Other options beyond G series

I have been wanting to pick up some kind of P&S cam for a while now to not be stuck with a big DSLR at all times. Now and again I convince myself that I don't want a "lesser"' camera, and I'll just carry the DSLR anyway, but right now is not one of those times. I want a smaller option.

I've almost purchased 4 or 5 G11s, but I'm always stopped short by slow burst rate and no HD video, and cost. I've almost purchased an M43 camera, but I just can't justify cost/convenience factors compared to DSLR.

Today I read an interesting shoot out on DPReview about "travel zooms". Can't even say I've heard that name before. The Casio Exlim FH-100 was one of their highest rated cameras. 10MP; 10X zoom (24-240); 720P video; very fast burst mode. Costs maybe $150 less than G11.

While there are certaily tradeoffs from G11 to FH-100, I have to say it really has my attention at the moment. It looks to me to be the right camera to augment a DSLR.

Link to article is at bottom. If anyone has any thoughts I'd sure like to hear them. Thanks!

http://www.dpreview.co​m …03travelzoomgro​uptest.asp

mpix345 wrote in post #10376777
While there are certaily tradeoffs from G11 to FH-100, I have to say it really has my attention at the moment. It looks to me to be the right camera to augment a DSLR.

My thought:

The killer for me would be that 0.28 cm^2 sensor on the FH100. SO small.
The G11 has a 0.43 cm^2 sensor. Small, but not microscopic like the FH100.
For comparison, your 50D has a 3.32 cm^2 sensor.

Obviously you can't compare a dSLR to a compact, but I put it there for reference. The sensor on your 50D is nearly 12x as large as the FH100. The G11 sensor is 1.5x as large as the FH100.

Sensor size (and, as a result, pixel density) makes a huge difference as to the quality of your image, especially at higher ISO (and with that minute of a sensor, even ISO 400 might be unusable.)

Another compact option: Canon's S90 shares the same sensor as the G11, but it still lakes HD video and loses reach on the long end (Wide of 28mm equivalent, Tele at 105)

mpix345 whats your budget?

I know this is a canon specific forum and I have a G-11, but what about either the Sigma DP-1 or the panasonic DMC-GF1. Both these are a bit more than the G-11 but both have larger than normal P&S sensors, shoot HD video, can have interchangeable lens, shoot RAW and fit in your pocket. If I knew about these two cameras before I bought my G-11 I may of thought twice before purchasing it.

http://www.sigma-dp1.com/main.html

http://panasonic.com.a​u …details.cfm?obj​ectID=5412

DocMike wrote in post #10376930
My thought:

The killer for me would be that 0.28 cm^2 sensor on the FH100. SO small.
The G11 has a 0.43 cm^2 sensor. Small, but not microscopic like the FH100.
For comparison, your 50D has a 3.32 cm^2 sensor.

Obviously you can't compare a dSLR to a compact, but I put it there for reference. The sensor on your 50D is nearly 12x as large as the FH100. The G11 sensor is 1.5x as large as the FH100.

Sensor size (and, as a result, pixel density) makes a huge difference as to the quality of your image, especially at higher ISO (and with that minute of a sensor, even ISO 400 might be unusable.)

Another compact option: Canon's S90 shares the same sensor as the G11, but it still lakes HD video and loses reach on the long end (Wide of 28mm equivalent, Tele at 105)

Doc, thanks for the reply. I have certainly considered the sensor and overall IQ. I guess this is what I am thinking today (subject to change tomorrow): When I want the best possible IQ I will be shooting with my DSLR. When I'm OK to be in "snapshot mode" I'm thinking that the benefits of HD video and longer zoom will trump better overall IQ.

Regarding the S90, it does not do HD video, only VGA. Between that and even shorter zoom than the G11 I am not considering it.

objetda wrote in post #10377431
mpix345 whats your budget?

I know this is a canon specific forum and I have a G-11, but what about either the Sigma DP-1 or the panasonic DMC-GF1. Both these are a bit more than the G-11 but both have larger than normal P&S sensors, shoot HD video, can have interchangeable lens, shoot RAW and fit in your pocket. If I knew about these two cameras before I bought my G-11 I may of thought twice before purchasing it.

http://www.sigma-dp1.com/main.html

http://panasonic.com.a​u …details.cfm?obj​ectID=5412

Thanks for the thoughts objetda. My budget is flexible, but I would prefer to spend less, leaving more money for glass for my 50D.

I think I have all but ruled out cameras like the Sigma and Panny. I think as soon as I start having the option of attaching lenses to my small camera it will no longer provide the benefit of being compact and portable. That is especially true if I want close to the 24-240 range that the Casio P&S provides. If I had a need for a smaller camera for indoor/low light I would be all over one of these cams with their fast pancake lens options. I don't really have that need now, and when I do my DSLR is not an issue.

I look at a M43s camera as someday replacing my DSLR. Maybe as soon as the Panasonic GH2, maybe much further out. But I'm thinking even at that point I may still want a truly pocketable camera that can deliver decent IQ.

Another interesting option I just found about is the Samsung TL500. It seems to have similar capability as the G11, but is smaller.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/​cameras/sam-ex1.shtml
It's apparently not quite as small as the S90, though. And it won't have the zoom range that the travel cams do. LL seems to like it a lot.

That Sammy looks very interesting, more vs the S90 I suppose. Samsung also had a "travel zoom" that rated very highly in the DPReview shootout. They may be someone to watch closely in this market.

mpix345 wrote in post #10377681
Regarding the S90, it does not do HD video, only VGA. Between that and even shorter zoom than the G11 I am not considering it.

Sorry, typo above. I meant to type "The S90 lacks HD Video" not lakes. I was tired.

DocMike wrote in post #10378810
Sorry, typo above. I meant to type "The S90 lacks HD Video" not lakes. I was tired.

That's funny. When I read it I think my mind just corrected it to "takes". Tired here as well I think. Too much time on this forum...

mpix345 wrote in post #10377681
Doc, thanks for the reply. I have certainly considered the sensor and overall IQ. I guess this is what I am thinking today (subject to change tomorrow): When I want the best possible IQ I will be shooting with my DSLR. When I'm OK to be in "snapshot mode" I'm thinking that the benefits of HD video and longer zoom will trump better overall IQ.

I feel the same way. I'm loving my ZS3 as long as I don't pixel peep. Kinda soft without flash indoors, but as an outdoor, travel, HD video camera, it is awesome. 25-300mm equivalent, 720p video with full optical zoom and stereo sound, wonderful screen, just enough control for a PnS. The Zs7 should be very similar, or if you can find a good deal on a Zs3, then that should be great.

Here's a set it did with it in New Orleans a couple weeks ago. I decided my SLR would be a liability on this trip, and I was surprised how well the Panasonic performed (with some post processing).

http://tkbphoto.zenfol​io.com/p479677611

When I go looking for a new camera I start by looking at galleries produced by other good photographers.
I want to make sure that I can take the photos I want, in a way I want.
The G11 was easy--the articulating screen makes it easy to take low level photos. I prefer a waist level finder too.
My 1st G11 failed; that took the glamour away. I bought a ZS3 as a replacement (wide to long lens; very long lens equivalent if I reduce file size.) I have a 2nd G11 now; haven't used it much.
If I was to start looking now, I would be thankful because there are choices! That's a good thing.
And I would take a look at the new Sony NEX cameras.

I used to get by with 2 cameras. Now I have 3 and like the choices.
* dslr
* G11
* ZS3