Best Choice for a high quality and compact Camera

Hello Everyone

I am planning to buy a Canon camera within next few weeks. I would say my budget is around $500 USD. I would like to buy a camera which is not too bulky but in the same time has high quality images, relatively strong lens and useful functions. So basically something mid-range which meets everyday photography and occasional "Amateur shots"

What would be the best model I can purchase?

Many thanks!!

Look at the SX 130, 12.1 MP, 12X zoom, full fuctions and presets, it is my go everywhere cam, the DSLR is for special photo expeditions!

Thanks I checked the spec and seems a good one. Some complain about the lens speed and battery life.

What are the higher models if I stretch my budget a little bit? Any EOS range can be bought with $600USD range ?

With that budget you can buy any Canon compact camera in the market.
The absolute best one, without any doubt, is the G12.
It is not very compact, but in turn provides a photography experience better than any compact camera, Canon or other. It has incredibly useful functionality and excellent ergonomics.
Once in your hands, you want to never put it down. You'll understand when you get it.


The S95 is the only Canon with slightly better results than the G12 in low light conditions, as it has a maximum aperture setting of f/2.0 with the same large 1/1.7" sensor. It is also much smaller in size, so you may like it better, but its zoom is x4, leaving much to be desired by some. In my opinion it's enough for most needs.

Easy - Canon S95
Also consider Panasonic LX5 or Olympus XZ-1. They are slightly larger, but have a hotshoe and faster zooms at the telephoto end.

G12 doesn't meet the "not too bulky" requirement.

Well certainly the G12 has some interesting spec and functionality. Comparing some online shots from G12 and SX130 IS , to me G12 has better image quality ( Although hard to judge as there were taken in different situation by different people ) .

Is G12 really bulky ? Compared to EOS is it smaller or same size? I might be able to sacrifices the bulkiness to get better quality and overall performance.

Between S95 and SX130 IS which is the better one? : )


Thanks everyone for the help and advices.

bennz wrote in post #12057713
Between S95 and SX130 IS which is the better one? : )

SX130 has a huge zoom range, the S95 has better image quality at all ISO, faster lens, RAW, and to top it off it is a little more compact.

The S95 and G12 share the same sensor.

Ok thanks. I guess I have the budget to deal with variety of models, can be confusing to which one to choose ..haha

bennz wrote in post #12057748
Ok thanks. I guess I have the budget to deal with variety of models, can be confusing to which one to choose ..haha

Just to help make sense Canon's product structure:

S = high end compact
G = high end
SX = huge zoom range
SD = ultra compact
A = beginner

Thanks tkbslc ! That helps a lot

In your opinion what are the disadvantages of S95 compared to G12?

bennz wrote in post #12057713
Well certainly the G12 has some interesting spec and functionality. Comparing some online shots from G12 and SX130 IS , to me G12 has better image quality ( Although hard to judge as there were taken in different situation by different people ) .

Is G12 really bulky ? Compared to EOS is it smaller or same size? I might be able to sacrifices the bulkiness to get better quality and overall performance.

Between S95 and SX130 IS which is the better one? : )


Thanks everyone for the help and advices.

The G12's noticeably smaller than even the smallest (XS) EOS body (that's EOS body, without the lens attached). It's not going to fit in a typical pocket, at about 2"x3"x4.5", but it's small enough that if you're carrying anything else it wouldn't be a problem to add it in. It's actually pretty close to the SX130 in size and smaller than the SX30.If I had to decide between the G-12 and the S-95, I'd consider whether the smaller size of the S95 was more important than the slightly longer zoom range, folding screen, and optical viewfinder of the G12.

What are the thoughts and opinion on Canon SX220 HS / SX230 HS ?
Watched few reviews on Youtube and I liked it. I bought a SX200 IS two years ago for my father and he was impressed. Only down side in video was the zoom was not functional while taking videos. But I was impressed by the quality .

I believe/hope S95 has the same quality and functionality as SX220/230 HS if not more?!

Id recommend the Canon G12 or S95 in that price range as well!

S95 for its image quality and compact size, I always have mine because its so small that I can always bring it.

I have just bought a G12 and its brilliant,I have now got to the point it goes nearly everwhere with me.