TomasC
04-09-2009, 05:59 AM
I've spent the last couple of days looking for a compact camera and have looked at at least 40 models from up close or afar. After a merciless decision process there are 2 models still in the race. Between which I can't seem to choose. So I put the question to you.
Budget
Anything below 350 EUR (465USD) is fair game.
Size
Compact or even ultra-compact. It has to fit in my coat or trouserpocket.
Usage
Standard holiday pictures (going to Poland and Israel soon), especially landscapes.
Party pictures: think dinner parties and candle-lit dinners (although flash will be on for these pictures)
Features
Wide angle lens (seems appropriate given the landscape photography)
Good image stabilization
Good automatic modes for quick snaps
If possible, manual controls for at least shutter speed
It's a wide set of 'demands', but I really only have the budget for one camera and I don't feel like dragging along more anyway :).
Miscellaneous
I've already done extensive research on the models I'm looking at:
Panasonic Lumix FX500 Fujifilm F200EXR
+ 25mm wide angle - 28mm wide angle
+ Leica lens (good reputation) - Fujinon lens (I have no idea how good these are)
+ Image stabilization through lens - Image stabilization through sensor (not as good as lens, I'm told)
+ F2.8 at wide end - F3.3 at wide end
- F5.9 at tele end - F4.9 at tele end
- Noise, even at ISO 100, and 'smudging' + Fujifilm is known for relatively little noise in compact cameras,
due to internal noise compensation and this model has the EXR sensor for noise reduction and enhanced
dynamic range (which actually works according to samples I've seen)
- High sensor density (a cause of noise) + Low sensor density (for a compact) (26MP/cm2)
(36MP/cm2)
If I am calculating correctly, F2.8 is 40% more light intake than F3.3. That seems an awful lot!
As I am barely an amateur in photography, I'm wondering who can help me make sense of these facts & figures and help me put them in the context of practice? Of course, good suggestions other than these two models are also very welcome!
Budget
Anything below 350 EUR (465USD) is fair game.
Size
Compact or even ultra-compact. It has to fit in my coat or trouserpocket.
Usage
Standard holiday pictures (going to Poland and Israel soon), especially landscapes.
Party pictures: think dinner parties and candle-lit dinners (although flash will be on for these pictures)
Features
Wide angle lens (seems appropriate given the landscape photography)
Good image stabilization
Good automatic modes for quick snaps
If possible, manual controls for at least shutter speed
It's a wide set of 'demands', but I really only have the budget for one camera and I don't feel like dragging along more anyway :).
Miscellaneous
I've already done extensive research on the models I'm looking at:
Panasonic Lumix FX500 Fujifilm F200EXR
+ 25mm wide angle - 28mm wide angle
+ Leica lens (good reputation) - Fujinon lens (I have no idea how good these are)
+ Image stabilization through lens - Image stabilization through sensor (not as good as lens, I'm told)
+ F2.8 at wide end - F3.3 at wide end
- F5.9 at tele end - F4.9 at tele end
- Noise, even at ISO 100, and 'smudging' + Fujifilm is known for relatively little noise in compact cameras,
due to internal noise compensation and this model has the EXR sensor for noise reduction and enhanced
dynamic range (which actually works according to samples I've seen)
- High sensor density (a cause of noise) + Low sensor density (for a compact) (26MP/cm2)
(36MP/cm2)
If I am calculating correctly, F2.8 is 40% more light intake than F3.3. That seems an awful lot!
As I am barely an amateur in photography, I'm wondering who can help me make sense of these facts & figures and help me put them in the context of practice? Of course, good suggestions other than these two models are also very welcome!