Point n Shoot Camera Advice

[Chaase]

As part of my job I am required to photograph parts of buildings ie Accessible Toilets, stairs, lifts etc.

I have been using my 400D with the small kit lens but now getting sick of lugging it around on top of the rest of my auditing gear so looking for a point n shoot.

Requirements
- Something under $500
- small and compact that could fit in my shirt pocket.
- Can handle low light situations and compensate - I don't care if photos come out grainy in this situation as long as they are relatively clear.
- Does not need to be high MP as I usually reduce images to 1200 pixes before putting them into reports

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also suggestions where to purchase in Melb S/E suburbs apart from Teds.

Thanks
Bruce

[chrisk]

normally anyone that asks for P&S the answer is easy...go with a canon. but the newer lumix models are pretty kick ass from what i have read.

[aim54x]

Can I vote the Fuji F100fd, great low light ability and pretty good dynamic range. If you can wait a bit, look at the Fuji F200 EXR, that promises even better low light performance as well as S5 Pro-like dynamic range.

Both these cameras share a nice 28mm, 5x zoom lens.

The Lumix cameras would be my next pick though.

[robert]

You might want to pay attention to the wide end of any compact you choose, most are longer than 30mm (in 35mm terms).

My parents and inlaws are happy with the panasonic TZ3 i recommended- though its superceded now.

for a good performer with a 28mm wideangle there is the TZ11for $445(digital camera wharehouse).
If you find you need to go wider (i guess some bathrooms etc are small) you can go for the Panasonic FX-38. It costs $535 (DCW) but has 25mm at the wide end!

Another option could be an Olympus waterproof and shockproof. I have one and they are great for holidays, beach etc- My thinking is to get something that the DSLR cant do other than portability. The tough 6000 goes for $450.
Upside- takes some knocks or splashes.
Downside- Stupid XD cards. (although it does come with a micro SD adapter), probably not as good IQ as other P&S in this price bracket.

[Chaase]

Thanks Guys

I had not thought about the wide end of the zoom. That is pretty important for what I will do.

I will go into Teds to try them out and then check online or even contact Poon. We actually have a 5 YO Lumix which has served us well but its just does not cut it anymore.

Cheers
Bruce

[radar]

Have a look at the Panasonic LX3, compact, wide (24mm), fast (f2.0) even does raw. Downside is it is above your budget but with some shopping around, you should get close.

André

[chrisk]

Have a look at the Panasonic LX3, compact, wide (24mm), fast (f2.0) even does raw. Downside is it is above your budget but with some shopping around, you should get close.

André

thats the one i was thinking of.

[NeoTiger]

I'd also recommend a Panasonic. Their wide angle lenses are done pretty well, and features are nice. Canon is more popular, but Panasonic's have great features too.

[Chaase]

Thanks guys for the advice. I ended up going with the LX3.

These are as rare as hens teeth. Not one camera retailler in Melbourne CBD or out near home had them in stock. They all had them on back order. Mind you they wanted between $729 - $749 for them. I paid $630.

I ended up getting mine online from Digital Best Buys http://digitalbestbuys.com.au/ as they were the cheapest. I ordered it Friday afternoon and had it in my hand Monday morning.

It is deserving of the the positive reviews it gets even with the minimal play I have had, some examples below. The 24 wide is also very nice.

We are having a family holiday in a month up to the gold coast and I am seriously thinking about leaving the DSLR at home and taking this up as its a lot smaller to lug around the theme parks etc

Sorry about the subject matter, all taken with idiot mode.

WC with light on - No flash


WC with light off - no flash


WC with light off - flash


Macro $10


Thanks again for the assistance.