Proffesional photographer need help choosing a research camera - point and shoot etc

[barrymomo]

Hi I'm a professional photographer using a hassleblad, but there are many times when I don't want or need to be using this camera.


The purpose is to take images for research on locations etc that don't need to be amazing quality that act as a reminder for future reference, and also things like HD video to record me at work in my workshop and mainly just an all round camera.

The thing is I know a lot about high end cameras but nothing on systems cameras, point and shoots etc.

The features I'm looking for are

. Relatively large optical zoom - Ive seen some cameras with amazing x30 zoom

. Minimum 12MP

. Has to be able to shoot in RAW

. It doesn't matter if it has changeable lenses just something quick and simple to use to record things on my travels etc

. It can be a point and shoot, systems camera, UZ id prefer it not to be a DSLR as I already have one for greater needs

. Shoot HD video

I just need an all round camera packed with features so i don't need to be changing lens etc all the time


I came across some Olympus SP 800UZ but it doesn't shoot in RAW

Thanks in advance for you help

 

[barrymomo]

in fact the bigger the capability of the optical zoom the better

 

[terryuk]

panasonic lx5 ticks all your boxes and is a well respected camera
check out this thread http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=260493&highlight=lx5

 

[DaveKing]

I use a Canon Powershot G11 and I can't recommend it enough. The Powershot G12 is out now and the image quality will match entry DSLRs for landscape work.

 

[srichards]

Fuji HS20?

http://www.dpreview.com/products/fujifilm/compacts/fujifilm_hs20exr

It's a bridge so no need to swap lenses. Won't be as good as a dslr at higher isos though.

 

[digitaria]

Fuji HS20?

That's the one that came to mind for me too. Certainly ticks the box for "bigger the capability of the optical zoom the better". I read somewhere that RAW processing is a little slow, which might be a problem. Wouldn't mind playing with one of these myself.

 

[frenchman]

Having recently had a play with the Canon G12 I cannot fault it. Perfect substitute if you don't want to lug an SLR around with you. Image quality as said before is very good and I really like the fact that it has a flash hotshoe so I am able to use my wireless triggers for some creative work. Definitely my next purchase.