Best P&S to complement a DSLR

[sebr]

I started a thread a few days ago asking about the SX200IS. I want to get a P&S for anytime I cannot get my 50D. Use is therefore very general (indoor, outdoors, children, portraits, landscape). Filming in HD is a great plus for me.

What do you think is the best P&S to complement a DSLR and why? Canon and non-canon recommendations welcome :D

[Jon]

Sort of depends. I have an A630 both to have handy all the time and to use as a digital note-taker when I'm out with a full load of gear. Today, I'd consider the SD990, A590 or G10 in that role. If I'm going out without the SLRs and there is a real possibility I'll see something I'd want to photograph I'll take the SX1.

[Veemac]

The SX1 or SX10 would be my choice (I own the SX10). The SX10 doesn't do HD video, so that might knock it out of the running for you, though.

If I'm going somewhere that I don't want to carry my 50D kit along for whatever reason, the SX10 gets the nod. IMO, it's about as close to an SLR as you can get without being an SLR. If I need it even more compact than that (and am willing to sacrifice IQ and zoom capabilities in exchange for convenience), I have a diminutive P&S that's easily pocketable.

[dan j]

What are you looking for? Large with zoom or small and really compact? If it's really small and compact with HD video then I'm happy with my SD780 IS, the pictures are good and the HD video is great.

dan

[YankeeMom]

The SX1 or SX10 would be my choice (I own the SX10). The SX10 doesn't do HD video, so that might knock it out of the running for you, though.

If I'm going somewhere that I don't want to carry my 50D kit along for whatever reason, the SX10 gets the nod. IMO, it's about as close to an SLR as you can get without being an SLR. If I need it even more compact than that (and am willing to sacrifice IQ and zoom capabilities in exchange for convenience), I have a diminutive P&S that's easily pocketable.

Just curious -- why would you have an SX10 when you have a DSLR? They are almost the same size, so I don't understand the convenience? A pocket P&S makes sense, but if you are carrying around something as big as an SX10, then why not just grab the DSLR instead? Did you purchase the SX10 first? (Also, the SX10 is over $300 -- you can get a TXi for almost that price.) Not a criticism, just curious. If you bought the SX10 before the DSLR it would make sense to keep it, but why would someone buy one in addition to a DSLR is my question.

[Darth Mo]

Just curious -- why would you have an SX10 when you have a DSLR? They are almost the same size, so I don't understand the convenience?

The SX10 gives you the convenience of 28 - 560 mm equivalent without having to carry a bevy of lenses. Sure, it won't fit in your pocket, but it's far more convenient than carrying a huge array of lenses for that "just in case" shot.

[powerslave]

Go for the G10.

[Jon]

There's a big difference in size between my D60, 20D or 5D and my SX1, never mind the 1D3. Add on a 17-85 and a 100-400 to get about the same coverage (with the 20D) as the SX1/SX10 have and you're talking a serious size difference. The 20D body alone weighs more than and bulks a bit bigger than the SX1, and you still need to add the lenses.

[YankeeMom]

The SX10 gives you the convenience of 28 - 560 mm equivalent without having to carry a bevy of lenses. Sure, it won't fit in your pocket, but it's far more convenient than carrying a huge array of lenses for that "just in case" shot.

After posting, I was reading more about the SX10 on Amazon and realized that it must be the lenses. Thanks for explaining -- that makes sense.

[Jon]

Yeah - the 100-400 weighs 1380g; the SX1 weighs 585. I'm planning a trip that'll have me taking a few puddle-jumpers with serious weight restrictions, guess which I'll take even if I do have a DSLR body or two to do the heavy lifting.

[motoroller]

Ixus 100 IS hands down. (780IS for those across the pond?)

Go for something tiny - you'd be surprised at the shots you pick up when something bigger would be invasive.

Plus 720p video!

I'm looking at upgrading my ixus soon...

[LostShootingStar]

Go for the G10.

The G10 is a great camera, but i don't now if it's the best choice for a P&S companion to a DSLR.http://www.entertainment-place.info/smile/img/2465/o09a0208gstn/POTNsmile.gif
http://www.entertainment-place.info/smile/img/3200/n08d1214eybr/1by1.gif

[sebr]

Hmm... There does not seem to be a consensus and the camera I was initially interested in (SX200 IS) has not been mentioned...

I checked the different option mentioned and they all have their own pros and cons. Difficult to choose. This P&S camera is intended as a backup when I cannot take my 50D and therefore, I am looking for something relatively small (smaller than SX1 or SX10) that can take shots in various situations. The camera should also take HD video and if possible have a focal range starting at 28mm. Also it does not need to be as advanced as the G10 and have full manual control.

Any further recommendation?

I am going to the South of France for my work next week. The trip is only for a couple of days and I have decided to take the new P&S camera I will pick up on Friday instead of the 50D.

[Colorblinded]

If I needed a P&S with big zoom the SX1 or SX10 (not sure which would be better) seems like the best options. Right now I have a little SD630 but my preferred P&S is my Rebel XTi with a 30mm 1.4 :lol:

[motoroller]

HD video -> Ixus 100 IS.

[Jon]

HD video -> Ixus 100 IS.AKA the SD780 IS in the USA.

[dan j]

AKA the SD780 IS in the USA.
Stupid metric system.

dan ;)

[skid00skid00]

If you have a DSLR, and want excellent P&S image quality, these'd be my picks (I own the G9 and SX10.

G9 for reasonably small, cheap, with 200mm and 1024 x 768 @ 15 fps
G10 for reasonably small w/28mm
SX10 for 28-560 in 640 x 480 @ 30 fps
SX1 for 28-560 in 1920 x 1080 @ 30 fps

[YankeeMom]

Hmm... There does not seem to be a consensus and the camera I was initially interested in (SX200 IS) has not been mentioned...

I checked the different option mentioned and they all have their own pros and cons. Difficult to choose. This P&S camera is intended as a backup when I cannot take my 50D and therefore, I am looking for something relatively small (smaller than SX1 or SX10) that can take shots in various situations. The camera should also take HD video and if possible have a focal range starting at 28mm. Also it does not need to be as advanced as the G10 and have full manual control.

Any further recommendation?

I am going to the South of France for my work next week. The trip is only for a couple of days and I have decided to take the new P&S camera I will pick up on Friday instead of the 50D.

Well, my A570IS (and the more current A590IS) both have image stabilization, manual (and other special) features, and takes video. I don't know if the video is the quality you want though. This camera also has a view finder, does nice macros, and has accessories you can add to it including a waterproof case and various lenses. Pretty nice and priced well under $200. (It also is small, but not super slim.)

[Veemac]

Just curious -- why would you have an SX10 when you have a DSLR? They are almost the same size, so I don't understand the convenience? A pocket P&S makes sense, but if you are carrying around something as big as an SX10, then why not just grab the DSLR instead? Did you purchase the SX10 first? (Also, the SX10 is over $300 -- you can get a TXi for almost that price.) Not a criticism, just curious. If you bought the SX10 before the DSLR it would make sense to keep it, but why would someone buy one in addition to a DSLR is my question.
I did buy the SX10 before the 50D. It inspired me to get "seriously" back into photography as a hobby and made me want an SLR (the last SLR I purchased was a Minolta X700, 25 years ago, which is still up in a closet somewhere)....hence the 50D less than a month later.

I'm keeping the SX10 for the reasons I originally stated, as expounded upon by Darth Mo and Jon. It's definitely no pocket-sized camera, but it is much more compact than the 50D - not to mention schlepping 2 or 3 lenses to cover the SX10's focal length. I find there are times when a pocket P&S isn't quite enough, but a full dSLR rig is overkill - and the SX10 fills that slot perfectly.

[sebr]

Thanks for all the replies. I have been through this thread, reviews and canon's website and I still cannot make up my mind. I was set for the recent SX200IS and no one has suggested it, so I am reconsidering my choice...
Anyway, I am going to the shop tomorrow morning... :confused:

[sebr]

Some news from my quest to get a compact.
I went to the shop and tried Canon's SX200IS and Ixus 110IS (SD960IS). To my surprise, I much prefered the Ixus. The SX200 is a better camera in terms of features and built, but I felt the zoom is very slow and the camera is rather unresponsive. In contrast, the Ixus is a small camera that is rather easy to handle and which is rather responsive. 4x zoom, 28mm wide, HD video, light and compact. Built feels a bit plastic and aperture/optics look very small.
I finally did not get anything, but may go back tomorrow with my wife to get some more objective opinion... seems I have been spoiled by my DSLR :D

[ofdphoto]

I just ordered a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3.

It doesn't have much zoom (24-60mm equivalent), but it does have very fast, sharp optics (f/2-2.8 - best in class), a great sensor, and HD video.

I also looks a bit like a Leica M8, which is an added bonus ;)

It sounds you want more zoom than this, but just thought I'd throw it into the mix. As a former G9 owner, I'm pretty excited about this little P&S. That said, it's not cheap and your camera store is unlikely to have one to play with.

I'd recommend playing with other Lumix's before buying tho ... overall they seem to be a superb range of cameras.

[ofdphoto]

Oh, and just in case you're wondering ... yes, I'm a Canon shooter :p

I have several bags full of Canon SLR's and glass. Doesn't mean I love their P&S offerings, tho the G9/G10 is good at what it does, and I'm sure the cheaper offerings are good too. I just prefer Panasonic in this range ;)

[dan j]

Good luck with your decision, Sebastien. The only thing I wish the 960 had was an optical viewfinder for those sunny days like my 780IS. Otherwise it's a great camera.

luke,
The Lumix seems like a nice, short zoom camera in a really, really retro body. Very, very retro. ;)

dan

[BrianXTi]

I've got my eye on the SX110 IS. http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=17480#ModelDetailAct
36-360mm zoom (equiv.) and manual controls, 9.0 MP, IS, smaller size. no HD video, but this is the second version, the previous was 8 MP, there should be a 10MP version out soon, I would expect HD on that one.

[Jon]

They went right past 10 MP. The next one is the SX200 IS with 12.1 MP and 1280x720 HD at 30 fps. It's out already.

[BrianXTi]

well then. that one! ( I really liked the case design of the SX100/SX110, though)

[Jon]

The SX200 moved to Li ion batteries too, so they're able to make it a tad smaller. Hence the redesign.

[BrianXTi]

li-ion batts are good, but the price also jumped $100 over the SX110 and previous SX100, which were both around $250

[sebr]

li-ion batts are good, but the price also jumped $100 over the SX110 and previous SX100, which were both around $250

Many Canon prices jumped this year. Lens prices increased without any upgrade. So I am not sure this increase is due to the battery or the feature upgrade.

[YankeeMom]

They went right past 10 MP. The next one is the SX200 IS with 12.1 MP and 1280x720 HD at 30 fps. It's out already.

Hmmm . . . looking here I don't see it as a better camera than the A590: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_a590is%2Ccanon_sx200is&show=all

Except for the zoom? Or better macro? Maybe I'm missing something, but it's quite a bit more expensive.

(I'm just checking the options as well as I am interested in a camera for my son who is going off to college in the fall.)

[ofdphoto]

luke,
The Lumix seems like a nice, short zoom camera in a really, really retro body. Very, very retro. ;)

I'm not sure why you'd say it's "very, very retro". :p

It's simply been styled like a Leica, presumably because it's also sold as a Leica D-LUX 4. ;)

As for the short zoom: the thing about long zooms is that they are inherently compromise. To build a lens with 10x zoom (whatever that means), the overall quality of the optic has to be dropped, along with the size of the aperture.

Had Canon been listening to what their G-series owners were demanding, they would have taken their G10 where Panasonic took their LX3 ... less compromise, fewer megapixels. Anecdotal evidence (not to mention the worldwide shortage of LX3's) suggests Canon are losing a LOT of G-series fans to Panasonic :(

I'm sad to say I'm one of the casualties :confused:

[dan j]

Most cameras today have sleek bodies with curves instead of corners. It is basic flat black and has a lot of switches for things that are now handled through digital menu's (there's a manual switch for the aspect ratio). Dual eyelets for a neckstrap?? You don't see why I think the Panny is retro? Oh, and the lens cap you have to take off and put on - you have to admit that is RETRO.

I understand the zoom but I'd rather have some zoom at the expense of aperture.

Anyway, it's just my opinion. I think it's looks very retro with a short zoom.

dan

[ofdphoto]

Yup, it looks and feels like a real camera. :p

The G-series are a bit "retro" too, by your definition :D

[dan j]

Actually the G10 looks new compared to the Panny. Of course that's just MHO.

dan