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Anyone using the S120?

Started Jan 8, 2020 | Discussions thread
nevada5
nevada5 Forum Pro • Posts: 15,553
Yes. Me.
1

24thWanderer wrote:

I have been looking up a cheap (~$200 USD) capable compact for every day use. As I am primarily a M4/3, Panasonic guy, I was looking at the various ZS compacts. The ZS100 is available for a good price these days but I honestly don't need all the features it comes with so I was looking at cheaper options. There are lesser ZS models but when I was scoping out sensor scores on DXOMark, I saw that the non 1" scores are about half of the the 1" sensor. They have good features but I found the photos to be lacking (based on when I owned a ZS50).

While checking out the DXOMark database, I came across the S120. I know it's older, but it seems to be about what I'm looking for: Pocketable, able to shoot RAW and can take some nice pictures. I've seen it be acquired for a pretty cheap price on used sites and ebay. I was wondering if anyone here is still using this camera and if they enjoy it. I wouldn't be using it for critical applications; I have two cameras for that. I just miss having a pocketable camera on me all the time.

Let me know your thoughts on this or if I would be better suited saving for something like a G9X or something. I've owned various Canon compacts before and they generally deliver so I'm starting here. Thanks for any advice!

When my Nikon P330 broke down a few years back I thought I'd take a chance on the S120.  Wow!  For my needs - a pocketable camera - it's quite amazing.  The Nikon IQ was excellent but it's s-l-o-w in every respect and there's no means for AEL at all.  I bought an S120 and immediately saw similar (consistently excellent) image quality, it's very responsive, has at least the customization to do AEL and I'm always forgetting it actually has a touch screen.

I dropped my S120 into the water kayaking a few months back.  I took the opportunity to attempt an upgrade.  No luck with any of the 1" sensor compacts (lens issues) so I found an S120 on eBay (about $150, like new condition) and I'm glad I stayed with it.

I shoot only raw and I've used it at wide open aperture in low light situations.  It never lets me down.  The sharp lens is what sets it apart from other pocket cameras.

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