In the process of tracking down a pocketable Compact

jonbeeza

jonbeeza

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Now that my Fuji XF1 is showing the Lens Control Error and is over exposing, I am now using the X10 instead. I love the images the X10 takes, but it's just not pocketable at all. I want something that will slip into a trouser / shirt pocket with ease. So I have been looking for a cheap compact to throw in the back pocket. Was in currys looking for something end of line.

Had a look at the Canon Powershot SX280, it's now only £99.97 I was wondering if it was worth a punt? I know it had a bit of a write up for not being very good with the battery life! I asked the salesperson about the battery issue, he had never heard it had a problem! He simply said, if it has a problem they would give a refund.

Just wondering, would they really give a refund if I did buy it and found the battery does run out quickly?

So wonder if I should have a punt or not? I know the image quality wont be anywhere near as good as the X10. But it's just for having something in the back pocket at all times, and with Full HD Video and good zoom length.
 
You can get the Fuji repaired by Fuji for a flat £85 fee including another years warranty. Did it with mine...
 
Canon s95, s100 or s110, should pick one up at the right price secondhand, they take lovely pictures
 
landwomble said:
You can get the Fuji repaired by Fuji for a flat £85 fee including another years warranty. Did it with mine...
Click to expand...

Yes I know, but I don't really want to give Fuji any more money! Besides it may only last a year once repaired. Plus have to pay to send it to them. By the time I do that I may as well just by another one for £129.99 new. Don't want another one any way !

Just looking for a cheapo throw in the back pocket, and go camera. Trawling the shops for an end of line camera with reasonable spec. Probably something from the Canon SX or Panasonic TZ range.
 
We've used the TZ range for while now and haven't been disappointed. The TZ60 was available at a good price a few months back (check camerapricebuster) and has everything that the latest TZ70 has that matters.
 
A few years ago I bought a small Canon compact for the same reason, something to carry about with ease. But even with the alleged high ISO capabilities because of the backlit sensor etc I ended up never using it because the images weren't much better than a decent smartphone and the focusing system wasn't good enough for me. In fact the sensor size in my Xperia Z3 Compact is the same size as many compacts and I always have my phone on me. So I ended up giving it to my mum as it was a waste of time for me as I was never happy with the image quality.

Just a thought but have you considered something like the Sony A5000 with the 16-50mm kit lens? You can pick one up for £239 and although a little more expensive it will be far superior to almost all compacts (also has an APS-C sensor). The 16-50mm lens is practically a pancake lens when powered off so adds hardly anything to the dimensions of the camera.

The Canon SX280 dimensions are 106.4 x 62.8 x 32.6mm

The Sony A5000 body dimensions are 109.6 x 62.8 x 35.7mm and the lens adds just over 1" to the thickness.

It may not fit into say jeans pockets but it easily fits into a jacket pocket. For me it's worth the tiny extra bulk for the far better image, low light and focusing quality. (I've got the A6000 not A5000).
 
Used Sony RX100? Going for about £200, about the same size as the XF1.
 
sirch said:
Have you thought about something like the Olympus TG-3? The "tough" features mean that it can reach the places that a smart phone (or other cameras) can't. I like mine, the image quality is pretty good given the small sensor size, etc.

http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/reviewsamples/albums/olympus-tough-tg-3-review-samples
Click to expand...
Just had a look, nice looking camera. I think they are about £250 certainly worth having a look next time I'm in the shop.

Thanks for the link
 
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