Recommendations for a new compact camera

GSXRMovistar · 2 Jul 2006 at 17:53

I’m in the market for a new camera and I could do with some help/suggestions on what to go for.

I’m looking for a new compact camera to replace my old Pentax Optio 330 which I’ve been using for the last 5 years. Overall I’ve been pleased with this camera and it’s served me well, it takes great outdoor and daytime pics but to be honest it’s been a little bit hit and miss when it came to indoor shots or those in low light (has trouble focusing). So time to upgrade and I’ve got the following requirements:-

• Compact size, ideally something that can be slipped into a pocket with ease if needed.
• Works well indoor and in low light conditions.
• Takes SD cards (not a must but would be handy as I’ve got a fair amount of these).
• Good battery life, enough to take a least 100-150 worth of photos.
• Budget around £200, but again would increase if the difference is worth it.

So guys, over to you for some recommendations…

Cheers for any help.

Matt · 2 Jul 2006 at 18:18

An Ixus of some sort

55/65? something like that.

AndyBorzi · 2 Jul 2006 at 20:00

Canon A620 for £168 delivered. Cant say who by though!

Got mine on Friday so haven't had a chance to upload yet but so far impressed by the features

GSXRMovistar · 2 Jul 2006 at 23:12

The Ixus 65 looks quite nice, I'll try and find some reviews. From the pics I think the A620 looks a little too big for something I can just drop in my pocket.

GSXRMovistar · 3 Jul 2006 at 02:01

Been looking around a little more and the Ixus 800IS has caught my attention, it’s over my original budget but after reading Buttons mini review and seeing some of the low light pics by cmt in this thread I’m very keen on it.

Does anyone else have any opinions on this camera or any other recommendations?

Mint Sauce · 3 Jul 2006 at 05:29

Just lookin for one myself. Powershot might be a bit bigger BUT you have full manual control over exposure. Looks like the one i'd buy atm (a700 or 620)

cmt · 3 Jul 2006 at 09:04

Mint Sauce said:
Just lookin for one myself. Powershot might be a bit bigger BUT you have full manual control over exposure. Looks like the one i'd buy atm (a700 or 620)

i looked before i went for the 800is, but the positives (Full manual control /faster lens) do not outweigh the negatives (not pockateable)

so in the end i went for the camer that i know i will ALWAYS carry round with me. yes its not as versatils, but what good is a camera if it is left at home because it wont fit into your pocket.

cmt

Buttons · 3 Jul 2006 at 10:20

And sorry to add my 2p but cmt hit it on the head, it's so easy to carry everywhere with you. I've taken ~500 photos since that mini review!

Mint Sauce · 3 Jul 2006 at 10:34

Horses for courses i suppose. To me the a620 is compact enough to pop into a carry case and clip to the belt/hang around your wrist/transport in someway thats not a hiderance. I suppose, yeah, the extra compactness would be good, but i'm to used to using a fully manual camera and dunno if i could live without it, just for the sake of carrying something slightly larger.

Tbh tho i've never seen one in the flesh. But from the dimentions i think it'd be ok and obviously allow you more creative control. I've heard people say before buyin a camera is a compromise, guess theres no exception!

GSXRMovistar · 3 Jul 2006 at 11:09

The camera has to be able to be carried in a pocket otherwise as others have mentioned it will be left at home. I'll spend a couple more hours looking but I think I'm going to go for the Ixus 800IS.

Mint Sauce · 3 Jul 2006 at 14:07

GSXRMovistar said:
The camera has to be able to be carried in a pocket otherwise as others have mentioned it will be left at home.

Fair enough, just thought i'd point out something that may have interested you. IXUS800 is a damm good camera, post some results when you get it!

cmt · 3 Jul 2006 at 14:20

If it is to be carried all the time it may be a wise move to invest in one of the silicon 'sleeves' (similar to an iPod case) for a bit of protection.

cmt

GSXRMovistar · 3 Jul 2006 at 23:56

cmt said:
If it is to be carried all the time it may be a wise move to invest in one of the silicon 'sleeves' (similar to an iPod case) for a bit of protection.

I like the sound of those, any good links?

cmt · 4 Jul 2006 at 08:53

GSXRMovistar said:
I like the sound of those, any good links?

i'll dig it out and post it later.

cmt

cmt · 4 Jul 2006 at 08:56

only found on ebay, but here is the Google Search fot them .

cmt

ps - mines on its way.

GSXRMovistar · 4 Jul 2006 at 22:14

cmt said:
only found on ebay, but here is the Google Search fot them .

cmt

ps - mines on its way.

Thanks for that, they look pretty useful. I've been looking around but can't find anything that beats the Ixus 800 for price so I think I'm going to order one.

melchy · 5 Jul 2006 at 13:12

The new Ricoh Caplio R4 seems to be getting not bad reviews, a bit over your budget at £249. Its also got a 7x optical zoom which i find pretty amazing for a compact camera.

GSXRMovistar · 5 Jul 2006 at 13:22

melchy said:
The new Ricoh Caplio R4 seems to be getting not bad reviews, a bit over your budget at £249. Its also got a 7x optical zoom which i find pretty amazing for a compact camera.

I'll take a look at that then, budget is now around £260-270 as I was prepared to pay that for the Ixus 800.

cmt · 5 Jul 2006 at 13:33

melchy said:
The new Ricoh Caplio R4 seems to be getting not bad reviews, a bit over your budget at £249. Its also got a 7x optical zoom which i find pretty amazing for a compact camera.

acording to some of the comments on dpreview, it can suffer from 'banding' problems

link

it was on my shortlist (as was the Panasonic TZ1 - until i saw the terrible ISO noise) when i was looking at a pocketable camera.

cmt

GSXRMovistar · 5 Jul 2006 at 13:36

Also a lot of user reviews are mentioning that it can struggle in low light conditions without a lot manual intervention which would be a pain for me. Looks like the Ixus is still heading the field.