Single P&S for most occasions?

[Kung Lau]

But...I think I need to have some zoom. Basically I think I want this camera with more zoom. Anything out there yet?

I would really really would prefer to make it a P&S instead of a small DSLR like many are coming out with these days.

Basically, I want it all. (Knowing I can't, but would like to comprimise mostly on the price, meaning if I can most of the things I really want in a camera, I will pay significantly more for it)

I want high IQ. I want the most image quality a consumer, or prosumer p&s can get me with HD recording with zoom (720p is fine with no stutters.) I'd like the zoom to be 8x or more. (bells and whistles are ok but not high on the list)

Any suggestions?



If I get the LX-3, is it really worth the $100 or so premium over the TZ-5? I've seen the TZ-5 as low as $230.00.

 

[magomago]

Well the LX-3 won't give you an 8X zoom....I think it goes 24-60. Wide Angle to Short Tele.

Maybe you should see if the Sigma DP-1/2 would fit the bill. Yeah its a fixed focal length, and there are issues with it (I know the DP1 interface isn't that great, but I have no idea bout the DP-2 interface), but if you know how and when to use it, the images that come out of that foveon sensor are stunning.....too bad R&D is limited considering that only Sigma produces it.

http://i200.photobucket.com/al...7/sfa1966/SDIM0228.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/al...gma%20DP1/ba59ba60.jpg

A guy asked this same question for the DP1-2 http://forums.dpreview.com/for...m=1027&thread=32826332 maybe you can decide if his style is similar with yours.

 

[corkyg]

This is worth a look. It meets all your druthers.

SX120

 

[California Roll]

Check out the Panasonic ZS3. This is going to be my next P&S.

 

[ElFenix]

canon S90 starts out wide and fast like the LX3, but has a (much) longer telephoto end.

 

[Kung Lau]

I really like the Sigma DP-2 for the IQ reasons but am failing to see if it has any movie recording capability.

I'm finding some ad prints indicating movie but the website does not.


edit: nvm. Found movie mode to be QVGA.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Kung Lau
I really like the Sigma DP-2 for the IQ reasons but am failing to see if it has any movie recording capability.

I'm finding some ad prints indicating movie but the website does not.


edit: nvm. Found movie mode to be QVGA.

i thought you wanted zoom?

 

[Kung Lau]

Yes, I missed that the Sigma doesnt have zoom nor 720p.


Seems almost like a puzzle.

I would like to have: IQ+ZOOM(10x+)+720P+P&S

Seems like most cameras have 3 out of the 4 (in the P&S category, but I'm willing to possibly venture out of the compact P&S to the notsocompact P&S? (Thinking G10 like)



Top contenders I've boiled down to currently:

Lumix ZS3





That's it!

Nothing else like it?

I guess the only thing I'd like a little more of on the ZS3 is more IQ. The pictures are good but I want that slap in the face picture making capability.

Guess I'm asking for a lot.

 

[California Roll]

ZS3 is a great camera, especially if you're into HD video. I borrowed my friend's for the weekend and was real happy with it. There are similar cameras but they are even more lacking in terms of IQ. If the IQ on the ZS3 isn't to your liking, you're probably going to have to buy outside P&S.

"slap in the face picture making capability" has just as much to do with the photographer as the equipment.

 

[ReggieDunlap]

I just picked up a new Canon Powershot A480. Only cost me 89,00? (i think that's about 120$ maybe a bit more) and I'm more than happy with it. Depending on the quality your looking for with the zoom, my digital enhanced zoom takes a pretty decent pic at a distance of say 30 meters.

I'd list all the specs but i dont have them handy at the moment. Its basically a 10mpxl, 3.7x (?) optical zoom with digital enhance, and a 2.5 LCD. Not really a compact per se, but small enough to not be a pain to have to carry around.