Photography

[Norm]

Which reminds me to ask - what size memory cards are practical for these 8-12mp cameras?

They are pretty cheap now, Shaun, so I'd go with 4gb minimum.

Which reminds me of another thing I don't think has been mentioned. IMO, a HUGE benefit for the compacts is the video modes which don't appear on many (any?) DSLR's. It's one of the main reasons that I take a compact rather than just using a camera phone, and the S8000 (did I mention that I like that one? ) has pretty good video capture.

 

[Chrisc]

They are pretty cheap now, Shaun, so I'd go with 4gb minimum.

Which reminds me of another thing I don't think has been mentioned. IMO, a HUGE benefit for the compacts is the video modes which don't appear on many (any?) DSLR's. It's one of the main reasons that I take a compact rather than just using a camera phone, and the S8000 (did I mention that I like that one? ) has pretty good video capture.

Hi Norm,
Most of the newer dslr do have video modes now but it's so damn awkward to use with the focusing system of a dslr that compacts fare much better.
I've been searching for a good compact myself for a while now, really want a Leica but don't we all... cos I fancy some street photography and that works best with a more discreet camera. I think I'm settling on that Ricoh as best image quality for the money.

I'd second the 4gb card, nice size and better to use a few at that size rather than a big one in case of failure. Eggs in one basket and all that.

 

[Norm]

The benefit of any digital camera is that most shops will let you go in with your own memory card and try them out. You can then take the image home for detailed comparison.

The G11 would be the pinnacle for me... although I think I mentioned that I also like the Nikon S8000.

 

[Chrisc]

Leica D-Lux 4 fer me or if we're allowed into the realms of fantasy, an M9 please...

 

[Mille]

Can I hi-jack this thread and ask what people would recommend for a P&S at around £250?

I've got a Canon 350D with various lenses and don't want to lug that around on my bike.

I recently tried out the new Fujifilm S1600 'bridge' camera, and in my opinion it is complete pants. Hidous shutter lag means you miss just about anything you try to shoot, and in low light the LCD is virtually unseeable.

So any recs guys? I am a bit of a Canon girl, but am open to new things.

Cheers

PS I don't want either a D300 or a D3000

 

[Mille]

.. although I think I mentioned that I also like the Nikon S8000.

I think I know what Norm might recommend

Had a bad experience with a Coolpix that was robbed in Spain so it's put me off a bit . No fault of the camera though

 

[Norm]

I think I know what Norm might recommend

At least someone reads me.

If you don't want to go with a Nikon (your loss ) then the Panasonic Lumix TZ7 is similar and a bit cheaper. Read some of the customer reviews on that Amazon page and you might fall in lust with it too.

 

[Randochap]

Most of the newer dslr do have video modes now but it's so damn awkward to use with the focusing system of a dslr that compacts fare much better.

Agreed, though I'm very much tempted by the low-light abilities of the Nikon D3s (1280X720) and hi-def in general.

Have you seen the D3s video examples by wildlife photographer Vincent Munier? Awesome!

The other thing to consider though is end use. Are you willing to wait all night for your files to upload and spend an additional small fortune for disk space to store the huge files? Also, the D3s will give you a scant 5 minutes recording time before you need to load up more media.

For most people wanting hi-def, a still camera and a separate "consumer-level" camcorder makes more sense.

I record all the videos for VeloWeb on my relatively small Olympus Camedia (5.1 mp) and the results (@ 640X480) are quite acceptable for the intended use. It takes maybe 10 minutes to upload 1 gig of data.

 

[Chrisc]

Can I hi-jack this thread and ask what people would recommend for a P&S at around £250?

I've got a Canon 350D with various lenses and don't want to lug that around on my bike.

I recently tried out the new Fujifilm S1600 'bridge' camera, and in my opinion it is complete pants. Hidous shutter lag means you miss just about anything you try to shoot, and in low light the LCD is virtually unseeable.

So any recs guys? I am a bit of a Canon girl, but am open to new things.

Cheers

PS I don't want either a D300 or a D3000

A D300 is a bit heavy for most folk...
If you can stretch to £299 that new Ricoh CX3 delivers stunning images, far better than anything else in that range. I always think that's the important bit over other features. How is the image quality? That's the thing a camera has to do first and best isn't it?
You're at a disadvantage owning a 350D because as you said, you're used to instant response and all compacts suffer from lag, and even a few milliseconds will annoy an experienced DSLR user. You're also used to very good image quality and a compact will be like watching video over DVD when you get right in there. The Ricoh comes close tho and I know many pros who have one in the coat pocket.

 

[Chrisc]

Agreed, though I'm very much tempted by the low-light abilities of the Nikon D3s (1280X720) and hi-def in general.

Have you seen the D3s video examples by wildlife photographer Vincent Munier? Awesome!

The other thing to consider though is end use. Are you willing to wait all night for your files to upload and spend an additional small fortune for disk space to store the huge files? Also, the D3s will give you a scant 5 minutes recording time before you need to load up more media.

For most people wanting hi-def, a still camera and a separate "consumer-level" camcorder makes more sense.

Hadn't seen those, thanks. I Agree it's not something I'd consider using in a DSLR. Better to use a dedicated bit of kit. IMHO it's a gimmicky bit of trickery aimed at people who are dipping their toes into DLSR's for the first time but with no real value for serious use. Horses for courses.