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Question

Camera Suggestions?

Jun 28, 2011 9:34AM PDT

Hi! Im looking for a p&s camera that would fit in a small purse that I could use for occasions when I don't want to carry my older and larger 10x zoom camera. I would like the camera to be used for (besides general shooting) going out with friends, special occasions and concerts. I know p&s cameras are not known for their concert shooting but Im talking about shows were I am in the first few rows and do not need a huge zoom. I would however like at least a 5x optical zoom.
3 cameras I am heavily considering are the Sony WX9, Canon 300HS and the Panasonic Lumix FH-25.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Camera(s)
Jun 29, 2011 4:17AM PDT

Both are good cameras, personally I like the Canon, for one thing Canon uses SD memory card, Sony card is proprietary, SONY only. The SD card is universal to many devices, something to consider.

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SD cards
Jun 29, 2011 4:24AM PDT

Sony cameras have accepted SD cards since the last generation. The WX9 accepts Sony's MS Duo, MS PRO Duo, SD, SDHC, and SDXCcards.

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New generation
Jun 29, 2011 4:33AM PDT

Well I wasn't aware of that, so the new generation are all SD compatible, that narrows the field a bit since Sony IS really good hardware. Thanks for the heads up !!

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Answer
Canon or Sony
Jun 29, 2011 4:11AM PDT

From reviews, the Canon and Sony are probably on par with each other. IMO Panasonic has taken a step backwards this year; most reviews say the newer camera's image quality is not as good as the previous models.

Your eyes are very good at adjusting for low light, so what may seem bright enough to you at a concert is to the camera still very dark. The Canon and Sony have special low light modes (Canon calls theirs Handheld Nightscene; Sony calls theirs Handheld Twilight) but they only work on still subjects.

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Low Light
Jun 29, 2011 6:27AM PDT

Right I know a camera is much different at adjusting to low light than the human eye. Would either the Canon or the Sony be a good option for a point and shoot that takes decent concert pictures? I know no point and shoot is going to take amazing pictures like that of a dslr. that is a given. what Im looking for is a decent alternative. a quality all around carry with me anywhere camera that can take good pictures in any setting.

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Low Light
Jun 29, 2011 6:54AM PDT

All compact cameras basically use the same sized sensor. The only difference in their performance is primarily due to the noise reduction each manufacturers designs. Beyond that is how bright the lens is, but again, most all compacts have similar aperture lenses. Some advertise a brighter lens, but that only applies to the non-zoomed, wide focal length.

You can use the Image Comparometer at imaging-resource.com to compare sample images between the ELPH 300 and the WX9:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM

To my eye, both are equal up to about ISO 800. Beyond that, I think the Canon is slightly better, probably due to the fact that its sensor has fewer megapixels, 12.1 vs. 16.2.

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Answer
Canon 300HS
Jul 1, 2011 5:31AM PDT

Between the Canon 300 HS and the Sony WX9, I would go for the Canon 300 HS as it has better video capability. They are neck to neck in most specs. If you want to shoot indoors in low light you will be better suited with a point and shoot with a faster lens like the Canon S95 ,at almost twice the price Sad

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s95
Jul 2, 2011 12:06AM PDT

Yea.. I want to stay around the $200 range. Thanks everyone for your help.
I also had a question about MP. I know that 16 mp is a lot for a small camera. If I decreased the MP count would that help taking pictures at all? I dont need a lot of MP.

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Yes, But
Jul 2, 2011 12:26AM PDT

It is difficult to say yes or no absolutely, because the noise reduction algorithm used by the manufacturer is also a part of the deal; it's entirely possible for a higher MP compact camera photo to look better than a lower MP photo.

Higher quality compacts like the S95 have "only" 10 MP, but it gains as much of its better image quality from the increase in size of its sensor as it does from its decrease in MP. The S95 also only has a 3.8x zoom lens, and costs $400+.

For you money, a best buy is the discontinued Sony HX5V. 10.2 MP, 10x lens, $210 on Amazon.

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thanks
Jul 2, 2011 8:29AM PDT

Ill check out the sony. however I dont really need a 10x zoom camera cause I already have one. It is just older and on the bigger side but still takes great pics.