Short Focal Length on POS

[chirurgeon]

I am thinking about getting a POS for my next trip as a backup/just don't want to carry the DSLR camera. I want to use it for food photos and just general photos in the parks and other life. Do POS camera all have approximately the same focal length, or do some of them have shorter/macro focal lengths? Any suggestions?

TIA,
Kim

 

[ukcatfan]

OK, I am going to guess that you mean p&s (i.e point and shoot). POS usually means "point of sale". Usually a p&s camera will not have as wide of a focal length as a DSLR, but some will. You will get a larger DOF with a p&s on a macro shot though due to the smaller sensor.

 

[Groucho]

Most PnS cameras start at the 35mm equivalent of 36mm, which isn't very wide. Some begin at 28mm, which isn't bad.

For comparison, an 18mm kit lens on a 1.5-crop sensor (like Nikon, Pentax, and Sony usually use) gives you the 35mm equivalent of 27mm, and just under 29mm on a 1.6-crop sensor like Canon uses.

 

[Gdad]

I had a POS camera once- I will not say what it stands for on a family forum.

 

[ukcatfan]

I had a POS camera once- I will not say what it stands for on a family forum.

Funny you mention that. My S2 IS recently turned into one of those!

 

[chirurgeon]

Yes, I meant, P&S. Don't know what I was thinking last night. I guess I was thinking I don't want a POS camera. I really wanted the ability to add to the food porn threads w/o taking out the DSLR at dinner. And I didn't want to have to stand up to get the food in focus. I guess I will look around after summer is over since my trip isn't until December.

Thanks,
Kim