Compact camera buying advice

by ameliajean Sep 30, 2014 8:10AM PDT

Hello
I have a dlsr and I am looking for a compact camera for when I need something less bulky. I have been doing a lot of research and I cannot decide which camera to get.

Therefore I need your opinions and advice please.

I am looking for a camera with a good zoom but also good at macro and a good battery life and preferably good in low light that creates clear and crisp images, as I intend to go travelling with this camera. I understand that this might be a lot to ask as I have a relatively small budget as I would not really like to spend anything more than £200.

Can anyone give any suggestions as to which camera I should get?

Thank you

Amy

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Depends

by snapshot2 Forum moderator Oct 1, 2014 12:18AM PDT

On what you expect by "good zoom".
If you want more than about 5X zoom and low light performance you are out of luck.
That would require a very expensive lens.

You need a lens with about f/2.0 aperture (or brighter) for low light.
Along with a larger than average sensor assembly.

The Canon S110 is an example.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_s110#Overview

Just about all of the major camera manufacturers make one similar camera.

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Good zoom

by ameliajean Oct 1, 2014 8:40PM PDT

My meaning of a good zoom, was that I could zoom in to a far distance and not lose any of that image clarity.

Thanks for your suggestion of the Canon S110, I shall look into it. I am also thinking of the Canon SX280.

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Zoom/Low light

by snapshot2 Forum moderator Oct 1, 2014 11:59PM PDT

The Canon SX280 gives you the zoom you want but it has no features to improve low light performance.
It has the average small sensor assembly, and an average aperture specification (f/3.5).

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx280_hs

You have to choose either low light performance or good optical zoom.
You can't have both in that price range.

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Ultra Compact Camera

by 1EZLIFE2014 Oct 3, 2014 1:35AM PDT

The market for low-end compact cameras has taken a hammering in the past couple of years as smartphones replaced more basic compact cameras in a lot of people's pockets and handbags. 'Ultra-compact' cameras are typically marketed on the basis of their slim dimensions, attractive design and color options as well as more basic things like lens zoom and pixel count. As such, they make excellent first cameras for youngsters, and 'carry everywhere' options for social and everyday photography if you need more quality, versatility and responsiveness than a smartphone can offer.

Note: This post was edited by a forum moderator to remove signature/promo links which is prohibited in these forums on 10/03/2014 at 10:34 AM PT

Compact camera buying advice

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