Enthusiast compact camera roundup (2014)

I'll say the Canon G1 X Mark II, the Fujifilm X30 and X100T should be in some other groups. But it is my personal opinion.

Feb 25, 2015permalink

Lem - you make reference to a "Leica group" but this often-referenced website does not seem to have a separate group or category for Leica/Canon G1X Mk II. I agree that the Fuji X100T may be seen as competitive with the Leica D-Lux Type 109, but if not here, where?

Mar 14, 2015permalink

Just a thought.

Mar 15, 2015*permalink

Compared by similar values. Competitiveness should be in price not value.

Mar 15, 2015permalink

I can't find a camera as versatile as Sony's NEX, even with APS sensor size and 16-50mm lens the NEX 5T is under $400!

Feb 25, 2015permalink

Looking at Fujifim cameras with tiny sensors and considering its unique sensors and film simulation modes it should be in category with maybe Leica. These are not cheap cameras, even x10 is over $400. All presented cameras in this group are much versatile, if we're not taking the sensor size into account all these little cameras are just a versatile photographic tools. Looking at Fujifilm unique sensor performance, retro style and solid build it should go to the group with Leica.

Feb 25, 2015permalink

Mark Alan Thomas

I wouldn't group it with the Leica. The Leica is a full frame, manual focus rangefinder. Aside from its deliberate cosmetic similarities, the Fuji, while an excellent camera, just isn't the same thing at all. The Leica, by design, is nowhere near as versatile or feature rich. At the same time, it seems disingenuous to group the Fuji among the enthusiast compacts. It's more than that.

Mar 20, 2015permalink

Egreenboy

I am wondering about the aperture comparison chart provided in the review as it relates to low light performance. For a point of reference, where would my Nikon FG with 50mm f1.8 fall on the chart?

Would the P7800 be as good as the Nikon FG with 50mm f1.8 in a poorly lit restaurant (no flash)?

Jan 30, 2015permalink

EcoPix

I think the chart is mainly to assess depth of field, so to compare your FG's depth of field, you would have to look up a chart for a full frame (24x36mm) camera. It would be lower than the blue line. You would not get the same 'look' with a P7800.

In terms of low light image quality, I don't think many readers here would know the definitive answer. Roughly speaking, a modern 1-inch sensor is about the IQ of good 35mm film, but with better noise (grain) reduction potential.

You might find a D600 with your 50mm f1.8 more to your taste.

Feb 10, 2015permalink

I have been using a Nikon P7800 in low light and small concert settings with great success (after a little practice). I like the camera and its control layout very much.

Mar 16, 2015permalink

DABarwick

The Fuji X30 does not have a click ring around the lense barrel, it is smooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooth.
The Nikon P7800 is generally underated because it has many features that take (ownership) time to get to know, ie; in camera raw development.

Jan 22, 2015permalink

A copy of David Busch's Field Guide for Nikon P7800 is a very effective way to shorten the learning process. If you buy the Kindle version you can easily use it via a tablet or laptop as a quick reference whenever needed.

Mar 16, 2015permalink

(unknown member)

In 2013 I owned the predecessor P7700 and got wonderful images from its small sensor, but it seemed too slow for anything moving - especially kids and sports. In December of 2014 I bought a P7800, partly because it was going for $349 as a refurb. I like the new EVF for framing, but not so much for chimping. The colors are off, and it's not very sharp. AF seems better this time. No complaints there. But write times are still nowhere near satisfactory. If things are happening, I have to use jpeg or many shot opportunities just pass me by. I still love the image quality and body design. The 28-200 lens at 2.0-4.0 is unrivaled in my opinion, and makes the P7800 worth the $349. If nothing larger than A3 is needed, the P7800 delivers.

Jan 8, 2015permalink

The more I use the EVF on the P7800, the clearer and more informative it seems, esp in low light situations.

Mar 16, 2015permalink

@DPR:
"(...) 13MP Four Thirds sensor"

You need to stop referring to this as a four thirds size sensor, because that is not the area being used. Even the manufacturer doesn't say this, because they know that it would be misleading advertising.

What's more, removing that term, and giving us a more accurate idea of what size (used) this is, compared to the 1" sensors in other category competitors, would be most useful/helpful.

I think no one cares about the dead area - we care about the used area. (it is only an mft because it is cheaper to use an existing one than designing and tooling factories for a new smaller one - mft shouldn't be part of the bragging rights).

Jan 7, 2015permalink

@DPR: It is 2015, and you still haven't updated this by adding the Canon G7X.
What gives? is the G7X that bad? Has it beeen recalled or something?

You update other evals, why not this one?
Throw out a tiny sensor model or two, and replace it with a camera that has at least 1" sensor... it's not like there isn't choice out there today.

Jan 7, 2015permalink

PS: I know the G7X looks really really really boring (and really really ugly), and can be mistaken for the cheap S120... but just because the design department was lazy isn't a reason to exclude it.
We do like to see things evaluated on what's under the skin and the controls grafted to it - not just looks.

Jan 7, 2015permalink

Richard Butler

The G7X is in this roundup.

Jan 9, 2015permalink

These roundups lack coherence and consistency.

They do not compare same class models.

Each mixes up tiny sensor cameras with larger sensor cameras. It's like those who chose what goes with what don't know cameras.

We want to see pertinent roundups that compare similar models, to help us make a choice. And those are not the ones we are comparing. We have to go offsite, to visit other sources, to find better paired selections in their roundups.

Jan 11, 2015*permalink

PentaxNick

Why leave out the best one, the Ricoh GR?

Dec 22, 2014permalink

it's a different class... no zoom, and for the majority of people, not what they are looking for. The Ricoh GR, Fuji X100n, Nikon A, have already been covered in a head to head comparison on here. And it is a dying class, with the new pocketable zoom cameras with large sensor that are available today.

Jan 7, 2015permalink

Dougbm_2

I just wish I could read all the text without the interference of the award graphic.

Dec 19, 2014permalink

mpgxsvcd

This article is not on the homepage so almost no one sees it. Dpreview is missing out on a ton of hits because of this.

Dec 17, 2014permalink

mpgxsvcd

Was the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III left out of this comparo because you consider it to be pants pocket-able? Personally I don't think any of today's cameras are truly pants pocket-able. Most of them will fit into a jacket pocket though.

I would love to see a demonstration of someone putting one of these cameras in a pants pocket. That might make a really interesting video demonstration.

Dec 17, 2014*permalink