Companion P&S for DSLR?

Okay, while I hunt down the answers i'm looking for and nail down what path I want to take, I have ran into another question for the more experienced masses.

Should I (or do any of you) purchase a companion P&S to go into our DSLR bag?

I'm specifically looking at the Sony Cyber-shot 16.2 "DSCHX100v/B"

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+Cyber-shot+16.2-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/2255047.p?id=1218315992500&skuId=2255047

This seems like a very nice addition and jack of all trades type of camera to go with our a390, plus it uses the exact same battery.

My real question is, for entry level DSLR'rs like my wife and I, will we just rely on this because its easier and slowly stop going to the a390? I had tossed around the idea of a 2nd dslr body so we can both shoot, but this might serve as a great backup and friendlier small gathering type of a camera. All while still being able to take high quality photo's.

I'm also not sure just how much of a step down from the a390 and/or how far of a step above a much cheaper p&s it would be.

I've honed in on a backpack, a good macro (tamron 90, sony 100 or sigma 105) and its down to getting something like the tamron 10-24 wide angle lens or this Sony Cyber shot dschx100.

Also open to other suggestions.

PS: I own the a390, kit 18-55, 75-300, a tripod and a bag that only fits the camera and 2 lenses we currently own.

I've got nothing bad to say about superzoom P&S cameras, as I've owned 2 myself. That is one route to consider going, for a second camera.

Personally, if you're looking for a P&S alternative for a DSLR, I'd be more tempted to consider getting something completely different than a DSLR - go for the smallest, thinnest, lightest you can find. Maybe consider Sony's TX series, which are truly pocketable (as in chest pocket slim!), and yet still have some convenient trick features like image-stacking noise-reduction and HDR modes, and they even make waterproof models that can go diving. To me, that would seem a great companion for a DSLR shooter, because it has virtually no overlap with the DSLR. A superzoom has a large, versatile lens for maximum focal range, but also a chunkier body that isn't really all that different from the form factor of a DSLR. BTW, I do have a Sony TX1 that is my super-ultra-compact alternative to my DSLR, and it does suit me perfectly.

Another way to consider would be to get a smaller camera that shares the same image-quality potential of the DSLR - like a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. These are about the size of a superzoom P&S when equipped with basic kit lens, but have vastly larger sensors that can perform the same as a DSLR in most conditions - some are identical to DSLRs in image quality across the ISO range. They add the ability to change lenses just like a DSLR...the only way they don't really keep up with DSLRs is in overall operational speed - focus, burst, buffer size, tracking focus, among other things aren't in the same category as a DSLR. But image quality is right on par. Olympus and Panasonic Micro 4:3 models, Sony NEX models, and Samsung NX models are all in this category.

Just throwing around a few ideas. The superzoom is ALSO a fine way to go - and as I said, I've loved the convenience and huge focal range they can provide, so I haven't got a bad thing to say about them. I thought I'd throw a few other options to consider.

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

I personally use Canon G12 as my compact digicam. It's bigger, heavier than the model you are considering, and doesn't have long zoom but it offer pretty much the same picture quality as A390 (only 10 MP though). G12 is Canon's flagship compact, has extensive manual controls, buttons, swift LCD, optical view finder, RAW file, etc. This is the closest DSLR- like compact you can get, and still smaller enough to fit in large pocket. I bought it used for $400.

On the other hand, you can get a used or "new" Olympus E-PL1 for the price of a high end "compact" camera, with a sensor almost 8 times larger than the largest "compact" camera. And with the collapsible 14-42mm (28-84 in 34mm terms) lens, it's not much bigger than a large compact camera.
--
Only my opinion. It's worth what you paid for it. Your mileage may vary! ;-}

http://www.dougwigton.com/

Well, almost.

It is a great camera, but kind of big.

You could get a used E-PL1 and 40-150mm lens as another option.

I agree with Justin. Only adding that if it was a SuperZoom you select you will not need to take the 300mm as the SuperZoom will out reach it and probably fit in the bag where you had the 300mm lens.
--
Sarge

Alpha 700 8mm Bower, 50mm 1.7, 35-70 F4, 90mm Tamron, 18-250 Sigma & 50-500 Bigma
Fisheye photos at http://sony-snapper.com/Playing%20Around/Fisheye/index.html
New toy - Asus Transformer Android 3.2 tablet
Albums at http://www.sony-snapper.com

I agree with this 100%. I have the Sony TX5 and LOVE it. It stays with me in my purse or pocket whereas my a33 goes with me when I plan on shooting. It's nice to have something really small, powerful and convenient like the TX5 when something just happens to catch my eye and I want to photograph it.

zackiedawg said:

I've got nothing bad to say about superzoom P&S cameras, as I've owned 2 myself. That is one route to consider going, for a second camera.

Personally, if you're looking for a P&S alternative for a DSLR, I'd be more tempted to consider getting something completely different than a DSLR - go for the smallest, thinnest, lightest you can find. Maybe consider Sony's TX series, which are truly pocketable (as in chest pocket slim!), and yet still have some convenient trick features like image-stacking noise-reduction and HDR modes, and they even make waterproof models that can go diving. To me, that would seem a great companion for a DSLR shooter, because it has virtually no overlap with the DSLR. A superzoom has a large, versatile lens for maximum focal range, but also a chunkier body that isn't really all that different from the form factor of a DSLR. BTW, I do have a Sony TX1 that is my super-ultra-compact alternative to my DSLR, and it does suit me perfectly.

Another way to consider would be to get a smaller camera that shares the same image-quality potential of the DSLR - like a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. These are about the size of a superzoom P&S when equipped with basic kit lens, but have vastly larger sensors that can perform the same as a DSLR in most conditions - some are identical to DSLRs in image quality across the ISO range. They add the ability to change lenses just like a DSLR...the only way they don't really keep up with DSLRs is in overall operational speed - focus, burst, buffer size, tracking focus, among other things aren't in the same category as a DSLR. But image quality is right on par. Olympus and Panasonic Micro 4:3 models, Sony NEX models, and Samsung NX models are all in this category.

Just throwing around a few ideas. The superzoom is ALSO a fine way to go - and as I said, I've loved the convenience and huge focal range they can provide, so I haven't got a bad thing to say about them. I thought I'd throw a few other options to consider.

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

Click to expand...

I have several P&S's but my iPhone 4 is really just good enough.
--
davidsdigitalphotography.com

When I got the Sony a33 my boyfriend got the Panasonic FT2 and that worked out to be a pretty good combination. The FT2 is a 'tough' camera and can be dropped, go in water and everything else without any problems so it meant that when I wanted to leave the a33 in the bag for its own protection, the FT2 could come out.

That said, I preferred Sony's waterproof model over the FT2 (but went with the FT2 because that's what my boyfriend wanted and it is HIS camera) so I'd suggest you take a look at the different cams available and do a bit of a comparison to work out which you prefer before making a decision.

Alternatively the NEX cams could be worth considering - with an adapter you can share the alpha lenses you have already and they're pretty cool cameras

NEX is a consideration, but for me it just doesn't work. With small lens to make it a pocketable camera you have no zoom thus limited capability for my shooting which ranges from landscapes to wildlife, often on the same walk or bike ride. With a zoom it is just too big compared to some very good P&S cameras. If I want a second body for my A-mount lenses I'd just get a second DSLR/DSLT for less than the price of the NEX.
--
Dave

For a pocketable P/S I use a Canon S90. Great little camera. The newer S95 is a slight improvement. The other choices Panasonic, Oly, Samsung are all great cameras but the Canon has a smaller body.
--
Sony SLT-A55
Sigma 17-70 f2.8 HSM
Tamron 70-300 USD
Minolta AF 24mm f2.8
Minolta AF 50mm f1.4

In addition to the superzoom / travelzoom-type cameras there's a developing "enthusiast compact" market...that is pocketable compacts with larger-than-average sensors and brighter-than-average lenses. (There's also the M4/3 cams, but I won't go into that as other posters have covered them already)

The key trend here appears to be that while the superzoom and travelzoom categories are aiming for max zoom range (15-30x) and huge megapixels counts (14-16MP) which inevitably compromises overall IQ, the enthusiast cameras are aiming for best IQ and good manual control, though with lower zoom range (typically 3-5X) and MP counts (10-12MP). And I think SLR owners who want a 2nd, more pocketable camera are probably one of the key target markets.

I'm not saying the travelzooms or superzooms are bad as I've had a few over the years which I've been very happy with (Oly SP550UZ, Canon SX20is and Fuji HS10), so I think it depends what you're after for a 2nd cam. If you want max zoom range and don't mind a chunky cam go with a superzoom (e.g Fuji HS20 or Panny FZ100), if you want still-impressive zoom range in a smaller package go with a travelzoom (e.g. Canon SX230 or Sony HX9v), and if you want best IQ and don't mind having a smaller zoom range, go with one of the enthusiast models.

Of these "enthusiast compacts" 2 of the better-known ones for which you'll find lots of reviews and example pics on the web are the Canon S95 and Olympus XZ1. The S95 is really small and pocketable, and has a max arpeture somewhere around F2. The Oly is definitely chunkier, but has a max arpeture of F1.8 which is impressive for a compact. There are also similar models from most of the brands like Nikon (P7000) and Samsung (TL500). The Canon G12 which Amateur Sony Shooter mentioned also sits in this category and based on reviews is one of the best when it comes to IQ. It is one of the bigger-bodied cameras in this category but has a multi-angle screen and a few other bells and whistles that something like the S95 doesn't have.

After purchasing my A55 a few months back, I've also been itching for something that is a bit more portable for those occasions when you don't want to be lugging around an SLR/SLT e.g. going out to a party / dinner or going for a stroll along the beach. So I don't think the two are mutually-exclusive at all...there'll be occasions for both. Personally I'm leaning towards the S95 as I want best IQ I can get in as small a package as possible, and I'm quite happy to sacrifice a bit of zoom to achieve this.

....

I actually have a Panasonic DMC-ZS7 I bought 2 years ago ( multitude of features but IQ not too good ). Today I'd buy the Sony!

... Lucas
--
Always having fun with photography ...

http://www.lucaspix.smugmug.com/

........... anything that suits your budget or fancy would be just perfect, really. Many of my popular gallery pics were taken with a humble little pocket Pentax Optio L30 , 7.1 MP.

It's people that take great pictures, not great cameras.

Stv
--
Simplify_balancE_eXclude = photo SEX

http://stv.smugmug.com/

All great suggestions. I'm going to head out to a Best Buy (sadly the best camera store near me, that I know of. Flint, MI) and check out several of the models suggested.

-Not sure I'm sold on a super pocked friendly DC, for must have's that i dont care the quality, I generally just pull out the phone.

-Will check out something like the G12 or Nikon 7000.

-Going to look long and hard at the super zooms/jack of all trades. Especially the Sony one, although before holding it, i'm placing it first because of the matching battery to our DSLR.

-Also going to check into these tough/waterproof mentioned models.

I am still heavily leaning towards a super zoom. Simply because I think my wife and I could be out both shooting and have shots that either camera would excel at. We could never afford a decent 800mm DSLR lens, we've been looking for something wide-angle/panorama & video shooting would be a plus. Dont want/need to get into video, but there are nice moments that could be captured with this feature.

Plus, the more I think about it, even with the zoom length/panorama shots on the sony super zoom, the DSLR will still be able to take much HQ photo's and that will always have a place and a time. So, I'm not sure I'm still worried about us favoring the new super zoom over the dslr.

+1 Sony TX-5 for all around rugged portable goodness.

I also have a panasonic ZS-3 which is amazingly good (for small sensor) and versatile but bigger and not waterproof, so it mainly stays on standby in the car.

I had an LX-3 and even an EPL-1 for a while, and they were OK but almost as much a bother to carry as my A55 so I sold them off. The TX5 slips in the pocket and can drop or get wet without worry. That's what I require to compromise IQ with a small sensor. IQ is on par or better than most P&S cameras.

archi2this said:

Okay, while I hunt down the answers i'm looking for and nail down what path I want to take, I have ran into another question for the more experienced masses.

Should I (or do any of you) purchase a companion P&S to go into our DSLR bag?

I'm specifically looking at the Sony Cyber-shot 16.2 "DSCHX100v/B"

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+Cyber-shot+16.2-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/2255047.p?id=1218315992500&skuId=2255047

This seems like a very nice addition and jack of all trades type of camera to go with our a390, plus it uses the exact same battery.

My real question is, for entry level DSLR'rs like my wife and I, will we just rely on this because its easier and slowly stop going to the a390? I had tossed around the idea of a 2nd dslr body so we can both shoot, but this might serve as a great backup and friendlier small gathering type of a camera. All while still being able to take high quality photo's.

I'm also not sure just how much of a step down from the a390 and/or how far of a step above a much cheaper p&s it would be.

I've honed in on a backpack, a good macro (tamron 90, sony 100 or sigma 105) and its down to getting something like the tamron 10-24 wide angle lens or this Sony Cyber shot dschx100.

Also open to other suggestions.

PS: I own the a390, kit 18-55, 75-300, a tripod and a bag that only fits the camera and 2 lenses we currently own.

Click to expand...

well you are asking the wrong questions here mate...and this is understandable since you never encountered the issue im gonna show to you :

when i went up from fz28 panasonic superzoom cam ..( or more aptly bridge cam ) ...i did that move cause i wanted a better low light ability ie ..high iso ability .

but i was quickly amazed at how my low iso shots looked like from the new cam ( A580 ) ..i thought it was just the different colors of sony at first but when i did one on one ..and later on came up on sites like dxo mark i got it...the dynamic range..this is a vague area not telling a whole lot to most people but your eye can feel it as much as it can feel the difference between staring at 42inch led screen vs "old days" back projector screen...
i was just looking at a youtube section about the new sony to make sure. :
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sony+hx100v&aq=1&oq=sony+hx

from my eyes the images look so dull and lifeless with no colors its amazing for me i ever thought images like that are good....yes here and there some shots will come out remarkable and dslr like..but most just give the feeling of "ehhh " .

this issue is far more important then iso ,lenses and such ...most people even with dslr's here stated they stay well below the 1600iso anyway .

i suggest you get an A55 or A65 with the new sensor that has the best dynamic range out there for this class and most classes overall...and tag it with a superzoom lens like the sigma 18-250mm ..yep its no pocket camera but it will do for 90% of your needs if not more.

zackiedawg said:

Another way to consider would be to get a smaller camera that shares the same image-quality potential of the DSLR - like a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. ... Olympus and Panasonic Micro 4:3 models, Sony NEX models, and Samsung NX models are all in this category.

Click to expand...

FWIW, I love my Samsung NX100. I think it's a forgotten gem. Thom Hogan has a great review of the mirrorless options, in which he calls the Samsung "the surprise of the bunch." Paired with the 30mm lens it's a pretty small package with great 14mp image quality.

I had a Pentax KX and Nikon D3000, but the Samsung gives me the same image quality in a much smaller package.

--
Nothing more than an amateur.
I muse on Samsung NX cameras at http://www.NX-users.com

When my A700 went out while on my honeymoon this June, and I couldn't find an A55 in Venice, Italy, I bought a Canon S95.

I've been very happy with that choice. Images are great, as is the ability to shoot RAW.

I love the size. It's very easy to always have along.

"The best camera is the one you have with you" - I find the S95 is almost always "with me".

Russ

Since true pocketability doesn’t seem the be the issue for you, why not NEX 5 with 18-55 (or cheaper if you can find the old NEX-3). For a little more you get true DSLR image quality
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A580: CZ 24-70 f/2.8, SAL 70-400G f/4-5.6, Tokina 11-16 f/2.8
NEX-5: SEL 16 f/2.8, SEL 18-55 f/3.5-5.6