Help choosing a camera - not lazy, just a bit overwhelmed

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Kookoo

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#845325 25-Jun-2013 22:17

Gooseybhai: Nikon?

All my samsungs have gone to the big tech heaven in the sky.... seems they dont like tropical conditions.

Any particular model I should check out?

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Kookoo

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#845328 25-Jun-2013 22:20

timmmay: The bigger the optical zoom the worse the image quality. Go for lower mega pixels. Panasonic are good.

Sorry, can you elaborate? The worse the image quality if you actually use the zoom, or are you saying that big optical zoom as a feature is an indication of a poor image quality in a point-and-shoot?
Lower mega pixels - they all seem pretty standard. Should I stick below 15 or something like that?
3 votes for Panasonic so far. I better check them out.

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Kookoo

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#845329 25-Jun-2013 22:23

alasta: When you say 'any form factor' you might want to give a bit more thought to how you feel about the compromises between the nice looking ultra slim bodies, versus the chunkier alternatives that will provide you with more comfortable handling.

I am loyal to Nikon, but any of the major Japanese manufacturers will give you good value for money at any given price point.

I guess I meant I didn't mind ultracompact, compact or full body. As you say, each has its own advantages.

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Kookoo

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#845332 25-Jun-2013 22:30

Interestingly no one mentioned Olympus. I just came across the Olympus Stylus Traveller SZ-14 today - $249 at Harvey Norman. Is there I should be aware of when it comes to Olympus cameras?

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bfginger

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#845831 27-Jun-2013 00:15

I realise that. That's the reason I chose the $250 - to force myself to compromise on things.
For example, the WB600 produces fantastic picture quality for a point-and-shoot camera, but it was about $450 at the time if I am not mistaken, and I wouldn't have bought it again - it's just not worth that much to me.

Fantastic is going to be relative. I don't see the point in spending $250 on a camera that will likely be little different than the one you've got now if not slightly worse in some areas.

A friend of mine had a Canon SX200 IS when we were in Vegas, it was a truly excellent camera, the photo's were on par with my Canon DSLR

Unless the Canon SLR is dated I wouldn't agree with that. The poor quality of computer monitors is hiding the difference in quality but it'll become obvious in the future.

Thanks. The current version seems to be the SX260, which is about $350. $100 over the budget, but worth a look.

It's the SX270 and SX280. The SX260 is an older model.

Sorry, can you elaborate? The worse the image quality if you actually use the zoom, or are you saying that big optical zoom as a feature is an indication of a poor image quality in a point-and-shoot?
Lower mega pixels - they all seem pretty standard. Should I stick below 15 or something like that?
3 votes for Panasonic so far. I better check them out.

More zoom means more lens. So for a small camera with a small lens to have lots of zoom the photo sensor must be made small too. A camera with less zoom may or may not have a larger photo sensor.
The pixel density on the photo sensor counts more than the total number of megapixels.

Interestingly no one mentioned Olympus. I just came across the Olympus Stylus Traveller SZ-14 today - $249 at Harvey Norman. Is there I should be aware of when it comes to Olympus cameras?

Knowing Olympus I'd be surprised if its picture quality was noticeably better than what you've got now.

My honest opinion is that you should increase your budget to something that could buy a better camera than you've got now but if that isn't affordable I don't think there is any point spending all your money on something that isn't a real improvement.

A Nikon J1 with two kit lenses (zoom and long zoom, stabilised) is $649. I think the J2's only advantage is a better LCD.
A Nikon D3200 with stabilised kit lens is $804.
The J1 and D3200 should both have fast cycle times. From what I've read the Canon S100 and Nikon P330 are similar to what you have now in that area.

It's hard to say what effectively the face detection would have on a specific model without using it but I don't think it's something that can always be relied on. Do you know about doing a half shutter press?

The Canon SX280 and Fuji F900EXR should be the best cameras in the compact travel zoom genre. I don't know what their shot to shot times are but they both have new processors in them. $398 and $448.

Go to photo sharing websites to see what pictures from different models are like. Whatever you buy, update the firmware if there is an update available.

Jaxson

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#846249 27-Jun-2013 15:44

Maybe there is something suitable here?:
http://www.bondandbond.co.nz/shop/

They have 25% off at the moment.

Kookoo

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#846484 27-Jun-2013 23:11

bfginger:
Fantastic is going to be relative. ...

...The Canon SX280 and Fuji F900EXR should be the best cameras in the compact travel zoom genre. I don't know what their shot to shot times are but they both have new processors in them. $398 and $448.

Go to photo sharing websites to see what pictures from different models are like. Whatever you buy, update the firmware if there is an update available.

Thanks for that - some great advice there.
Yeah, I know about half shutter press. I should've explained myself better - I'm not a complete dummy when it comes to photography. I even have a Zenit-11 lying around somewhere in the attic if that tells anything to anyone. :)
Problem is - I've tried it, and I didn't enjoy it. I also don't have the natural knack for photography. So for me point-and-shoot cameras are the easiest way to make decent photos when photography is unavoidable - travel, family events, wife nagging about not having any photos of the kids - that sort of stuff. Therefore I'm happy to compromise on picture quality, on manual controls, on GPS, etc. I just don't want to hit rock bottom, because then I might as well use the smartphone like someone mentioned above.

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Kookoo

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#846488 27-Jun-2013 23:26

Jaxson: Maybe there is something suitable here?:
http://www.bondandbond.co.nz/shop/

They have 25% off at the moment.

Whoa, I didn't know the Warehouse Group converted Bond and Bond into an online clearance store.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 for $189 - good deal?

Hello, Ground!

Kookoo

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#846500 28-Jun-2013 00:48

Right, looks like decision time.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20GN-K $189
vs
Olympus Traveller SZ-14 $249

They seem to be really evenly matched ...

Hello, Ground!

Jaxson

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#846571 28-Jun-2013 09:24

Or this?

http://www.bondandbond.co.nz/shop/cameras/wi-fi-tank-with-video-recording/prod6335111.html

Hammerer

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#846654 28-Jun-2013 11:25

Kookoo:
Requirements:
Up to $250
Any form factor
Quick cycle time
Preferably optical zoom of x8 or more
Preferably rechargeable battery (for some reason I don't like AA)
HD video (720p is good enough)
Idiot-proof - in other words, the "auto" option produces good enough photos
Would appreciate any thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. Actually, even comments along the lines of "get off your bum and learn how to use a camera" will be appreciated.

I put your requirements into pricespy.co.nz for compact cameras and got a list of 14 which may or may not be in stock.
http://pricespy.co.nz/category.php?l=s131765167&o=produkt_pris_inkmoms#rparams=l=s131765278
[Edit: These prices usually don't include shipping]

I'm buying a at least one compact camera a year, mainly for my kids and relatives. The only brands I've had no problems with are Panasonic and Canon so I always start with those two, particularly under $400. If I need to look more widely I go to Sony and Samsung.

For info on cycle times and whether the camera is idiot-proof, I'd check reviews, for example, at www.dpreview.com
But in the case of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 there is no review just specs:
http://www.dpreview.com/products/Panasonic/compacts/panasonic_dmcsz1

Kookoo

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#846755 28-Jun-2013 14:21

Jaxson: Or this?

http://www.bondandbond.co.nz/shop/cameras/wi-fi-tank-with-video-recording/prod6335111.html

Ahahaha... Looks awesome. I can imagine bringing it to work and secretly recording the support technicians' conversations with customers.

Hello, Ground!

onecouch

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#853392 10-Jul-2013 15:27

Kookoo: Right, looks like decision time.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20GN-K $189
vs
Olympus Traveller SZ-14 $249

They seem to be really evenly matched ...

Based on my personal experience, I would choose the Panasonic Lumix over the Olympus. The only bad things that happen with my Panasonic cameras is they keep getting stolen in Asia.

Kookoo

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#854651 12-Jul-2013 22:10

Thanks for your help everyone.
It turns out the final word belonged to the misus. The final word was "I don't know what your problem is, I love the Samsung and I am not giving it up."
Oh well, lesson learned: Married and thinking of buying a new toy? Ask the misus first before wasting anyone's time and effort.

Hello, Ground!

jarledb

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#854702 13-Jul-2013 00:56

Well, at least we got to look at cameras and technolust a little :D

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