Thinking about getting a P&S

[deep diver]

I'm starting to think about getting a P&S. I don't have big plans for it. I want something I can have in my pocket so that I don't miss all of the good opportunities I'm missing now. My ideal parameters are:
1) small enough to fit comfortably in a front pants pocket. (This is a must)
2) at least 20x zoom with as much of the range being optical as opposed to digital
3). Enough MP to give me a good print up to 11x14 if possible, but certainly 8x10
4) view finder
5). I'd like to keep it below $500 but I can go a little higher if it makes a difference and if I can convince Mrs Diver.
6) I'm open to any brand (but as a Nikon guy a Canon will be challenging for me )

I know this is asking for a lot in a P&S. I haven't looked at anything yet.

Please help.

 

[Clix Pix]

Do you want a VF with it, or can you live without the VF? What about the size of the memory card? I know that some of the small P&S cameras use those little itty-bitty microSD cards. Would that be an issue for you?

Unfortunately I can't make any recommendations for a P&S as my RX100 VII is larger than what you specify -- it's more of a "compact" camera than a small P&S -- and it it outside your stated price range as well. Sony does make other P&S cameras but I'm not familiar with any of them or with other manufacturers' P&S offerings either.

 

[deep diver]

You asked about VF and my brain went to variable focus rather than view finder. Yes, I do prefer a view finder.
Card size is not an issue.

 

[r.harris1]

While Nikon definitely has some super zooms, they no longer have anything that‘s truly compact that I am aware of. I loved the “1” series. In any case, a friend in my local camera club has a Sony HX99 that he loves. It goes from 24mm-720mm (not sure of aperture range). I‘ve had an occasional play on it and enjoyed it, but just to say the experiences have been brief. It has an 18mp sensor so you should be able to print your desired sizes. It comes in just under $500.00 too. Pocketable may be open to interpretation but jacket pocket, for sure. Sony is definitely worth considering here, I think. Good luck!

 

[Steven-iphone]

The only pocketable premium Camara I am aware of is the Ricoh GR series. They can be purchased at various prices. However it is a fixed lens and the newest model goes for around $900.

However take a look at this camera, priced around $350

Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K

Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70

Lumix DC-ZS70 Digital Camera, Black

www.adorama.com

 

[ian87w]

I'm starting to think about getting a P&S. I don't have big plans for it. I want something I can have in my pocket so that I don't miss all of the good opportunities I'm missing now. My ideal parameters are:
1) small enough to fit comfortably in a front pants pocket. (This is a must)
2) at least 20x zoom with as much of the range being optical as opposed to digital
3). Enough MP to give me a good print up to 11x14 if possible, but certainly 8x10
4) view finder
5). I'd like to keep it below $500 but I can go a little higher if it makes a difference and if I can convince Mrs Diver.
6) I'm open to any brand (but as a Nikon guy a Canon will be challenging for me )

I know this is asking for a lot in a P&S. I haven't looked at anything yet.

Please help.

The price is the biggest issue here. Pretty much all camera manufacturers have realized that their P&S market have been canibalized by smartphones, so they all went to enthusiasts and price their good P&S cameras around the $1000 mark. Even years old model like the Sony RX100M3 is $750.

Why I said this? If you're looking for P&S, getting anything less than a 1" sensor will surely lead to a disappointment. Most of the smaller sensor P&S cameras have old ISPs with ancient image processing, so they just look bad. Any modern smartphone beats these, unless you prioritize high zoom. Also, these tiny sensors usually are paired with lousy lens, limiting anything you can do with it.

If you're serious about this, spend more and get the RX100 models. They are expensive, but their versatility, 1" sensor, and actually good fast lens, will allow you to actually learn and expand your photography skills.

If budget is an issue, focus on practicing composition using your smartphone instead.

 

[smirking]

If budget is an issue, focus on practicing composition using your smartphone instead.

I suppose another option is to get a clip on zoom lens for the smartphone. It'd fulfill the need to be pocketable, but would just be awkward.

 

[Steven-iphone]

You can also look at pre-owned - sources like KEH or MPB for higher end equipment

 

[ian87w]

Another consideration regarding the price.
If you have a budget of $500 for a P&S, depending on your current phone, I would consider trading it in and get a flagship phone with telephoto lens instead.

Let's say, consider that your budget for a good phone is $600. Add $500, you have $1100 budget for a mid-range smartphone and a P&S camera. Rather than those, I would just get a $1050 256GB Galaxy S21 Ultra (checked at Samsung USA website).

Why?
1. One device to take with you that is truly pocketable. And it's IP68 rated as well.
2. The S21 Ultra has up to 10x optical. Going 20x would probably be decent enough.
3. The S21 Ultra will get software updates to improve camera quality, while you're stuck with whatever ancient processing chip for the P&S cameras.
4. Being a phone means you can edit and share your photos instantly, instead of having to wait to upload them to your computer first.
5. With 256GB internal storage, you probably won't even have to deal with SD cards, thus saving you more money from buying them.

Just a thought.

 

[Ray2]

I can’t provide a solution. What I will provide is my experience with an RX100m3. It’s now sat in a drawer for well over a year. Contrasted to daily use of either an X100V or a Panny GM1 with the day's prime of choice mounted. Small zoom cameras cram too much into too little area. For me, they are not fun to use and, as a result, don’t get used. Perhaps why you’re not finding what you want.

 

[deep diver]

To clarify a couple of things:
I am not looking to upgrade from a phone nor to upgrade my phone.
I do understand what I'm asking and looking for. I've given a lot of thought to my parameters.
I'm a pretty good enthusiast. While everyone can get better, I understand composition, lighting, form and color, etc. (You can take a look at the images I've posted on MR.) I just don't want to carry a DSLR all day everyday.

 

[ian87w]

To clarify a couple of things:
I am not looking to upgrade from a phone nor to upgrade my phone.
I do understand what I'm asking and looking for. I've given a lot of thought to my parameters.
I'm a pretty good enthusiast. While everyone can get better, I understand composition. I just don't want to carry a DSLR all day everyday.

Then your $500 budget won't give you what you want unless you go to the used market route. Take a look at the various Sony RX100 models and adjust your budget accordingly. Why the Sony RX100 series? They're the only (imo) pocketable compact high quality P&S on the market right now (and Sony knows it, thus the pricing). The competitors from Canon/Panasonic are bulkier.

Anything within your price range brand new will probably use old 1/2.3" sensor with ancient image processing and crappy lens.

 

[OldMacs4Me]

The biggest issue with the tiny 4.8x6.4mm CMOS sensors is they are really soft in the greens. My ancient Kodak z915 with its CCD sensor is actually noticeably crisper, but at the expense of underexposure latitude and higher ISOs. The CMOS sensors will usually but not always give a good 8x10 print. You can absolutely count on good 5x7s.

The next step up is the 8.8x13mm 1-inch sensor. I think you would have to forego an EVF to keep one of those in your stated price range. That said if you are planning to display full screen on one of the newer 27inch iMacs or any screen beyond the basic 1080x1920 pixel range, I would definitely be looking at that group. If you want to print 11x14s You definitely need to be looking at this group.

The biggest issue I have with current pricing is that for around $1000 I want a camera that's built to last longer than 5 years and many of them are not.

Also keep in mind that any extended zoom will have soft spots at certain focal lengths, so a local purchase from someone with a no questions asked return policy is something I would be looking at.

If you are willing to go with a shorter 25-250 equivalent zoom, you might consider this one. Does have the 1 inch sensor and should be under $500 USD. Lens is also somewhat faster than it's more expensive ZS200 cousin. The ZS 200 does come close to the zoom range you are looking for and should not be too much over your price break.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS100 Camera, 20.1 Megapixels 1-inch Sensor 4K Video, WiFi, 3.0-inch LCD, Leica DC Lens 10X F2.8-5.9 Zoom (Black)

Perfect for travelers, the Panasonic LUMIX Digital Camera DMC-ZS100K brings the legendary optical performance of a 10X (25-250mm) LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with amazingly stable O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to a highly portable point-and-shoot travel camera. With a powerful, 1-inch 20.1-me...

www.amazon.ca

 

[mollyc]

To clarify a couple of things:
I am not looking to upgrade from a phone nor to upgrade my phone.
I do understand what I'm asking and looking for. I've given a lot of thought to my parameters.
I'm a pretty good enthusiast. While everyone can get better, I understand composition, lighting, form and color, etc. (You can take a look at the images I've posted on MR.) I just don't want to carry a DSLR all day everyday.

i can’t help you but i appreciate that you listed your requirements first and that you know you want to stick to them. too many people answer a question that wasn’t asked.

 

[Internet Enzyme]

I began my photography journey with the Sony RX100, a line of point and shoot cameras that unfortunately has bucked the traditional flat iterative pricing trend you see across most of the technology sector, instead compounding in price with each release so that the most modern model is like an easy $1k, at which point it is right to consider an ILC instead. It is unfortunate that newer models of this camera cost a precipitous multiple of the original point and shoot, but, even so, I think the model I began with, the very first RX100, is still a pretty good little camera for ~$300. I haven’t kept up with the point and shoot market as of late, so naturally my advice must be more antiquated than I know, but I like the RX100 and the rest of the Sony line. I think it’s worth considering.

 

[jz0309]

I'm starting to think about getting a P&S. I don't have big plans for it. I want something I can have in my pocket so that I don't miss all of the good opportunities I'm missing now. My ideal parameters are:
1) small enough to fit comfortably in a front pants pocket. (This is a must)
2) at least 20x zoom with as much of the range being optical as opposed to digital
3). Enough MP to give me a good print up to 11x14 if possible, but certainly 8x10
4) view finder
5). I'd like to keep it below $500 but I can go a little higher if it makes a difference and if I can convince Mrs Diver.
6) I'm open to any brand (but as a Nikon guy a Canon will be challenging for me )

I know this is asking for a lot in a P&S. I haven't looked at anything yet.

Please help.

I'd go to Best Buy (or some other store that carries P&S) and see if there is anything that meets your "must" criteria 1)

 

[Steven-iphone]

If you are willing to go with a shorter 25-250 equivalent zoom, you might consider this one. Does have the 1 inch sensor and should be under $500 USD. Lens is also somewhat faster than it's more expensive ZS200 cousin. The ZS 200 does come close to the zoom range you are looking for and should not be too much over your price break.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS100 Camera, 20.1 Megapixels 1-inch Sensor 4K Video, WiFi, 3.0-inch LCD, Leica DC Lens 10X F2.8-5.9 Zoom (Black)

Perfect for travelers, the Panasonic LUMIX Digital Camera DMC-ZS100K brings the legendary optical performance of a 10X (25-250mm) LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with amazingly stable O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to a highly portable point-and-shoot travel camera. With a powerful, 1-inch 20.1-me...

www.amazon.ca

Looks like the Lumix ZS100 qualifies for an extended 3-year warranty

 

[deep diver]

Looks like the Lumix ZS100 qualifies for an extended 3-year warranty

Thank you. That's a nice perk.

So, I decided to go with the Lumix ZS100. I wasn't planning on moving so quickly but my local shop is selling it with a $300 instant rebate. At about $400, I could not pass it up. I assume they are making room for the ZS200.

Thanks to every one for the input.

 

[r.harris1]

Thank you. That's a nice perk.

So, I decided to go with the Lumix ZS100. I wasn't planning on moving so quickly but my local shop is selling it with a $300 instant rebate. At about $400, I could not pass it up. I assume they are making room for the ZS200.

Thanks to every one for the input.

I look forward to your excellent images with this camera!

 

[deep diver]

I look forward to your excellent images with this camera!

Very kind but now I'm feeling the pressure. 😁

 

[Ray2]

Thank you. That's a nice perk.

So, I decided to go with the Lumix ZS100. I wasn't planning on moving so quickly but my local shop is selling it with a $300 instant rebate. At about $400, I could not pass it up. I assume they are making room for the ZS200.

Thanks to every one for the input.

Congrats. Nice choice.

 

[Steven-iphone]

Very kind but now I'm feeling the pressure.

Remember, focus, focus

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

Thank you. That's a nice perk.

So, I decided to go with the Lumix ZS100. I wasn't planning on moving so quickly but my local shop is selling it with a $300 instant rebate. At about $400, I could not pass it up. I assume they are making room for the ZS200.

Thanks to every one for the input.

Welcome to Lumix! Hope it serves you well. I've owned my share of them over the years and keep coming back. I suspect the ZS100 will be similar in output to the FZ1000 bridge (also a 1" sensor), which I liked quite a bit before getting an ILC.

 

[smirking]

While Nikon definitely has some super zooms, they no longer have anything that‘s truly compact that I am aware of.

They still have a few compact P&S cameras such as the Coolpix A1000:

Nikon | Shop & Explore Cameras, Lenses, and Accessories

Shop the latest mirrorless & DSLR cameras and NIKKOR lenses from the official Nikon eCommerce site. Explore our innovations and photo equipment!

www.nikonusa.com

 

[jwolf6589]

I'm starting to think about getting a P&S. I don't have big plans for it. I want something I can have in my pocket so that I don't miss all of the good opportunities I'm missing now. My ideal parameters are:
1) small enough to fit comfortably in a front pants pocket. (This is a must)
2) at least 20x zoom with as much of the range being optical as opposed to digital
3). Enough MP to give me a good print up to 11x14 if possible, but certainly 8x10
4) view finder
5). I'd like to keep it below $500 but I can go a little higher if it makes a difference and if I can convince Mrs Diver.
6) I'm open to any brand (but as a Nikon guy a Canon will be challenging for me )

I know this is asking for a lot in a P&S. I haven't looked at anything yet.

Please help.

Why not go with the Canon Powershot SX740HS? It’s a great camera and captures great shots as you can see by the photos I have posted.