Compact cameras

bsod

plenty of optical zoom and megapixels available in your local curry's for a fraction of that price. If you want a 30x optical zoom, the camera will be a bit larger, and you'll probably need to carry a tripod, which defeats the object of a compact which slips in a coat pocket

Johnmcl7

You're against the laws of physics unfortunately, a bigger sensor means a bigger lens so to have a small compact lens with a large zoom range they have to fit tiny sensors and dim lenses.

The 1in sensor in the RX series is already two stops down from the APS-C in the A55, in practice I find it's pretty good for noise but the dynamic range does noticeably suffer, there's far less headroom in the highlights and shadow to pull back details compared to APS-C or FF. The 1/1.8 and 1/2.3in sensors are a massive step down though with limited dynamic range and noticeable grain or blotchiness even at low isos.

John

nearlyrich

I bought the same Panasonic camera, except mine is black, to take on my recent holiday as I also have a Lumix G series( and a coupe of Canon DSLRS) but they don't fit in my pocket when out in the evening etc. I love it so pleased with the results and it captures amazing video I got mine from a local camera shop where I was able to play with it and they had an (at the time) exclusive to high street camera shops £50 off plus an accessory kit with a second battery and a case. Panasonic often also extend the warranty for kit bought in independent shops..I got 3 years on this one and 5 on my G series when I got it 2 years ago.

Mirno

I don't know if there are equivalents for other cameras, but the Canons have a healthy modding community.
CHDK adds features back such as RAW files, and motion detection that you don't usually get on a compact camera.
Obviously it's not for the technically faint of heart, but something to possibly think about!

nearlyrich

The Panasonic shoots in RAW and it's possible to take full control in Manual mode as it is on a DSLR..

jackieblack

Although I can't comment on the TZ70, I have a Panasonic TZ40 which I love, it's a fantastic little camera and takes great photos
The updated model of this is the TZ60
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMC-TZ60EB-K-Compact-Digital-Camera/dp/B00HO37V4O/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

ukcarper

I've got an older TZ and although it's give good results there is no viewfinder which I find a pain.

nearlyrich

I was pleasantly surprised to get a viewfinder as the last time I was buying a compact 3 years ago there were none about with viewfinder.

EssexExile

Yup, viewfinders on compact cameras at last! Couldn't be without one now.

A._Badger

nearlyrich wrote: »

I was pleasantly surprised to get a viewfinder as the last time I was buying a compact 3 years ago there were none about with viewfinder.

I have one of the TZ Panasonics which has a viewfinder (a TZ60) as my 'walkabout' camera. I don't like it ergonomically as much as the Canons I used to use (I've had several), but the performance is exceptional for its sensor size and huge zoom range.

Strangely, the viewfinder is a disappointment. It's so small that its only real use is in extremis - but at least it's there. In my experience, rear screens are next to useless in bright light.

For reasons I can't quite put my finger on, Panasonics seem to be very well 'voiced'. Rather like Olympuses (Olympi?) they seem to produce pictures with a better balance to them than their specifications would suggest.