Can't decide which camera.

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3puttssuck

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Topic # 116483 30-Apr-2013 17:14

I'm off to Vegas next week and want to upgrade my current camera. I have got it down to 2.

Canon SX260HS or the Nikon 1 J1.

Both are around the same price $299 plus local tax. I have had a play with both here in NZ but still can't decide which I want.

Has anybody used any of these for any period and able to give me any feedback.

Thanks.

timmmay

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Reply # 808144 30-Apr-2013 17:52

I think you should decide based on size: Nikon J1 will probably make better photos, but it won't fit in your pocket. If you're considering the J1 then you should consider micro 4/3, bit bigger but more standarised.

If you want to spend double that the Sony RX100 has been called the best compact camera in the world right now. I have one, it's pretty nice. Big sensor, ISO6400, IS, works well.

I will take my big DSLR when I go away soon, but only for the wide angles... 28mm isn't wide enough so I have to stitch with the RX100 which is annoying at times. So I take a D700 and 16-35, though wish I had a small and light standard zoom, the 24-70 F2.8 is pretty big and heavy.

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bfginger

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Reply # 809880 2-May-2013 01:20

What camera do you have now?

The two are completely different cameras aimed at completely different uses. The SX260 IS is a "travel zoom" compact camera with a fixed lens. Its image quality is fairly average or slightly above average for a compact camera. Its purpose is to give you lots of zoom in a small camera.

The J1 is a interchangeable lens mirrorless camera. A strong positive is it focuses extremely quickly so it's good for catching action and you can spend a little more and get the option with a second kit zoom lens. Negatives are it has a protruding lens and its image quality isn't up to more expensive mirrorless cameras like the ones from Olympus and Sony. It does 3:2 natively so no cropping for 6x4" prints.

The RX100 is good but expensive for what it is. The Fujifilm XF1 looks like the next best model but is at least US $250 cheaper.

nedkelly

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Reply # 809926 2-May-2013 07:49

Remember that if you purchase the Canon no international warranty on them.
And new SX280.
And I have used the SX260 and found it very good.

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dman

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Reply # 817137 14-May-2013 01:17

If you would consider the Nikon 1 J1 then instead I would highly recommend a Panasonic GF2/GF3/GF5/GX1 with a pancake zoom such as the 17mm or 20mm (or the other micro four thirds manufacturer with the Olypmus E-PL2/EPL3).

Alternative if you want a compact camera (rather than a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses) then consider the Panasonic LX5 or LX7, also the Canon Powershot S100 or S110.

(Vegas being famous as a party town I suppose something small and portable to take snaps of yourself and friends while out enjoying the sights is more important than a camera which is good at nature/landscape/wildlife/architectural photography. But if I'm wrong here, then you really should consider micro four thirds so you can bring along the different lenses depending on the day's outings. Such as a pancake lenses for while out in the evening, but a zoom lenses instead when out in the countryside during the day)

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