Disagree.
A dSLR bought many years ago will still produce better images than a compact from today.
Sensor size is the reason.
The 'features' those new cameras you mention have little to do with image quality.
See it this way:
A 1978 Ferrari will still go faster than a 2012 Honda jazz - even if the latter has many gadgets that the old Ferrari does not have.
I like the 31mr, it produces superb pics and is (much!!) cheaper than the Panasonic.
The Panasonic has to better, doesn't it? It's £150 more.
But looking at the Canons.... Then again. Each to there own.
You can blab on if you like.... My 31mr is superb.
Oh - here's a good one for you experts.... Guess what type of camera I took my avatar shot with?
I'll not fib after you've guessed.
Think carefully now.... After all, you are the T.T. 'Gurus'.
You take an Avatar shot as a measurement for a good photo? How many pixel is that Avatar?
Any camera is good enough for that quality, even average cell phone cams.
as i said... trying to explain the advantages of a larger sensor to Batty is useless. he appears to be not willing or not able to understand. i tried before and failed. best to ignore him.
Took mine with a phone camera :D These images are 135x135 pixels. So I've got 18,225 pixels worth of viewing pleasure. I'll go with a digital camera where you've cropped the image. :P
Seems it is a controversial subject. I don't think anyone can go wrong with whatever camera they choose for themselves if they put a little thought into it. Even a phone camera might be the best for some people... and seemingly is. Was for me when I took my pic.
Batybilly #37
> battybilly doesn't understand he concept of sensor size
So for the benefit of all of us, why don't you explain it (...) We'd all like to read your never ending expert advice.
You really do have such a bad attitude.
Batty, because it has been explained to you numerous times. read the 3 threads here and you'll get a strong sense of deja-vu.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2172978
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2139619
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2153230
Every time your brain seems not to be able to process the impact of sensor size (or aperture for that matter). Whereas sensor size is probably the most important determinant for image quality.
Instead you just warble on about 'features'. Whatever that means.
Different cameras fit different needs and nobody will deny that your camera is the best for your needs. But until you start actually paying some attention to arguments, people will assume that you're incapable of having a rational discussion.
@battybilly:
The Panasonic TZ30 is $100 cheaper than the Olympus, and it's a better camera.
The Canon sx260hs is also a better camera than the Olympus, and it's $70 cheaper.
Only the Panasonic LX7 is a more expensive camera, but it's also massively better than any of the others.
Again, I remind you that you said:
"I looked around for weeks - and found nothing that came close to all it's features and quality for more wedge.
The likes of Panasonic and Canon didn't even get a look in."
But what features does the Olympus have that something like the Panasonic TZ30 or Canon sx260hs don't have?
The best travel camera for small size is the Canon S100.
For not-small size its the dSLR Nikon D5100. You will get better photos from the dSLR but it's bigger.
I travel with both, one in the pocket that I can use in a second, the other in my bag for when I'm out doing serious shooting.
Canon makes the best small cameras. You can argue if Canon or Nikon make better dSLR's but I've had a Nikon D50 for 6 years and the thing has survived so much bouncing around in my backpack its unbelievable. I almost wish it would die so I could get a new one, but it keeps cranking out amazing photos that I can't let her go!
If you want to spend over $1000 the game changes, but you're getting into "boutique" cameras at that point.
I've tried making my iPhone 4 my "pocket" camera but it sucks. In good light it takes nice photos, but most of the time, like dinner shots with friends at night, it makes 7MP blurry junk. Get a small point and shoot