New Digital P&S Help.

[AeroEngy]

I know very little about cameras and have a budget of < $400.

Currently I am looking at the Panasonic DMC-ZS7, the LX3 or the Canon S90 (other suggestions are welcome). The more I look at them the more confused I get. I will most likely use this camera to take pictures of my kids (indoor low-ish light) plus the occasional hiking trip. Image quality is the most important however I am easily distracted by cool features like GPS, HD Video (with zoom), etc. I do not want a large DSLR style camera.

LX3 - I like the image quality/low light performance. I don't know if I will use all the manual options. I don't like the limited zoom.

S90 - Seems like a quality camera. No HD video, better zoom than the lx3 but not as good as the zs7.

ZS7 - The most features but will I be dissatisfied with the image quality?

One other item of note. I currently have a Sony Cybershot DSC-P200 7.2MP. My main complaint with it is indoor low light performance and the lag in trying to take a picture. My kids are hardly ever still and I need my new camera to be faster at focusing and taking the shot.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Well, if you are looking for low-light photos sans flash, the LX3 & S90 are the way to go, as is the Fuji F200EXR and Fuji F70EXR. The Canon & Panasonic gain their low-light advantage primarily due to fast lenses, the Fujis by virtue of their unique sensors. The Fuji F70EXR also crams a 10x lens into the body.

However, if you'd like HD video, the LX3 is the only one of these cameras that does it.

I'd recommend going over to DCResource.com to look at reviews and samples.

 

[AeroEngy]

Thanks for the link

The low light performance is the only reason I was questioning the ZS7. It might be good enough for me but I just don't know.

Now I am leaning toward the S90 ... I will keep looking / reading / comparing until I just break down and pull the trigger on one of them. I am sure either will be an upgrade from my current camera.

 

[996GT2]

S90 and LX3 have about the same level of low-light performance. S90 might actually be a tad better since it has Canon's newest DIGIC IV processor.

As far as low-light use goes, keep in mind that the LX3's lens is 24-60mm f/2-2.8, while the S90's is 28-105mm f/2-4.9. So while you do get a bit of extra zoom with the S90, the maximum aperture at 105mm is about 1.6 stops slower than the LX3 is at 60mm. Aperture determines how much light goes in the lens, so a faster aperture (lower number) is better for low-light use.

60mm vs. 105mm isn't a huge difference though, in my opinion. It's about the same as taking a few steps forward.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

S90 and LX3 have about the same level of low-light performance. S90 might actually be a tad better since it has Canon's newest DIGIC IV processor.

As far as low-light use goes, keep in mind that the LX3's lens is 24-60mm f/2-2.8, while the S90's is 28-105mm f/2-4.9. So while you do get a bit of extra zoom with the S90, the maximum aperture at 105mm is about 1.6 stops slower than the LX3 is at 60mm. Aperture determines how much light goes in the lens, so a faster aperture (lower number) is better for low-light use.

60mm vs. 105mm isn't a huge difference though, in my opinion. It's about the same as taking a few steps forward.

The real comparison, though, is what is the S90's aperture @ 60mm? My guess would be either f/3.5 or 4.0.

 

[AeroEngy]

Just saw some side by side comparison's of the older DMC-ZS3 vs. DMC-ZS7 and the older ZS3 looks a lot better ... wtf.

So I have ruled that one out. Now I am checking out the new SX210IS from canon or the S90. I still have the same dilemma as before though. Better IQ or more consumer oriented features ... back to more reading/comparing.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Just saw some side by side comparison's of the older DMC-ZS3 vs. DMC-ZS7 and the older ZS3 looks a lot better ... wtf.

So I have ruled that one out. Now I am checking out the new SX210IS from canon or the S90. I still have the same dilemma as before though. Better IQ or more consumer oriented features ... back to more reading/comparing.

Meh, that's what happens when you cram more megapixels on what is otherwise the same senor.

 

[996GT2]

Just saw some side by side comparison's of the older DMC-ZS3 vs. DMC-ZS7 and the older ZS3 looks a lot better ... wtf.

So I have ruled that one out. Now I am checking out the new SX210IS from canon or the S90. I still have the same dilemma as before though. Better IQ or more consumer oriented features ... back to more reading/comparing.

If you want good low-light performance and overall image quality in a compact camera, stick with the LX3 or the S90. The LX3 has a faster lens and HD video, while the S90 has a longer zoom range and an innovative control wheel for changing settings quickly.

I see that your current Sony P200 has a zoom range of 38-114mm (3x). Both the LX3 and S90 start considerably wider, at 24 and 28mm, respectively. This will help with landscapes and with shots where you don't have much room to move back. The LX3's zoom tops out at 60mm, which is equivalent to just under a 2x zoom setting on your Sony. The S90's 105mm maximum zoom setting is just under a 3x (full zoom) setting on your P200.

I suggest that you set your Sony to just under a 2x and 3x zoom, and then compare the differences on the LCD. Then you can decide for yourself if you need the extra zoom or not.

 

[996GT2]

Meh, that's what happens when you cram more megapixels on what is otherwise the same senor.

Only 2 more megapixels on the ZS7 though...and it looks like a pretty huge difference (like the ZS7 sharpening was set to very low or something).