Want large point and shoot????

[DayDreamer]

I bought a Panasonic G2 for my wife as she wants to take up photography but only the 'point and shoot' basic stuff and this was a camera she felt happy holding because of its larger size. However it will be permanently set to full auto - IA.

I see this as a sledgehammer to crack a nut but she has a medical condition where the ends of her fingers are numb and so today's pocket size 'point and shoots' are impractical

So I wonder if there is a much simpler but bigger point and shoot?

Or maybe I worry too much and should let her snap away with the G2

 

[srichards]

Let her snap away with that then keep an eye out for local beginner's photography courses where she could learn about some of the other modes. Best of both worlds then

 

[4wd]

Auto will so often tend to over-expose, but will still give the best % of 'keepers' for most users.
You can make auto work for you by letting it set exposure on the main interest and (generally) holding shutter part in then recompose if need be.
P mode is very easy and gives a bit more control.

 

[Alastair]

A cheap camera grip can transform the handling characteristics of a pocket-sized point and shoot. I use one on a Sony HX9V for video shooting, but I could see that it would be very useful for someone with a restricted grip.

But I don't see why the G2 is overkill (unless you're jealous and want it for yourself!), it's about the same price as a decent compact and cheaper than most of the top-end ones. If you look around you, you'll see many top-end DSLRs being used on full auto modes all the time. Mode-snobbery is no better than gear-snobbery, judge the results not the means to get them (I notice you don't say whether or not you think your wife is a good photographer or not, so can we assume she's better than you? ).

 

[DayDreamer]

Let her snap away with that then keep an eye out for local beginner's photography courses where she could learn about some of the other modes. Best of both worlds then

I tried showing her some of the other modes to which she is so not interested

 

[DayDreamer]

Auto will so often tend to over-expose, but will still give the best % of 'keepers' for most users.
You can make auto work for you by letting it set exposure on the main interest and (generally) holding shutter part in then recompose if need be.
P mode is very easy and gives a bit more control.

I will take a good look at the user manual with view to P mode with a few tweaks to suit the type of shots she thinks she will be taking. Who knows in a few months she may be looking for a pro DLSR

 

[DayDreamer]

A cheap camera grip can transform the handling characteristics of a pocket-sized point and shoot. I use one on a Sony HX9V for video shooting, but I could see that it would be very useful for someone with a restricted grip.

But I don't see why the G2 is overkill (unless you're jealous and want it for yourself!), it's about the same price as a decent compact and cheaper than most of the top-end ones. If you look around you, you'll see many top-end DSLRs being used on full auto modes all the time. Mode-snobbery is no better than gear-snobbery, judge the results not the means to get them (I notice you don't say whether or not you think your wife is a good photographer or not, so can we assume she's better than you? ).

Excellent point regarding the camera grip as there are some good ones that look part of the original camera. I will bear this in mind.

The last time she took a photo was 10/20/30 or more years ago

I am happy sticking with my Fuji X10 just bought which is light years better than my Panasonic TZ8. Gone are the days of DSLR for me and my old film SLR with a big bag of kit is such an ancient memory. All too heavy to cart around with my walking stick and sometimes being in a wheelchair

P.S. The HX9 is a very good camera and I think it was you that suggested for my neighbour who bought one based on my research on this forum.

 

[Alastair]

Excellent point regarding the camera grip as there are some good ones that look part of the original camera. I will bear this in mind.

Add a camera grip and a LCDVF and most peoples reservations about a compact are taken care of (awkward grip, lack of eye-level viewfinder). I must post up a shot of the HX9V all dressed-up with the add-ons.

By the way, I only paid about £6-7 delivered for that grip (the price has risen). There are some better looking grips about (there's an Opteka knurled aluminium grip that looks the business) if you pay a bit more.

I hope your neighbour is enjoying the HX9V. I'm still trying new things with mine, and I haven't yet encountered a situation that it doesn't do what I want. Although sometimes it takes a while to discover which mode does it.

 

[srichards]

If it takes the shots she wants in auto then that's fine. At some point she may find it didn't do what she wanted then you have a chance to mention the other modes. Until there's an issue she won't see the need for messing with what works

 

[ernesto]

Pretty unusual requirement as the aim these days is to get the camera as small as possible if all it does it have an auto option. Can't see why any manufacturer would make a big empty camera? Is there a market for a modern day Olympus Trip 35, same size same great lens, same very stripped down features but with a Full Frame sensor instead of the 35mm film - I'd buy one...

 

[allanm]

Is there a market for a modern day Olympus Trip 35, same size same great lens, same very stripped down features but with a Full Frame sensor instead of the 35mm film - I'd buy one...

You and me both!
I suppose the closest in looks is the Fuji X100, fixed 35mm equivalent lens and APS-C ( DSLR) size sensor with full auto mode if you want it.

Trouble is, everyone wants a zoom lens nowadays. I'm just waiting for someone to develop an APS-C size sensor rangefinder, in silver with a black leather coated body and a 12-200mm built in zoom lens for about £450.

Allan