View Full Version : Digital P&S user out of the closet
I dearly love my CV and FSU cameras, but there are times I want to carry a small digital point and shoot. I find that other than being easy to have in a pocket, a small digital camera is nice for shooting places that I will revisit with my proper cameras - "sort of a screen test". Now I know a lot of RFF members have a digital shoot, so what is your favorite digital P&S and why? The reason I am asking is that I am looking at the available digital P&S cameras on the market.
Fuji F10. I just bought used for $100-. The F10 and F30/F31 brothers are the only P&S's with a usable iso 800 mode. I'm quite happy with mine.
andersju
10-05-2007, 19:57
Ricoh GRD is my favorite in this area. There are some threads about it, like this one (http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/search.php?searchid=797460).
Small, sturdy, handling unmatched by any other digi compact I've tried (for example, it has two separate dials for shutter/aperture, like a dslr). Contrary to what some claim, it's very good at high ISOs ("film-like" noise - preserves detail instead of smearing things out). LCD can be turned off; also set the camera to "snap mode" (2,5m prefocus) and you have a most excellent stealth camera.
I use it with the CV 28/35 mini-finder, though admittedly I shoot from the hip most of the time, especially in the subway. All the pictures at http://2038.cc/archives/ were taken with the GRD at ISO 800, no noise reduction.
IMHO the Ricoh GRD is the closest you will get to the 'rangefinder' experience in a P&S. I use it with the 21/28 V/F and like Anders, set to snap mode. It has a wonderful macro also.
It has a prime 28mm F2.4 that is great for lowlight. That can be widened to a 21 with a very high quality screw in converter. All in a metal body :)
Cheers,
John
andersju:
Those subway shots are impressive, very nice.
photobizzz
10-05-2007, 21:08
I use a Samsung NV7. The high ISOs are noisy, so I usually only shoot at 100 or 200 but with the optical stabilization it is not a handicap for me. I particlarly like the interface, touch sensitive buttons and the large optical zoom range. Here is a link to a sample.
Fan Tailed Lizard (http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGallDetail.asp?photoID=3331847&catID=%20name=)
Still use a Canon S70.... set to 8-10ft and ISO 100 & it's all set to go. The shutter lag is pretty good provided it's half pressed/focused. That new Canon G9 is looking awfully good...
IGMeanwell
10-05-2007, 21:16
Fuji F series
The F11 for the price are excellent if you can find them
The F30/F31fd; very good but again hard to find
The F40 and above get into the heavier noise reduction due to their higher megapixel count
The F50 will have CCD shift anti-shake, but all indications so far is that its a little disappointing for the F series
SteveM(PA)
10-06-2007, 15:08
still using my canon s230, mostly for movies. I like the big (compared to newer ones) built-in zooming finder. 3.2 fighting megapixels, which I later PS to hell (sometimes).
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1411/1491265717_ee78774fe9.jpg?v=0
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1176/1426807742_0caf7e6497.jpg?v=0
antiquark
10-06-2007, 19:47
Canon A620/30/40, the articulated LCD is useful for so many situations.
Has anyone used a Panasonic DMC-TZ3? I have the opportunity to buy a new one for $200.
kshapero
10-07-2007, 12:33
I'm still using my Pentax Optio 750z
http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/Pentax750Z/Images/frontview-001.jpg
It has the articulating LCD so I can shot from the waist. At 100-200 it is very sharp. OS would be nice. I am looking at the Canon A650 IS. It has it all as far as I can tell.
Silva Lining
10-07-2007, 13:12
I like my PanaLeica LX1 mainly for its 16:9 persepective. The quality is good at 80ISO and the little Leica zoom is great for a go anywhere camera.
http://www.pbase.com/phillbrown/image/81060208.jpg
NickTrop
10-07-2007, 13:24
Pansonic Lumix FZ1. There's a "hack" out there that gives it both aperture priority or shutter priority making it "technically" an FZ2 (which was only released in Japan.)
Why do I like it?
1. Because it has a 12X optical zoom with image stabilization, which equates to a 420 focal length in 35. That would be a "monster" lens. Plus, it maintains its f2.8 max ap throughout the zoom range. The camera is nice and compact and light. It's full range in 35mm focal lengths is 35mm on the wide end to 420 on the telephoto end. And its "Leica" lens maintains its f2.8 brightness throughout the range.
This gives me something that I can't get in the film world - a camera I can hold in my hand were I can use a "monster zoom" without a tripod, handheld and has a fast lens. The capabilities of compact super zoom cameras with image stabilization represent the /only/ genuine "hands down" advantage of digital over film cameras IMO. But when I don't need that kind of zoom, I shoot film.
2. This is one of the few digital cameras that doesn't have a strong infrared blocker and you can shoot IR photos with it using a Hoya R72.
zuikologist
10-07-2007, 14:09
Canon G1 - bulky but with good battery life, a flip out screen, real manual / aperture priority / shutter priority. But mainly I bought it for the wide end of its zoom range, which is 35mm f2.0. The wide aperture helps with very noisy ISO beyond ISO 200. Sadly it now has an obvious dead or hot pixel so it is mostly used for b&w.
I recently got me a Minox DCC Leica M3 Plus. :)
It's crap, I can tell you, but fun.
I've posted some of ther esults on my blogs:
Review and photos: http://shardsofphotography.blogspot.com/2007/09/minox-dcc-leica-m3-plus-review.html
Another photo: http://shardsofphotography2.blogspot.com/search?q=minox
Leica D-Lux 3 for pocketable uses. There's a couple of threads about it. One example:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/data/500/L1010163-Edit.jpg
Cheers,
Kirk
Dr. Strangelove
10-08-2007, 05:27
I want a Ricoh GRD but it's almost two years old now and I keep hoping for a GRD 2 to come out that will hopefully address the slow RAW write speed of the GRD.
I would not have my hopes up for a GRD 2. The Caplio GX100 is essentially intended to be the GRD replacement. It shoot raw -- and reportedly writes it much faster than the GRD -- and has a fast (F2.5 - F4.4) 3x zoom lens starting from 24 mm FF equivalent. Even Ricoh has to play the zoom game to some degree, if they wish to make profit with their cameras.
If I had the money the Ricoh GX100 would be the digital P&S for me. Since I don't, I use the Canon A series cameras, which are pretty good for the price.
depending on your use, i'd consider a oly5050. U can get one of those for $100+ these days and it's got lots of features and a 1.8 lens. Its usable even at iso400 (max) and i've seen lots of great work with it, well as far as web publishing goes anyway. Saw some of Majoli's prints recently in a gallery and i was quite impressed too....
some of my more humble stuff here:
http://www.zoto.com/site/#USR.szekiat::PAG.lightbox::ORD.date_uploaded::DIR .desc::LIM.80::OFF.0::TUN.uh%20music%20society%20@ %20southwark%20cathedral
http://szekiat.t35.com/street/spd2007/
Pherdinand
10-08-2007, 14:24
i have a super-idiotproof (i.e. automatic with almost no control at all) olympus.
I got it as a present.
I did not even bother to buy a memory card for it..it has 24MB internal :D
You know why i like it?
It can focus to 2 bloody centimeters and take an image. And a very good image. It really really is good for macro. I rarely shoot macro but happens sometimes.
And i also can take stupid camera-and-coffee shots with it ;)
The Fuji F series!
I got two F11! You can chose A or S priority (or auto). Amazing ISO at 800 (or even 1600).
If possible get a F30/F31.
You can't go wrong with it!
Small (on your hand only the lens go out between fingers ;-) ), no noise, no sound, extremely fast on shooting (no usual lag of P&S) no need of AF iluminator (but has it too).
Just 35 (@2.8) to 105.
Don't lose much!
Example: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=F11&w=71596938%40N00
saxshooter
10-10-2007, 11:03
Another nod to the Fuji F30/F31fd... both discontinued, but you may be able to find one refurbished. The image quality is amazing -- in a class of its own. ASA 800/1600 are almost on the level of a dSLR. Do a web search on it... it has a major cult following.
Pherdinand
10-10-2007, 11:07
And how's the ricoh caplio r6? I just bought it for someone as a group present...i kinda like the ricoh digitals' speed aka lack of shutter lag...and their design is okay. But dunno the image quality.
saxshooter
10-10-2007, 11:16
The Fuji F30/F31fd are not the prettiest cameras (I've got 'em), but when you compare image quality at iso 400 and higher with the sexier Leica/Panasonic point and shoot offerings, there is no comparison... Fuji had something good going with their 6 MP Super CCD... the imager itself was larger than most point and shoots. But unfortunately, Fuji is chasing the megapixel race, and more megapixel means more noise in your image...
It all depends. If you think you will do most of your shooting outdoors and can live at asa 100 with these point and shoots, you'll be OK. A lot of the current cameras start looking pretty rough at asa 400...
Jim Watts
10-12-2007, 03:07
Another nod to the Fuji F30/F31fd... both discontinued, but you may be able to find one refurbished. The image quality is amazing -- in a class of its own. ASA 800/1600 are almost on the level of a dSLR. Do a web search on it... it has a major cult following.
I have both the GRD (with CV 28/35 minifinder) and the Fuji F30. As a camera I much, much prefer the GRD, but for higher iso's the Fuji has more than a slight edge for me. I know the GRD has its supporters for the 'film grain' like noise and there are work rounds to improve the noise levels. In B & W its not too bad, but if I want colour I shoot with the Fuji. Its just a pity about the 'crap' handling experience of the Fuji compared to the GRD.
Attached 3 shots from an opening at White Cube Gallery last Tuesday night. All on the Fuji F30 at 1600 iso with low shutter speeds as the light was very poor.
I have to agree the handling of the Fuji F30 isn't great but it's probably the same as most tiny digicams. The images it produces are very good though. However the camera I prefer to pick up is my Canon G7, shown here with it's new grip. It's near rangefinder feel makes it my first option most of the time and despite it's knockers it produces nice pix.
GRD shooter here:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1330/605020866_1f0096acea.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/410635291_52c66f6182.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/410635328_da70fcaf82.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/503921934_f9447ecd8e.jpg
Richard Black
10-12-2007, 13:23
I like the Olympus SP350. Shoots RAW and all jpg. Put it on auto and it is a great P&S then use the other settings for just about anything else. F2.8 is moderate. Great images and large files!
I still use my Olympus C-7070WZ a fair amount. It's produced some beautiful 11" x 14" prints for me. Here's a couple of shots from mine (downsized for the web):
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1148/710818753_e8ade584c4_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1242/710819287_81a79236f9_o.jpg
dazedgonebye
10-12-2007, 14:11
I recently bought my wife a Nikon Coolpix L12. Nothing stellar really, but takes a better than decent shot with no thought required. Very portable and not so expensive that you will cry when it gets beat up in your pocket.
As an aside...
Some years ago, I had a trip to Italy with an old Nikon 2mp 2x zoom. Incredibly limiting by today's standards, but I've got a load of 5x7s and 8x10s from it that non-photo people rave over.
My point...having the camera with you is mostly what matters. Today's technology is all good.
I ended up buying the Lumix DMC TZ-3. I got a great deal on a new one. The 10X optical zoom (28 - 280 35mm equivalent) was a big selling point. At the wide and tele extremes there is no visible distortion. It isn't as compact as some of the other cameras I looked at, but the slightly larger size makes it easier to hold. The main drawback is the nearly complete lack of manual control. As soon as I figure out this Pana-Leica, I will post some shots.
jolefler
10-13-2007, 02:17
I have to say I've been pleased with the two Lumix models I've owned: a DMC-LC80 and currently a DMC-FZ8.
The LC80 was a true P&S, fitting in a shirt pocket with room to spare. To me the drawback was the lack of manual control of the camera. Nice pics/easy carry.
The FZ-8 has everything I want...manual ex, manual focus, long zoom. It's drawback is slightly larger size. Nowhere near a DSLR, but won't fit in a shirt pocket. The REALLY DESIRABLE features of the FZ, to me are a RAW mode, higher ISO's (but kinda noisy), I only have one digicam, and am happy with this.
Sold my D-lux 3 and replaced it with the Ricoh GX 100 two weeks ago.
EVF, full manual controls, DNG raw, 24 (!)-72mm lens, understated look and competent feel with a rubber handgrip fitting perfectly into the palm make the Ricoh the better choice, at least for me.
:D
The Fuji F-series have wonderful high ISO image quality, but with a very unpleasant interface. Just awful to use, IMO. Fiddly buttons and bad menus. And the XD cards are a PITA. I was always fighting to get my card reader to read the things, then I often had to reformat the card again to get the camera to accept it. Blech.
I'm using a PanaLeica LX1 now and loving it. Takes SD cards. ISO 200 is good, but it falls apart above that. But the interface is just lovely. Intuitive and quick to use, and even though it doesn't have manual exposure control, the dedicated +/- exposure compensation knob allows up to two full stops control in 1/3 stop increments.
The best thing, though, is the 16:9 sensor with the 28mm lens. If you like to shoot wide, you have to check out the pana-leicas. :)
Here are are some of the first shots with the Lumix DMC TZ-3. All in all, it is a pretty nice camera.
http://tinyurl.com/2vxjef
Chemophilic
10-13-2007, 20:51
This is my first time posting on this forum so I guess this is an informal hello. I would second kevin m's post re: Panasonic LX1. I had one 2 years ago and the panoramic pictures from it were really sweet. I really regretted selling it so to remedy that, I just picked one up last week. Can't wait to take it out for some shooting!
Mississippi river in the afternoon sun:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/1573587767_8c8665ae13_o.jpg
Hello, my name is Colin, its been 7 years since I bought a digital point and shoot, but today I couldn't control myself and shot up with a GRD.
Epimetheus
10-17-2007, 09:31
I use Fuji F30 when I don't want to carry anything heavier.
Here is couple sets with it:
http://markuspuustinen.com/galleriat/07/05/san_francisco_part_1/
http://markuspuustinen.com/galleriat/07/05/san_francisco_part_2/
Tiger Direct has Samsung NV7 cameras on sale--I get their emails from buying some computer stuff--$149 after $50 rebate.
Rob
I just picked up a hardly used ricoh gx100 on ebay with viewfinder for $520. The plastic is still on the screen!
I was looking for a p&s for when i don't feel like dragging around the big boys.
Really looking forward to shooting with it!
I have to agree the handling of the Fuji F30 isn't great but it's probably the same as most tiny digicams. The images it produces are very good though. However the camera I prefer to pick up is my Canon G7, shown here with it's new grip. It's near rangefinder feel makes it my first option most of the time and despite it's knockers it produces nice pix.
Nice grip. Where did you get it? And the black accessory ring? I'm thinking of spray-painting mine - is that what you have done?
Regards,
Bill
Here are a couple more shots with the Lumix TZ-3.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/1680709040_99c68041c8.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/1679850051_b3b2f1fe4d.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/1679851955_a778acb532.jpg
Biomed I am seriously impressed with the TZ-3 images. Those Leica lenses really cut the mustard,
kshapero
10-30-2007, 12:42
Ricoh Corp. has announced an evolutionary update to its popular GR Digital, which has been on the market for exactly two years, since October 2005. Called the GR Digital II (http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/gr/gr_digital2/index.html), the new camera features logical updates such as a 1/1.75-inch CCD with 10.01 million effective pixels, a 2.7-inch, 230,000-pixel display with a high 160º viewing angle, and a new processing engine said to "dramatically" improve high-ISO noisehttp://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/images/2007/10/30/ricohteleconverter.jpg (http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/30/ricohteleconverter.jpg) performance. It has the same excellent, fast, 6-element in 5 group 28mm-e ƒ/2.4 lens as its predecessor. Other features include .dng RAW, a native square format feature like that found on the GX100, customizable B&W modes, and electronic leveling with visual or audible confirmation. New accessories include a new teleconverter lens that makes the lens into a 40mm equivalent (right), and a new external viewfinder. Write times for RAW have been improved from 11 seconds to 3.8 seconds, and you can now take a second picture in RAW while the first is still writing. RAW capture works in the camera's square format, too.
Availability is said to be set for a month or two from now.
Biomed I am seriously impressed with the TZ-3 images. Those Leica lenses really cut the mustard,
The TZ-3 lens is what sold me on the camera. It works very well in most situations. IMHO, the ISO should not be set above 200. I keep mine set at ISO 100 90% of the time.
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