How much better is a PowerShot SX10 IS to my 6 yr old DSC-P72

[KingstonU]

The new Canon PowerShot SX10 IS has their newest DIGIC 4 Image Processor chip which "paves the way for a host of features including Canon?s new Smart AUTO. Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper camera settings based on the specific shooting conditions of each scene, ensuring that all images are accurately focused, exposed, stabilized, and white-balanced before the shutter is even pressed."

This is a potential graduation present (the camera is ~$450 CA). I would like to convince myself that it will it give me significantly better images than my 6 year old Sony DSC-P72

Significantly better in the following aspects: MUCH BETTER at taking low-light photos, less times where the images are blurry, moving objects better taken, faster start-up, faster at taking photos, etc...

Is it worth it?

Also it seems to be out of stock everywhere at the moment, why is this and will that change in time for me to get it before April 29th?

Thanks


UPDATE: I found this worrisome review on Newegg.ca:

"most of my photos came out Very Grainy in Auto mode. I did some reading and dropped the ISO to 80. they came out a lot better. However, they were not as clear as my 3 year old A610. I took both cameras around and took identical photos with each and compared them. The A610 photos was the Hands Down winner for clarity. Also, there was a fair amount of purple fringing on the SX10 pictures. None on the A610 pictures. I had to return the SX10"

 

[PurdueRy]

Same sensor size as your old camera and more megapixels so you can't really expect it to be significantly better in low light. Technology has improved somewhat but mainly in noise reduction.

I don't want to sound "elitist" but seeing as you seem rather lured in by "intelligent auto" modes perhaps many of the blurry shots are not the camera's fault but rather you not knowing the limitations of small P&S cameras? You mention specifically low light photos, blurry images, and moving objects as weak points right now. Those issues are typically the result of mistakes you are making when taking the picture. Perhaps it would be best, before you decide which camera to get, to learn about what the settings on a camera control and how to use them to your advantage?

Here is a ISO 400 image from the SX10 and the A610 mentioned in the newegg review. The SX10 does rather well considering it has a higher MP count but this again is probably due to advancements in noise reduction. You can see the SX10 smearing the details if you zoom in:

http://www.dcresource.com/revi...eview/nightshot400.jpg

http://www.dcresource.com/revi...eview/nightshot400.jpg

Again don't expect miracles from a new camera. While your 3MP camera is outdated, a higher MP camera does not guarantee you better pictures. By all means get a new camera, but either read up on technique or realize that many of your problems will probably persist.

 

[996GT2]

Point and shoots have not made night and day progress in terms of image quality. Our 4 year old Sony DSC-V1 produced shots similar to our newer Panasonic FZ8. The Sony had a larger CCD and fewer megapixels, so it actually ended up producing better results at higher ISOs.

So the simple conclusion: the SX10 will better if you plan to make big enlargements, but don't expect a quantum leap in terms of image quality.

 

[corkyg]

Image quality of the SX-10 IS is darn good. I took one on atrip to South Africa, and really appreciated the 20X zoom lens (optical.) I believe the cited sony is only 3X. For me, that makes the SX-10 IS about 7 times better.

Anyway, I could not get this shot with a 3X zoom - this was from a safe 200 yards or more using full 20X zoom while seated in the back of a Land Rover.

SX10

 

[KingstonU]

Wow great shot corkyg! I am also getting mine specifically before my trip to Peru and Machu Picchu next month. Can't wait.

 

[jpeyton]

Do you need 20x zoom?

Get a G10 or LX3 if you want the best that P&S cameras have to offer.

If size isn't a concern and you want to be "WOWED" by image quality, get a DSLR. Even a 3-4 year old used DSLR mated with a nice lens will give you better results than the best P&S cameras of 2009.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Image quality of the SX-10 IS is darn good. I took one on atrip to South Africa, and really appreciated the 20X zoom lens (optical.) I believe the cited sony is only 3X. For me, that makes the SX-10 IS about 7 times better.

Anyway, I could not get this shot with a 3X zoom - this was from a safe 200 yards or more using full 20X zoom while seated in the back of a Land Rover.

SX10

Great shot! :thumbsup:

OP, I doubt that the SX10 will be MUCH better than your old camera in low-light photos. It might be better with moving objects, as the AF is likely faster. If you are taking a photo of a still object in low light, the SX10 could be much better, because it has IS.

The SX10 has a hotshoe for attaching an external flash. You can get some very nice pics by bouncing or diffusing the flash.

A few thoughts regarding the negative Newegg review:

The A610 has a larger sensor than the SX10. If the sensor on the SX10 were larger, the lens would also have to be.

Because of the larger lens and phenomenal zoom range, there are more IQ compromises in a superzoom than a standard P&S.

Without knowing the circumstances of that reviewer's photo attempts, it's hard to place much credence in that review. Cameras still require the user to put forth a little more thought than when using a microwave oven.

Digital cameras, generally speaking, all look pretty grainy when viewed at 100%.

 

[KingstonU]

I don't care about zoom, I don't care about mega pixels. What I DO want are: Rotating screen, AA batteries, 720p video, excellent automatic features that take great pictures in difficult conditions (fast motion, low-light), manual focus, good battery life, rapid turn-on and picture taking, SD card.

I have been debating between a D-SLR for a while now and originally thought for sure that's what I wanted. I looked really hard at the Panasonic Lumix G1 and GH1. But Nothing fitted all of my criteria. If only the SX200 had a rotating screen, AAs and manual focus. If only the SX10 has 720p video and manual focus. If only the SX1 were available in North America and had manual focus. If only the GH1 was released in time and has AAs and didn't cost $1500 and required extra lenses. ETC..

Ultimately since nothing has it all and based on recommendations from you guys here at AT, I think I will go with the SX10 since it covers most of my most important criteria, and doesn't cost $1500 and has no need for extra lenses.

Thanks for all the input.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: KingstonU
I don't care about zoom, I don't care about mega pixels. What I DO want are: Rotating screen, AA batteries, 720p video, excellent automatic features that take great pictures in difficult conditions (fast motion, low-light), manual focus, good battery life, rapid turn-on and picture taking, SD card.

I have been debating between a D-SLR for a while now and originally thought for sure that's what I wanted. I looked really hard at the Panasonic Lumix G1 and GH1. But Nothing fitted all of my criteria. If only the SX200 had a rotating screen, AAs and manual focus. If only the SX10 has 720p video and manual focus. If only the SX1 were available in North America and had manual focus. If only the GH1 was released in time and has AAs and didn't cost $1500 and required extra lenses. ETC..

Ultimately since nothing has it all and based on recommendations from you guys here at AT, I think I will go with the SX10 since it covers most of my most important criteria, and doesn't cost $1500 and has no need for extra lenses.

Thanks for all the input.

The SX1 is launching in NA in April.

From your "wants" there honestly the GH1 sounds like the best camera for you.

 

[KingstonU]

I thought so too, the GH1 is almost perfect (the only thing it doesn't have is use of AAs) but I leave for Peru on April 29th and I don' think it will be available by then


UPDATE: This has recently turned up:

"According to PC World, Panasonic announced the DMC-GH1 hybrid digital camera in Japan this week along with a release date (April 24th) and pricing (¥150,000 or approx. $1530 U.S.)" And in limited quantities.

That's 4 times the price of the SX10 and 5 days before I leave for my trip :disgust::brokenheart: