What is the best compact camera ?

[Jerome W]

Hi folks,

I sold my Lumix GH1 a few weeks ago and I thought I would buy a Nikon reflex like the D7000 but when I was in Cambodia I truly enjoyed to use my small Canon G10.
I had it around my neck all day long, walking and trekking on very hot days and I just can't imagine how I could have used a large and heavy reflex camera.
As a result of this, I took around 600 pics in 9 days : something which never happens to me with a larger camera. I will post a few pics here later today.
Some people on the G10 forums state that they prefer the G10 over their larger reflex, especially for travel and for landscapes view, it is more than enough.
G10 and the following models from Canon are very good lightweight compact cameras, but of course, they are not perfect.
But the easy side of a compact camera over a reflex is really attractive.

Do you use a compact camera ?
Which modern one would you recommend ?
I need a zoom, not a 300 mm one but at least 5X. And I want a very good low light ability, up to 3200 ISO if possible because I hate the flash. Having an optical viewer would be appreciated, as well as a video ability but not necessarily in HD.
I rarely if never print my pics.
I watch them on a large 60'' plasma TV and on my ipad.

Thanks in advance !

[Face]

Not a lot smaller than the 7000, but Ivan and I are both big fans of the Nikon D3100.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Face

Not a lot smaller than the 7000, but Ivan and I are both big fans of the Nikon D3100.

[Alberto]

Jerome, I am a big fan of the Leica D-Lux series. I have a 4, but the D-Lux 5 is supposed to be considerably better. Small. Good looking and takes great photos. I know it's the Leica version of the Panasonic but for me the extra $200 or so are worth the Leica processing SW, extra warranty and better resale value. Apparently the high-ISO performance is very good.

I'd buy a D-Lux 5 in a hearbeat, but I am too attached to the D-Lux 4 which went with me on some great adventures (even dropped from 10' on a rock in Death Valley and kept on working fine.) Even with a bit black duct-tape to cover the mishap in Death Valley, it's a great looking camera.

I'd also get the leather cover - it looks so nice and vintage with it:



Here's the Steve Huff review.

I hope this help, but keep in mind that I am a Leica fan (I have a D-Lux 4, 3 (three) Digilux 2, an M8.2 and way too much money in Leica lenses.)

Happy shooting whatever you get!

Alberto

[AudioNut]

Jérôme,

I have a couple of HEAVY reflex cameras - Nikon D-90 and D-300. Use them occasionally when maximum quality or flexibility is necessary, or when longer or wider lenses are needed. ( I do print my own pictures)

But most of the time. . . I use a Canon G-10 (and wish I had a G-12 - just for the swing out screen) - and I use a Canon S-95.

I keep the S-95 in the car so I always have a camera with me (although the iPhone 4 isn't too bad a picture-taker itself)

My results from the two Canon point-and-shoots are exceptionally good - as you, no doubt, saw while using your own G-10.

I've made very, very good prints up to 13X19 inches from both of the cameras. The lenses are good, both are very portable and easy to use.

I actually prefer the S-95 because I can carry it in a small case attached to my belt (not much bigger than a cell phone) and it does take outstanding pictures. The only down-side to that camera (for me) is the lack of an optical viewfinder - but that is certainly counter-balanced by the very small size.

I've tried other brands of P&S cameras but always come back to the Canons.

I do agree with Alberto about the Leicas. I used Leica film cameras for 20+ years and have owned the Digilux 2 and Digilux 3 digital cameras - both were exceptional picture-takers - but not very compact.

Good luck,

Julian

[80B]

Jérôme,
I've heard good things about the G10, although I'm still partial to my SLR when it comes to being able to have the flexibility on hand. While my SLR is a Nikon, I've usually owned Canons for point-and-shoot.

Cambodia is an amazing place for photography. Here's a view of Angkor Wat from 20 years ago that I suspect is not found too often today. I shared all of Angkor with 8 other Western tourists for four days that spring just before the monsoons moved in, and only ran into a few of them a couple times. Really looking forward to your photos!

[howiebrou]

Jerome,

I use a Ricoh GXR. Good zoom and you can interchange lenses if you wish.

GXR / Digital Cameras | Ricoh Global

Go to the link and then the GXR website.

howie

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by 80B

Jérôme,
I've heard good things about the G10, although I'm still partial to my SLR when it comes to being able to have the flexibility on hand. While my SLR is a Nikon, I've usually owned Canons for point-and-shoot.

Cambodia is an amazing place for photography. Here's a view of Angkor Wat from 20 years ago that I suspect is not found too often today. I shared all of Angkor with 8 other Western tourists for four days that spring just before the monsoons moved in, and only ran into a few of them a couple times. Really looking forward to your photos!

Amazing !!
No you can't see that today ! you just see tourists !
My pics are coming !

[Jerome W]

Thank you for the great advices my friends. I will investigate further on the manufacturers web sites.

I'm not sure if the D3100 could qualify as a compact camera....
You can see a sample of the pics I took in Cambodia with the G10 here : CAMBODIA pictures by sondeck - Photobucket
If I had to give myself an evaluation, I would only put a 9 or 10 on 20.
As you will see, I'm not a good photographer.
But I realize, that when the light is ok, a G10 can give fair results for a newbie like me.
Actually, I'm always looking for the "miracle camera" the one that would make me take beautiful pics, forgetting that the images are first captured by the man behind the camera !

['cisco]

Jerome....great pics of Cambodia

Here's a couple of my favs....

A contrast of the old and new....