Long zoom compact - decisions, decisions

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

01/17/2011 04:52:45 AM · #1

OK, having started a couple of threads, it's now clear that I cannot have the long zoom compact with viewfinder that I want. So, what are the options and, most importantly, what do you think of them?

Minimum spec: 10x zoom, Manual mode, RAW not necessary

My shortlist has come down to the following:
Lumix TZ8 (don't need GPS, so discount TZ10)
Samsung WB650
Fuji F300 EXR
Casio EX-FH100

Thank, in anticipation...

Strikeslip

Canon EOS-5D

01/17/2011 09:00:10 AM · #2

Something else to keep in mind is battery life, and what type of battery is used.

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

01/17/2011 09:46:59 AM · #3

Thanks for that. The ideal would be a Li-ion battery rather than AAs etc.

Strikeslip

Canon EOS-5D

01/17/2011 09:56:35 AM · #4

Originally posted by Wobble:

Thanks for that. The ideal would be a Li-ion battery rather than AAs etc.

Mine lasts about 1.75 hours, which isn't much for me, so I bought a spare, but they're expensive. It seems like most compact cameras also have a compact battery life these days. Maybe I'm just jaded because I'm used to having two Canon batteries in my slr grip.

ETA... it's a tough choice finding a compact, good luck!

Message edited by author 2011-01-17 09:57:31.

dtremain

Canon EOS 80D

Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II

01/17/2011 10:35:32 AM · #5

I used Fuji prosumer zooms S5000 (excellent camera), S5200, and S700. All 3 used AA batteries, and I bought rechargeable AA's, with one hot set in camera, and one or two charged sets in a ziploc bag. I never ran out on a planned shoot, and even when I did run out on an unplanned shoot, AAs are available in every gift shop, gas station, convenience store, etc.

I was generally pleased with the Fuji cameras - biggest complaint was that I didn't feel the images were sharp enough. My dpc scores have not improved with the Canon T1i, so I'm guessing the problem was not with the equipment... The Fuji did exceptionally well in good light. In low light, it could get pretty grainy. I think on the later models they have added some true Image Stabilization, but on my models, Fuji's idea of image stabilization was to bump the ISO so you'd get a faster shutter speed. Other pluses on the Fuji's I used: size - not a purse compact - still looked like a DSLR, but only about 3/4 the size of the Canon. In fact, the reason I want with the Canon instead of a Nikon was size - the Nikon seemed HUGE in comparison to the Fuji S700. Absolutely loved the zoom (I tend to do more outdoors shooting). So much so that my first purchase for the Canon was a Tamron 18-270mm zoom so I didn't have to change lenses. Macro was very nice. Relatively low weight. No problems (in fact when my Canon died within 4 months of purchase mid-shoot, I finished with the Fuji S700). Also, the Fuji is a bit less conspicuous than the larger Canon.

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

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

01/17/2011 03:16:08 PM · #6

I originally suggested the Panasonic to you because I was so impressed with my LX3. I had heard about the model because seemingly everybody who used the LX3 used the TZ8/10 for travel applications. I think the Panasonic auto mode works very, very well, and I also think that the design lends itself well to travel, being that it doesn't have extending parts. There are a few more differences between them than just the GPS, but that decision is yours to make. While I do not personally own the TZ8/10, I was very much surprised with the battery life of the LX3, both in cold conditions and normally. It exceeded my expectations as well as the ratings I had seen online, and I've had a single battery last me for almost a week in the backcountry with fluctuating temperatures. Overall, I've found the Panasonics to have great auto as well as great manual control, along with a nicely designed body that is small yet capable and easy to hold.
One thing about Fuji though, is that the Fuji I had (S9100) had above and beyond the dynamic range of any other similar camera I could find, and while that gap has lessened in recent years, Fuji still has a bit of an advantage in that field, so that's something to consider. I've heard great things about the Casio, but their control interface felt sorta awkward to me when I've used it.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

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

01/17/2011 04:31:32 PM · #7

I just bought a Canon Powershot G11 this past weekend. I'm quite impressed so far with what this little camera can do. It does not have a built in long zoom, but you can obtain teleconverters to increase the range. More important to me is that the short end goes to the equivalent of 28mm on a full frame.

01/17/2011 04:56:04 PM · #8

Thanks spiritualspatula, I've just had another look at the differences between the TZ10 and TZ8. The higher resolution and Intelligent Auto may make it worth the extra few pounds.

I think that I'm favouring the Lumix now over the Samsung because, even though it may not have the AMOLED screen, it does have the superior image quality. After all, isn't that what you want from a camera? :)

Thanks

01/17/2011 05:03:50 PM · #9

dtremain, thanks for the Fuji update. However, I already have a DSLR and it's a compact that I'm looking for at the moment, just something to slip in a pocket when I don't want to be carrying the camera and lenses about.

Thanks anyway

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

01/17/2011 05:09:15 PM · #10

Yo Spiff, thanks for that. I actually had a look at the G12 at the weekend. I must admit that it seemed a very sturdy camera, packed with features. If I wanted the spec that it provided then it would be the first choice. I'm aware of the lens attachment but that would mean carrying an extra lens and finding another £150!

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

01/17/2011 05:12:57 PM · #11

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

To be fair, those converters were HORRIBLE quality on the G9... You are far better off just cropping IMO.