Need recommendations for a P&S option

I want to get a lighter P&S to take on longer hikes when I'm by myself (meaning my "pack mule" husband isn't along to help!), or when I'm hiking (not out specifically to shoot photos) but "just in case" would like something to take decent, quality photos. I'd like to have the option to shoot RAW, and it must be lightweight. I'd also like to be able to shoot decent video. The Canon G12 looks pretty good, and it's lightweight. I saw a Fujifilm X10 that looks lightweight, shoots RAW & video but it's a little more than I want to spend right now. I know with wanting RAW, my choices are limited. Anyone have other good suggestions?

Canon Powershot S100 - shoots manual, RAW, HD video, has GPS and is about the size of a deck of playing cards. Mine goes everywhere with me. Here's a link to dpreview.com's review: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons100

Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA

The main advantage of the G12 is that it has an optical viewfinder. Can you live with an LCD screen only to frame your images?

I will second Doug's suggestion, the S100 or even the S95 is an amazing little camera

John, that was my main drawback with the S100 - no optical viewfinder. I might be able to live without it...maybe. Will definitely have to give that some thought.

Angela, have you looked into micro four thirds? There are some good deals going on right now, especially on the Olympus E-PL1. The image quality is really impressive for a small camera, (I own one), and you have the option of interchangeable lenses. It doesn't have an optical viewfinder, but I own the optional EVF and it's quite good. With the collapsible kit lens, it's not much bigger than my old G10.
BTW, I just picked up an open box Fuji X10, thereby saving quite a bit of money, and I couldn't be more impressed. The image and build quality are very impressive for something this small. This is my new go anywhere camera.

Angela-

You are in luck as the "advanced" point and shoot category is in somewhat of a renaissance these days with several options of models that shoot RAW and have good controls as you would expect on a DSLR. Now most of these still use small sensors when compared to a DSLR but are usually bigger than the typical p+s.

Popular choices

Canon G12 or S100, Panasonic LX5, Olympus XZ1, Fuji X10

All of these models have sensors that are approx 48 sqmm. For comparison an APS-C sensor has about 330 sqmm. So while still "small" they do pack alot of punch.

I own a Panasonic LX3 that I really like. 24-60mm lens. F/2.0 on the wide end and 2.8 on the long end. RAW capability. 1CM macro mode. 720P movie mode. It is small and easy carried. I have it with me every day and it has captured some great images.

I did an article here a while back about it

http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles0510/dh0510-1.html

And here are some images from it

http://www.wildernessphotographer.net/SpecialCollectionImages/Small-Format-Landscapes-1/15446418_Pk4KSr#!i=949785900&k=rC8MB

I find images look great at 12x18" print and many can go up to 16x24".

Any of those models will be able to do similar.



Here is the DP Review comparison from Xmas 2010

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q42010highendcompactgroup/

Then there is the new Canon G1X. This is the point and shoot I would probably look at. It has a sensor bigger than M43 and slightly smaller than APS-C. Basically a slightly chopped 60D sensor. Very tempting.

In the end you cannot go wrong with any of the models. It really comes down to price and size. The G series Canon's are larger, while the S100 and Panny LX models are quite svelte.

Good luck!!

I've got the Canon S95 and it is a remarkable camera. I've even got a photo in my gallery that was created with the little S95. The new S100 has some nice features over and above what you'll find on the S95, too. Yeah, an optical viewfinder would be nice but in my experience the OV's on p&s cameras pretty much just suck, including the one on the G12. Good luck!

Yes, the viewfinder in the G12 shows only 79% of the actual scene, but I still prefer it to struggling with the glare from an LCD screen.

I've been thinking about a similar purchase but refuse to accept a camera with a sensor smaller than an APS-C size sensor which is the smallest sensor stock agencies will consider accepting. The one I've been considering is the Sony NEX-5N which is definitely larger than the ones mentioned above, but uses interchangeable lenses and with an adapter I believe it can even accept my Canon lenses,,, it is, sadly, pricier than the ones mentioned.

Very good point, John. That can be a royal pain in the neck!

I've been happy with the pocket-ability of the Canon S95, and its images are quite nice in good light. Despite the difficulty of focusing my eyes on a close back-screen, the absence of a viewfinder makes me think about composition in a different way. Scene modes and face recognition are conveniences in many situations, like street photography or family birthday parties. Carry an ND filter to force the camera to choose faster shutter speeds and a wider aperture; just hold the filter in front of the lens.

The ultra-convenience of a pocket is much better than even the smallest camera bag, but if I was buying now, I'd consider the latest round of micro 4/3 or APS-C mirrorless cameras. They are not pocketable, and only a bit smaller than APS-C DSLRs, but are getting enthusiastic reviews now that good lenses are becoming available. You can also use an adapter, for mounting your expensive SLR lenses, so it is a nice evolution of digi-scoping.

In other words, you can think of a m4/3 or mirrorless interchangeable as a "Data Back" for your good lenses.

I have a Olympus EP2. It has a removable lens. I like it because I can, with a lensbaby, use all my Nikon DSLR lenses. Have to work fully manual but it makes a good backup if the main camera were to fail.

Russ
http://www.Alpinegalleria.com

I'd give consideration to the new Canon Powershot G1X. If I were buying a P&S right now, that's the one I'd probably go with.

I have owned the Canon G9, G10, and now the G12. I won't be upgrading to the G1X. It's double the money. There should
be some neat deals of the Canon G12 now that they introduced the G1X.