versatile compact p+s

[redterminator]

Hi guys,

I've been looking at camera reviews for a few weeks now and am having a hard time making a decision. Here are my criteria


Budget

* What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible.

$200-350

Size

* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?

Looking for a compact camera. I have looked at compact ultra-zoom and they are just too big. I want something I can carry in my pocket or I won't get much use out of it.

Features

How many megapixels will suffice for you? 10 or more

* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify)

I'll settle for 5x. I'd like more but realize that I'm limited by the size of the camera and that's more important.

* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10)

8-9

Do you care for manual controls?

Somewhat but will give up if good auto mode.

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for?

Taking pictures of friends, trips, maybe some nature shots. But first two mostly.

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?

Probably not but would be nice to have the ability.

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?

Yes

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?

A little

Miscellaneous

Are there particular brands you like or hate?

Have read good things about Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Fuji

Are there particular models you already have in mind?

Considering Canon SD960 or 980, Fuji F200 EXR, Panasonic FX-48, Panasonic FX-580, Sony WX1/B (although reviews are not good for this one)

(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)


I want wide angle, at least 28mm, good optical image stabilization, the rest I don't care about.


I'd also like 720p video if possible but may be willing to give that up if the camera image quality is really awesome. Fuji F200 EXR seemed to fit the bill except for the video shortcomings and the high auto ISO selection. I'm open to other models I may not have looked at as well. Also, all the super zoom cameras I've seen are just way too big sizewise. If there are some that are close to the ultra compacts, I would consider them.

[KCook]

Great short list. For low light the Panny FX60/65 may have an edge over the FX40/48. I have not seen a serious review of the Sony WX1 yet, so am still keeping my fingers crossed there. When in doubt buy from an outfit that makes returns easy.

Kelly Cook

[redterminator]

Any suggestions on how to narrow down that list? Are there any cameras that will give image quality close to the Fujui F200EXR with the extra features that it's lacking?

[David Metsky]

Are there any cameras that will give image quality close to the Fujui F200EXR with the extra features that it's lacking?
Not really, no. You might take a gander at the Canon S90 as well.

[KCook]

... any cameras that will give image quality close to the Fujui F200EXR ... If image quality includes color characteristics, that is always a subjective call. For folks who are super fussy about color tone, the color from some of the other brands may, or may not, look better than Fuji. There are now sample shots available for all of those, except I haven't seen any for the Sony WX1 yet.

Kelly

[KCook]

There is just now a review of the Sony WX1 on the I-R site. The new sensor has super sensitivity, a lot more than the Fuji F200EXR. But for light levels that the F200EXR can reach, the WX1 does not appear to match the IQ of the F200EXR. Interesting quandary for low light shoppers, is extreme sensitivity or IQ more important?

Kelly