Nikon Coolpix L820

[suttonal821]

I need opinions! My upcoming Disney trip is in 48 days - yay yay yay! Well, I am wanting to get a new camera before my trip. I currently have a Sony Cybershot H55 and have never been really really happy with this camera. I am currently looking at a Nikon Coolpix L820. This will be the biggest camera I have ever purchased and the size makes me a little leery, but all the good reviews make me want it!
So...
Have any of you taken and used this camera at Disney?
How does it do in low light situations?
What is your opinion on this camera?

 

[hakepb]

Bridge cameras are not inherently better than their smaller point and shoot brothers, they basically have the same photographic internals, just more room for a bigger zoom. (Although the Sony HX50 is a nearly pocketable 30x zoom PnS). Just because a bridge camera looks similiar to a great DSLr, doesn't make it actually take better pictures....in other words, its not a photographically superior camera to a Canon SX260 or Sony HX50. I had a H70, the HX are superior to the H line)

Ergnomically, some like the feel of the bridge camera (I don't like super skinny cameras, I can't hold an iPhone that well as a camera). But the l820 is missing one of the key advantages of many bridge cameras, the EFV. An EFV let's you see a picture, even in bright sunlight, and it lets you steady a large camera against your head.

Spec wise, I'm surprised to see the L820 has a CMOS sensor, which should result somewhat better pictures at higher ISO, and it starts at a very wide 22.5mm equivalent which is useful in the tight quarters of Disney...but it doesn't have a really fast lens (low f/) or a larger sensor to be a great improvement in low light... And I can't see much in the way of customizable controls or a fireworks mode.

 

[havoc315]

I looked at the reviews though have not used the camera firsthand.
Seems to be an okay camera with managed expectations.
Don't expect to get any dark ride pics, don't expect action shots. As stated, don't expect fully customized fireworks shots.

For a budget bridge camera, it seems to perform okay. But don't go in expecting the performance of a large-sensor camera. Image quality will ultimately be similar to budget compacts and upper end smart phones. (But with much more zoom).

The lens is slow. Small sensor. Limited ISO range. Limited functionality. But in bright daylight situations, you will likely get some very nice shots. And in lower light situations, you may get a few serviceable small print shots.

 

[cobright]

I played with this camera at the camera shop when I started shopping for my "going to disney" camera last month.

The pp is right on about dslr 'style' PnS cameras. They are compromises embodied. This particular style sacrifices a lot to give you a reasonable price tage and a 30x zoom.

Ultimately I found that for about the same price I could get a second hand dslr or a Nikon J1 from a reputable dealer (b and h photo).

The mirrorless system I found gives most of the advantages of the PnS with most of the performance of a dslr. I went with the dslr, a D80, because I already had a few lenses that would fit and I think its advanced feature set will satisfy my OCD.

My point is, pick where your compromises fall. If your primary need is for a huge zoom and simplicity of use, coolpix or fuji finepix is great. I just saw a $400 camera with a 60x zoom. Crazy.

 

[suttonal821]

I am not really interested in a DSLR - it is just too much for what I use my camera for. So, I'm sure this question has been asked a million times - what is the best point and shoot camera for Disney?

 

[havoc315]

I am not really interested in a DSLR - it is just too much for what I use my camera for. So, I'm sure this question has been asked a million times - what is the best point and shoot camera for Disney?

Different cameras will have different strengths and weaknesses, but I suspect that by a large margin, the top vote getting would be the Sony RX100. Of course, it's much more expensive than a budget P&S. The original RX100 just had a price *drop* to $600... with the new version, the RX100 Mark2, being priced at $750.

It has the largest sensor in the most compact body, with the fastest lens, you will find for under $1,000.

Here are my Disney examples taken with the camera:

Disney Boardwalk at night by Havoc315, on Flickr


Disney Hollywood Hotel by Havoc315, on Flickr


Great Movie Ride - Casablanca by Havoc315, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/havoc315/sets/72157631364508454/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/havoc315/sets/72157631370806298/

For it's size, it's the only point and shoot that can compete with dSLR/mirrorless cameras in terms of image quality --- Depending on the lens, often surpassing dSLR/mirrorless.

Other competitors would include the Canon G15 --- great fast lens, fair zoom range (better than the RX100), but a smaller sensor and bulkier body.

The Panasonic FZ200 -- a great zoom range with fast lens, but much smaller sensor.

The truest competition to the RX100 comes from the Canon G1x -- In a similar price range, it is really the only fairly compact fixed zoom lens, that has a sensor bigger than the RX100. While the sensor is larger, the lens is slower, and the camera is bulkier and less responsive.

In a more affordable price range, the Canon S110 is pretty solid. It outperforms budget cameras. It doesn't really compare to the cameras listed above, but it's a good choice in the price range.

 

[suttonal821]

I am a total dummy when it comes to the settings and what to look for on a camera. I just want good pictures and the camera to take the picture when I push the button. So I guess I want a fast shutter speed? I know it is going to be hard to take pictures of fireworks at night without using a tripod.

So based on that, would Canon Powershot SX260 be a good choice?

Is there a way on this camera to fix the settings so that I can be some better pictures in lower light situations and at night?

 

[hakepb]

Shutter response and shutter speed are different.

Shutter response is mostly delayed while the camera is trying to focus (and set metering and "recognizing smiles")...point and shoot cameras often struggle to get a focus lock in low light..and that results in the delay between the button press and the actual shutter "click"
Point and shoot cameras often have another delay, waiting for a flash to recharge before you can take another picture.

Shutter speed is the speed the sensor is exposed to light, 1/1000th of a second or faster is a common shutter speed in bright light... But if you are getting blurry pictures, you need a faster/brighter lens to let in more light.

It sounds like the first thing is what you are talking about.

The Canon SX260 is a fine travel zoom camera. Be sure to read reviews at dpreview.com. Its more responsive than most cheap point and shoots...but reviews suggest Sony and Panasonic travel zooms are a bit more responsive...but others prefer the Canon colors.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-sx260-hs

Travel zoom cameras are a bit of a Swiss Army knife...they do a lot but they aren't the perfect tool for most jobs...but you can't get more zoom in a nearly pocketable size. I have a travel zoom, a Sony HX30, because I like zoom, video and portability. But if I wanted a Disney-only camera, I would get something like the Canon s110.

 

[havoc315]

I am a total dummy when it comes to the settings and what to look for on a camera. I just want good pictures and the camera to take the picture when I push the button. So I guess I want a fast shutter speed? I know it is going to be hard to take pictures of fireworks at night without using a tripod.

So based on that, would Canon Powershot SX260 be a good choice?

Is there a way on this camera to fix the settings so that I can be some better pictures in lower light situations and at night?

We do have an earlier version of the Canon Sx260 in the house. In good lighting, it's a decent little camera. Mostly we let the kids play with it, we rarely use it. But it's a nice backup for the rare times we need a massive telephoto.

The only time we would use it at Disney is the Safari, where you have good light and use for a telephoto.

For most of the rest of the parks, telephoto isn't very important. But a camera that can handle all types of light is very important.

Assuming you're not looking for action shots, not looking to create artistic background blur, and only taking photos in good daylight or with flash, then any camera on the market can produce good results.

In terms of low light performance and image quality, the Canon Sx260 and Nikon l820 should perform pretty similarly. Nikon giving you a bit more telephoto reach, the Canon giving you a more compact body. They both use the same sized small sensor. They both use somewhat similar lenses.

 

[photo_chick]

I am not really interested in a DSLR - it is just too much for what I use my camera for. So, I'm sure this question has been asked a million times - what is the best point and shoot camera for Disney?

Which camera is "best" depends largely on the photographer's needs. What feels right for one may not be for someone else. And really, you're only going to be using this camera a fraction of the time you own it at Disney. So... what features do you want? What types of things do you like to shoot? NOt just at Disney but year round?

You might also check out buying guides like those at dpreview.com

 

[hakepb]

We do have an earlier version of the Canon Sx260 in the house. In good lighting, it's a decent little camera. Mostly we let the kids play with it, we rarely use it. But it's a nice backup for the rare times we need a massive telephoto.

The only time we would use it at Disney is the Safari, where you have good light and use for a telephoto.

For most of the rest of the parks, telephoto isn't very important. But a camera that can handle all types of light is very important.

Assuming you're not looking for action shots, not looking to create artistic background blur, and only taking photos in good daylight or with flash, then any camera on the market can produce good results.

In terms of low light performance and image quality, the Canon Sx260 and Nikon l820 should perform pretty similarly. Nikon giving you a bit more telephoto reach, the Canon giving you a more compact body. They both use the same sized small sensor. They both use somewhat similar lenses.

In Auto, they should be similiar...but if you want, the SX260 has full PASM functionally so you have full control of the exposure, and if you really want, you can hack it into shooting RAW.

 

[havoc315]

In Auto, they should be similiar...but if you want, the SX260 has full PASM functionally so you have full control of the exposure, and if you really want, you can hack it into shooting RAW.

And from what I've seen, the Sony HX20/30 has better video, and more responsive faster auto focus. But yes, the SX260 has greater latitude for manual controls, and perhaps slightly better image quality.

In that price range, there will of course be some pretty significant pros and cons of each camera. From the size and feel in the hands, to extras like wifi and gps, to the degree of manual control, etc.

In the hands of a good photographer, and in good light, of course you can get good photos with those cameras. Just as you can get good photos with a good smartphone camera.
But I find that those basic types of cameras are trying to compete with smart phones. They go for "good enough" image quality, then try to add in smart phone type features, such as in-camera stitching (HDR, Pano), wifi, gps.... And then they try to "top the smart phone" by putting in an impressive zoom.

But ultimately.... in terms of image quality, in terms of challenging lighting, or fast moving action... the overall performance of those cameras will be pretty similar.

As you mentioned before, the Canon S110 is a bit of the baseline of "next step up" compact cameras.
Another camera I might also consider if I wanted a step up on a tight budget, would be the Nikon P310. Still has the tiny sensor, but it has a 1.8 lens and manual controls. Smaller sensor than the S110, but faster lens and it's cheap.

Sensor size -- not camera size -- is the #1 driving point in image quality AND camera price.
Unless you are looking in the used market, bigger sensors cost more than smaller sensors.
That's why budget compacts try to out-shine smart phones with a big telephoto zoom, instead of a bigger sensor --- Because it's very cheap to stick in a big telephoto zoom, but it's extremely expensive to increase the sensor size.

For anyone looking to put performance and image quality at the forefront, but on a tight budget, my recommendation is always going to be look at the used market/discontinued/discounted larger sensor cameras.

 

[wiigirl]

Which camera is "best" depends largely on the photographer's needs. What feels right for one may not be for someone else. And really, you're only going to be using this camera a fraction of the time you own it at Disney. So... what features do you want? What types of things do you like to shoot? NOt just at Disney but year round?

You might also check out buying guides like those at dpreview.com

 

[cobright]

I am a total dummy when it comes to the settings and what to look for on a camera. I just want good pictures and the camera to take the picture when I push the button. So I guess I want a fast shutter speed? I know it is going to be hard to take pictures of fireworks at night without using a tripod.

Is there a way on this camera to fix the settings so that I can be some better pictures in lower light situations and at night?

Here's the thing. Any camera, dslr to PnS, will have an AUTO mode where the camera does all the brain work.

What a PnS is unlikely to have is a large imaging sensor.

The sony rx-100 mentioned and the nikon j1 I suggested have imaging sensors like a zillion times larger than most PnS and are still half the size of most I.terchangable lense cameras, which are still smaller than dslr sensors.

Sensor size is important because (indirectly at least) it affects just about every measure of your camera's performance. Having a tiny sensor means poor low-light performance, which means slower shutter speeds. It also plays crazy with focal lengths and depth of field things that either you or the camera-brain can adjust to get better pics.

This is why earnest assistance on a photo forum will nearly alway stear you away from certain PnS cameras ESPECIALLY when the goal is low light shots.

Personally a Nikon J1 with a 10mm prime lense or one of those micro four thirds format cameras will fit in a vest pocket or clutch purse and give pics near dslr quality (in the context of this discussion I think this comparrison is fair).

Ease of use is rarely an issue, just disregard all the extra stuff and use auto and program modes.

 

[cobright]

Also of note, it is unusual for a PnS to have the shutter speed range needed for shooting fireworks.

Fireworks are actually pretty easy to shoot and get really cool pics. You need a tripod (table top or one that clamps to a stroller or hand rail work fine). And you need a camera that lets you open the shutter for 5+ seconds. A timer that lets you press the button and the shutter opens a few seconds later helps as well.

 

[suttonal821]

I am interested in a Nikon J1. Having a hard time making a decision. I have only ever had a PnS, so getting a Nikon J1 would be a little different and somewhat like a DSLR, correct?
I know everyone has their opinion about what is best - I have realized that by looking at the boards while trying to make my decision. That is why I can't make up my mind!

What is your experience with a Nikon J1?

 

[havoc315]

The Nikon J1 is marketed as point and shoot simplicity but with mirrorless/dSLR type benefits. (It lacks some of the manual controls that a more "serious" photographer may expect)

I've played with the camera a bit, but not serious use.
Based on my experience and research --
The best selling point may be lightening fast focus in good light, matching dslrs.
I've heard the autofocus struggles in low light, but overall low light results should be better than a typical point and shoot.

It has the dSLR/mirrorless ability to change lenses, using the right lens for the job.
The sensor is the same size as the Rx100--- bigger than most compacts, smaller than dslrs.

For what you're seeking, I think it's an excellent choice. Just don't expect great performance in extreme low light. But in semi-low light, it will perform better than most compacts.

 

[suttonal821]

As I look into the Nikon J1 more, my biggest concern is the zoom, or lack of. I know I can purchase other lenses to get more zoom, but don't necessarily want to do that to start with. Thinking about using my camera at Disney, I tend to use zoom a lot. I saw a Panasonic at Target the other day that looked nice, but I do not want to rely on having to plug it into my computer or the wall to charge. This shouldn't be such a hard decision, but it sure seems to be!

 

[hakepb]

For many photographers a kit zoom is enough for a ton of great Disney photo opportunities (other than zooming into safari animals) but zoom is fun at times.

While my Sony camera was a bit disappointing it did not include a battery charger. But I was able to buy a cheap pair of batteries and an external charger on Amazon quite cheaply. I don't know as much about Panasonic, but here are 2 Wasabi (a better than average generic) plus charger for $25 for a LX7

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0049V0ZX8/ref=aw_2nd_sims_1?pi=SS115

 

[cobright]

The nikon j1 usually comes with a 10-30mm zoom lens. Because of the optics of the thing this lens will magnify the scene like a 27-80mm lens on a 35mm slr.

This is a decent range for a casual bit of pbotography. When a camera boasts huge magnification numbers be leary, they come at a cost.

The soul of your camera is its sensor. with something like the j1 you can add capability to as you go with new lenses.

Should note: I'm presently tryi.g to convince myself to pick up a j1 to carry along with my dslr when we go to wdw (43 days) so im a bit biased.