Recommendations for a high end digital compact camera

Bean_Counter

Hi,

I was considering upgrading my current camera (a Sony DSC-HX9V) and was wandering if anyone had any suggestions before I launch into the multitude of cameras that seem to be out there.

My parameters are:

Use - mainly for holiday snaps and pictures of the family, nothing major, but plan to spend more time editing etc
Size - prefer small enough to fit in pocket or into a pouch on a belt rather than a large thing slung round the neck
Cost - flexible but would prefer less than £300

Please let me know if you need any more information and thanks in advance.

Hedgehog99

I've been really pleased with my Panasonic Lumix TZ5 (TZ stood for Tourist Zoom). I've had it several years now, so obviously the TZ5 has been replaced by newer models, but I still see lots of Panasonics around when I am in a crowd of people taking photos, so they still seem popular.

When I chose mine, I bought a camera reviews magazine which helped a lot. Screen quality is very good. Zoom is good too, would be even better now on the new models.

Definitely recommend review mags and free online Which? at your local library, and do try it in-store even if you intend to buy online.

Strider590

Nikon 1 is currently the top end compact.

The one thing you need to remember is that megapixels do NOT equate to quality. Quality cannot be measured, so sales/marketing types focus on megapixels instead.

An old 8.2mp DSLR would produce significantly better quality images than even the latest 16mp compacts.

ballyblack

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-PowerShot-S100-Digital-Camera/dp/B005N5NF6I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415963651&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+powershot+100

althas

Good advice for the technical side of things. Due to the size of the sensor in compacts, the mega pixels are not important past 8mp really.

What matters the most is the glass. I am a little out of date on compacts, but last I looked, Panasonic TZ's were amongst the best as they use Lecia lens, and it does not get much better than that

What I would suggest is when you have it narrowed down to a few models, go to a shop and have a go with them. The final "what-it-feels-like-in-your-hand" test is always the decider for me

Let us know what you settle on

Ant555

I recently purchased a TZ60 for various reasons including ...

- Compact, easily fits in pocket or bag
- Decent Zoom
- Viewfinder
- The ability to zoom by twisting the ring around the lens (much like a dslr). You can also use the lever on the body if you want.

I find the motorized zooms on compacts with the lever typically around the on/off button a little bit picky when trying to get a precise framing. I can look through the viewfinder, twist the lens ring and zoom in and out very easily with the TZ60, the viewfinder shows pretty much what you will get.

It takes great pictures and has full manual IF you want it.

The battery life is good as well - in fact the last time I had to charge the camera I had a job finding the charger as it was so long since I had needed it.

Its at the top end of your budget but if you have a store close by (mine was from John Lewis) then I would suggest going for a play with one.

I don;t have it on the top megapixel setting as the file sizes are ridiculous but the pictures it takes are absolutely pin sharp and I am on Auto most of the time.

Hope this helps.

A._Badger

You will get a pretty objective set of reviews here http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/

I wouldn't recommend Which? reviews. They are not specialists.

Big_Graeme

What is the Sony not doing for you? Its still a damn good camera, if you must upgrade them as above the Pannys are top notch.

Sooler

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 MK I
http://www.johnlewis.com/search/rx100

Mr_Toad

I recently had an evening out with one of the girlfriends lifelong friends and her partner.

It turned out that he is a professional photographer, not a babies and weddings man but the sort that do photographs for commercial websites and brochures, books, magazines, cookery books etc. and stills for production companies and TV work.

The girlfriend asked him about a compact, she's been looking and dithering for over a year. Professionally he uses a couple of high end Nikon DSLRs with a selection of lenses that cost the same as a family car.

For carrying round in his pocket he uses a Canon S120. I'm not sure if this is a current model or has been replaced but he said when new it cost around £280.

He showed us some very beautiful and very professional pictures taken with it. Pictures I'd have put money on as having come from a DSLR. He'd done some fantaastic macro shots with it of flowers and insects in various gardens.

He said it was great for point and shoot but had just enough manual control to set it up to do pretty much what you want.

All the evening achieved was to make me realise what rubbish photographer I am.

Anne_Marie_2

Think that the last poster hit the nail on the head with what a professional can do, compared to the ordinary snapper.

Do you really need to upgrade your camera or hone your skills a little better on what you can do with it? It's a really good camera that you have. You might like to read a little into getting the best from your camera. I bought some good books by Tom Ang from TheBookPeople.com a good while back

I remember when I bought my last camera, and it was a choice between the one you have, or the Panasonic TZ30...I went for the latter, because I already had a Panasonic bridge camera and really liked it, but too big to carry about all the time.
My bridge camera is a few years old now, it's the FZ38. I won't be changing either camera soon.