Best Point & Shoot Cameras Available and Updates...

[KrishnenduKes]

Let us have this space to discuss the various P&S cameras available in various price brackets, the pros and cons of these machines and the updates thereon with evolution.

I have come up with a basic format thus...

1. Price: Less than 12K INR

Brand and Model
Mp
Size of Sensor
Zoom factor
Wow Factor.

2. Price: Between 12K and 20K INR

Brand and Model
Mp
Size of Sensor
Zoom factor
Other factors
Wow Factor

3. Price: Above 20K

Brand and Model
Mp
Size of Sensor
Zoom factor
Other factors
Wow Factor

If there are other things to be noted in a particular camera, do not hesitate to state as much.

I am sure this exercise will help quite a few people looking forward to investing in a P&S. Example: yours truly! :)

[synn]

Great initiative!

I'm not sure about the prices in India, but I'll round up my favorites in different classes and post them, right after I do some research on them.

[shutterbug]

Thank you Ken da for starting this thread. It will be of great use to a lot of people, incl guys with Dslrs looking for a p&s for convenience.
My fave choice has been the canon 570/590/1100is etc but I am not really tuned into the present models.

[Cyclops]

Wonderful initiative, Kenda! :) N, thanks for asking my opinion on this subject.

So, let me just come to the precise point here:

Consider this: "Before buying a P&S - list your key areas that your camera should possess. Next is budget including cost of add-ons (if available). Next is size - thin & sleek or extra long zoom lens ones that are bulky? Fast or slow response time? Using same type of memory card or batteries that you already have?

Most important - check for size and handling by yourself before purchase and get a feel of it. If it suits your holding position, rugged use and other factors, then go for that one."

1) Price: Less than 12K INR

Brand and Model ~ Canon PowerShot A1100Is/Kodak EasyShare C190

Mp ~ 12.1/12.7

Zoom factor ~ 4x Op/4x Di & 5x Op/5x Di (Op = Optical, Di = Digital/Useless)

Wow Factor ~ Both produce Sharp, well-exposed pictures with better flash coverage.

EasyShare C190 - best WB performance in P&S with fast and accurate focusing, good sharpness across the zoom range but has purple fringing in high contrast areas. Average shot-to-shot cycle, but outdoor metering is kudos.

Canon A1100IS - fast shutter response, good sharpness in zoom range, ok metering system in outdoor situations. Kodak is INR 7-8K while Canon is 9-10K.

2) Price: Between 12K and 20K INR

Brand and Model ~ Samsung WB550/Canon IXUS 95IS/Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR/Fujifilm FinePix S2000HD

Mp ~ 12.2/10/10/6

Zoom factor ~ 10x/3x/10x/15x (All Optical Zoom only)

Wow Factor ~

WB550_INR 17k - Manual, Smart Auto & 11 Scene Modes, HD movie with H.264 compression to record 5x more video than usual.

Ixus 95IS_INR 11K - Optical IS, Smart Auto, Anti-Blur modes, excellent image quality, lightweight, pocketable with ease.

F70EXR_INR 20k - Super CCD, sharp images with low noise + wide dynamic range, Modes like Pro FOcus & Pro Low-light, Super Intelligent flash. Best for low-light photographers

S2000HD_INR 16k - Superzoom with HD video in true widescreen, EVF, DUal IS system, for budget conscious people with best features

3) Price: Above 20K

Brand and Model ~ Kodak EasyShare Z980/Canon PowerShot S90/Canon PowerShot D10/Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35/Sony CyberShot DSC-HX1/Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3/Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR/Canon PowerShot G11

Mp ~ 12.3/10/12.1/12.1/9.1/10.1/12/10

Zoom factor ~ 24x/3.8x/3x/18x/20x/2.5x/14.3x/5x (All Optical zoom only)

Wow Factor ~

Z980_INR 23k - High optical zoom, superb battery life,HD video recording, Modes like Smart Capture & Panorama, has Aperture/Shutter Priority + full manual mode with RAW files

S90_INR 27k - Looks like a compact camera, capture RAW (RAW + JPEG), f/2.0 aperture fast zoom, DIGIC 4 processor for noise control, reproduce true colors, Manual and other creative modes, best for low-light photography

D10_INR 25K - Looks like a toy, waterproof upto 10m/33ft, freezeproof from -10 upto +40 deg Celsius, drop resistant from height of 1.22mts, 30fps VGA movie mode, Scene mode like Portrait, Foliage, Aquarium, Underwater, Long shutter, perfect companion for heavy-duty outdoor activities like snorkelling, climbing, trekking etc.

DMC-FZ35_INR 28k - Versatile with HD video, superclose macro mode, unique video recording mode to adjust aperture and shutter speed while recording video, wind cut function for better sound quality, stereo sound record option, compression settings, other features like a DSLR

DSC-HX1_INR 30k - fast onfield performance, CMOS sensor, 10fps shooting speed, Sweep Panorama, Anti-Motion Blur, Handhel twilight, face detection, HD recording modes

DMC-LX3_INR 33k - excellent handling, fast lens, wide focal length, superb onfield performance, IS feature, 3:2 sensor, sharp throughout zoom + aperture range

S200EXR_INR 33k - advanced camera with look, feel and performance of a DSLR, Super CCD EXR sensor, RAW mode, unique modes like Pro Focus, Pro lowlight, High ISO, Low noise EXR, excellent in tricky lightings

G11_INR 32k - Sturdy, metal body compact camera with pro-quality image taking capability, looks like vintage rangefinder, RAW mode, tilt-n-swivel LCD screen, High Sensititivity system, high speed ISO

P.S.: All prices are subject to market fluctuation and area of purchase. I shall not be held responsible for a change/drop in price tag or availability of camera. :p

NOTE: Feel free to add or edit this information as this is not a final verdict. Others may not share my opinion. So, subjected to market risks. :p

[robin234]

will love to know how those super water proof or camera that can take abuse ,fares against these .

[KrishnenduKes]

@Cyclops: Wow man. What a comprehensive list. Some of those 20K+ cameras look really good. Waterproof till 10Mts under!!! Amazing. Shooting while snorkelling! I liked that. I can even take underwater shots of swimmers. And you have put it at 25K. Availability in India?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Tell me ken..what are YOU looking at??

Anvancy

[Bibudesh]

@Cyclops: Wow man. What a comprehensive list. Some of those 20K+ cameras look really good. Waterproof till 10Mts under!!! Amazing. Shooting while snorkelling! I liked that. I can even take underwater shots of swimmers. And you have put it at 25K. Availability in India?

There are n number of waterproofing cases available. One of them is Canon WP-DC1 Waterproof Case for PowerShot S80. Think it may work for S90 as well.

[Cyclops]

Last check "Canon PowerShot D10" was available at a shop in A'bad albeit grey market. Since being bed-ridden for the last 2 months, I haven't checkout the newbies in market or tried them.

Btw, Canon PowerShot D10 doesn't not need any waterproofing jacket, its completely water and shock proof (to an extent). If you are in foreign, you can get waterproof jackets for most brands (per my knowledge). Canon makes some that will suit their series, as mentioned by Bibudesh.

Fujifilm or Panasonic Lumix are the best bet all-rounders, in case you don't wish to carry your full DSLR kit to some places. Canon G11 is almost a compact DSLR like performer. You can take a compact that shoots RAW to get the best out of your images while post processing.

Lots of options that can cater to different genre of shooters and experience levels.

P.S.: Thanks for liking my list, Kenda and others. *bow*

[debangshu]

@Cyclops: Thats an extensive observation. Thanks.

Well! Its getting quite difficult now a days to select a camera between the ranges 12K-20K. Most good models have vanished off the market. One of my friend bought a Nikon L110 for Rs.14700/- and guess what it has no Program or Manual modes. These cameras are getting "so called" more intelligent now a days that it won't allow you to play around :(

Nikon COOLPIX L110
Effective Pixels: 12.1 million
Lens: 15x Zoom f=5.0-75.0mm / F3.5-5.4
Vibration Reduction: Combination Image Sensor shift & ElectronicVR
Shooting Modes: Auto mode, Scene modes, Scene auto selector, Smart portrait mode, Sport continuous mode, Movie mode
Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape,Night portrait, Party/indoor, Beach/snow, Sunset, Dusk/dawn, Night landscape, Close-up, Food, Museum
Copy, Backlight, Panorama assist
Capture Modes: Single, Continuous (approx. 1 fps up to 4 shots), BSS (Best Shot Selector), Multi-shot 16 (16 frames with a single burst)
Exposure Metering System: 256-segment matrix metering, Center-weighted metering, Spot metering
Price: Rs.15499/- with free 4GB SD Card (5yrs lifetime warranty) + 4 Rechargeable Batteries & charger & 1+1 yr extended warranty. Bargain for some discount.

Gray Market Price: Rs.12000 without the perks.

I still find the Sony H5, H7 and then H50 as the best ones but these are not there anymore. The best offered by Sony is:

DSC-HX1
9.1 Mega Pixel H Series 20x Optical Zoom Cyber-shot
• "Exmor" CMOS Sensor
• Sweep Panorama Mode
• 10fps high speed continuous shooting
• G lens and 20x Optical Zoom - It used to be Carl Zeiss till earlier models
• Bionz Imaging Processor
• 1080p HD Movie Recording
Photo Mode : Intelligent Auto, Easy Shooting, Program Auto, Shutter Speed Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual Exposure, Sweep Panorama, Handheld Twilight, Anti Motion Blur, Scene Selection
Scene Selection: Advanced Sports Shooting / Twilight / Twilight Portrait / Portrait / Landscape / Snow / Beach / Fireworks / High Sensitivity / Gourmet
Aperture: Auto (F2.8 - F8.0) / Program Auto (F2.8 - F8.0) / Manual (F2.8 - F8.0)
Shutter Speed: Auto (2 - 1/4,000) / Program Auto (1 - 1/4,000) / Shutter Prioirty (30 - 1/4000) / Aperture Priority (8 - 1/4000) / Manual (30 - 1/4,000)
Auto Focus Range: W: Approx. 1cm to Infinity, T: Approx. 150cm to Infinity
Macro Auto Focus Range: W: Approx. 1cm to Infinity, T: Approx. 150cm to Infinity
Internal Memory: Approx. 11MB - Hey day by day they just keep on decreasing it!!! It was 32MB in H7, 15MB in H50.

MRP Rs. 24,990 /-*

Sony's W series has mostly small handy cameras with 5x Optical zoom and all Auto or intelligent modes.
DSC-W380/S: MRP Rs. 14,990 /-*
DSC-W350/P: MRP Rs. 12,990 /-*

Gray Market prices for these cameras are not much of an attraction. Just a few bucks less not worth the risk.

[robin234]

How is Olympus u 8010?

[debangshu]

How is Olympus u 8010?

Well I never had a chance to try Olympus cameras. So not much idea about its performance, searched the net to get the following features of Olympus Tough Mju 8010 14 Megapixel Digital Camera

Water resistant to 10m, shockproof to falls of up to 2 m and below freezeproof low -10 ° C, the Olympus Tough Mju 8010 offers a variety of new features to help you capture the emotion
• Wide Optical Zoom 5x
• 14 megapixel
• HD movie recording and HDMI interface
• 2 GB of internal memory and SD card slot
• Surf Photos
• [ib] software
• Increased Press Control
• USB charging
Very strong through anodized aluminum plating and double seal, which? 8010 Olympus Tough camera is made for adventure inside and outside. They show the HC III of three layers that protect the reflection, even in direct sunlight, scratches and moisture to relax while shooting a metal barrier provides a more powerful lens damage the lens out of state. A double locking mechanism on the battery cover, memory card slot and port provide additional security. The shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof Tough Mju 8010 will be available in various colors from March 2010.

http://www.gadgetlegend.com/olympus-tough-mju-8010-14-megapixel-digital-camera.html

[robin234]

Well I never had a chance to try Olympus cameras. So not much idea about its performance, searched the net to get the following features of Olympus Tough Mju 8010 14 Megapixel Digital Camera

Water resistant to 10m, shockproof to falls of up to 2 m and below freezeproof low -10 ° C, the Olympus Tough Mju 8010 offers a variety of new features to help you capture the emotion
• Wide Optical Zoom 5x
• 14 megapixel
• HD movie recording and HDMI interface
• 2 GB of internal memory and SD card slot
• Surf Photos
• [ib] software
• Increased Press Control
• USB charging
Very strong through anodized aluminum plating and double seal, which? 8010 Olympus Tough camera is made for adventure inside and outside. They show the HC III of three layers that protect the reflection, even in direct sunlight, scratches and moisture to relax while shooting a metal barrier provides a more powerful lens damage the lens out of state. A double locking mechanism on the battery cover, memory card slot and port provide additional security. The shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof Tough Mju 8010 will be available in various colors from March 2010.

http://www.gadgetlegend.com/olympus-tough-mju-8010-14-megapixel-digital-camera.html
I know that debangshu :)

reason why I wanted it :D:)I want to know if somebody here has seen this camera here in India and how is the image quality against other pns ( normal pns from canon ).

[KrishnenduKes]

Tell me ken..what are YOU looking at??

Anvancy

I am looking at:

1. Relatively decent sized piece of silicon. (I do not even know the crop factor on these cameras!)

2. Av and Tv modes with ease of use with usability of 1 stop variations at least.

3. F-stop from f2 till f11 with 1 stop variations.

4. Relatively noise free performance till 400 ASA

5. Bracketing if possible.

6. Decent optics with 8X+ Optical Zoom.

Can one get all of that in and around 20K?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

I am looking at:

1. Relatively decent sized piece of silicon. (I do not even know the crop factor on these cameras!)

2. Av and Tv modes with ease of use with usability of 1 stop variations at least.

3. F-stop from f2 till f11 with 1 stop variations.

4. Relatively noise free performance till 400 ASA

5. Bracketing if possible.

6. Decent optics with 8X+ Optical Zoom.

Can one get all of that in and around 20K?


Look for the Fuji HS-10 and the S200EXR.it has all you want.

I will go for the HS-10,particularly for those high fps video recording modes.for a video shooter like me,thats a decent tool.kinda fun too.

If you want tethered shooting,then you can look up to the canon S5IS.But noise performance is not where this exists.

For a prosumer,once you hold particularly the S200EXR,every other cam feels small.not the hs-10 though.

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

Look for the Fuji HS-10 and the S200EXR.it has all you want.

Anvancy

Thanks. Just going through this http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10020206fujifinepixhs10series.asp

Some other reviews talk of softer images though!

Any idea about the pricing in India?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Thanks. Just going through this http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10020206fujifinepixhs10series.asp

Some other reviews talk of softer images though!

Any idea about the pricing in India?

The pricing is around 23k.

Where I tried the HS-10 I did not feel the images soft.I personally prefer less sharpening in SOOC.That way I have that edge to control the final sharpening output.The Fuji lens is actually way sharp considering prosumers.

Regarding noise,example you can see this thread.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1012&message=35143590

He shot JPEG.But fairly 800ISO also looks good.If you turn RAW on then more the merrier.

You can also check S200EXR.14x manual barrel zoom with an EXR sensor.EXR technology is very helpful if you come to know how to use it properly.

Anvancy

[Cyclops]

Thanks. Just going through this http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10020206fujifinepixhs10series.asp

Some other reviews talk of softer images though!

Any idea about the pricing in India?

I tried the HS10 & the images came out quite sharp for a P&S with a extra super zoom.. Since it has RAW it will be better for post processing.. Quite slow to start & lag between shoot is a downside.. IMHO for my liking... Price is 21-23K depending on market.

[KrishnenduKes]

The pricing is around 23k.

Where I tried the HS-10 I did not feel the images soft.I personally prefer less sharpening in SOOC.That way I have that edge to control the final sharpening output.The Fuji lens is actually way sharp considering prosumers.
Anvancy

I tried the HS10 & the images came out quite sharp for a P&S with a extra super zoom.. Since it has RAW it will be better for post processing.. Quite slow to start & lag between shoot is a downside.. IMHO for my liking... Price is 21-23K depending on market.

General questions...

What about the SX1 IS and the G11 and the coolpix P100? They also come in similar price brackets...

And what about Fuji aftersales in India?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

General questions...

What about the SX1 IS and the G11 and the coolpix P100? They also come in similar price brackets...

And what about Fuji aftersales in India?

For the 20x ill not be on a rocker zoom.Ill prefer manual.Gives you more intricate zoom levels.

The G11 here sits frankly way on the costly side.Thats my personal view.Also No HD video.HD video to me now seems essential.

Never saw the P100.

The biggest advantage in manual zoom prosumers is instant start up and shut down timings.Since the lens doesnt move,battery consumption is low and tight.

Fuji After sales depends upon how your local Esys company people are.here(at my place) they are pretty nice and quick to work upon.When you go with your problem,they immediately phone the head office for clarifications,troubles,cost for repairing etc.A little bit of push is required.But ill say thats typical indian.

Anvancy

[powerslave]

S90. .

[KrishnenduKes]

S90. .

:D :D Too pocketable it seems! :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

From my side,The initial sits more on the S200EXR from my side.I still love the colors from a CCD.

The viewfinder is actually small compared to the overall camera.Seems pathetic at first but thats normal for anybody who uses pentamirror/prism for ages and jumps down to use an electric.

Ill put my money anytime for the first the S100FS if I get it.Then the S200EXR,then the HS-10.

Anvancy

[synn]

A vote for the P100 here. Startup/ shutter lag is as good as it can get without getting into DSLR territory, very good burst rate, ED elements in the optics just like big boy Nikkor glass, optical vibration reduction, very good ergonomics, full HD video and most importantly, excellent image quality.

[Nakul]

A friend of mine uses the P100. The image quality that comes out at the max zoom is pretty good; cant compare it to the likes of Surya obviously. But i just have one small issue with this model; at 24k i wont say its cheap, but its got a plastic feel to it. When you pop the flash you don't get the feel of reliable camera.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Used the P100 for 10 days continuous.
Since I have been a manual zoomer,the rocker just doesn't suit me anymore.
The image quality is bearable till around 200 but from 400 itself it starts to go bonkers.It has the option of incremental ISO increase.

In the video segment,if you want to zoom,the camera shakes violently as if its a mixie doing a milk shake for me.Thumbs down for that point.Stereo mic is a good thing.But its unable to catch the sounds properly at times.

If I am putting 20s in the prosumer segment ill definitely look for the manual zoom.it really gives that edge in doing stuff.

The HX1 from sony is another bet.Sony does give nice images.And it sits in the same price range of 24k.

In the end for prosumers,its going there,fiddling with the cameras unless the one who is purchasing it is satisfied himself.

Anvancy

[ashishtamhane]

This is a great thread. Very usefull.


I have two questions here:

1) Is it true that Fujiflim PnS cameras have more features than its competitors, especially the S series and still has a low price?

2) How is their battery life?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

This is a great thread. Very usefull.


I have two questions here:

1) Is it true that Fujiflim PnS cameras have more features than its competitors, especially the S series and still has a low price?

2) How is their battery life?

The lower S series from fuji such as S1500 S2500 are basic cameras.Indirectly,whatever you choose from these lower fuji models vs other company models,for that price range they all perform the same.

When you step up your budget thats where fuji starts to give you more bang for the buck.In 2006 when the Fuji F31FD was launched it conquered the entire compact camera market in terms of performance(noise included.)
The throne of the F31 was taken over by the Panasonic LX-3 in 2008.Now these three cameras have a new partner which is the Sony TX-7.This is all about compact camera segment.

At this juncture you will get more bang on buck on a S200EXR or the HS-10 rather than putting on say a canon/nikon.If you are putting 20+ on a prosumer and you know that now for virtually that same price you are getting a DSLR starter 1000D you better put on something that gives you your VFM.

None of the Canon and Nikon are giving you manual barrel zoom lenses.Panasonic and Fuji does.Once you actually test it and use it you will come to know what I am saying.

Both the S200EXR and the HS-10 have lithium batteries.

The S200EXR does not offer HD video.The HS-10 does.The HS-10 also offers those high fps video recording options for those fun moments.Though remember that as the fps increases the resolution decreases.

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

None of the Canon and Nikon are giving you manual barrel zoom lenses.Panasonic and Fuji does.Once you actually test it and use it you will come to know what I am saying.

Both the S200EXR and the HS-10 have lithium batteries.


Anvancy

Agreed.

But the HS10 does not run run on Lithium batteries! They run on Alkaline or Ni-Mh batteries!

[ashishtamhane]

Any ideas about their battery life?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Agreed.

But the HS10 does not run run on Lithium batteries! They run on Alkaline or Ni-Mh batteries!

Oops..my bad.

AA batteries has one of those cheesy advantages.

example you go on a trek somewhere,and your batteries suddenly die.the chai wala sitting up usually has some nippos/ever-ready around.So your camera can run on emergency power.:p

Lithium is more versatile per se.Gives you a better power range VS AA.But then you need minimum two lithium batteries for proper work.So its all personal.

Sanyo Eneloops are the most preferred batteries in the field of AAs Ashish.So generally the HS-10 uses 4 AA batteries.4 Eneloops are for 700 official price.If you find somebody giving bulk do purchase it.And also the sanyo charger along with it.The whole kit will give you nice performing power in the field of AA.

Example I use Eneloops and Uniross Hybrios for my camera.the Eneloops are 2000mah vs 1900mah of the uniross hybrio.both provide me ample battery power.whole 2gb worth.Thats around 681 shots with 50% flash usage.for macro photography when I use 100% flash 90% of the time,there it comes down to around 300 shots.

Hope it helps.

Anvancy

[ashishtamhane]

Thanks for the information.

[KrishnenduKes]

Wow! Thanks for the detailed info Anvancy!

[powerslave]

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q110superzoomgroup/

[KrishnenduKes]

Stuck this Thread!