I want a "superzoom" "enthusiast" camera that I can carry around town - can anyone ..

[brunerww]

Not all point and shoot cameras have aperture and/or shutter priority.

Here is a comparison of the specs for the ZS30 and S9400 that ypu may find useful: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 vs. Nikon Coolpix S9400 - Sensor Comparison

 

[Derrel]

Hi snapsnap,

Have you looked at the Panasonic ZS20? (That's what it's called in the US. It's the TZ30 in the rest of the world).

20X zoom, full PASM control for enthusiasts, GPS, 10fps full 14.1MP resolution stills, 1080/60p video and it fits in your pocket (and it's a lot smaller than something like a Canon SX50).

Here is what this camera can do: Flickr: The DMC TZ30 PANASONIC X20 Pool

Hope this is helpful,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

Thanks, this may be what I'm looking for! Basically, I want something I can learn on, fully (or close) manual (Does this have manual focus?) and a good zoom (20x will do). Is this a step up (more importantly) than my Cybershot DSC-H20??

Thanks again.

Michael Reichmann, the owner of The Luminous Landscape, is pretty sold on one of the new superzooms with the ridiculously-wide zoom range...apparently it is a GOOD camera. I think it's a Sony....Panasonic also has a competing camera. Both cameras are 'similar', and have VERY, very long maximum zoom capability for VERY telephoto capability. PLUS stabilization. One has more range, the other less, but a faster maximum aperture.

 

[Light Guru]

I do have a Sony Cybershot right now (DSC H20) that has a 10x zoom, etc, but I don't feel that it's fully manual

How you "feel" has nothing to do with weather a camera has full manual or not. It ether does have full manual or it does not have full manual.

I have the Cybershot DSC H20, not the HX20V, but I thought that all modern digicams have Ap and shutter Priority? No?

NOPE, thats like assuming that all cars have manual transmition.

 

[alvintran1998]

I have a SONY DSC-HX200V super zoom, and it is an excellent camera for picture quality and control options. But that's about it. It doesn't have a hot shoe, audio input, flash light trigger, or support for accessories if you need them. But if you are a simple photographer that doesn't need those extra accessories and support, and just needs a camera to take pictures, then the HX200V is perfect for you!
For me personally, if I could go back in time when I bought the camera, I would have bought the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 since it gives you more options for accessories, shoots in RAW, and has a flip out display, or I would have just bought a Canon T3i or T4i and have an actual DSLR to start with.
But still, I still recommend the HX200V for photographers who look for just a simple camera with great photo quality, manual control, and in-camera features.
Hope this helps.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

 

[snapsnap1973]

Thanks, I'm leaning towards the P7700 by Nikon or the maybe the G15 by Canon because supposedly they offer manual control (something to learn a little bit on) are smaller than a DSLR, and have most important a "pretty" good zoom. I don't need 20x zoom, but I'd like to get close to 10x.

 

[usayit]

Neither the P7700 or the G15 are pocket-able nor the 20x zoom you originally specified. Between the two, the G15 would be my choice. Powershot G series has always been a good performer. I was a big fan of the G's. Nikon may make great DSLRs but never really had their best effort placed into compacts.

Since you are relaxing your requirements....

* If you place your priority on zooms on a fixed lens compact, Panasonic FZ200 would be my choice. 25-600mm equiv lens and f/2.8 throughout the range.
* For a pocketable super zoom (with a compromise in other things) TZ series Panasonic is great. I have had a few in the series and happy but I wouldn't consider this a camera a good start for learning anything more than composition.
* If image quality in compact (sacrificing zoom) is your priority, I would highly go for the FujiFilm XF1. Big sensor, good controls, lens collapses into the body, pocketable, very unique EXR sensor for high ISO range and extended dynamic range Even better, the Sony X100 but the price is even higher. Even better... the FujiFilm X10 (or 20) but the price climbs way higher.

the suggestions can go on and on and on depending on your priorities.... people here can throw at yah 20 camera options to spin you around confused.

Heck, if you it just has to be smaller than a DSLR with the capabilities of a DSLR.... you might as well as go for micro 4/3rds system cameras. You then get interchangeable lenses, good sensor, over 10 bodies to choose from, large selection of lenses, and yet still smaller than DSLRs. Some of these micro 4/3rds cameras are actually smaller than some of the cameras being considered in this thread... and provide better platform to start learning.

As I said in the beginning, your search will be difficult if you don't order your priorities and relax some.


PS> Small mirrorless cameras IMO have rendered most high end P&S/compact and Bridge cameras obsolete in my opinion. The only high end P&S/compacts that are worth considering are the ones that combine, large sensor, good optics, and still are pocket-able. This includes the a for mentioned Sony and Fuji. As much as I liked the Powershot G's, this is the reason why I haven't purchased another since the G9. It gathered dust since acquiring a micro 4/3 camera.

 

[Benco]

Panasonic FZ200 would be my choice. 25-600mm equiv lens and f/2.8 throughout the range.

That's a neat trick.

 

[snapsnap1973]

Neither the P7700 or the G15 are pocket-able nor the 20x zoom you originally specified. Between the two, the G15 would be my choice. Powershot G series has always been a good performer. I was a big fan of the G's. Nikon may make great DSLRs but never really had their best effort placed into compacts.

Since you are relaxing your requirements....

* If you place your priority on zooms on a fixed lens compact, Panasonic FZ200 would be my choice. 25-600mm equiv lens and f/2.8 throughout the range.
* For a pocketable super zoom (with a compromise in other things) TZ series Panasonic is great. I have had a few in the series and happy but I wouldn't consider this a camera a good start for learning anything more than composition.
* If image quality in compact (sacrificing zoom) is your priority, I would highly go for the FujiFilm XF1. Big sensor, good controls, lens collapses into the body, pocketable, very unique EXR sensor for high ISO range and extended dynamic range Even better, the Sony X100 but the price is even higher. Even better... the FujiFilm X10 (or 20) but the price climbs way higher.

the suggestions can go on and on and on depending on your priorities.... people here can throw at yah 20 camera options to spin you around confused.

Heck, if you it just has to be smaller than a DSLR with the capabilities of a DSLR.... you might as well as go for micro 4/3rds system cameras. You then get interchangeable lenses, good sensor, over 10 bodies to choose from, large selection of lenses, and yet still smaller than DSLRs. Some of these micro 4/3rds cameras are actually smaller than some of the cameras being considered in this thread... and provide better platform to start learning.

As I said in the beginning, your search will be difficult if you don't order your priorities and relax some.


PS> Small mirrorless cameras IMO have rendered most high end P&S/compact and Bridge cameras obsolete in my opinion. The only high end P&S/compacts that are worth considering are the ones that combine, large sensor, good optics, and still are pocket-able. This includes the a for mentioned Sony and Fuji. As much as I liked the Powershot G's, this is the reason why I haven't purchased another since the G9. It gathered dust since acquiring a micro 4/3 camera.

The you Sir!! You've given me a lot of good info to consider .... now I've just gotta "make up my mind" ...... the hard part!

 

[snapsnap1973]

by the way, I'm wondering where my Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 stands as far as a "camera to learn on" goes. It's from 2009 and for me does ok, I'm just looking for something more "manual" I guess.

 

[snapsnap1973]

What's the cheapest micro 4 3rds to get ?

Obviously though the micro 4 3rds aren't "pocketable". I was looking at the Nikon P330 after a lot of research today, but I'm kind of thinking the micro 4 3rds might be a better way to go.

 

[usayit]

Olympus line: E-PM# (smallest), E-PL#, E-P#, and OMD (Most featured). In body image stabilization

Panasonic Line: GF# (smallest), G#, GX#, GH# (focused on video). No in body image stabilization although most of their lenses have in-lens stabilization.

Generally the price follows... with Oympus cameras being more slightly more expensive. Lenses are shared among both... For example, I use an Olympus OMD E-M5 with a Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 lens.


There are so many options that range in form factor (size, weight, built in viewfinder) in micro 4/3rds, that you best bet is again... order your priorities. If budget is tight, there are tons of options for refurbs (www.cameta.com) and used. You can get a GF3 or an E-PL1 for example for less than $250 easily these days.