Compact Cameras under £200 - all the same at this price point ?

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taxboy

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I'm looking for a new compact to replace my ageing Canon S30. The budget is up to £200 given the vast choice out there, does it effectively come down to ergonomics at this price point ? Ideally I'm looking for something compact for those times when I'm not carrying my SLR. I don't need a megazoom range, not interested in video but I would appreciate a sharp lens and a good flash system. As wideangle lens as possible would be good as well.

My initial research leads me to possibly another Canon or the Panasonic range seems well regarded but I would really like some suggestions to narrow the search down - there seems to be nearly as many compacts on the market as mobile phone deals !!!
 
well ok I am a big panasonic compact fan, I had one years ago and had cause to buy another compact a few months back and I looked no where else than a panasonic (and for the record I've owned Canon PaS too). I ended up getting an Lumix DMC-FS15 for a bargain £70 from very.co.uk (£30 off voucher for first time customers - wasn't on credit - debit card payments accepted).
This is an example image:
1280528245.jpg

that was on Ai mode - the camera decides the best 'program' for you and adjusts everything accordingly.

However your budget is somewhat more and you'd be mad not to be looking at the TZ range, may I suggest a TZ10 - very highly rated and does more stuff than you can shake a stick at. Have a look on HDUK since there are often postings of deals on panny cameras

edit:
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/panasonic-lumix-tz10-12-1mp-12xzoom/736389

thats a steal
 
I looked at compact cameras, and came to the conclusion that unless it was in my pocket at all times, there wasn't any point. After all, if I didn't have a camera with me it might as well be an SLR or even a view camera - doesn't matter if it isn't there.

Likewise I came to the conclusion that compact cameras should play to their strengths, and not be drawn into losing battles with SLR's. For me, a compact is an unobtrusive, instant, spur-of-the-moment device for documenting my environment and impromptu good light.

Even a compact camera - a truly compact camera, like the sony T or W series - is likely to get left at home if I'm only wearing my jeans. Left pocket - wallet, right pocket - phone. Once you set the precendent, it stays in the drawer more and more. Likewise, even in my briefcase isn't good enough - if I'm walking, say, the final leg into work and I see something interesting it's a hassle to stop and rummage through your bag to get the equipment.

So, I bought an iPhone.
 
Last edited:
timmygcsc2308 said:
well ok I am a big panasonic compact fan, I had one years ago and had cause to buy another compact a few months back and I looked no where else than a panasonic (and for the record I've owned Canon PaS too). I ended up getting an Lumix DMC-FS15 for a bargain £70 from very.co.uk (£30 off voucher for first time customers - wasn't on credit - debit card payments accepted).


However your budget is somewhat more and you'd be mad not to be looking at the TZ range, may I suggest a TZ10 - very highly rated and does more stuff than you can shake a stick at. Have a look on HDUK since there are often postings of deals on panny cameras



edit:
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/panasonic-lumix-tz10-12-1mp-12xzoom/736389

thats a steal
Click to expand...

Many thanks
 
nothing beats pansonic compacts, even the canon and nikon compacts arent that great until you get to over £250 ish
 
I'm not sure, but now the LX5 has come out you might be able to pick up a second hand LX3 for that price. Manual controls, fast wide lens, nice feel to it. It's smaller than a Canon G9/10 but bigger than say a more compact Canon Ixus range (which would also be in your budget).

Panasonic TZ range is more versatile, but if you don't care about the zoom range the LX3 (or S90 if can be had second hand at that price) would be what I would choose from.
 
Another vote for the Panasonic range. I've got a TZ-65 (It's a TZ-7 without the HD video) and it's great when I can't be bothered to lug the SLR with me. The only let down is low-light performance, but that's par for the course...
 
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