Need a recommendation: DSLR-like Compact?

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Sorry guys, didn't know where else to put this thread. I'm basically after a camera for a friend who wants to take action shots and the like at demos and general street photography. The thing is she doesn't really want a big DSLR, but at the same time Compacts just don't have the speed to capture the image because of shutter lag, etc.

I know there are a whole new breed of ultra compact DSLRs which are small, but can take interchangeable lenses, etc. I know nothing of the models and brands. Anyone point me in the right direction? Any other camera she should consider?

thanks all! :thumbs:
 
Wander into Jessops.

Hold Nikon and Canon entry models (just as a comparison weight) with a suitable lens...
Then hold the Pentax, sony nex 5 (or 7 if its been released), GF or G cameras... panasonic?
Edit: Forgot nikon v1 / j1...?

and ask about smaller interchangable lens cameras.

Note down your favs... Ask about interest free credit 6-12 months as well... Tell 'em you'll consider it and wander the internet for the same camera / deals.

If you can't find cheaper online and they offered the interest free credit, go back to jessops. If you've got any local used camera stores might be worth a pop in there to see whether they have the one you like cheaper.

Good hunting

dp Review might have a few models to look at too.
 
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Micro 4/3rds or the Sony NEX series are good candidates. There are also normal bridge cameras with fixed lenses. Panasonic are also a good brand to go for with whatever type of camera you aim at. Some of the micro 4/3rds aren't fast in the AF department at all though.

Check out the photography blog site. There are lots of reviews and comparisons on there as a starting point.

Only way to find out is to pick them up and try them and see what the start up times and shutter lag times are. You might find a camera which has a fast shutter response might have stupid slow menus or something else which would make it slower than another which looks slower spec wise.
 
very good advice, thanks. I think the AF speed will be key, along with shutter lag. Menus perhaps less important as she may well keep it in automatic mode once set up for an event.
 
Incidentally, what is 4/3rds? I see the term used a lot but don't know what it's referring to. Is it the image size or sensor? Why do you say they're also poor at AF? Thanks again.
 
4/3 are compact system cameras, mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. They're called 4/3 because of the shape of the sensor but you can also select other formats like 3/2, and maybe 16:9 and/or 1:1 in the menu. You change the lenses just like on an SLR but there's no mirror or pentaprism/pentamirror arrangement, some have an EVF, either fixed or add on and some don't have a viewfinder and you just use the rear screen.

Focusing isn't a problem with the newer models and indeed one 4/3 manufacturer claims to have the fastest focusing camera and lens combination of any interchangeable lens camera system.

The advantage of these cameras is that they're small, as are their lenses. There's a reasonably good selection of lenses available including some fast primes and just about any lens can be used on them with adapters but of course you may lose some functions such as AF when doing this. The only disadvantages of these cameras that I can think of is that they give you a x2 crop and the sensor noise performance isn't as good as the best DSLR's and is maybe a step or two behind but this can be overcome to some extent with fast lenses and noise reduction. Another thing to think about is that some people insist upon having an OVF however I've got used to EVF's now and actually see some advantages like being able to see in the dark, having a real time in view histograme, the compact size and light weight and not having a moving mirror and therefore no mirror slap and camera shake.

Take a look at the Olympus Pen and Panasonic GF and G models. The Panasonic G3 looks just like a mini DSLR and with a fast lens could be a very attractive option.
 
Thanks a heap, brilliant information there! I'm very interested in one of these for her, but might get one for myself now. I'm a little weary of the x2 crop factor, as wide is often good in street photos. So would a 24mm lens on one of these really be something like a 50mm on 35mm film?

Out of interest, which manufacturer is it that claims to have the fastest focusing camera and lens combination? I may go and check it out. Many thanks for the excellent advice, much appreciated.
 
woof woof said:
4/3 are compact system cameras, mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. They're called 4/3 because of the shape of the sensor but you can also select other formats like 3/2, and maybe 16:9 and/or 1:1 in the menu. You change the lenses just like on an SLR but there's no mirror or pentaprism/pentamirror arrangement, some have an EVF, either fixed or add on and some don't have a viewfinder and you just use the rear screen.

Focusing isn't a problem with the newer models and indeed one 4/3 manufacturer claims to have the fastest focusing camera and lens combination of any interchangeable lens camera system.

The advantage of these cameras is that they're small, as are their lenses. There's a reasonably good selection of lenses available including some fast primes and just about any lens can be used on them with adapters but of course you may lose some functions such as AF when doing this. The only disadvantages of these cameras that I can think of is that they give you a x2 crop and the sensor noise performance isn't as good as the best DSLR's and is maybe a step or two behind but this can be overcome to some extent with fast lenses and noise reduction. Another thing to think about is that some people insist upon having an OVF however I've got used to EVF's now and actually see some advantages like being able to see in the dark, having a real time in view histograme, the compact size and light weight and not having a moving mirror and therefore no mirror slap and camera shake.

Take a look at the Olympus Pen and Panasonic GF and G models. The Panasonic G3 looks just like a mini DSLR and with a fast lens could be a very attractive option.
Click to expand...

the above refers to MICRO Four Thirds, Four Thirds is a system of DSLRs, all use the same sensor family but are distinctly different products overall.
 
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