hobbyist photographers who often want better manual controls over their photography.

 

[hakepb]

The waterproof/shockproof point and shoots all have a small sensor and a limited zoom range. Pentax and Olympus have a model with an f/2.0 lens at wide angle so they can keep the ISO down better than other makes.

Not waterproof, but you could get a QX10 and QX100 as additional lenses (and sensors) for the iphone.

You can also generally get waterproof SCUBA rated cases for most enthuiast point and shoots.