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 decent to take 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?
The G12 line is very good. We own a G10 and still use it as our primary P&S. The only thing I caution folks about it is that the zoom isn't that powerful (in case that's important), and compared to other point-and-shoots it's not quite as compact. A sturdy little workhorse though that I like a lot.
Max
Posted by Peter Cross on March 9, 2012 at 12:06 AM
The Fuji X10 apparently has a problem with white orbs appearing in some images. They're working on fixing it, but I haven't seen that they've done so yet. You csn get more information on the Digital Camera Review website. Also, a really good site for camera reviews (very thorough). So you might get some additional info on cameras you are interested in.
Depends on how much you want to spend. You might want to look at the Olympus PEN cameras, or the Sony NEX. I have the NEX, and with the 70-200 lens, it is now my primary backpacking camera. I carried my 20D around for several years, but I carry the camera around my neck/shoulder the whole time, so I can quickly take photos, and the 20D + lens got very heavy for that.
I really like the NEX. It takes RAW, which was something I definitely wanted, and it has an APS-C size sensor. I originally had the 18-55 lens, which makes it nice and compact, but that simply does not have the kind of reach I needed, especially for animals. Even with the 70-200 lens, I can carry it around all the time, or even stick it in my purse. The Oly PEN series is very good, too, and now Nikon is coming out with one.
Posted by Jim Sabiston on March 9, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Canon has a very good set of scaled options for you to consider:
Powershot S100: Highly rated ELF size camera with full manual and RAW capability. Truly pocket sized, carry everywhere option. Uses the same sensor, etc., as the very capable G12 for a bit less $.
Powershot G12: This camera has long been a backup or lightweight option for pro photographers for under $500. I have the G9 and it stil gets regular use. I may yet get a G12 for the improved feature set.
The new GX1 should get a serious look. Larger and more expensive ( $799) that the S100 or G12, it seems to offer some serious punch, but it is still much smaller than a dslr with a larger sensor than most other options. This is the one that I am drooling over at the moment. I am looking for sub-dslr camera as well, but want closer to the dslr image quality - this might be the one.
Discussion
4 repliesMax
I really like the NEX. It takes RAW, which was something I definitely wanted, and it has an APS-C size sensor. I originally had the 18-55 lens, which makes it nice and compact, but that simply does not have the kind of reach I needed, especially for animals. Even with the 70-200 lens, I can carry it around all the time, or even stick it in my purse. The Oly PEN series is very good, too, and now Nikon is coming out with one.
Powershot S100: Highly rated ELF size camera with full manual and RAW capability. Truly pocket sized, carry everywhere option. Uses the same sensor, etc., as the very capable G12 for a bit less $.
Powershot G12: This camera has long been a backup or lightweight option for pro photographers for under $500. I have the G9 and it stil gets regular use. I may yet get a G12 for the improved feature set.
The new GX1 should get a serious look. Larger and more expensive ( $799) that the S100 or G12, it seems to offer some serious punch, but it is still much smaller than a dslr with a larger sensor than most other options. This is the one that I am drooling over at the moment. I am looking for sub-dslr camera as well, but want closer to the dslr image quality - this might be the one.