Advice on a good quality point & shoot camera for travelling

[Russ59]

I'm going to be doing a lot of traveling soon and I do not want to lug a DSLR around, so I want buy a 'point and shoot' camera - something I can carry in the top pocket, or in the front pouch of my backpack and whip it out to take pictures without all that messing around with lenses etc.

I am happy to spend between $300-450 and was initially looking at the Canon Ixus range, in particular this one as a starting point: http://www.teds.com.au/canon-ixus-500-hs

Any members had any experience with this Canon range?

Ideally I'd like HD video and a nice big LCD screen, and a good zoom feature.

Any suggestions or experiences welcome.

Russ

[taminga16]

Hi Russ,

I have an early IXUS 430 and it has been ideal for the very use that you mention but might I suggest that you purchase something with a viewfinder, holding a camera at arms length in a crowd, on a train or boat etc etc is a pain not to mention shake when using a zoom.

Best.
Greg.

[Larryp]

I have a Panasonic Lumix FH25. I bought it for the same reason as you -slip it in my pocket. Has 8X zoom, and provides very good quality images. Very happy with it.:)

[MortonH]

The Canon Ixus 500 HS has an impressive zoom range on paper but certain reviews suggest that the sensor is smaller than usual for a compact, and this results in relatively poor image quality.

The first thing I look for in a compact is the widest angle of the lens. A huge zoom range might sound fantastic but I usually find myself wishing for a wider lens in tight situations (inside buildings, etc). I'd be looking for 25mm or 24mm wide.

Morton

[ZeroID]

Get something with internal rechargeable batteries. My wifes wee Leica will charge via its USB download port when the camera is turned off and not downloading to a PC. Saves carrying battery chargers etc and I've got an adapter that will connect it in the car.
(Don't ask the price of the Leica but it's an awesome travelling camera)
I have a wee Fujifilm I bought cheap ( commpany purchase) and to be honest it takes excellent pix. Lacks the really clever bits the Leica has but good size card and a proper zoom function (not digital).
I got it for the same reason, carrying around a DSLR all the time can be a drag.

[Barrykgerdes]

I bought a Nikon L23 (I think they have been superceded by a better version) to do just that for $90. It works from AA cells so you don't need a charger (just some spare batteries). It is small enough to fit in any pocket and even takes videos.

Barry

[Russ59]

Thanks to you all for your helpful opinions. I'm went into Melbourne this weekend to have a look at the camera stores and simply couldn't decide. I looked at all the Canon, Sony and Leica ranges and was undecided so I'll return next weekend and look again and hopefully make a decision.

A couple of uses I need this camera for is for taking that common 'self image' - holding the camera at arms length and taking a pic of myself with a scenic background. I do a lot of traveling alone and this is one way I document my travels.

but I did pick up a second hand Canon 450D which I can use as a back up.

[hotspur]

I've got a Canon G12,might not be as flash as ones already mentioned,but it does have the flip out screen,for those 'self images' you mention you wish to catch on your travels.This G12 has been used a great deal by myself in last six months-I gathered a lot of video data for two documentaries with it,never had any issues with it-a spare battery can be bought of ebay for a couple of dollars.

I am so impressed with flip out screen,I would be reluctant to ever buy another camera without one,amazing tool of a camera.good luck with your purchase.

[mithrandir]

SWMBO has a Lumix. Daughter has a Lumix. Different models but neither has any complaints about them. The only disadvantages are no viewfinder and no flip out screen. There's a new one that can be remote controlled from a smartphone over wifi. All with Leica lenses.

[ZeroID]

You can buy a little 'extender arm' for that with a trigger remote so you can hold it away from you and get a wider view.
But most small cameras have a wide view mode anyway. You don't really need the tilt screen to point it at yourself. If you can see the lens you're probably in picture :lol:
You can get the Leica cheaper by buying the equivalent Panasonic version at about half the price. Same lens etc just a slighter different version of the processor.

C'mon, concentrate, no more astro camera's right now, you got some travel and holidays to organise :thumbsup::D

[niko]

I've had several versions of the Canon IXUS range - they're great.

I would avoid anything that uses AA batteries as you'll be forever buying them

[Barrykgerdes]

The use of universally available "AA" cells is just the reason I use them. The small rechargable batteries don't last forever especially if you use the flash and carrying a charger around is more bulky than a couple of "AA" cells and if you are away from a power point you are in bother.

I buy batteries in bulk quantities as I have many accessories that use them (and I sneak them onto the housekeeping at the supermarket, very economical for me)

Barry

[TrevorW]

I have one of these

http://www.canon.com.au/For-You/Digital-Cameras/PowerShot-SX260-HS