Camera to take pics of active children / blurred background

Mel_P · 29 Jul 2011 at 21:42

My daughter has 2 young (2.5 / 5 years) children who do not sit still for photos - so she needs a "fast" response camera BUT she wants a RELATIVELY compact camera - i.e. not an SLR. She also wants the ability to blur the background in shots - i.e to remove distracting backgrounds - i.e. largish aperture and Aperture priority setting.

From other comments on this site and others the Canon S95 seems a good bet - UNLESS anybody else has a better suggestion (please).

I use a canon 7D / 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM to "snap" the children and she likes the results - but with 2 children etc this is an unrealistic option.

An suggestions please?

The_Abyss · 29 Jul 2011 at 22:01

Photoshop Express.

Amp34 · 29 Jul 2011 at 22:18

In reality you're looing for something like a Sigma DP2, however that comes with lots of it's own issues.

For a decent (natural) bokeh you really need an SLR (FF, APS-C) size sensor and fast lens, which is generally going to be big and expensive unless you look at something like the above.

Docaroo · 30 Jul 2011 at 02:32

I just bought an Olympus XZ-1 which would be a great choice for this ... the lens is awesome and at f1.8 you have good control over depth of field ... probably the best you can do without going for something like a PEN ...

I'd defo recommend it!

sarge78 · 30 Jul 2011 at 09:11

If money's no object the new Olympus EP3 has just been released, the superfast touch to focus/shoot AF is like a touchscreen phone. Add a small, fast prime lens (F1.4-1.8) it would be perfect for great, hassle free pics!

Otherwise look at the Olympus EPL1, Sony NEX or Samsung NX in addition to the S95/XZ-1/LX5 etc. I don't think they'll be too big and will cost around £300.

mrthingyx · 30 Jul 2011 at 09:52

Mel_P said:
My daughter has 2 young (2.5 / 5 years) children who do not sit still for photos - so she needs a "fast" response camera BUT she wants a RELATIVELY compact camera - i.e. not an SLR. She also wants the ability to blur the background in shots - i.e to remove distracting backgrounds - i.e. largish aperture and Aperture priority setting.

From other comments on this site and others the Canon S95 seems a good bet - UNLESS anybody else has a better suggestion (please).

I use a canon 7D / 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM to "snap" the children and she likes the results - but with 2 children etc this is an unrealistic option.

An suggestions please?

What's wrng with an SLR? I'm assuming that she doesn't want to stick it in her handbag or something?

This is where having a husband/partner comes in handy.

On the flip side, the new Olympus stuff is very good and about as compact as you'll get without being completely rubbish.

Mel_P · 30 Jul 2011 at 14:17

mrthingyx said:
What's wrng with an SLR? I'm assuming that she doesn't want to stick it in her handbag or something?

She DOES want to stick it in her handbag / pocket and you cannot control 2 children and take pictures with an SLR / change lens etc.

Olympus XZ-1 looks good.....

Raikiri · 30 Jul 2011 at 14:39

Sony Nex 3 with the 16mm pancake lens? It has the same sized sensor as your 7D, is relatively tiny and costs less than the S95.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110720076407

Raymond Lin · 30 Jul 2011 at 14:52

Docaroo said:
I just bought an Olympus XZ-1 which would be a great choice for this ... the lens is awesome and at f1.8 you have good control over depth of field ... probably the best you can do without going for something like a PEN ...

I'd defo recommend it!

This is the camera that comes to mind. If you have good light then it'll be fine.

The other biggest problem you need to overcome is lag. The time between pressing the button and the shutter actually opens. The 1/10th second delay could mean you miss the shot.

You NEED to be quick!

There's a bee visible in this photo (f/1.2!)

Alpherah · 30 Jul 2011 at 14:59

Sony NEX 3/5/C3..
Light on lenses, but for what your after the 18-55 is perfect.

mrthingyx · 30 Jul 2011 at 20:28

Mel_P said:
She DOES want to stick it in her handbag / pocket and you cannot control 2 children and take pictures with an SLR / change lens etc.

Olympus XZ-1 looks good.....

Having a 3 year old and a 10 month old, I'll respectfully disagree.

Wives are very useful in that regard, too.

However, I just assume that if I'm going to stand the best chance of getting that photo, I'm going to lug my camera around. And that's normally whilst pushing a double buggy, or a baby back carrier. for most other things, my phone camera takes 'good enough' photos to capture those moments.

Just my opinion.