What's a good cheap durable P&S?

chubasco · 01-25-2012, 05:53 PM

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

Originally posted by ivoire

I went out in a snowstorm with the xz last nite and shot a few in the 17 degree temp. camera performed so well. the set is here:

Olympus XZ-1 - a set on Flickr

Wow, you're already building up a nice set with this camera! Love the snow pix, makes me homesick for northern Idaho.

Print the bridge pic and hang it.

ivoire · 01-26-2012, 08:37 AM

Originally posted by chubasco

Wow, you're already building up a nice set with this camera! Love the snow pix, makes me homesick for northern Idaho.

Print the bridge pic and hang it.

This camera is fun to use and takes excellent pics. It fits between my micro 43 and the samsung tl350. Easy to carry in a jacket or cargo pants pocket so its been a fav for the winter walks. I'm headed to florida for warmer weather so i'll have to see which camera gets more use there. For now, the gallery just keeps growing

chubasco · 01-27-2012, 05:53 PM

Added some nice ones, looking forward to the Florida pix!

ivoire · 01-27-2012, 08:34 PM

Originally posted by chubasco

Added some nice ones, looking forward to the Florida pix!

I'm looking forward to some warmer weather and a chance to shoot some wildlife. I used the XZ to shoot some stereoscopic images. They turned out exceptionally well. maybe i can get a few resting gator shots like that. This camera is so convenient and i'm shooting much more with it than my K5.

boy n horse 3d | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Last edited by ivoire; 01-27-2012 at 08:44 PM.

chubasco · 01-27-2012, 10:14 PM

Since you're shooting pix in cold weather, how is the battery life?

kyteflyer · 01-28-2012, 01:08 AM

Originally posted by chubasco

Since you're shooting pix in cold weather, how is the battery life?

Dunno how ivoire is going with his but mine is crap. Its a small battery. Once I decide if I am keeping it (I may yet go X-10) I'd be getting a couple of extras. I have to recharge at least weekly and that's only shooting 20-30 a day

ivoire · 01-28-2012, 07:08 AM

Chubasco/Kyteflyer.... get a new battery (although i think you want the x10). Even with the battery reading 2/3 charged i got 225+ shots and tho it was flashing empty, it was still shooting. I won't be getting rid of mine. Also, it came with a second battery (which i have yet to use)

1400mah battery with free ship to Australia

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Battery-Olympus-XZ-1-SP-800UZ-SP-800-UZ-Li-50b-Li50b...ht_1438wt_1395

Last edited by ivoire; 01-28-2012 at 09:57 AM.

chubasco · 01-28-2012, 08:24 AM

Ivoire, thanks, packing a second small battery won't be a problem.

ivoire · 01-28-2012, 08:29 AM

Originally posted by chubasco

Ivoire, thanks, packing a second small battery won't be a problem.

Do you have the xz-1 or are you getting one? Xtra batteries and a charger on ebay are very inexpensive. Too bad Kyteflyer is so far away as you might get a good deal on it.

chubasco · 01-28-2012, 09:36 AM

Ivoire, I will be getting one. Your pix and Kyteflyer's are reason enough, and I can't see anything knocking it off its
pedestal when I go to buy one.

ivoire · 01-28-2012, 09:49 AM

Kyteflyer was right about it being a great camera. It goes everywhere and does far better than i would have imagined. The price is dropping also, $350 on ebay. I almost sold my K5 as a result of using it so much (my shooting style has changed because of the XZ).

chubasco · 01-28-2012, 01:53 PM

Well, if I hadn't pulled the trigger on a Mamiya RB67 with the 65 and 90 lenses, plus a Polaroid back, I'd have
one by now.

Another thing going for the XZ1 (besides being an easy packaround) is the Zuiko lens, they invested some serious
money both in development and materials.

RoxnDox · 01-29-2012, 12:15 AM

Finally got a chance to run my XZ-1 and dive housing thru its paces today. It's my first UW camera and I have a lot to learn but I like it a lot! Here are a few of the keepers from today's dive (XZ-1, Oly housing, Sea&Sea YS02 strobe triggered w/ fiber optic cable from onboard flash @ 1/64th power):

I should've dialed down the strobe for this one. 100% crop from image

Still have lots to learn about reducing backscatter...

Jim

kyteflyer · 01-29-2012, 12:35 AM

Originally posted by ivoire

Chubasco/Kyteflyer.... get a new battery (although i think you want the x10).

LOL> The way I am, I will likely end up with both.

I'll get a new battery... is that 1400 better than the default Oly battery? More juice?

Here's a couple more shots from this morning.

kyteflyer · 01-29-2012, 12:36 AM

Originally posted by RoxnDox

Finally got a chance to run my XZ-1 and dive housing thru its paces today. It's my first UW camera and I have a lot to learn but I like it a lot!

Nice work, Jim.

01-26-2012, 08:37 AM	#62
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	Originally posted by chubasco Wow, you're already building up a nice set with this camera! Love the snow pix, makes me homesick for northern Idaho. Print the bridge pic and hang it. This camera is fun to use and takes excellent pics. It fits between my micro 43 and the samsung tl350. Easy to carry in a jacket or cargo pants pocket so its been a fav for the winter walks. I'm headed to florida for warmer weather so i'll have to see which camera gets more use there. For now, the gallery just keeps growing Last edited by ivoire; 01-27-2012 at 05:00 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
DIY Macro Ring Flash for DSLR (Easy/Cheap/Durable) - The "Fring"	SF1	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	17	02-01-2012 07:42 PM
Good Cheap Lens for Astrophotography	krp	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	10-16-2011 02:27 AM
What's a good flash for cheap?	hockmasm	Pentax DSLR Discussion	6	01-17-2011 07:20 AM
DIY: Macro Ring Flash for DSLR (Easy/Cheap/Durable) - The "Fring"	SF1	Do-It-Yourself	16	04-21-2010 12:48 PM

01-25-2012, 05:53 PM	#61
chubasco Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alabama Photos: Gallery Posts: 328	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by ivoire I went out in a snowstorm with the xz last nite and shot a few in the 17 degree temp. camera performed so well. the set is here: Olympus XZ-1 - a set on Flickr Wow, you're already building up a nice set with this camera! Love the snow pix, makes me homesick for northern Idaho. Print the bridge pic and hang it.

01-27-2012, 05:53 PM	#63
chubasco Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alabama Photos: Gallery Posts: 328	Added some nice ones, looking forward to the Florida pix!

01-27-2012, 08:34 PM	#64
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	Originally posted by chubasco Added some nice ones, looking forward to the Florida pix! I'm looking forward to some warmer weather and a chance to shoot some wildlife. I used the XZ to shoot some stereoscopic images. They turned out exceptionally well. maybe i can get a few resting gator shots like that. This camera is so convenient and i'm shooting much more with it than my K5. boy n horse 3d \| Flickr - Photo Sharing! Last edited by ivoire; 01-27-2012 at 08:44 PM.

01-27-2012, 10:14 PM	#65
chubasco Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alabama Photos: Gallery Posts: 328	Since you're shooting pix in cold weather, how is the battery life?

01-28-2012, 01:08 AM	#66
kyteflyer Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Newcastle, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,444	Originally posted by chubasco Since you're shooting pix in cold weather, how is the battery life? Dunno how ivoire is going with his but mine is crap. Its a small battery. Once I decide if I am keeping it (I may yet go X-10) I'd be getting a couple of extras. I have to recharge at least weekly and that's only shooting 20-30 a day

01-28-2012, 07:08 AM	#67
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	Chubasco/Kyteflyer.... get a new battery (although i think you want the x10). Even with the battery reading 2/3 charged i got 225+ shots and tho it was flashing empty, it was still shooting. I won't be getting rid of mine. Also, it came with a second battery (which i have yet to use) 1400mah battery with free ship to Australia http://www.ebay.com/itm/Battery-Olympus-XZ-1-SP-800UZ-SP-800-UZ-Li-50b-Li50b...ht_1438wt_1395 Last edited by ivoire; 01-28-2012 at 09:57 AM.

01-28-2012, 08:24 AM	#68
chubasco Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alabama Photos: Gallery Posts: 328	Ivoire, thanks, packing a second small battery won't be a problem.

01-28-2012, 08:29 AM	#69
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	Originally posted by chubasco Ivoire, thanks, packing a second small battery won't be a problem. Do you have the xz-1 or are you getting one? Xtra batteries and a charger on ebay are very inexpensive. Too bad Kyteflyer is so far away as you might get a good deal on it.

01-28-2012, 09:36 AM	#70
chubasco Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alabama Photos: Gallery Posts: 328	Ivoire, I will be getting one. Your pix and Kyteflyer's are reason enough, and I can't see anything knocking it off its pedestal when I go to buy one.

01-28-2012, 09:49 AM	#71
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	Kyteflyer was right about it being a great camera. It goes everywhere and does far better than i would have imagined. The price is dropping also, $350 on ebay. I almost sold my K5 as a result of using it so much (my shooting style has changed because of the XZ).

01-28-2012, 01:53 PM	#72
chubasco Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alabama Photos: Gallery Posts: 328	Well, if I hadn't pulled the trigger on a Mamiya RB67 with the 65 and 90 lenses, plus a Polaroid back, I'd have one by now. Another thing going for the XZ1 (besides being an easy packaround) is the Zuiko lens, they invested some serious money both in development and materials.

01-29-2012, 12:15 AM	#73
RoxnDox Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gig Harbor, Washington, USA, Terra Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,494	Finally got a chance to run my XZ-1 and dive housing thru its paces today. It's my first UW camera and I have a lot to learn but I like it a lot! Here are a few of the keepers from today's dive (XZ-1, Oly housing, Sea&Sea YS02 strobe triggered w/ fiber optic cable from onboard flash @ 1/64th power): I should've dialed down the strobe for this one. 100% crop from image Still have lots to learn about reducing backscatter... Jim

01-29-2012, 12:35 AM	#74
kyteflyer Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Newcastle, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,444	Originally posted by ivoire Chubasco/Kyteflyer.... get a new battery (although i think you want the x10). LOL> The way I am, I will likely end up with both. I'll get a new battery... is that 1400 better than the default Oly battery? More juice? Here's a couple more shots from this morning.

01-29-2012, 12:36 AM	#75
kyteflyer Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Newcastle, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,444	Originally posted by RoxnDox Finally got a chance to run my XZ-1 and dive housing thru its paces today. It's my first UW camera and I have a lot to learn but I like it a lot! Nice work, Jim.