Which compact camera?

Dandle · 13 Jun 2013 at 22:18

I currently have an Ixus 800 is which has served me very well but I think its time to upgrade and pass it onto my nipper. I have had no issues with the 800 since ive had it but at times while on holidays I sometimes wished the zoom was better.
I have been having a look around and have come across the Panasonic DMC-TZ40 for around £250 does anyone have any experience of this model or any other comparisions? It gets reasonable reviews (4.5 stars) and that is with them bassing it at ther £330 retail price.

I have seen mention of the S110, lx5/lx7 how do these compare and what other options are there? I have up to £300 to spend and want a compact camera that slips into my pocket.

Genoma · 14 Jun 2013 at 11:34

On my wish list to upgrade my now aging Panny TZ7 are:

Canon S100
Tiny, pocket camera, 12.1MP, Ultra Wide Angle, Image Stabilised, 1/1.7 sensor, DIGIC 5 Processor, 24mm, f/2.0-5.9, 5x zoom, GPS, RAW, 1080p movies

Panasonic LX7
F1.4-2.3 Leica Lens, 10.1 MP, Image stabilised, 50FPS 1080p video, external flash compatible

Sony RX100
F1.8 Carl Zeiss, 20.2MP, 3.6 Zoom

The Sony is too expensive, The panasonic looks nice but the Canon for me looks perfect for a take everywhere camera.

Incidentaly the pictures I liked the best taken recently on holiday where from my TZ7, not my DSLR

Simply because I was able to take it on a Kayak trip in a splash proof cover to some amazing beaches in the Caribbean!

david25 · 15 Jun 2013 at 14:22

> £300 to spend and want a compact camera that slips into my pocket.

Tricky, LX7 is too big, perhaps try the new DMC-LF1 if you can find a grey import at £300

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_lf1_review/

Otherwise the Sony is too expensive, leaving just the Canon S range.

Genoma · 15 Jun 2013 at 16:27

I'll be looking for a S100/S110 soon. Especially justifiable since on holiday my soon to be wife asked where the shutter priority mode was on the TZ7 (She's been using a new bridge and my DSLR recently)

Dandle · 15 Jun 2013 at 19:20

Thanks for the input. I'm still swaying towards the DMC-TZ40 as its got some great reviews. http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_tz40_review

I looked at the powershot 110 but the 5x zoom is putting me off it. I realise the lens is better quality on the 110 with f2.0 against the TZ40s 3.3 but will I really notice this? It also has a larger ccd with 1/1.7 against the 1/2.3. Also I would only be using the zoom on the TZ40 while in bright sunlight so does the f number and smaller ccd really matter that much in those conditions?

I guess really that I'm trying to improve on what I have with the 800is and i'm thinking the TZ40 will be much better than that with the added flexibility of the better zoom. The specs of my current pocket cam are here.

Thanks for the input guys I appreciate it.

Genoma · 16 Jun 2013 at 12:48

I think it would be hard to judge the equivalence of the IQ, sensibility and how well the lenses perform on what is possibly such diffferent tech combination and these are after all point and click cameras (with some great control over creative parameters). The panny is also a travel Zoom. Don't think the Canon is competing in the same zoom department.

The TZ40 sounds superb, my TZ7 still takes some amazing shots in good light, my inclination towards the Canon is simply because of the size, I can really just put it in my jeans and take it to a party when the DSLR stays at home. The killer for me on the Panasonic is lack of RAW format. I like my Lightroom and .jpg just seems like a compromise to me now.

I would say they are both great little cameras.