Recommend me a good compact!

[deltatango]

So the story goes...I already have my excellent Nikon DSLR and had vowed never to get a compact...but then now I'm going to a travel to a place which is apparently not safe to carry a DSLR to. So I am looking for a good compact cam which gives picture quality closest to DSLR as possible without being too expensive.

I'm going to be using this mainly for landscapes so performance there must be the best. Budget around $400+ at most. I understand it's not going to buy the best out there, but I want the best for my budget.

I was looking at the Coolpix S8100 or P300, the latter isn't in stores yet. (Any idea when it will hit the stores?)

Lastly, the cam doesn't have to be a Nikon, but if it is that's a bonus since the interface will be more familiar.

Thanks in advance!

 

[willdoang]

canon S90, u won't regret it

 

[zaren]

Panasonic Lumix LX3.
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=850684

 

[icelykoh]

Canon S95..
great camera..

 

[Berkins]

Panasonic Lumix LX3.
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=850684

Second that

 

[huatman]

I had a Canon S90, great compact camera with some manual control n quite gd in low light condition. Can fit into my jean pocket during my travel n had some nice photos from the S90 too. But design bit boring as it like a black rect box..
The newer one is S95, I think with HD movie.
Some of Panasonic Lumix camera also not bad. I also have earlier version of Lumix with the I.A mode, decent photos when lazy to do any own setting and just want to go "Auto" mode.

 

[kei1309]

if you can wait a couple of weeks, many companies are gonna launch new products at the IT show..

 

[hkingx]

Lx5, Lx3 , s90, s95, F200exr.

 

[bruggink]

Just curious... Are the recommended PnS cameras really within the $400 budget? Sounds too good to be true.

 

[willdoang]

Just curious... Are the recommended PnS cameras really within the $400 budget? Sounds too good to be true.

S90 from BnS should be ranging between S$350-450, i just bought one for my frend 2 months ago for S$350 in BnS, i also saw LX3 going for S$420 2 weeks ago at gumtree but didn't get it cos most off my friend and family is biased on canon and i promised myself not to buy another pocket camera(got to much already at home) :bsmilie:

but if TS getting a new set then none of the recomended cam fits his bill, to me brand new is overrated lol

 

[Astin]

Most compacts can handle daylight landscape scenery very well, the problem is always the night scene and indoor flash, most cannot perform, the best few are in the "borderline" quality only.

 

[henry soh]

LX5 around $635/- with free front auto cap for lens protection at Funan

 

[SamTac]

LX5 using Leica lens.

 

[s1221ljc]

Bro, stretch your budget, get the Canon S95. Awesome compact thats pocketable & DSLR picture quality, HD video etc. Carry in my pocket everyday instead of the D90 or D700 with no "withdrawal symptoms"

 

[EvolutionX-1994]

Bro, stretch your budget, get the Canon S95. Awesome compact thats pocketable & DSLR picture quality, HD video etc. Carry in my pocket everyday instead of the D90 or D700 with no "withdrawal symptoms"

I agree with this! Canon S95 ftw!

 

[deltatango]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I'm looking at the following, any one has idea how are these. They are quite new and not many reviews around:
Panasonic TZ8 [anyone knows the price as well?]
Canon A3300IS
Canon SX130IS
Nikon P300
Nikon S8100

Thanks again! Sorry I have almost zero knowledge on compacts...

 

[zaren]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I'm looking at the following, any one has idea how are these. They are quite new and not many reviews around:
Panasonic TZ8 [anyone knows the price as well?]
Canon A3300IS
Canon SX130IS
Nikon P300
Nikon S8100

Thanks again! Sorry I have almost zero knowledge on compacts...

not as gd as the ones already mentioned in the thread, because these use even smaller sensors (1/2.3" vs 1/1.7") and pack more megapixels on the sensor (12mp/16mp vs 10mp). -> you will end up with noisier images.

how close to DSLR quality do you want?

 

[kei1309]

i second the LX5

 

[hkingx]

i second the LX5

over TS budget already. TS budget only 400+.

 

[kei1309]

over TS budget already. TS budget only 400+.

hmm if TS can push a little more...