dilemma- Powershot SX20 IS - DPChallenge Forums

12/21/2009 06:21:44 AM · #1

Hi everyone,
I am planning to buy a high end prosumer digital cam, my options are
1. Powershot SX20 IS
2. Olympus SP 590 UZ
3. Nikon Coolpix P90

My priorities are:
1. Must have great Macro shots
2. Good Zooming ability
3. Decent Video quality
4. Burst mode ability
5.and obviously, High image quality.

and u can suggest me any other model that suits.

Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX APO IF HSM for Nikon

12/21/2009 09:01:00 AM · #2

I have one of the predecessors to the SX-20, the Powershot S5 IS. I still get some of my best shots with it. (2 of my current profile page shots were taken with it) It's a great little camera, with many SLR-like features. The tilt and swivel screen is a great convenience, but not an essential one. Be aware though, that low light is not a strong suit of any camera in this class. That's a result of a camera with a small sensor. A tripod is a necessity if you use it in anything but good light. Manual focus is an awkward manipulation of several buttons. I rarely use manual focus with this camera. Not sure if that has changed with the SX-20 or not.

Macro mode is great. It can focus on an object that is touching the lens. My current Puzzle macro entry was perhaps a millimeter from the lens. Here's my entry from the last one, which was touching the glass.

Message edited by author 2009-12-21 09:02:44.

HarveyG

Nikon D800

12/22/2009 01:08:29 AM · #3

Hi Chandan. Welcome to DPC.
They are all excellent choices for that type of Camera. All of them have almost identical focal ranges and specs. At this point I would consider how good your local agents are and their pricing and guarantee. Look at your budget and see if you can fit in a tripod as

Yo_Spiff mentioned and decent carry bag, lens cleaner etc. You live in India, the humidity and rain there especially in Summer is horrendous. Have a look at all the specs linked below and see if you can get a waterproof bag or case for the camera. Keep it dry in there with a lot of Silica Gel. You can generally go to an electronics store and ask them to give you the little packets that come shipped in electronic goods packaging all over the world and keep replacing them at regular intervals to help keep your camera dry and fungus free in the bag.

1. Canon Powershot SX20 IS USD $400-00 (-$30-00 Rebate till mid Jan 2010)
2. Olympus SP 590 UZ USD $320-00
3. Nikon Coolpix P90 USD $400-00 (-$30-00 Rebate till end Dec 2009)

Olympus 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II M.Zuiko ED

12/22/2009 08:11:20 AM · #4

Thanks Steve and Harvey,
I m biased towards SX-20-IS now. :)
but i read somewhere that in this model " in super-macro mode the focus is locked at wide angle". I don't know what this means! Explain please

Rgarcia

Olympus OM-D E-M1

12/22/2009 08:16:11 AM · #5

Originally posted by artistChan:

It means that you can't use the zoom.

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

12/22/2009 08:44:03 AM · #6

Originally posted by Rgarcia:

Originally posted by artistChan:
Thanks Steve and Harvey,
I m biased towards SX-20-IS now. :)
but i read somewhere that in this model " in super-macro mode the focus is locked at wide angle". I don't know what this means! Explain please

It means that you can't use the zoom.

It's important to note that this is not surprising. Most compacts I've seen with a macro mode are at least limited in their zoom range for macro mode, and almost always locked completely for "super macro," so don't take the locked zoom as a weakness. Just be aware that you'll have to get really close to take your shot, so macro shots of insects and other living things may be tricky, but are still feasible if you have patience.

While not incredible, all of these shots were taken using a "prosumer" p&s (fuji S9100) in super macro or normal macro (can't remember which) with limited or locked zoom mode not long after I purchased the camera (these are literally straight from camera zero editing).
P&S generally are very good at macro due to the size of their sensor, which does wonders for your depth of field.

HarveyG

Nikon D800

Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX APO IF HSM for Nikon

12/22/2009 08:51:12 AM · #7

If you are planning to do some experimental Macro, note that only the Olympus has a Manual Focus mode. Both the Canon and the Nikon are Autofocus only and you will get frustrated and disappointed by this in Macro Mode, never mind in low light situations.

The Canon ISO is only up to 3200
The Olympus and Nikon go up to 6400
Whilst this may be useless if the Noise Reduction is not up to scratch for night shots, in the daytime you can push higher Shutter Speeds for action shots with better D(epth) O(f) F(ield) and other reasons.

The Nikon has the fastest shutter speed at 1/4000th second, then the Canon at 1/3200th second, then the Olympus at 1/2000th of a second. If you are planning on capturing water drop shots, the faster the better.

The Canon bursts 1 fps (Frame Per Second)
The Nikon bursts 15 fps Continuous Shooting at 3MP
The Olympus 10 fps for 30 frames @ 3MP High-speed1: 6 fps for 30 frames @ 5MP Normal speed: 1.2 fps for 7 frames @ 10MP

Built-in Memory: (Handy if you lose a card or card is damaged and you can take 3-4 shots @ 10MP ore more on lower quality.)
Canon: None (Uses SD/SDHC) 2GB max on SD / 32Gb max on SDHC
Olympus: None (Uses xD) 2GB max on xD and not as common as SD/SDHC (few laptops have an xD slot, most have at least an SD/SDHC although converters are available.
Nikon: 47MB (Uses SD/SDHC) 2GB max on SD / 32Gb max on SDHC

Image Stabilisation: All of them have this.

On paper I'd say the Nikon is the right buy but I'm biased :)

Message edited by author 2009-12-22 08:56:58.

HarveyG

Nikon D800

Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX APO IF HSM for Nikon

12/22/2009 09:02:05 AM · #8

Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

Those aren't too shabby macro's. FujiFilm uses largely Nikon innards. Their DSLR's use the Nikon F mount. Some of their P&S look almost exactly like thier Nikon Coolpix counterparts, or so it seems to me.

12/22/2009 09:25:52 AM · #9

I feel the only drawback for Canon SX-20-IS is low burst rate, if only they could make it better :(

12/22/2009 09:28:31 AM · #10

@ Rgarcia, Spiritualspatula: Thanks for the details. I am so glad that i am getting response from such a good pool of photographers :)

12/22/2009 09:38:32 AM · #11

One more Question, What are CONVERSION lenses? Will i really miss something as a beginner photographer if i don't use them or can i just ignore them?

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

12/22/2009 09:52:45 AM · #12

Not a necessity. Conversion lenses are simply additional lenses that you can mount in front of the built in lens to add magnification. A downside is that any additional glass you put in front of it will reduce the incoming light. Ignore them for now. It's the kind of thing that if your photography leads you in that direction, you will know when you want them. You can find some information on them at Lensmate, which is a company that sells adapters and conversion lenses for compacts and superzooms.

Message edited by author 2009-12-22 09:55:48.

spiritualspatula

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

12/22/2009 09:56:15 AM · #13

Originally posted by artistChan:

One more Question, What are CONVERSION lenses? Will i really miss something as a beginner photographer if i don't use them or can i just ignore them?

If I'm thinking of what you're talking about, conversion lenses are add-ons that add versatility to your P&S. I think Nikon offers some that will do things like make your P&S capable of fisheye for instance. Some of the other things they can do are make your wide-angle "wider," IE will enable you to fit more into the frame given the same distance. There is also a teleconverter which will basically increase the amount of zoom, making objects that are far away appear closer.
Although these add-ons do increase the versatility of your camera, they will most likely come at the loss of some image quality. Their use to you will be dictated by how you well you feel the base focal length range fits your shooting style. If you shoot lots of landscapes, a camera with a wider angle capability will be beneficial, if you shoot lots of wildlife and whatnot, one with a high telephoto focal length will be useful. (my response regarding the specific types of converters is aimed at the Nikon versions I am aware of, so they might not apply to everything. I also don't want you to think that my comment about a decrease of image quality means the quality will be rubbish. I've gotten decent results using basically the same thing in filter form on my D300. The fisheye add-on, for instance, could be pretty fun in my opinion, but I feel like there would be at least a slight loss of contrast or clarity).

12/22/2009 02:32:20 PM · #14

@Derek: yes you are right i meant add-ons. thanks for the insight :)

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

12/22/2009 02:34:57 PM · #15

@ Steve: i wud like to hav some adaptor and a macro lens in future. thnks for the lensmate link :)

TrollMan

Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4

12/22/2009 02:43:26 PM · #16

I don't know about the SX20. But I bough the PowerShot SX1 7 months ago and sold it this week. The reason I sold it so soon is because it ate AA batteries like there was no tomorrow! I tried with 2700mAh rechargeables but just got tired of ALWAYS seeing "change batteries" on the LCD. To use it on a vacation, hike etc. I had to have a bag full of batteries with me.
So my only recommendation is to ensure that whatever you get does have a Li-Ion battery.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

12/22/2009 02:44:31 PM · #17

Originally posted by artistChan:

One more Question, What are CONVERSION lenses? Will i really miss something as a beginner photographer if i don't use them or can i just ignore them?

I have the even earlier Canon S3 IS (very similar to the S5) -- there are add-on lenses to give even longer zoom, a wider angle (can be important if you do landscapes -- the "wide end of the S3 is only 36mm), or a close-up lens, which is what I got. This essentially lets you shoot macros without going into Macro/SuperMacro mode, from farther away, and able to use the zoom and manual focus features. This handheld shot was taken from several inches away using the 250 close-up lens (there's also a 500), and is uncropped.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

12/22/2009 03:03:52 PM · #18

I don't have much to say about the current generation of prosumers... But, I've owned the Canon G9 12.1MP for a long time now, and quite frankly, it's a great camera.. Actually off to service right now (first time). Glad to pay the $130 to fix it.

Doesn't look like there's anything wrong with the G11 to me, actually it's surprisingly similar to the G9. Might be a little more $$ than you wanted to shell out though I guess.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

12/22/2009 03:13:20 PM · #19

Originally posted by TrollMan:

But I bough the PowerShot SX1 7 months ago and sold it this week. The reason I sold it so soon is because it ate AA batteries like there was no tomorrow! I tried with 2700mAh rechargeables but just got tired of ALWAYS seeing "change batteries" on the LCD. To use it on a vacation, hike etc. I had to have a bag full of batteries with me.

Interesting. Quite different from my experience with the S5. Using mostly the electronic viewfinder to shoot with, I have found the battery life to be quite good using Nimh rechargeables.

TrollMan

Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4

12/22/2009 03:28:53 PM · #20

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Originally posted by TrollMan:
But I bough the PowerShot SX1 7 months ago and sold it this week. The reason I sold it so soon is because it ate AA batteries like there was no tomorrow! I tried with 2700mAh rechargeables but just got tired of ALWAYS seeing "change batteries" on the LCD. To use it on a vacation, hike etc. I had to have a bag full of batteries with me.

Interesting. Quite different from my experience with the S5. Using mostly the electronic viewfinder to shoot with, I have found the battery life to be quite good using Nimh rechargeables.

It could because my wife used it a lot for filming... in HD. But even when just taking pictures the batteries didn't last long. Maybe it was just the SX1. I guess one of the reasons they choose the AA's is to get higher capacity than what you can get from a relatively tiny Li-Ion battery. My 1D MkIII could be used for a month before charging and the 5Dm2 isn't bad either but I chose to get the battery grip in order to get a vacation out of it without having to bring the charger.

TrollMan

Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4

12/22/2009 03:37:59 PM · #21

I just read a review stating "the battery life of the SX1 IS is actually considerably lower than that of the SX10 IS" so if the SX20 is more like the SX10 you should be ok. It is apparently a known problem with the high battery consumption on the SX1.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

12/22/2009 04:01:47 PM · #22

I've always specifically looked for cameras which use AAs, since they are almost universally available if your battery runs down, charger gets lost or is unavailable, etc. I also use NiMH rechargables (and don't use the video screen much) and usually get several hundred shots, pluc I carry a set of alkalines for emergencies.

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

12/22/2009 04:47:47 PM · #23

Bought the SX 20IS for

motherlee as an Xmas present. We are not impressed with it?

Viewfinder is poor. Focussing is slow and misses most of the time. Picture quality is not good straight from camera, which is what a P&S user is looking for. It's going on Ebay after Xmas and she is keeping the A630 and the Nikon D3000.

12/23/2009 05:09:11 AM · #24

I stumbled upon one more term "Lens Servo" now what is this? does it automatically fix focus upon a subject and tracks it?

Message edited by author 2009-12-23 05:09:44.