P&S With Manual Controls

Hey guys I am looking for a point and shoot that I can bring when I don't feel like taking my 40D with me.

The first thing is I want to try and keep this under $150, and I don't care if its used, or refurbished, anything works.

I really would prefer it to have manual controls, and preferably RAW, however I know my price range is low, and that might not be able to happen.

Just looking for some ideas, also I want it to not be too big, not as big as a G series.

Thanks for the help.

Hmm how about a Canon Powershot sx240 ?
Its pretty cheap right now (something below 180), has full manual control and with CHDK also capable of RAW.

The one I have is a PS A720 IS, 6 years old, still going strong, and can be found reasonably on the used market - may even find a new one around. It has full manual as well as Av, Tv, various scene themes, and HD video; optical viewfinder, 6x optical zoom; spot, center weight, and eval metering; and flash exposure compensation all in a package which fits in a pocket or small belt pack. I like the fact that it uses 2 AA batteries so I can pick up spares just about anywhere I go. I've used it in a UW housing scuba diving below 100 feet.

It does not do RAW, but it does take decent 8mp jpegs which are still quite editable with good software (I use LR4). A quick example with original and LR4 edited jpegs:

Original:

Thank you for the ideas, I'll have to look into the A720, it sounds like you're very fond of it. I also am taking a look at the sx260 that was mentioned. However I found a Canon S90 for about $120 that's I'm great condition. I am not sure if I should pick this up, or would I be better off buying a Panasonic ZS20, or SX260?

Shakenbake158 wrote in post #15906429
Thank you for the ideas, I'll have to look into the A720, it sounds like you're very fond of it. I also am taking a look at the sx260 that was mentioned. However I found a Canon S90 for about $120 that's I'm great condition. I am not sure if I should pick this up, or would I be better off buying a Panasonic ZS20, or SX260?

I believe the S90 would work better for your needs, since it has the somewhat larger sensor and an f/2.0 lens. It also shoots native RAW files. Plus it is shirt pocket small. As I recall folks had some handling issues with the rear control dial moving too freely, but it may have been corrected by later production run versions.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/PS9​0/PS90A.HTM

Dennis

denncald wrote in post #15907195
I believe the S90 would work better for your needs, since it has the somewhat larger sensor and an f/2.0 lens. It also shoots native RAW files. Plus it is shirt pocket small. As I recall folks had some handling issues with the rear control dial moving too freely, but it may have been corrected by later production run versions.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/PS9​0/PS90A.HTM

Dennis

The only thing that's keeping me from buying it is I'm worried it might be outdated.

Shakenbake158 wrote in post #15907311
The only thing that's keeping me from buying it is I'm worried it might be outdated.

Yet you are also considering the A720 IS which is two years older with a smaller sensor? The one year newer S95 can be purchased as a refurbished model from the Canon store for $280, but that is nearly double your budget. You get what you pay for applies. Here are several links for CNET reviews (not the greatest, but concise) for several cameras mentioned.

http://reviews.cnet.co​m …4505-6501_7-32471270.html

http://reviews.cnet.co​m …4505-6501_7-33765880.html

http://reviews.cnet.co​m …4505-6501_7-34154931.html

http://reviews.cnet.co​m …4505-6501_7-34504981.html

http://reviews.cnet.co​m …4505-6501_7-35137435.html

Dennis

Well.. i wouldnt get a A series Powershot anymore.. they are too old with CCD sensor.
I rather would go for a Cmos sensor now.

And i dont know any shop where you can get a S90 for about 150€. Its mostly around 300.
Sure, it has a larger sensor than the SX240/SX260.. but its not THAT much larger.
Thats why the imagequality difference isn't so much different.
You can compare it yourself on this page very good http://www.dkamera.de/​testbericht/bildqualit​aet/
or just click HERE!
I rather would go for a SX240. its much cheaper(as a brand new camera, not used).
And you have a convenient travelzoom.

Throwing in another idea into the frying pan -
How about the Nikon Coolpix P310?
True, no RAW, but a very good implementation around a CMOS sensor
coupled with an f/1.8 max aperture lens - all for $159 (current B&H price).

-eyalg

Well I decided to wait for a while, I don't NEED it anytime soon, and this way I can save a little more and maybe get like an S95, or something closer to $250, maybe even the newer SX280.

How does the SX280 compare to the SX260? Is it worth the price difference?