Help me find a compact under $400 with close to 20x zoom and better control then ..

[snapsnap1973]

Hi.

I've basically figured out what I want. Eventually (maybe this year) I'll get a DSLR, but for now I want a compact a little better than my current Sony Cybershot DSCH20 that I got in 2009. I'm now better able to adjust it and get pretty good photos with it, but I'd like to get something maybe a little smaller or similar size with a little more than my current (10x) zoom and something that may have manual focus and all the other manual things. I'd like to stay under $400 USD if possible.

I basically want something a step up from my cybershot, but with a little more zoom. On my current cybershot I can adjust the Fstops to two different positions depending on the "zoom" and I can also adjust ISO and shutter speed up to 1/2000 (I believe).

I was thinking of the S110, but I think that only has 5x zoom. The Canon sx260 has more zoom than my cybershot, but I'm wondering if it offers the same or more control? Manual focus? My cybershot doesn't have manual focus that I'm aware of.

I just went on "snapsort" and it looks like the Canon sx260 beats my cybershot hands down and it's only a little over $200 .... now maybe something beats the sx260 .... hmmm

TZ30 looks really good!

Guess, what it's coming down to is sacrificing certain features for others. I'm basically looking for a "travel zoom" I guess that's what you call it, so the zoom is going to effect the F number. The shorter zoom (5x, etc) "compacts" will have a better Fstop number (hence better IQ and low light) and the long zoom will have around 3.5 F number. Am I right?

 

[pixmedic]

if your going to budget anywhere near $400 you should just go ahead and get an entry level DSLR.
you can get a used D3000 for around $250, a D3100 for about $300, a D5000 for $350ish, and sometimes even D90's around the $400 mark.
sometimes with the kit lens, sometimes other lenses...just have to hunt around.

If you really want a DSLR, and you have a few hundred to spend, i wouldn't bother with a bridge camera or compact.

 

[snapsnap1973]

if your going to budget anywhere near $400 you should just go ahead and get an entry level DSLR.
you can get a used D3000 for around $250, a D3100 for about $300, a D5000 for $350ish, and sometimes even D90's around the $400 mark.
sometimes with the kit lens, sometimes other lenses...just have to hunt around.

If you really want a DSLR, and you have a few hundred to spend, i wouldn't bother with a bridge camera or compact.

Well, I also want a better compact zoom too though. DSLR's are big and clunky and I'd rather carry a compact around when I'm walking around town.

 

[brunerww]

snapsnap, I still recommend the Panasonic ZS30. It's a little over your $400 budget, but it comes closest to meeting all of your requirements.

Nice review from Pocket Lint here.

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

 

[Light Guru]

if your going to budget anywhere near $400 you should just go ahead and get an entry level DSLR.
you can get a used D3000 for around $250, a D3100 for about $300, a D5000 for $350ish, and sometimes even D90's around the $400 mark.
sometimes with the kit lens, sometimes other lenses...just have to hunt around.

If you really want a DSLR, and you have a few hundred to spend, i wouldn't bother with a bridge camera or compact.

I agree a used DSLR would be a better purchase then a point and shoot.

If you want something small to with a micro 4/3 camera.

 

[brunerww]

In his previous thread on this topic, he indicated that he wanted something pocketable with a ~20X zoom. I'm a big fan of micro 4/3 cameras (I own three of them), but they're not that small.

 

[BrandonLaw]

The Nikon 1 is mirrorless compact that has interchangeable lenses it is on sale at Best Buy for 400 right now. But you won't get anywhere near the zoom you want with the lens that is on it. Sorry

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-+1+Mirrorless+Camera+%28Body+with+Lens+Kit%29+-+10+mm-30+mm+Lens+-+White/3628065.p?id=1218422887927&skuId=3628065&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=3628065&extensionType={adtype}:{network}&s_kwcid=PTC!pla!{keyword}!{matchtype}!{adwords_producttargetid}!{network}!{ifmobile:M}!{creative}

 

[Light Guru]

In his previous thread on this topic, he indicated that he wanted something pocketable with a ~20X zoom. I'm a big fan of micro 4/3 cameras (I own three of them), but they're not that small.

If you want something pocketable then use the camera on your cell phone. If you want a camera that will give you better quality and has easy to use controls then you are NOT going to get anything good in pocket size.

 

[sm4him]

^ +1 to Pixmedic's comment and others like it. Seriously, you can even get a D5100 for pretty close to that right now; B&H photo has a used one for $450. If you PLAN to get a DSLR this year anyway, why not go ahead and spend the bucks to GET the DSLR?
I understand about wanting the compact camera too, but...you HAVE one. Honestly, it sounds to me like your current Cybershot camera should be adequate for those "I don't want to carry a bulky camera" times. The times when you WANT more manual control, better zoom, and all that? That's when you WANT the DSLR.

 

[snapsnap1973]

I've decided on the Canon sx260, it's got pretty good reviews. I know it's not the IQ of a DSLR, but I'll get one in a few months or so. The cybershot that I have doesn't have enough zoom, it's only 10x. Thanks though everyone.