Best low-ISO P&S camera?

kjao · 02-23-2008, 04:27 AM

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a good P&S that has excellent low-iso performance? I don't really care about high-iso performance as most (all?) of the p&s cameras are not comparable to a DSLR. I am trying to keep it under US$300 if possible.

Thanks
Kenny

*barondla* · 02-23-2008, 06:21 PM

The just introduced Pentax A40 should do well. It has a bigger sensor than the average P&S. Should be around $300. Also has shake reduction (moving sensor) and Manual exposure control.
thanks
barondla

Red · 02-23-2008, 08:51 PM

Check out the Fuji F-series, the older F20, F30, F31fd were all highly recommended for high ISO.

kjao · 02-23-2008, 11:43 PM

Thanks barondla for the recommendataion of A40 unfortunately it is not available in Australia yet =( But I will keep my eyes out for it.

Thanks Red. One of my friends has got Fjui F40 or F41 and while its high-iso is better than most other p&s, it still not as good as DSLR (understandably so). So I have given up on high-iso on p&s and is only interested in low-ISO performance.

Anyone else got any other recommendations? Would it be too much to ask for one with 28mm FoV in this price range (less than US$300)?

Thanks

*k100d* · 02-24-2008, 09:22 AM

most cameras at low ISO take decent photos

28mm is pricey... for a 28mm lens you can go with the Nikon P5000 (not even recommended by dpreview), Canon SD 870IS, or the Panasonic TZ3 (with 28-280mm zoom)... Fuji is also coming out with the promising F100fd which is supposed to have improved high ISO preformance

*LaRee* · 02-24-2008, 09:30 AM

I love my Panasonic p&s. I own an older fx01 that produces fabulous photo in good light. Every time I pull it out and use it I am impressed. I don't care for the tz line of Panasonics as I don't think the IQ is as good as the FX line imho.

*barondla* · 02-24-2008, 03:20 PM

The A40 just started shipping in the US. It was delayed because Panas battery plant caught on fire. The bigger chip should help with noise. Its the only current Pentax with that chip.
I love my Panasonic DMC-LX2. It has the equivalent of 28mm lens when used in 16:9 format. Also has raw and manual exposure control. Probably more than $300 in OZ. Lots of pros carry them as a backup.
The old Optio 750 is a great camera if you can find a used one. 7mp. rotating rear screen, manual exposure, beautiful 5x zoom (sharp). Similar to Canon G series, but smaller at the time. Should have bought one

.

thanks
barondla

kjao · 02-24-2008, 03:44 PM

My wife has got the TZ-3 and I agree with you. The IQ isn't as good as the FZ series (I used to own FZ-20). The problem with FZ series is that it is a little too big for a p&s and too much like a SLR. Ideally I would like to have something that's smaller (but not ultra compact) that I can carry with me to dinners without lugging a camera bag.

Originally Posted by LaRee

I love my Panasonic p&s. I own an older fx01 that produces fabulous photo in good light. Every time I pull it out and use it I am impressed. I don't care for the tz line of Panasonics as I don't think the IQ is as good as the FX line imho.

mattdm · 03-01-2008, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by Red

Check out the Fuji F-series, the older F20, F30, F31fd were all highly recommended for high ISO.

The F40 and F50 are less impressive, by the way. If you can find a used or refurbed of the above models, that's a really good option.