What's the best point-and-shoot?

If you are set on a compact, I would suggest these models that have lenses that are brighter than usual (in alphabetical order):

• Fujifilm X20
• Fujifilm X100/X200 (prime lens)
• Olympus XZ-2
• Panasonic LX7

Otherwise, I'd ask if you would consider a mirrorless camera, like Sony NEX or Micro 4/3, which is not too far off in size vs. a compact with a pancake zoom (Sony's 16-50mm or Panasonic's 14-42mm X PZ), and you'll have the option to use brighter prime lenses that are not too big in the future.

 

The Fuji X series cameras are great, but don't buy something like the X100 until you understand the limits of a fixed focal length lens (non interchangeable) and know that you can work with that. Try before you buy!

If you want a high-end compact that has a large enough sensor to not give you the typical high-noise results of a cheap P&S, look at the Canon Powershot G series. The G15 is the current one, but if that's out of your price range, consider one of the more recent previous models (G1 X, G12). Just as with the Fuji X cameras, the Canon G series deliver good enough image quality that a lot of DSLR owners have one as a second camera.

 

The best camera, I think, is one you know how to use and are comfortable with. No amount of money or fancy lenses can compete with competence- a great photographer can get amazing shots out of a Lomo camera. N

Not specific advice, but something to keep in mind.

I had a dinky lil' Canon point and shoot that did amazing things for me with doll shoots once I figured out its settings and what lighting situations it handled best. Persevere and you'll do fine with most types of camera out these days.

 

There is definitely plenty of truth in this, but it's also something of an overly-applied photography cliché, the point of which can be misunderstood. While a good photographer can absolutely do something great with a Lomo (or any camera), it will be because they know the limitations of that camera, and what it does best. A skilled photographer with a cheap camera will generally trump inexperienced photographer with high-end gear, no argument there. But this does not mean that, given any photographic assignment, the skilled photographer would be content to shoot with a Lomo or an iPhone. Any camera, in the hands of a skilled photographer can do something great, but it might not be the flavor of greatness you're after. An important part of being a photographer is knowing what equipment to use to get your desired result. Fancy lenses costing lots of money don't exist to compensate for lack of photographic talent, they exist because certain types of subjects and shots have specific technical requirements. If you want to shoot wild birds, for example, a 28mm fixed-focus P&S is not your hookup, no matter how much talent you have or how comfortable you are with it.

I believe that someone looking to buy a new camera, for a specific purpose, should look go through Flickr and find a bunch of photos they like (demonstrating the sort of results they'd like to achieve), and look at what camera took them. Take the specific camera model recommendations above, and look at photos taken with those cameras too. I'm a firm believer in only upgrading gear when you know what you need to get the results you want. This is a hobby where you can easily drop thousands of dollars on the wrong equipment and end up unhappy. You'll end up with the best gear for your style of shooting, and your money most wisely spent, if you start small and let the shortcomings you discover in your current gear determine your upgrade path.

 

Right now, I'm using a Canon Powershot sx100 is. The camera is actually missing its lens (I got it used), but still takes wonderful photos. While she's done me well, I'm afraid she'll kick the bucket soon, considering she's years old and got doused with salt water today. I havent't tried turning it back on yet (drying in rice) but I have a feeling she's a goner. Before I buy the same camera again, does anyone have any suggestions for a similar camera, in a low price range?

 

Before I got my DSLR, I used a Canon SX120IS and was really happy with it. It takes nice photos, has a full manual mode, and a nice macro. Pretty sure it's basically the same camera you had, just one model year later.

 

The Canon Powershot series as a whole are excellent point and shoot cameras, however another good suggestion Brand-wise is Samsung. I've got some friends that use some Samsung point-and-shoots that take such AMAZING photos, and they're not too pricey either. Just visit your local Best Buy or Target store and test out a few on display~ you'll find one that does what you want it to ^^

 

I just picked up a Canon G15. It takes fantastic photos. Its has many DSLR features such as raw capability. Its smaller sibling is the S110. While I do not have an S110, I have one of its older versions the S95. I still find the S95 a solid capable camera after years of use. Its in my pocket or bag even if I have a DSLR. It has raw capability. While the G15, S110 and S95 cost quite a bit, they hold up very well. My S95 has been all over the world in carry on and never missed a beat. I have also travelled with the G15 and its has done well over the last six mo.

Best Regards,

Bobby

 

Bobster, does the G15 have the rotating LCD screen? I have a G11, and find the ability to move the screen around much handier than trying to fit myself into strange squats and angles. Plus the G's do take great pictures! Bought my G11 used off ebay, to replace a G5 and G6.

 

I'll second the recommendation on the Canon G15 - its by far the best P&S I've ever used. (I've pretty much bought a new one every year searching for the best possible P&S for a smaller "Carry" camera) I have a Nikon D700 DSLR (and am normally a "Nikon" person, this is my first Canon) but it is huge and heavy so not great for taking with me everywhere but the G15 fits in my purse and can handle at least 90% of what the DSLR can do so I find I end up using it more - I am VERY happy with the image quality, it has a large CMOS sensor and very fine grain even in low light and higher ISOs and the lens opens up to F/1.8

I also find it very easy to change all manual controls while shooting (can see data on screen) - its the best P&S I've ever found for taking concert pix due to low light needs & low noise, perfect for shows where I can't get a photo pass for my DSLR in fact two of my friends have bought one within the last month after seeing my concert photos taken with it!
(Flickr link to my Morrissey pix taken with G15- http://www.flickr.com/photos/sistinas138/sets/72157632517291500/ )

Hobbywhelmed - afraid it does not have a rotating LCD screen, just a normal screen and viewfinder.

 

Personally, I have a Canon Powershot SX150 IS and for straight point and shoot I think it's the best (and surprisingly cheap) model out there. My photos are never out of focus (and I do street photography so that's saying something) and you can manually adjust the settings as well as having it on auto. It's zoom is also impeccable.

 

This may be a bit late but if you were still looking for a camera. The best camera i would recommend for you would be a Micro 4/3 or a Mirrorless camera. These cameras take photos almost in the same quality as SLR's and the lens are interchangeable. You could even consider a m4/3 as a compact SLR camera! They are usually the same size as a standard P & S camera and they have manual mode which allows for more creativity and RAW format shooting.

 

I really believe that P&S cameras are excellent for taking pictures if you move close enough to the doll. This could create a slight bit of lens blur making it look almost DSLR quality.

If you were looking for a camera with DSLR capabilities you could always go for the Micro Four Third cameras. They are mirrorless but act almost the same as any typical SLR camera. I would say their price range would be from $300-$2000. And they also have interchangeable lens.

 

I recently got a Nikon Coolpix S800c. It's an Android camera,and I love the photos it takes. The one draw back is that it sucks the batteries dry pretty fast. I bought a couple extra batteries to combat that. I wish they made it so that you could use it while it charges. For the money,it's a good option.

 

I have a powershot G12 that I love! I can go very close (0,5 cm) and get the camera to focus. Best macro funktion to that price.

 

I'll chime in in support of the Canon G series. My point and shoot is a G9, and it's taken some great shots considering. I love concert photography and it did me well for several years. Also takes amazing video. I ran into a bit of a wall as far as my satisfaction with the quality of my concert pictures though, so I recently upgraded to a DSLR rather than another P&S. Since the G9 is a five-year-old camera, I would imagine the G15 or G12 have kept up with the tradition. I did a few photo shoots with my doll with the G9 and I was quite happy with them at the time.

I recommend checking out http://www.dpreview.com. They have excellent and thorough reviews on digital cameras from all spectrums, consumer to pro.

 

If you are still looking, I would try the S110. I have an older model the S95 and love it. Its my backup camera when ever I carry something bigger. I think a new one is coming out soon as the S110s have been on sale for $250 recently from around $300. This may be out of your price range. If so and you can find an older S100 or S95, you would not regret it.

Bobby

 

The Powershot G series are just amazing, but they are also at the high end of the P&S price range. I've owned a number of point and shoots, and the one thing I've noticed is that the ones where the lens extends when you turn the camera on--those break pretty easily. All it takes is for something to hit the power button while the thing is in your pocket, purse or even its own case, and if the lens has no room to extend, the mechanism can self destruct. It's happened to me with both a Canon Elph and a Nikon Coolpix L6. The repair cost was high enough in each case that it made more sense to buy another, better camera.