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looking for a good point and shoot

Started Dec 11, 2012 | Questions
FredK Forum Member • Posts: 76
looking for a good point and shoot

I am looking for a good point and shoot to replace my wonderful but aged A630. With all the options out there like S100, S110, G15, sx260, elph110, elph320 (one of my friends even has a Pan ZS19 that he likes). I want to just use it in Auto mode and take good pictures and videos of the kids and family (JPEG only). Is G15 or S110 an over kill? Does anyone has any recommendation for a point and shoot?

Thanks for any recommendations.

ANSWER:
This question has not been answered yet.
Canon PowerShot A630 Canon PowerShot G15 Canon PowerShot S110 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 (Lumix DMC-TZ6)
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Steen Bay Veteran Member • Posts: 7,418
Re: looking for a good point and shoot
1

FredK wrote:

I am looking for a good point and shoot to replace my wonderful but aged A630. With all the options out there like S100, S110, G15, sx260, elph110, elph320 (one of my friends even has a Pan ZS19 that he likes). I want to just use it in Auto mode and take good pictures and videos of the kids and family (JPEG only). Is G15 or S110 an over kill? Does anyone has any recommendation for a point and shoot?

Thanks for any recommendations.

I'd say SX260, because of its 20x zoom. It's both wider and longer than on your old A630.

biza43 Forum Pro • Posts: 15,066
Re: looking for a good point and shoot

For your objectives, there are literally hundreds of compact cameras, from all brands, that will do. Just do a search on the web on the subject about suggestions from several photo websites that have their "Holidays Camera recommendations" or such similar thing.

Or go to a shop and try several of them.

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(unknown member) Veteran Member • Posts: 6,192
Re: looking for a good point and shoot

FredK wrote:

I am looking for a good point and shoot to replace my wonderful but aged A630. With all the options out there like S100, S110, G15, sx260, elph110, elph320 (one of my friends even has a Pan ZS19 that he likes). I want to just use it in Auto mode and take good pictures and videos of the kids and family (JPEG only). Is G15 or S110 an over kill? Does anyone has any recommendation for a point and shoot?

Thanks for any recommendations.

I do not think you can go far wrong if you get a Canon SX130 or SX150 if you can find one cheap as the new SX160 has come out. Full PASM, 12x zoom and uses AA batteries and gives excellent results. A bit large but very easy to hold. The best value for money in my opinion.

Steen Bay Veteran Member • Posts: 7,418
Re: looking for a good point and shoot

Greynerd wrote:

FredK wrote:

I am looking for a good point and shoot to replace my wonderful but aged A630. With all the options out there like S100, S110, G15, sx260, elph110, elph320 (one of my friends even has a Pan ZS19 that he likes). I want to just use it in Auto mode and take good pictures and videos of the kids and family (JPEG only). Is G15 or S110 an over kill? Does anyone has any recommendation for a point and shoot?

Thanks for any recommendations.

I do not think you can go far wrong if you get a Canon SX130 or SX150 if you can find one cheap as the new SX160 has come out. Full PASM, 12x zoom and uses AA batteries and gives excellent results. A bit large but very easy to hold. The best value for money in my opinion.

Agree that the SX100 series is good value, but if the OP only upgrades every five years or so, then I think that e.g. the wider and longer zoom (25-500mm equivalent) and the better sensor (BSI-CMOS vs. CCD) on the SX260 is well worth the extra money.

Rod McD Veteran Member • Posts: 8,578
Re: looking for a good point and shoot

Hi,  I'm with biza43's post.....  It's a bit hard to ask us to be more specific because we don't know your needs, other than that you seem to have been happy with the A630 since around 2006/7 and are comfortable with the IQ from jpegs.  This description is so broad that dozens of models will do.

I'd comment that there's nothing quite as good as simply liking a camera to make you use it and enjoy it.  The A630 was an 8mpx model with a 35-140 zoom.  Most cameras now exceed 8mpx, and there are many with zooms crossing that range.  Some of the better ones start at a 24mm or 28mm equivalent lens (like the G15, which is 28-140 equivalent).  I'd suggest visiting a store that carries a good range and see what you like.  To narrow your search down a bit, I'd suggest asking yourself questions about the following things before you check a few out........

  • What's your budget?  Better models are literally twice the price of the simpler end of the market
  • How big do you want it?  A630 size? Pocketable?  Belt case?  Shoulder strap case?
  • How long do you want the zoom range - do you shoot very wide or very long?
  • Do you want macro?
  • Do you want a viewfinder?
  • Do you want a flip/swivel screen
  • Are you happy with auto everything?  Or do you want control?
  • If you want control, do you want it via menus or via external buttons?
  • Do you have a need for larger prints?

Read up on the models that appeal - tests, reviews, user reports and so on.  Then check a few out in the hand and discuss with a salesman -  who'll help you narrow it down if he's at all helpful.

  • The current A series is now up to the A1300.  It's a very basic camera with a 28-140mm (equiv) rather slow lens that sells on-line for about $79.00. 
  • Moving on up, the SX160 is a well featured super zoom with a huge 28-448 equivalent zoom range for just under $200.
  • The S Series has evolved up to the S110.  These are slightly cheaper, smaller and more pocketable than the top of the line G series.  The S110 is touch-screen-driven, has a 1/1.7 sensor, a useful 24-120 lens and sells online for about $400.
  • Then the G series.......  If you really can't be bothered thinking too much about it, are happy with the A630's zoom range, and you can afford the better end of the market, consider a G15.  It's Canon's top of the line small compact now and you won't be disappointed. It's well made.  It has a full auto mode if you want it; and extensive control if you want to expand. It has the latest and fastest AF in Canon's range.  No flip screen though.  It's image quality leaves many others behind and it will probably still be pleasing you in another six years time.  They're around $470 online.  

And that's just Canon.  Enjoy your purchase, whatever it is.

Cheers,  Rod

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GeraldW Veteran Member • Posts: 8,872
Re: looking for a good point and shoot

Fred,

It has been a while, so I looked up the specs on the A630.  That was quite a camera with a great reputation for excellent images.  I'm going to list the specifications in order to help others who may be trying to help you.

8 MP, 1/1.8" sensor

2.5" articulated LCD with 115,000 dots plus an optical viewfinder

lens is 35-140 mm, f/2.8-4.1

4.29" x 2.6" x 1.93", 11 oz with the four AA cells

I don't know which of these specifications are important to you; but the optical viewfinder and the flip out LCD will be hard to find in new cameras.  The A830 had a full range of controls for manual or semi-auto (Program) shooting.  I gather you did not use those; but shot in Auto?

The closest camera, available new is the Canon G12.  The G12 has been replaced by the G15; but you can still find new G12's.  The G12 is roughly the same size and weight, has an optical viewfinder and a flip out LCD, a very similar lens, and a larger and higher resolution LCD.

The G15 is a really good camera; but lacks the flip out LCD.  I just got one, and I'm really pleased with it.  It covers the same 28-140 mm range as the G12; but the lens is better and significantly faster, and noise control is a little better at high ISO.

Both of these are probably more camera than the A630; but won't give you dramatically better images in good light - the A630 was very good and closely matched the G7 for image quality.  However, they are better built, have hot shoes for adding a flash, much higher resolution and larger LCD's, and have Image Stabilization that the A630 lacked.  They also cover a little wider angle at a 28 mm equivalent and still go as long as the A630 at 140 mm.  The A630 could go to a so-so ISO 800; but the G15 can do ISO 3200 and with its faster lens will be much better in low light.

Smaller cameras like the Canon SX260HS or Panasonic ZS15 can take very good pictures and have lenses that cover a much wider range.  They also will fit in a shirt pocket.  They lack the optical viewfinder and the LCD's are fixed in place.  However, if you don't miss the optical finder and flip out LCD on your A630; they will both take excellent pictures.  Of those two, I decided on the ZS15 as it felt better in my hands.  The ZS15 also has a really good Intelligent Auto mode.

Without the optical viewfinder, you have to rely on the rear LCD for composition.  Sometimes in full sun they are hard to use; which is when the optical finder comes in handy.  The LCD's on the SX260HS and the ZS15 are good ones; but I still have to take off my sunglasses to see them in full sun.

For use in Auto, I would not recommend the S100 or S110.

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Jerry

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biza43 Forum Pro • Posts: 15,066
Re: looking for a good point and shoot

I am going to suggest something entirely different, the Nikon 1 J1 camera. This can now be found quite cheaply. This camera has a blazing fast AF, a large 1 inch sensor (meaning better image quality than the average P&S), and with the kit zoom (equivalent to approx. 27-70mm lens) is not much larger than a "serious" P&S like the Canon G series, or Nikon P series.

For kids and family, this camera is superb and lots of fun, with special video features, etc. Just check it.

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(unknown member) Veteran Member • Posts: 6,192
Re: looking for a good point and shoot

Steen Bay wrote:

Greynerd wrote:

FredK wrote:

I am looking for a good point and shoot to replace my wonderful but aged A630. With all the options out there like S100, S110, G15, sx260, elph110, elph320 (one of my friends even has a Pan ZS19 that he likes). I want to just use it in Auto mode and take good pictures and videos of the kids and family (JPEG only). Is G15 or S110 an over kill? Does anyone has any recommendation for a point and shoot?

Thanks for any recommendations.

I do not think you can go far wrong if you get a Canon SX130 or SX150 if you can find one cheap as the new SX160 has come out. Full PASM, 12x zoom and uses AA batteries and gives excellent results. A bit large but very easy to hold. The best value for money in my opinion.

Agree that the SX100 series is good value, but if the OP only upgrades every five years or so, then I think that e.g. the wider and longer zoom (25-500mm equivalent) and the better sensor (BSI-CMOS vs. CCD) on the SX260 is well worth the extra money.

I could not disagree with that if the extra funds are available though CCD's can have their virtues in good light. I think if you want a point and shoot Canon have enough to keep you satisfied without complicating things with different brands. I have a Canon Ixus 230/Elph 310 also which is great for compactness and results but not so good with controls. The problem with stabilised cameras is they like slow shutter speeds which is not so good with moving subjects such as children. Kids and Pets with the Ixus does not improve shutter speeds and you have to push the ISO to speed it up. I am wondering about using CHDK but my firmware version number is nothing like the 100x they use and they say it can damage the camera by operating it out of spec. though this is unlikely. Possibly not worth the bother.

PaulRivers Veteran Member • Posts: 7,420
Re: looking for a good point and shoot

I wouldn't recommend the Nikon j1. The Sony rx100 is much smaller, uses the same size sensor, and also has super snappy autofocus (the j1 might have an edge in this department, but it's very small).

The Sony rx100 costs $650.

The Nikon j1 itself costs $400, but to get the same indoor lighting performance from it that you get from the rx100, you will need to buy the 18.5mm f1.8 lens.

j1 - $400
lens - $190
total - $590

Note that with the j1 you will have to choose between having a short zoom camera, or switching the lens and having a camera that can zoom - but not both at the same time.

The rx100 is a far more portable camera, with the same performance, and no need to switch lenses...

OP FredK Forum Member • Posts: 76
Re: looking for a good point and shoot

Thanks for all your suggestions. you guys gave me some wonderful ideas to do some research tonight.

Andrys Regular Member • Posts: 300
Re: looking for a good point and shoot

Steen Bay wrote:
...

Agree that the SX100 series is good value, but if the OP only upgrades every five years or so, then I think that e.g. the wider and longer zoom (25-500mm equivalent) and the better sensor (BSI-CMOS vs. CCD) on the SX260 is well worth the extra money.

Bear in mind that the SX260, while $250 at most places these days, is $199 at Canon, and I couldn't resist.
I think the motor noise heard during video  is one thing to consider if best video on a P&S is important to you.  For me it's the stills.
    And the camera has done better than I expected.  I also have a Sony RX100, which replaced a Canon S95 (which I still have as backup) but this is very good for the flexibility of that zoom.
    However, in lower light it may take longer to focus if you prefer non-flash shots, which I do, but I use the spot meter mode most of the and move it slightly if I find an area too dark or too light, and it focuses very fast with that, even in low light.  I have examples in the first set or link below.

- Andrys

http://www.pbase.com/andrys/canonsx260 (casual tests)
http://www.pbase.com/andrys/sonyrx100 (casual tests)
http://www.pbase.com/andrys (Yosemite, Italy, Turkey, Machu Picchu, Petra)

Steen Bay Veteran Member • Posts: 7,418
Re: looking for a good point and shoot

Andrys wrote:

Steen Bay wrote:
...

Agree that the SX100 series is good value, but if the OP only upgrades every five years or so, then I think that e.g. the wider and longer zoom (25-500mm equivalent) and the better sensor (BSI-CMOS vs. CCD) on the SX260 is well worth the extra money.

Bear in mind that the SX260, while $250 at most places these days, is $199 at Canon, and I couldn't resist.
I think the motor noise heard during video is one thing to consider if best video on a P&S is important to you. For me it's the stills.
And the camera has done better than I expected. I also have a Sony RX100, which replaced a Canon S95 (which I still have as backup) but this is very good for the flexibility of that zoom.
However, in lower light it may take longer to focus if you prefer non-flash shots, which I do, but I use the spot meter mode most of the and move it slightly if I find an area too dark or too light, and it focuses very fast with that, even in low light. I have examples in the first set or link below.

- Andrys

http://www.pbase.com/andrys/canonsx260 (casual tests)
http://www.pbase.com/andrys/sonyrx100 (casual tests)
http://www.pbase.com/andrys (Yosemite, Italy, Turkey, Machu Picchu, Petra)

Congrats with your new SX260. Haven't tried it myself, but it seems to be a very nice camera. Much like a compact version of my SX40, just with a bit less zoom and without the EVF.

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