Recommend a compact camera

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PANiCnz

990 posts

Ultimate Geek

#201627 27-Aug-2016 08:57

Hi all,

The family and I are off to Australia in a couple of weeks for a holiday. This has encouraged me to think about getting a new camera to make sure we have some nice family photos. I've done some reading and decided that a mid-range compact camera will suit my needs, the bulk of an SLR or mirror-less camera doesn't suit. I'm a complete novice photographer but have always found myself frustrated with the el-cheapo point and shoots we've had to date. Main use will be family photos and travel snaps.

After doing some research I've narrowed my options down to two price points for the models I'm interested in but can't make up my mind:

~$600 NZD - Canon PowerShot G9 X or Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ80

~$900 - Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ110, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 or Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II

I have intentionally excluded the Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100 from consideration as it doesn't seem to offer as good value for money as the options above. At the moment I think the DMC-TZ80 is my prefer option based on price and features. The viewfinder gives it the edge for me over the G9 X but I am worried that the image quality might not be good enough. Zoom isn't a key feature but really just a nice to have.

Main question, is it worth jumping up to the cameras around the $900-$1000 mark? and are there any other models of camera I should be considering?

Thanks

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5288 posts

Uber Geek

#1618231 27-Aug-2016 09:24

Probably all those cameras are good options as each one has trade-offs for performance/size/features.

2 things I consider in travel cameras are physical size and low light performance (sensor size plays a part).

That is where the sony rx100 excels , being (just) pocketable with great low light performance. although, i'm a bit behind the times as it has been a while since I bought mine and the competition must have improved.

The smaller the camera the more likely you are to take it. So, I'd either go for the sony rx100 (even though not on your list), or the one of the 2 cheaper options you listed.

kiwi_64

262 posts

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#1618243 27-Aug-2016 09:39

If you feel the price is excessive for the RX100 Mk IV, you can still buy the MkII (say) new for around $820 ... or the MkIII for $1,000.

Good camera!

nzjez

52 posts

Master Geek

#1618285 27-Aug-2016 11:59

The TZ80 is the ideal travel camera, TZ stands for travel zoom and it will zoom up to 40X optical.It also has 4K Video, Post Focus options, and a touch screen.However its not ideal in low light as it has a tiny sensor compared to the Sony RX100 , which would be my second choice.

timmmay

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#1618286 27-Aug-2016 12:17

I still use the RX100 v1 as my everyday camera. I'd like a mk4 but the price is just too high.

DPReview has fantastic reviews and a comparison tool, you can trust their opinions and methodology.

shk292

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#1618297 27-Aug-2016 12:50

I've had a TZ40 for 3 years and have been very pleased with it, so I would recommend the Lumix TZ range. I also have a G6 which is excellent, and I make good use of the WiFi app with both cameras, especially when travelling without a laptop. I like the eye-level viewfinder on the G6, so this an improvement that the TZ80 has over the TZ40.

nzjez

52 posts

Master Geek

#1618307 27-Aug-2016 13:42

+1 for the TZ40, I still use one as I feel the TZ range got a bit big for me. the WiFi app is great and also the GPS maps.

I think JB HiFi has a special on the TZ70 at the moment.

The little panasonic travel camera`s give you a great bang for buck, but I also use a Lumix GX8.

PANiCnz

990 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1618387 27-Aug-2016 17:07

Ended up getting the TZ70 this afternoon. Took a walk up to Photo Warehouse this afternoon and tried out the models i was interested in. Decided the G9X felt too flimsy and the G7X and TX80 were more than i was willing to pay. Reviews on the internet suggest the TZ70 and TZ80 have same sensor so for $200 less it seemed like a good deal. So far so good.

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MikeAqua

7785 posts

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#1618410 27-Aug-2016 17:56

I have a Lumix, and I'm very happy with it. I can't remember the model sorry and it's out and about with a family member. But it's one that is rated to a few meters underwater and has inbuilt GPS.

Very rugged and takes nice (geo-tagged) photos. Really good battery life.

Mike

danza

112 posts

Master Geek

#1618511 27-Aug-2016 22:17

Personally I'd save money and buy a smartphone with a decent camera. As a lot of the higher end smartphone cameras are comparable to point and shoot nowadays especially in daylight/general use.

timmmay

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#1618570 28-Aug-2016 06:53

Cameras are much, much better than smartphones for taking photos, in many ways. Bigger sensors means lower noise, optical image stabilisation is more easily available, better lenses, faster lenses, better ergonomics. I do use my camera phone when I'm traveling and at random times, but they don't compare with my RX100, and then my big DSLRs are better again.

surfisup1000

5288 posts

Uber Geek

#1618583 28-Aug-2016 08:11

danza: Personally I'd save money and buy a smartphone with a decent camera. As a lot of the higher end smartphone cameras are comparable to point and shoot nowadays especially in daylight/general use.

In optimal conditions and subjects, phone cameras do a good job and may be considered comparable.

I wouldn't agree they are as good in 'general' use , as that includes fast moving subjects, cloudy days, and low light conditions -- all situations where camera phones fail in my view.

Batman

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#1618586 28-Aug-2016 08:22

surfisup1000:

danza: Personally I'd save money and buy a smartphone with a decent camera. As a lot of the higher end smartphone cameras are comparable to point and shoot nowadays especially in daylight/general use.

In optimal conditions and subjects, phone cameras do a good job and may be considered comparable.

I wouldn't agree they are as good in 'general' use , as that includes fast moving subjects, cloudy days, and low light conditions -- all situations where camera phones fail in my view.

Point and shoot is no better than phone cameras here. Micro 4/3rds may be better though I have no experience or intention of trying those out.

Technofreak

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#1618589 28-Aug-2016 08:49

The TZ70 looks like a good choice to me.

The optical zoom (30 X) in the case of the TZ70 is one of the main reasons for using a compact over a camera phone.

Digital zoom is not worth anything as you can digitally zoom a picture at any time in the future. Optical zoom retains picture sharpness, digital zoom doesn't.

I think you'll be surprised how much you will use the optical zoom.

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noroad

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#1618595 28-Aug-2016 08:58

I use a slightly older version of this http://www.sony.co.nz/electronics/cyber-shot-compact-cameras/dsc-wx500 and can't recommend it high enough. I have the full SLR (Canon) setup as well, but this ultra-zoom is the one I use 90% of the time. Video is outstanding and having such a powerful zoom in the pocket is great. I find it funny when people say, hey don't bother with a real camera, just use a phone as they have no idea how many great photo's they have missed due to the lack of a decent optical zoom.

timmmay

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#1618596 28-Aug-2016 08:58

30X optical zoom is a waste of time. 10X is probably a waste. A range of something like 24 - 105 is fine in a compact camera, if you need things bigger just stand closer. The higher the zoom range the lower the image quality, generally, but it's probably not a huge thing. The best quality DSLR lenses don't zoom, they're fixed, next best is zoom with a range of up to 3, then everything else.

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