[paulelescoces]

Hi All,

have a couple of compacts at the moment (Fuji F20, Olympus waterproof something...), but have some big events this year so would like to "upgrade" and have a decent compact alongside my K20D

I am thinking along the lines of a compact superzoom for practicality, also interested in decent video capabilities... a few models I have been looking at, trying to balance cost/quality/features.
- Panasonic Lumix TZ-7 (TZ-10 is quite expensive)
- Fuji F70... or F80 which is the upgraded model with HD video
- Casio EX-FH100

any thoughts/comments on the above? other suggestions?

[davidvcd]

I recently was looking for a compact P&S until I bought mine, a canon s90 as a backup/carry on me at all times camera.

Others not on your list that I was considering were the sony hx5v and tx1.

However, in most cases budget is what will limit your choices, then uses.
What do you intend to use it for ? Do you need a big FL range ? Low light use ? HD video ? Raws ? GPS ? Panoramics ?

[paulelescoces]

Hi David, thanks for the reply...

I would be looking for something flexible, decent low light (within limits of compact)... wide FL range (10x+)... HD Video, good IQ.

The Sony HX5 I looked into but seems that the NR is overly aggressive and leads to soft images. S90 looks nice but I dont consider as I would like a wider FL range.

Other features such as GPS I would not really be willing to pay more for. Raw support & manual controls would be nice but seems thin on the ground at the moment.... would not be willing to stretch too much on price for them.

[dylansalt]

Panasonic Lumix TZ7 - stylish 25mm wide, HD movie & very good IQ in good light.

[kevinschoenmakers]

Don't bother with compacts that aren't made by either Panasonic or Canon. Sony and Samsung have the occasional good product, and the rest is just utter crap. At least, that's my reading of things.

[Jasvox]

If I was in your exact situation and the needs/wants were the same, I'd look only at a Panasonic LX3 or a Canon G11, with the LX3 by far my first choice. Fantastic camera and miles beyond the TZ series (trust me, I have a TZ5 and wished I would have spent the extra $100 for the LX3....regrets, regrets).

Jason

[Unsinkable II]

if the S90 isn't wide enough, then the new IXUS 300 won't be either.

It's an interesting camera though... 1/3 slimmer than the S90 with the same sensor and F2 at the wide end.

I'm going to wait for the Samsung TL500 reviews and the launch of the LX4 before I make up my mind.

[shnikus]

Slight correction: they have different sensors, S90 is CCD and IXUS is back-illuminated CMOS.

if the S90 isn't wide enough, then the new IXUS 300 won't be either.

It's an interesting camera though... 1/3 slimmer than the S90 with the same sensor and F2 at the wide end.

I'm going to wait for the Samsung TL500 reviews and the launch of the LX4 before I make up my mind.

[Unsinkable II]

Thanks. I didn't know that.

Will be interesting to see comparison photos in future.

[Jasvox]

Funny, after reading and replying to this post last week...I decided to take my own advice and medicine...I bought a new Panasonic Lumix LX3 last night. Going to sell my TZ5.

after only a couple of hours last night, I am really digging this little camera.

Jason

[rkt]

I second the LX3 ... though I don't know how high is the zoom range on your list of priorities. Else a TZ ... a great P&S series, and the latest iteration has PASM as well ... though not as great in low light as the LX3 ...