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Hi Everyone,

I've been doing a lot of research on how the major camera companies have been launching compact cameras with DSLR quality, but out of all the reviews, I still can't pick with one to buy. I had almost decided to get Sony nex 3, until I read reviews that images are very soft, which makes it basically useless to me as that's the main reason why I want to change my current point and shoot.

Here is basically what I am looking for:

  • I still want a compact camera similar to a point and shoot because of how easy it is to carry around (though of course I know it won't have a retractable lens.)
  • I still want to 95 per cent of the time shoot in smart auto, again because this is more convenient.
  • Even though I know that some of these cameras have interchangeable lenses, I'll just have one small one on and stick to it.
  • I want something where I can visibly see the difference between it and a compact camera in terms of the image quality and sharpness.
    -I know, of course, that these cameras are more expensive, but that's fine as long as, with the above specifications, I am getting something better than a point and shoot (I use photos on my blog, hence the requirements).
  • If possible, something with a better sensor would be great (on auto) as currently I end up binning lots of photos when I take images during sunny days.

I thank you in advance for your help,

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1

What zoom range do you need-want?
Or no zoom at all?

What point and shoot did you use? Why do you have to bin pictures taken on a sunny day? What's wrong with those pictures?

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2

Hi tools4fools: I have a canon ixus 220hs, and I am happy with its zoom because my subjects are usually close (and also, I don't want a big bulky lens). I would need a bit of zoom, but not much. I am not so happy with how wide its angle is.

I have to bin pictures taken on a sunny day (no clouds what so ever) because the colours always appear burnt. I have basic photoshopping abilities with improving colour vibrancy and I can never fix these photos. Also, when there's a white element in these photos it will always be really over exposed.

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3

I'll weigh in with another choice, a Canon S95. It shoots RAW which many professionals use; is compact and has a decent size sensor.

I used it extensively during a recent 3-week trip through Laos and was very pleased with my results.

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4

Hi Kamaaina,

Do you still think that's the best option considering the camera has been around for a while? (the review you pointed to is 2 years old).

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5

2yr isn't that long but if you are purchasing you may want something newer ...

What about a entry model dSLR and a kit lens? They are priced v competitively versus some of the non SLRs as well as some of the compact removable lens camera maybe even cheaper than those. It can be as simple or advanced as you need. Has Av, Tv, P and M modes.

The diff towards even full frame isn't that great if you don't do a lot of low light work ie ISO 1600 and up. And even if you use it at those rates may not super high, the difference is maybe one stop ISO difference maybe a tad more. R+D for APC sensor have come a long way.

You could also put in a 35mm lens that makes it 50mm or a 24mm that makes it a about a 35mm or a 40mm depending Nikon or Canon. Not too expensive either.

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6

Hi Rayonline,

Thanks for the comment, however, as you might have guessed from the fact that I just want a camera to use on manual, I have no clue what all that means.

It's not laziness - I have tried to learn, but it just doesn't work for me, plus I really want to keep it as simple as possible to focus on the actual travel, rather than the photography.

Does that make sense?

Thanks for the comment!

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7

(tigris330)You have eloquently posted the questions that many non tech savy travellers(myself included) who wish to take lots of snapshots/photos for blogs,albums,etc and would like to have a good fuss free compact camera "for all seasons" to tote around with on trips and are willing to pay more for this convinence.
For myself another important wish list requirement is a camera which can take close up shots of details on small historic/cultural/artifacts/art work/jellewery in places like museums(where permitted) and not well lighted historical/cultural sites.
Looking foward to hearing other helpfull comments and suggestions.

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8

tribolite - yes exactly, although my current compact camera is actually really good for macro shots, and I don't mind carrying that (as it's so small) along with another camera. In fact, it's probably the only thing it excels at.

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9

How about a Canon Powershot G15 or G1 X?

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