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Question

Help appreciated! Choosing new digital camera for travel.

Sep 12, 2011 10:10PM PDT

Hi all,I am compact digital camera for under $500. Any advice would be very appreciated! I am looking at the below cameras:Lumix TZ18 or 20Powershot SX210 or 230Cybershot HX9VI don't care about GPS, video, 3D or any other nifty gadgets - I just want great quality stills! Any help would be fantastic, thank you!Victoria

Discussion is locked

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Answer
"image Quality"
Sep 13, 2011 12:38AM PDT

Great images are created, not manufactured. Any of the cameras on your list can take great images. Your chances of getting the shots you want go up if you take the time to learn how to use the camera beyond the basic Auto mode. Even the highly automated models like the HX9V work better if you know which special mode to use for difficult lighting or circumstances.

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Still looking for comments about the cameras
Sep 13, 2011 1:48AM PDT

Thanks PCC, it is good to know I am on the right track equipment wise (it kind of goes without saying that I will be learning to use the camera as well.)

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Reviews
Sep 13, 2011 2:27AM PDT

You will never get consensus on any camera, although I think most professional reviews have pegged the Panasonic as having image quality that has taken a step backwards compared to their previous models. Those same professional reviews would put the Canon on top (for image quality, but the difference would not be apparent unless you were viewing the images at full size, i.e. poster-sized prints at a closer than normal viewing distance.

Here is a comparison review of the cameras you are interested in:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q311travelzoomgrouptest/

Another site with reviews of the Canon, Panasonic, and Sony:

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/canon_powershot_sx230_hs_review/

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_tz19_review/

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_cybershot_dsc_hx9v_review/

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Regarding Panasonic TZ19
Sep 18, 2011 9:29AM PDT

This is somewhat of a mystery camera.

there is a TZ18/ZS8 (Europe/USA)
there is a TZ20/ZS10 (Europe/USA)

Now there is a TZ19 (Europe) but no ZS9 (USA)

The specifications for the TZ19 appear to be exactly the same as the TZ18.
The TZ19 states that the video is limited to 15 minutes.
I don't know about the TZ18.

Many cameras sold in Europe have limitations on maximum time allowed for video recording.
I am told that it is for tax purposes.
Did Panasonic make a mistake with the TZ18 and did not limit video record time?
If so, the TZ18 would be more desirable.

Does anyone have any details about the differences between the TZ18 and the TZ19?

Snapshot2

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A Guess
Sep 18, 2011 11:05AM PDT

It could like the ZS6; not officially in Panasonic's line, but made specifically for and only available at certain stores.

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Answer
Travel compact under $500
Sep 18, 2011 7:23AM PDT

My favorite travel compact is Canon S95. Its has great overall performance (great scenery, great daytime portraits, good low light still images, good macros and a decent HD video). Its fill light works great in high contrast scenes. Night flash in pitch dark is average, but none of the compacts in the market stands out anyways. It response is quick and I don't notice delays like many other compacts, even in lower light settings (works well even partying in night clubs). It does not do low light actions well but none of the compacts in the market do. The only thing you don't really have is the long zoom range, which is usually not crucial for travel photos. Long zoom range is more important for sports or performance (a professional D-SLR is better suited for these types of photography).
If you add the Canon underwater case, then you can even go snorkeling, scuba diving, shoot in storm, sand, or other harsh environments.
It is small enough to keep in your pocket or purse. Anyone can operate this little camera and get great pics of you and your family. Its auto and preselected scene functions work well (almost idiot proof).
Image quality is great. I recently took this sea turtle photo in my trip to Kauai while scuba diving. Underwater lighting is always tough, and neither the turtle nor me can hold still for the shot. But the photo turns out well, which speaks a lot about the high performance of this little camera.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hjfok/6151676485/