Looking for a barely below DLSR camera

[spidey07]

I need a new camera and I'm going to buy it this weekend. I apologize for not mulling over threads but am really just looking for something that meets my needs. I had a sony DSC-V1, that I loved because of the size, but there were things it just wouldn't do for me.

Please, this is not about what is best, just a camera to quickly give me what I want. I'm looking to your knowledge for a knowledgeable choice.

Requirements:

1) Yes, size matters. This is where a DLSR is out, I require a camera/case that isn't a lug and easy to carry. Doesn't have to be tiny, just easy to carry.

2) Quality optics and choices of shutter speeds

3) Macro and focus control. I find manual focus control on my sony to be difficult. Most of all it's this lack of control of focus that is most difficult, macro or not. Overall I can't control focus like I want to.

4) Wide range of shooting with a good zoom

5) Full control is assumed

6) What I see in the viewfinder is what I am going to get

Thanks in advance, I know that some of these say "get a DLSR you dummy!" But if I can get something really close that I can carry easily that's what I want.

 

[tfinch2]

I'd go with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5

It probably doesn't meet all of your requirements though.

 

[jpeyton]

G9 is usually the default choice for people who want a step below a DSLR. Or a G7 if you don't need RAW and want a lower price.

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
G9 is usually the default choice for people who want a step below a DSLR. Or a G7 if you don't need RAW and want a lower price.

Thats what I was thinking, you could always get the G7 and install CHDK on it and get the RAW power

 

[Aharami]

CHDK is awesome. I second G9 or G7. check out dpreview forums for sample pics

 

[ElFenix]

leica d-lux 3.

 

[punchkin]

When I shopped for my G9, the G7 was actually more expensive, but you may find a one-off deal somewhere. The TZ5 is intriguing because of its wider-angle lens. The D-Lux 3 is even more expensive, and sucks noise-wise, but I've enjoyed some images from that camera.

 

[spidey07]

Thanks a bunch. I'll check those models out. Will probably pay particular attention to focus control.

 

[spidey07]

Dammit! The Nikon P80 seemed decent, but no manual focus control means DO NOT WANT.

Is there anything out there that offers non-electronic focus ranges and ability to control focus through the lens?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Dammit! The Nikon P80 seemed decent, but no manual focus control means DO NOT WANT.

Is there anything out there that offers non-electronic focus ranges and ability to control focus through the lens?

fuji S9000, though it's a bit big. the panasonic FZ50 does as well. the fuji s6000 has a focus ring but it's focus-by-wire. they may all be that way.

 

[spidey07]

I checked out the sony H50 and nikon P80 today. Very impressive and the size is enough to deal with. The features on the H50 are pretty incredible as well as the zoom.

I'll have to compare this with with the others mentioned so thanks again. It seems a LOT has changed features and software wise. The H50 had this wild "smile camera" that automatically detected smiles and took the picture. While not something I would use a lot it was pretty wild.

 

[daveshel]

Sounds a lot like my Canon S3 IS. This was the sweet spot of the super zooms, before they increased the pixel count and they ended up noisy. You can find them used for like 200.