P90 or SX20IS? - DPChallenge Forums

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

01/12/2010 02:46:09 PM · #1

I'm planning to purchase a new 'small' camera for travel related use. I'm going some places that I don't want to lug a big camera bag and I'm looking for a replacement for my Canon G9. It won't actually 'replace' the G9 because I plan to keep that camera. I just need some additional functionality.

I'm looking at the Canon SX20IS and the Nikon P90. Both are similarly priced and the features on both are very similar. The differences I see are as follows:

The Nikon uses a lithium ion battery while the Canon uses AA.

The Canon will do HD video and the Nikon will only do 640x480 video. (Video is not a huge selling point for me)

The Canon has a hot shoe flash mount and the Nikon does not (I have several Canon flash units that could be used with this camera if needed). I'm not likely to ever need a hot shoe flash on a small camera.

The Nikon has 24x optical zoom (26mm - 624mm) and the Canon only has 20x optical (28mm - 560mm plus 4x digital).

I currently use Canon SLR equipment but I'm bipartisan. I'm looking for feedback, especially if you own one of these two cameras.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

01/12/2010 02:55:07 PM · #2

I have the Powershot S5 IS which is a predecessor to the SX20. Love it, and still get some of my best shots with it. I consider the use of AA batteries to be an advantage. Other than the longer zoom, what does one of these do that your G9 does not?

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/12/2010 02:58:56 PM · #3

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Mainly the longer zoom, but I also really miss the articulating LCD. I had that on my old Sony 707 and I really would love to have it again...

Morgan

Nikon D800

01/12/2010 03:50:53 PM · #4

I purchased the Nikon P90. However, the sensor chip is much smaller than in my DSLR cameras, so the images are very contrasty. This contrast concern holds true for a lot of these long zoom lens pocket cameras. The same image looks much better when taken with my Canon or Panasonic point and shoots, but they do not have the huge zoom lens which I need for work photos. So, it is a fair compromise. Since there is no resale value on these small cameras, I just keep collecting them.

By the way, the battery life is not an issue with the fast recharge. I purchased a second battery but have never used it.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/12/2010 04:10:48 PM · #5

Have you looked at the Canon S90?

Pocket sized, but the same sensor as the G11, shoots RAW, has T,A,P modes etc.

01/12/2010 04:34:33 PM · #6

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Have you looked at the Canon S90?

Pocket sized, but the same sensor as the G11, shoots RAW, has T,A,P modes etc.

It looks nice but I want more zoom. If the S90 would fit my needs, I'd just use my G9. RAW doesn't impress me much and most of what I do with a smaller camera is gonna be in the daylight.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

01/12/2010 11:08:02 PM · #7

Any more thoughts before I toss a coin?

jdannels

Nikon D300s

01/12/2010 11:19:44 PM · #8

I would vote for the SX20IS, i have not use it but I loved my Canon Powershot A95. I took it everywhere including work where it got bumped around and dropped and kept ticking and taking good images for years. I bought my parents the Canon SX110IS and they have been really pleased with the results and I have liked the quality you can get in daylight. The thing I notice with the long point and shoot zooms is that focus can be very slow.

ETA: I used Duracell 2500 mhA rechargeable batteries and rarely ran out of power when I didn't expect it.

Message edited by author 2010-01-12 23:21:05.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

01/12/2010 11:24:22 PM · #9

Originally posted by jdannels:

ETA: I used Duracell 2500 mhA rechargeable batteries and rarely ran out of power when I didn't expect it.

I have been using the 2600s in my flash units with a lot of success. AA battery life in a camera like this is something that scares me...

jdannels

Nikon D300s

01/12/2010 11:33:39 PM · #10

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by jdannels:

ETA: I used Duracell 2500 mhA rechargeable batteries and rarely ran out of power when I didn't expect it.

I have been using the 2600s in my flash units with a lot of success. AA battery life in a camera like this is something that scares me...

Yeah, and I would admit that while at work I would use the camera for maybe 15-20 minutes a day usually but not change the batteries for a week or two. But I would also use it as my main street photography camera for probably 6-12 hours between charges. Carried one extra set of batteries, and generally had no problems. Also I know nothing about the Nikon camera, so maybe that battery will last longer.

sulamk

Canon EOS-60D

Sigma 70-200 /2.8 APO EX DG Macro HSM II

01/13/2010 08:42:56 AM · #11

I have bought this cameran as a take to Zimbabwe when i travel there as I do a couple of times a year on family business, I will be getting it in approx week and a half will know more then. Did quite a lot of research into it icluding looking at images on pbase and in the nikon forum on dpreview it seems to me that if you learn to set it and use it properly it gives some very nice results. people are inclined to compare the pics to dslr results which is silly for this type of camera. I have 2 canon slrs but dont feel comfortable taking them Zimbabwe any more as to the locals they shout press photogs. both cameras mentioned are viable travel cameras.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

01/13/2010 09:10:46 PM · #12

I guess I'm going to buy the Canon. That way I will stay all Canon... the HD video option is what is swaying me towards the SX20IS over the P90. The extra 4x of zoom on the P90 isn't that significant when talking about the difference between 20x and 24x. I'll probably order it tomorrow or Friday...

scooter97

Canon EOS-6D

01/13/2010 09:42:34 PM · #13

I use the SX10IS as my daily travel camera and I like the long zoom pretty well. The images at maximum magnification can get grainy if you want to crop them. In addition to the great zoom this camera has a wonderful Super Macro feature. I think I still have the high score with this camera in challenges. It was shot at 5mm focal length. It is not a DSLR but it is a very capable camera. I have recommended this to several people and they have been quite pleased.

dagaleaa

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

Panasonic Lumix 20mm f1.7 ASPH

01/14/2010 02:32:45 PM · #14

I love my Panasonic LX3, but it does not have any real zoom abilities.