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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Help me give my Supervisor some P&S suggestions
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 05/27/2009 10:13:08 PM · #1
So, the other day my supervisor asked me if I had any specific models of P&S cameras that I would recommend. I haven't really been watching that portion of the market very much, so I've sorta fallen behind on things. He's looking for an easy to operate, small P&S, preferably around $200. Emphasis for features is IQ and ease of use. I already informed him of the inherent limitations of a P&S, and he understands that. He is pretty tech savvy with all things not camera, so he should catch on pretty quick. One of the main reasons he was looking to get a new one was to take photos of his little girl on the go. There is no brand loyalty here so all suggestions are wanted.
Thanks a bunch for your help!
 05/27/2009 10:23:16 PM · #2
The Canon A series usually get pretty good reviews and fall into that range. The Powershot A590 looks like the bang for the buck leader out of the current crop, and lists for $129 on Canon's site. The A1000 is higher priced, but it looks like the biggest difference is a bump from 8 to 10Mp.
 05/28/2009 06:42:45 AM · #3
Anybody else want to chime in for me?
 05/28/2009 07:02:21 AM · #4
The Canon Powershot SD series also gets good reviews and is smaller than the A series (and thus more convenient to carry around). CNET has an overview of this series. One they mention as being a bit old but still one of the best is the SD790 IS which currently on sale at Best Buy for $180.
 05/28/2009 07:13:58 AM · #5
For my two cents worth, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 'big' name brands. I have just been through this with two of my daughters. We ended up with Nikon Coolpix of some sort in both cases but could quite have easily gone to Canon.

I know that this isn't specifically helpful but I hope it does reassure you that your advice won't be wrong. :)
 05/28/2009 07:34:59 AM · #6
The Fuji S-series cameras are prosumer class, but take decent pictures - get most of the advantages of the DSLR except sensor size and exchangeable lens. Priced around $250. Might be a bit bulky what what he's looking for.
Fuji does offer the J10 (10 mpx) at around $130 that does good as well - built-in 3x optical zoom.
Check out my profile - everything you see there before May 2009 was taken with a Fuji S5000, S5200, or S700.
 05/28/2009 08:00:41 AM · #7
We just bought a Canon SD780. I like the shirt pocket size and the 720p video in such a small package. We are really happy with the camera and it does everything you would expect a p&s to do.
The only thing I miss on it is manual mode.

You can get it in several colors and it is promoted in Canada by Avril Lavine. (for the non-tech buyers)
 05/28/2009 08:21:41 AM · #8
If I were to get another P&S, I would look at a Canon Powershot SX200 IS. It's one of the latest from Canon, has 12x zoom, HD video, 12mp, 3" screen. But its $350. Might be worth looking at...
 05/28/2009 08:34:45 AM · #9
Thanks for the feedback everybody. In regard to the Fuji S Series- I definitely know about the performance of them (I have an old S9100 that I started out with), but they are bulkier than I think he is looking for. The SD780 is a strong contender (especially depending upon how he feels about HD video...), but I wish it was 28mm at wide and 2.8. Therefore, I'm thinking the SD1200IS might be a good choice because of its simplicity and F2.8 and fits the price. Too bad it doesn't have 28mm... If he's willing to spend a bit more, I'm thinking of suggesting the SD880 as a higher end model for him, since its got 28mm and 2.8. Similarly, the Nikon S620 is pretty close spec wise. I'll also definitely suggest the SD790 as well- given the price and speed of the optics, it's hard to ignore. I'll run these options by him and see what he thinks.
Thanks again.
ETA: Will also suggest Fuji F100FD

Message edited by author 2009-05-28 08:50:39.
 05/28/2009 08:40:56 AM · #10
Originally posted by lky623:
If I were to get another P&S, I would look at a Canon Powershot SX200 IS. It's one of the latest from Canon, has 12x zoom, HD video, 12mp, 3" screen. But its $350. Might be worth looking at...


I'll see if he's interested in a superzoom... although the SX200 is bulkier than I think he wants and out of his price range, it's little brother, the SX110, might be an option.
 05/28/2009 08:47:27 AM · #11
Panasonic Lumix ZS1 (the replacement for the Lumix TZ4)- it's pocket sized, sports a 12X zoom and captures less noise than the SX200. List price is $299, though I'm sure you could find it for less.

ETA- here's one for $264. You can also get the prior, higher-end TZ5 (I own one of these) for $216.

Message edited by author 2009-05-28 08:55:12.
 05/28/2009 09:01:19 AM · #12
I usually just say that they should pick anything by Canon or Nikon that they like the look of and is in their price range.
 05/28/2009 09:08:16 AM · #13
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
Originally posted by lky623:
If I were to get another P&S, I would look at a Canon Powershot SX200 IS. It's one of the latest from Canon, has 12x zoom, HD video, 12mp, 3" screen. But its $350. Might be worth looking at...


I'll see if he's interested in a superzoom... although the SX200 is bulkier than I think he wants and out of his price range, it's little brother, the SX110, might be an option.


It's actually pretty small, smaller than the SX110. Here's the link:
//www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=18329

But I think Canon's SD880 is a nice option ($260ish):
//www.dpchallenge.com/camera.php?CAMERA_ID=1835
Besides, Ken Rockwell raves about it... hehe

Message edited by author 2009-05-28 09:12:02.
 05/28/2009 09:24:08 AM · #14
You're right about the size... I think I was inadvertantly looking at another model, thinking it was the SX200. Price range is still the biggest issue there, though.
 05/28/2009 12:19:09 PM · #15
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
The Canon A series usually get pretty good reviews and fall into that range. The Powershot A590 looks like the bang for the buck leader out of the current crop, and lists for $129 on Canon's site. The A1000 is higher priced, but it looks like the biggest difference is a bump from 8 to 10Mp.


Another vote here for the Powershot A590. I had that for my easy-to-carry-around / concept-shot P&S. Now it's my wife's camera ;) and she loves it more than any other gadget she's ever touched. Got a similar model (I think it was pre-590, as it was a couple years ago) for her mother as well. Really easy to use, small, quite rugged and great results for a P&S. I was steering away from the 1000+ line, as they dropped the viewfinder (you have to use the lcd screen).

If he would consider something he can "grow into" a little, if you think he has any interest in moving to DSLRs later, is the PowerShot G10. Has a full-auto mode for P&S behaviour, but then also has full manual as well -- it's a great P&S/DSLR hybrid, and would be a really good camera to learn on, I think. I got one to replace my A590 since my wife has it now, and I wanted something I could play with a little more. Plus, it can shoot raw! (and holy crap, 14.7 MP raw files suck up some memory cards...) ;)

It's a bit more $$$, but some G9s are still out there, too, and can be found for a little less.
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