philipus Posted December 8, 2012 Share #1 Posted December 8, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) A friend has asked me for advice regarding a digital compact camera because he knows even less about them than I do. He'll be travelling around in Thailand over the holidays and though he is not as interested in photography like the rest of us I do know he appreciates quality generally. For a camera that would translate into both image quality and build quality/reliability. My friend told me he does not need the camera to be diving or snorkling proof and also that he doesn't need a super-long zoom; an 'ordinary' zoom will be fine. I know next to nothing about the current state of digital compacts so was hoping that the Forum could perhaps help. Bearing the above in mind, what should I advise him to get with a budget of max 700€? Thanks in advance Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 8, 2012 Posted December 8, 2012 Hi philipus, Take a look here Digital camera advice. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
greyelm Posted December 8, 2012 Share #2 Posted December 8, 2012 The Fuji X10 would fit the bill. Very good IQ, fast modest zoom lens and is pocketable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iedei Posted December 8, 2012 Share #3 Posted December 8, 2012 Leica D-Lux 6. excellent camera with zoom. if he doesn't need zoom...i would say either a used X1 or new Ricoh GRD-IV Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted December 8, 2012 Share #4 Posted December 8, 2012 Another vote for the D-Lux 6, or for a less expensive option, a used D-Lux 5. I have the D-Lux 5 and it's an excellent camera especially when used with the clip on EVF (once you're used to looking through it of course:)). Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyelm Posted December 8, 2012 Share #5 Posted December 8, 2012 The Panasonic LX-7 is the same camera and is a lot cheaper. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted December 8, 2012 Share #6 Posted December 8, 2012 True, but the bundled products are different, hence the price difference. (I don't wish to enter the subjective argument over whether the prices are justified.) Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipus Posted December 8, 2012 Author Share #7 Posted December 8, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Here's a dpreview comparison of the contenders: D-Lux 5 D-Lux 6 Canon G15 Canon G1X Fuji X10 The D-Lux 5 has a CCD - how much better is that IQ-wise? The G1X is larger than the others but has a very large sensor - ought to improve IQ D-Lux 5 and 6 have 24mm but only go to 90. Though that's not much shorter than the 112mm of the others except G15's 140. G15 and D-Lux 6 have the fastest lenses but f2 of the X10 isn't bad. All except the G1X have impressive widest apertures at the longest end of the zoom 2.8 and 3.3 for D-Lux 5) D-Lux 5 only has 720p video Has any of you used one or more of these models? Did I forget any important camera? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doolittle Posted December 8, 2012 Share #8 Posted December 8, 2012 One of the best bargains out there at the moment has to be the Nikon V1 10-30mm kit (27-81mm equiv). Very solidly built camera, compact size, extremely fast autofocus, good evf, fantastic battery life (same battery as D7000 or D800) and ease of use. £299 from amazon.co.uk or calumet.co.uk and other retailers I'm sure too (while stocks last, discounted as V2 now released). Add the 30-110mm lens and you still aren't over budget. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipus Posted December 8, 2012 Author Share #9 Posted December 8, 2012 Thanks Dolittle. I hadn't considered the V1. Incredibly inexpensive it seems. How does it perform IQ-wise? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doolittle Posted December 8, 2012 Share #10 Posted December 8, 2012 Thanks Dolittle. I hadn't considered the V1. Incredibly inexpensive it seems. How does it perform IQ-wise? Compared to the LX3 I had before: no contest - V1 images way sharper. iso performance better. On top of that you have much less shutter lag. Naturally compared to a dSLR it is a different story. Sensor size sits between a good compact camera and micro four thirds, and this is reflected in the performance. In my view it is a great compact camera replacement. Just as pocketable as the LX3 (ie coat pocket, not jeans like an S90 etc.), little bit more weight, but with an evf. No built in flash though (external unit available as an extra..). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeicaBraz Posted December 9, 2012 Share #11 Posted December 9, 2012 Sony Rx100. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted December 9, 2012 Share #12 Posted December 9, 2012 Yet another vote for Leica D-Lux 5 or D-Lux 6, Panasonic LX-5 or LX-6. Very capable cameras with versatile lens range from useful wideangle to semi-telephoto, easy and fuss free (leave on P, set to 100 ISO most of the time), and great image quality. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted December 9, 2012 Share #13 Posted December 9, 2012 If your friend needs to ask the question about camera type, implying a novice, then the Fuji X10 is the last camera I would recommend. It is a nightmare of menu's, 'what's that' questions, and 'what if' questions (question's often unresolved by the instructions), even for experienced photographers. My choice would be from Canon S100 or S110 for compactness Panasonic LX7 for overall easy of use, or Sony X100 for its image quality I own none of them, although I did have an X10 and sold it, but have been looking to upgrade from my Canon S90, a camera hard to find an equal to for being truly pocketable and with decent image quality. So I have read all the reviews Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul J Posted December 9, 2012 Share #14 Posted December 9, 2012 Sony RX100 is really quite impressive and worth a close look. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipus Posted December 10, 2012 Author Share #15 Posted December 10, 2012 I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who helped. I appreciate it a lot. I have passed on suggestions to my friend and we'll see what he eventually picks. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted December 10, 2012 Share #16 Posted December 10, 2012 Just seen this. A friend of mine has asked my advice on buying a camera, she isn't into photography but has some holidays planned including a safari trip and wants something better than her phone to take some snaps. She was talking about DSLR's and the like but I know if she buys a camera like that she'll end up never using it. My advice was to buy as compact a camera as possible, so it is no burden to carry it with her. I did some research and two cameras stood out, the Panasonic TZ30 has a 20x zoom (I know you said an average range would be OK) and it has a 'Leica' lens. There is also a similar Canon model, SX 240/260. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblitz Posted December 13, 2012 Share #17 Posted December 13, 2012 I prefer the panleicas. Have a dlux4 and love it, the newer ones are better so go with that with one exception.......the flash is somewhat underpowered and canon tends to do betterin that category. So if you figure your friend will want a flash go with the canon. I generally don't hold the small nikons in very high regard Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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