What compact under £300?
Discussion
I'm having a new camera for Christmas, but the choice is bewildering. I had just about made my mind up on a Panasonic TZ70 but then I read the low light/indoor performance may not be the best. I also thought I probably don't need the really big zoom so could I trade one for the other on a different camera? I haven't been able to work that out.
I'd like something that goes wide enough to be good close up and not go completely to pieces in low light, but still with a bit of zoom when I'm outside on my hols. Cannot go over £300 and preferably would like some change for that. Is there anything more suited than the TZ70?
I'd like something that goes wide enough to be good close up and not go completely to pieces in low light, but still with a bit of zoom when I'm outside on my hols. Cannot go over £300 and preferably would like some change for that. Is there anything more suited than the TZ70?
blueST said:
I'm having a new camera for Christmas, but the choice is bewildering. I had just about made my mind up on a Panasonic TZ70 but then I read the low light/indoor performance may not be the best. I also thought I probably don't need the really big zoom so could I trade one for the other on a different camera? I haven't been able to work that out.
I'd like something that goes wide enough to be good close up and not go completely to pieces in low light, but still with a bit of zoom when I'm outside on my hols. Cannot go over £300 and preferably would like some change for that. Is there anything more suited than the TZ70?
I've had a T25/30 (forget which) for a couple of years or more and I've been impressed. I take it everywhere, and it has been utterly reliable. It is solidly built, takes a knock - I've got four grandchilden - and still looks brand new.I'd like something that goes wide enough to be good close up and not go completely to pieces in low light, but still with a bit of zoom when I'm outside on my hols. Cannot go over £300 and preferably would like some change for that. Is there anything more suited than the TZ70?
The image quality is high. I've got another three digital cameras and the low light performance is on par with them.
Re the zoom: I too don't need the zoom more than occasionally but when I do it is something of a relief to find it there.
I went from a Cannon compact, which I was happy with but the image size was a bit small. The only reason I chose the TZ was that I also had a Panasonic bridge camera and the controls are similar. I've got to the stage where I take the TZ into situations where I'd have taken the bridge in the past.
Good battery life.
The video is very good as well.
Criticisms: no viewfinder. The screen is fixed so if you want to take a low level picture, you have to lie on the ground. When the sun is behind me it can be difficult to see the image. An unusual connector for charging so had to buy another in order to leave one in the car. And that is about it.
I'm pleased with my choice. That said, compacts are becoming white goods and there are few differences in performance.
I was going to suggest the Canon G16 but it would appear that it's not really a current model anymore?
I love mine and take it everywhere and the ISO reaches a heady 12800 which has proved useful-ish at parties etc. but I can't say I've been overwhelmed by the photos at that light level...
Looking at the available cameras at that price point (which the G16 sat comfortably in) I found these two alternatives to the TZ70:
http://www.johnlewis.com/compare-products?1901695[...
Even though I'm a die hard Canon fan boy, if I needed a camera today at this money I'd be torn between the Panasonic and the Sony - if I remember correctly the Sony has one of the best sensors one the market for a camera of this size and value
ETA: The current cash back offers on the TZ and RX make them both very attractive propositions!
I love mine and take it everywhere and the ISO reaches a heady 12800 which has proved useful-ish at parties etc. but I can't say I've been overwhelmed by the photos at that light level...
Looking at the available cameras at that price point (which the G16 sat comfortably in) I found these two alternatives to the TZ70:
http://www.johnlewis.com/compare-products?1901695[...
Even though I'm a die hard Canon fan boy, if I needed a camera today at this money I'd be torn between the Panasonic and the Sony - if I remember correctly the Sony has one of the best sensors one the market for a camera of this size and value
ETA: The current cash back offers on the TZ and RX make them both very attractive propositions!
blueST said:
I'm having a new camera for Christmas, but the choice is bewildering. I had just about made my mind up on a Panasonic TZ70 but then I read the low light/indoor performance may not be the best. I also thought I probably don't need the really big zoom so could I trade one for the other on a different camera? I haven't been able to work that out.
I'd like something that goes wide enough to be good close up and not go completely to pieces in low light, but still with a bit of zoom when I'm outside on my hols. Cannot go over £300 and preferably would like some change for that. Is there anything more suited than the TZ70?
If you're taking pics in low light conditions then you probably need a camera with a larger sensor than the TZ70, the Sony RX100 has a substantially bigger sensor and if you're looking for a compact camera with a superb lens, excellent build quality and long life battery then you probably can't go wrong with the RX100, with the added advantage that it is physically smaller than the TZ70, however, if you're trying to take pics of your fast moving kids in low light conditions then it's probably not the best choice, I say this from experience because I do find that my RX100 MK1 struggles to focus and take the pic in the split-second before they move elsewhere and it tends to select a slow shutter speed which blurs the fast moving monsters.I'd like something that goes wide enough to be good close up and not go completely to pieces in low light, but still with a bit of zoom when I'm outside on my hols. Cannot go over £300 and preferably would like some change for that. Is there anything more suited than the TZ70?
I'm considering buying a Canon 100D DSLR which is the next step up in terms of image quality, but is a physically bigger body albeit with far more lens options. The price of the 100D is hovering around the £300 mark with a 18 - 55mm zoom lens kit, and was available from PC World last week for £269 (after claiming the £30 cashback offer). I expect the price to drop again to that level again because it's rumoured that a new model is due out soon.
There are several comparison reviews on the web between the TZ70 and the RX100, one of them being: http://www.digicamdb.com/compare/panasonic_lumix-d...
Bottom line is that I'm extremely pleased with the RX100 but do appreciate its limitations in lower light conditions, it's still far better than the Canon S100 which it replaced due to its far larger sensor and high quality lens which makes all the difference, just look at the photos that GetCarter posts on PH to appreciate just how good it is.
EDITED to add that John Lewis are currently offering the RX100 at £271 with a £60 cashback offer which ends tomorrow, making the price £211 which is very enticing indeed...
http://www.johnlewis.com/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-rx100...
Edited by rich888 on Saturday 5th December 23:30
Thanks for the help.
Both RX and the Nikon in the above are quite old models, the RX is up to MkIV now and I think that's the mkI. But they are from the class up compared to TZ70. As there aren't any simultaneous reviews of both I can't compare, but would people say the Canon RX is still the better camera compared to the TZ despite being a few generations older?
Any thoughts on the Fuji X30? Looks like a nice camera but there seems to be some criticism that the sensor is too small.
Both RX and the Nikon in the above are quite old models, the RX is up to MkIV now and I think that's the mkI. But they are from the class up compared to TZ70. As there aren't any simultaneous reviews of both I can't compare, but would people say the Canon RX is still the better camera compared to the TZ despite being a few generations older?
Any thoughts on the Fuji X30? Looks like a nice camera but there seems to be some criticism that the sensor is too small.
blueST said:
Thanks for the help.
Both RX and the Nikon in the above are quite old models, the RX is up to MkIV now and I think that's the mkI. But they are from the class up compared to TZ70. As there aren't any simultaneous reviews of both I can't compare, but would people say the Canon RX is still the better camera compared to the TZ despite being a few generations older?
Any thoughts on the Fuji X30? Looks like a nice camera but there seems to be some criticism that the sensor is too small.
I've never used a Fuji X30 so can't make hands-on comments, however, if the sensor in the X30 is too small then probably the low light pics will be compromised. The Sony RX100 kind of dominated the market for several years due to its ground-breaking design and 1" sensor which beat all in its class. Sony haven't sat still in the design and have continually improved the specifications of the RX100 which is now in its fourth generation, but at a cost well above your £300 budget. Both RX and the Nikon in the above are quite old models, the RX is up to MkIV now and I think that's the mkI. But they are from the class up compared to TZ70. As there aren't any simultaneous reviews of both I can't compare, but would people say the Canon RX is still the better camera compared to the TZ despite being a few generations older?
Any thoughts on the Fuji X30? Looks like a nice camera but there seems to be some criticism that the sensor is too small.
From what you have said I would have thought the RX100 would be more than capable unless you are looking for a larger bodied camera such as the Canon 100D which even with a prime lens isn't exactly pocketable.
If I was in the market again for a high quality compact camera I would go for the Sony RX100 MK3 (only due to the fact the MK4 costs too much money), which is currently up for sale for £569, less the £100 cashback offer making it a total cost of £469.
http://www.johnlewis.com/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-rx100...
If I was on a lower budget looking for a well built compact and pocketable camera, capable of taking good quality photographs, I would still opt for the 20.2MP RX100 MK1, due to the fact it is very well built, has a large 1" sensor, and is fitted with a high quality Zeiss zoom lens. It may not be the latest generation RX100 but it still out-classes the majority of compact cameras on the market.
rich888 said:
I've never used a Fuji X30 so can't make hands-on comments, however, if the sensor in the X30 is too small then probably the low light pics will be compromised. The Sony RX100 kind of dominated the market for several years due to its ground-breaking design and 1" sensor which beat all in its class. Sony haven't sat still in the design and have continually improved the specifications of the RX100 which is now in its fourth generation, but at a cost well above your £300 budget.
From what you have said I would have thought the RX100 would be more than capable unless you are looking for a larger bodied camera such as the Canon 100D which even with a prime lens isn't exactly pocketable.
If I was in the market again for a high quality compact camera I would go for the Sony RX100 MK3 (only due to the fact the MK4 costs too much money), which is currently up for sale for £569, less the £100 cashback offer making it a total cost of £469.
http://www.johnlewis.com/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-rx100...
If I was on a lower budget looking for a well built compact and pocketable camera, capable of taking good quality photographs, I would still opt for the 20.2MP RX100 MK1, due to the fact it is very well built, has a large 1" sensor, and is fitted with a high quality Zeiss zoom lens. It may not be the latest generation RX100 but it still out-classes the majority of compact cameras on the market.
What's the score with that JL cashback offer? They are still advertising it, but as far as I can tell you'd need to register the serial number with Sony by the end of today. No chance if you order on line.From what you have said I would have thought the RX100 would be more than capable unless you are looking for a larger bodied camera such as the Canon 100D which even with a prime lens isn't exactly pocketable.
If I was in the market again for a high quality compact camera I would go for the Sony RX100 MK3 (only due to the fact the MK4 costs too much money), which is currently up for sale for £569, less the £100 cashback offer making it a total cost of £469.
http://www.johnlewis.com/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-rx100...
If I was on a lower budget looking for a well built compact and pocketable camera, capable of taking good quality photographs, I would still opt for the 20.2MP RX100 MK1, due to the fact it is very well built, has a large 1" sensor, and is fitted with a high quality Zeiss zoom lens. It may not be the latest generation RX100 but it still out-classes the majority of compact cameras on the market.
blueST said:
rich888 said:
I've never used a Fuji X30 so can't make hands-on comments, however, if the sensor in the X30 is too small then probably the low light pics will be compromised. The Sony RX100 kind of dominated the market for several years due to its ground-breaking design and 1" sensor which beat all in its class. Sony haven't sat still in the design and have continually improved the specifications of the RX100 which is now in its fourth generation, but at a cost well above your £300 budget.
From what you have said I would have thought the RX100 would be more than capable unless you are looking for a larger bodied camera such as the Canon 100D which even with a prime lens isn't exactly pocketable.
If I was in the market again for a high quality compact camera I would go for the Sony RX100 MK3 (only due to the fact the MK4 costs too much money), which is currently up for sale for £569, less the £100 cashback offer making it a total cost of £469.
http://www.johnlewis.com/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-rx100...
If I was on a lower budget looking for a well built compact and pocketable camera, capable of taking good quality photographs, I would still opt for the 20.2MP RX100 MK1, due to the fact it is very well built, has a large 1" sensor, and is fitted with a high quality Zeiss zoom lens. It may not be the latest generation RX100 but it still out-classes the majority of compact cameras on the market.
What's the score with that JL cashback offer? They are still advertising it, but as far as I can tell you'd need to register the serial number with Sony by the end of today. No chance if you order on line.From what you have said I would have thought the RX100 would be more than capable unless you are looking for a larger bodied camera such as the Canon 100D which even with a prime lens isn't exactly pocketable.
If I was in the market again for a high quality compact camera I would go for the Sony RX100 MK3 (only due to the fact the MK4 costs too much money), which is currently up for sale for £569, less the £100 cashback offer making it a total cost of £469.
http://www.johnlewis.com/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-rx100...
If I was on a lower budget looking for a well built compact and pocketable camera, capable of taking good quality photographs, I would still opt for the 20.2MP RX100 MK1, due to the fact it is very well built, has a large 1" sensor, and is fitted with a high quality Zeiss zoom lens. It may not be the latest generation RX100 but it still out-classes the majority of compact cameras on the market.
With it being John Lewis displaying the offer I really wouldn't expect any grief if you purchased before the deadline because one thing they are well renowned for and that is excellent customer service. You could always phone the John Lewis Customer Services team on 01698 54 54 54, lines are open 7 days a week from 7am to midnight, to clarify the offer.
Just spotted 20% off a number of quality cameras as a "Deal of the Day" on Amazon.
I've got the Sony ILCE5100L and it's a fantastic camera for the money.
I've got the Sony ILCE5100L and it's a fantastic camera for the money.
gregf40 said:
Just spotted 20% off a number of quality cameras as a "Deal of the Day" on Amazon.
I've got the Sony ILCE5100L and it's a fantastic camera for the money.
That's a very interesting deal. Thanks. I haven bought yet. Could I live with the size though? I stopped using my bridge camera because I got sick of dragging it round, but this is a good bit smaller than that, although not quite pocket size.I've got the Sony ILCE5100L and it's a fantastic camera for the money.
blueST said:
gregf40 said:
Just spotted 20% off a number of quality cameras as a "Deal of the Day" on Amazon.
I've got the Sony ILCE5100L and it's a fantastic camera for the money.
That's a very interesting deal. Thanks. I haven bought yet. Could I live with the size though? I stopped using my bridge camera because I got sick of dragging it round, but this is a good bit smaller than that, although not quite pocket size.I've got the Sony ILCE5100L and it's a fantastic camera for the money.
blueST said:
Decided to go for it, seemed too good a deal to pass up. Hopefully, I won't regret not going for a proper compact. This should be superior in most other respects I think.
I reckon you'll be very very happy with that. I love my mirrorless camera. The IQ of a DSLR that you can fit in your pocket :-)V8Wagon said:
blueST said:
Decided to go for it, seemed too good a deal to pass up. Hopefully, I won't regret not going for a proper compact. This should be superior in most other respects I think.
I reckon you'll be very very happy with that. I love my mirrorless camera. The IQ of a DSLR that you can fit in your pocket :-)blueST said:
blueST said:
gregf40 said:
Just spotted 20% off a number of quality cameras as a "Deal of the Day" on Amazon.
I've got the Sony ILCE5100L and it's a fantastic camera for the money.
That's a very interesting deal. Thanks. I haven bought yet. Could I live with the size though? I stopped using my bridge camera because I got sick of dragging it round, but this is a good bit smaller than that, although not quite pocket size.I've got the Sony ILCE5100L and it's a fantastic camera for the money.
Well I just couldn't resist, broke the camera out of the box and have been having a play. Very happy with the few snaps I've taken. Dark and indoors and they come out great. Still finding my way round the menus etc, but I like it, and first impressions are it won't be too bulky.
The only downside seems to be Sony's terrible software and online support. In order to be able to use the WiFi and NFC features on the camera, you apparently have to download apps onto it. WTF, it's not a smartphone? Anyway, I gave it a try and camera stoutly refuses to connect to Sony's website via my computer, so at the moment I have a great camera except the WIFI capabilities are completely non functional. The help available on their websites is muddled, and confusing and doesn't help. I've posted on their support forum but no response has been forthcoming so far.
The only downside seems to be Sony's terrible software and online support. In order to be able to use the WiFi and NFC features on the camera, you apparently have to download apps onto it. WTF, it's not a smartphone? Anyway, I gave it a try and camera stoutly refuses to connect to Sony's website via my computer, so at the moment I have a great camera except the WIFI capabilities are completely non functional. The help available on their websites is muddled, and confusing and doesn't help. I've posted on their support forum but no response has been forthcoming so far.
blueST said:
Well I just couldn't resist, broke the camera out of the box and have been having a play. Very happy with the few snaps I've taken. Dark and indoors and they come out great. Still finding my way round the menus etc, but I like it, and first impressions are it won't be too bulky.
The only downside seems to be Sony's terrible software and online support. In order to be able to use the WiFi and NFC features on the camera, you apparently have to download apps onto it. WTF, it's not a smartphone? Anyway, I gave it a try and camera stoutly refuses to connect to Sony's website via my computer, so at the moment I have a great camera except the WIFI capabilities are completely non functional. The help available on their websites is muddled, and confusing and doesn't help. I've posted on their support forum but no response has been forthcoming so far.
Ha, I wondered how long it would take before you had a sneak preview, I was going to suggest you open the box up just so you could charge the battery ahead of the big day... I can't say anything because I opened my 700D box last week to ensure it was OK and strangely enough I just can't get it back in the box The only downside seems to be Sony's terrible software and online support. In order to be able to use the WiFi and NFC features on the camera, you apparently have to download apps onto it. WTF, it's not a smartphone? Anyway, I gave it a try and camera stoutly refuses to connect to Sony's website via my computer, so at the moment I have a great camera except the WIFI capabilities are completely non functional. The help available on their websites is muddled, and confusing and doesn't help. I've posted on their support forum but no response has been forthcoming so far.
In terms of copying the photos, just eject the SD card, place in card reader on said PC or Mac and copy the files until you figure out how to get the Wifi working with the added bonus that there is no need to install more bloated software.
If the software is similar to that installed on my RX100 then you will eventually figure it all out, it's only taken me a year or so to work out most of the settings! - TIP, if you download the user manual from Sony as a PDF file you can read it at your leisure on Kindle.
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