The real deal ULTRA COMPACT digital camera thread
The Third Ball
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 50,498
Likes: 5,874
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Originally Posted by Yumchah
So, if you folks were to rate the brands, what would be the order of these: Canon, Olympus, Fujifilm, Sony, Casio, Kodak, Ricoh?
1) Canon
2)Sony
3)Fuji
Anything under my top 3 just aint worth it.
Adventurist.
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,661
Likes: 58
From: Orange County, CA
Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
Now, I'm strictly a canon p&s user....but careful how you phrase this because it is not true in an overall aspect when referring to camera optics.
I meant "lense" 
The Third Ball
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 50,498
Likes: 5,874
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Originally Posted by NiteQwill
I meant "lense"
all good. but I dont get this? 
lenses are optics. And Canon doesnt have the best, and certainly not from all times. Canon is good, very very good. but not the best.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 64,185
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holy cow!!! the S80 kicks ass!!!! so many new features...
- looks like there's no sound in this mode though...
With a sensor that includes a massive 8.0 Megapixels, the camera produces images for detailed A3+ size prints, and gives photographers more freedom to crop images.
For the first time in a digital compact, an EOS-style Multi Control Dial is introduced to allow quick setting of menu and shooting functions, as well as rapid scroll through images during playback.
Extended movie shooting functions feature in the S80, including a first for the market : a high resolution (1024 x 768, 15 fps) XGA movie mode, made possible by DIGIC II’s processing speed. Up to 1GB in size.
A new large 2.5” LCD is adjustable to one of 15 brightness levels and has a Quick-bright function to facilitate shooting in sunny conditions.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 0
From: Palo Alto, CA
I work in the camera section of an electronics store. We CANNOT keep the canon point and shoots in stock. Its a pain in the ass to get people every day asking for the sd(3,4,5)00 and have to say to them we are all out. I guess canon was being slow with the shipments recently because of the new models coming out. From my own experience (based on returns figures) Sony and Canon are the best way to go, I just do not see them getting returned as much as the other brands. In fact just recently we had an Olympus Stylus 500 (5 MP) on sale for 179, which usually goes for 299.99. Since I also need a camera I bought one, and lo and behold its a piece of shit. Its flash is only good up to 3 feet, and the pictures are very noisy. The Canons are just so much better than these, and the sales figures show it. Now if only we could get some in stock...I think the only ones we have right now are the A400 and the A510, and we are one of the biggest stores in the bay area!
If you are looking for a slim camera, one of the better ones is the Sony DSC-T7 with 3x optical zoom. Supposedly Sony has made its low light abilities much better than its predecessors. I also would suggest reading some reviews and taking a look at some of the Casio cameras, they are known to be VERY small and decent.
IMO tho the SD400 (450) is the way to go, best for the price.
If you are looking for a slim camera, one of the better ones is the Sony DSC-T7 with 3x optical zoom. Supposedly Sony has made its low light abilities much better than its predecessors. I also would suggest reading some reviews and taking a look at some of the Casio cameras, they are known to be VERY small and decent.
IMO tho the SD400 (450) is the way to go, best for the price.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 64,185
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and out from left field comes... the Panasonic DMC-LX1. 
this is a $1k compact camera... 8.4mp... 16:9 pics and movies... kinda crazy. have yet to see sample pics though - I would hope they would be nothing short of stellar.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/spec...nic_dmclx1.asp
read more about it here...
http://www.gizmag.com/go/4462/
and also - this is not a compact camera.... but damn, if this ain't the "mackdaddy" of digicams...
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0508/05...blad_4prod.asp
this is a $1k compact camera... 8.4mp... 16:9 pics and movies... kinda crazy. have yet to see sample pics though - I would hope they would be nothing short of stellar.http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/spec...nic_dmclx1.asp
read more about it here...
http://www.gizmag.com/go/4462/
and also - this is not a compact camera.... but damn, if this ain't the "mackdaddy" of digicams...
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0508/05...blad_4prod.asp
Not Registered
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 87
From: Virginia
Originally Posted by srika
and out from left field comes... the Panasonic DMC-LX1. :
http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/?gal...iclx1_preview/
Last edited by Bdog; Aug 26, 2005 at 01:06 PM.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 47,710
Likes: 801
From: Toronto, Canada
Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
all good. but I dont get this? lenses are optics. And Canon doesnt have the best, and certainly not from all times. Canon is good, very very good. but not the best.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 64,185
Likes: 14,330
Originally Posted by Bdog
The pic size I like but to me the pics suck. It may have been something they did to resize, but not nearly as clean as I would have thought. The second pic looks like a 2mp setting.
http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/?gal...iclx1_preview/
http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/?gal...iclx1_preview/
I just tried another one... it ain't looking good.so umm... forget Panasonic. back to Canon.
FIGHTING ILLINI
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area, CA
Originally Posted by srika
it does look real grainy... and I even clicked the fullsize 3840x2160 link.... this particular pic looks WORSE at full-res... I just tried another one... it ain't looking good.
so umm... forget Panasonic. back to Canon.
I just tried another one... it ain't looking good.so umm... forget Panasonic. back to Canon.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: ny
This is a great thread and perfect timing
any ideas when the sd450 and 550 hit the stores?? I really need a new camera and I'm leaning towards the 450 due to size.
my olympus stylus 170 zoom decided to crap out (was a great camera) and they want $100 to fix a camera that now sells for $120.
And the old reliable Yashica got dropped at a wedding and busted the film door
any ideas when the sd450 and 550 hit the stores?? I really need a new camera and I'm leaning towards the 450 due to size.
my olympus stylus 170 zoom decided to crap out (was a great camera) and they want $100 to fix a camera that now sells for $120.
And the old reliable Yashica got dropped at a wedding and busted the film door
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 64,185
Likes: 14,330
Nikon announced a few compacts today - including 2 with Wi-fi...
http://www.dpreview.com/
I'm liking this... reminds me of my Coolpix 4500.. with the swivel. the swivel is a GREAT feature... allows for many a candid shots and also allows for easy shooting from odd angles and places...
http://www.dpreview.com/
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/05...oolpixp1p2.asp
Nikon Coolpix P1 & P2, with WiFi
pic:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/Ni...pp1frontbk.jpg
In a first for compact digital cameras Nikon has today announced two models which feature built-in WiFi communication. The Coolpix P1 and P2 (eight and five megapixels respectively) have a built-in 802.11b/g WiFi module which enables them to communicate directly with the new version of PictureProject. This wireless connection can be used to transfer all images on the cameras storage card or in a 'live' situation where each image is sent back to PictureProject on the fly. The only limitation at the moment appears to be that the P1 and P2 will only send to PictureProject and not to standard FTP servers or across the Internet. Both cameras will be available at the end of the month priced €429 (P1) and €329 (P2). (06:05 GMT)
Nikon Coolpix P1 & P2, with WiFi
pic:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/Ni...pp1frontbk.jpg
In a first for compact digital cameras Nikon has today announced two models which feature built-in WiFi communication. The Coolpix P1 and P2 (eight and five megapixels respectively) have a built-in 802.11b/g WiFi module which enables them to communicate directly with the new version of PictureProject. This wireless connection can be used to transfer all images on the cameras storage card or in a 'live' situation where each image is sent back to PictureProject on the fly. The only limitation at the moment appears to be that the P1 and P2 will only send to PictureProject and not to standard FTP servers or across the Internet. Both cameras will be available at the end of the month priced €429 (P1) and €329 (P2). (06:05 GMT)
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/05..._coolpixs4.asp
Nikon Coolpix S4
pics:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/Ni...s4sfrontbk.jpg
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/Ni...4specsview.jpg
Nikon has today announced its first swivel lens cameras since the Coolpix SQ in February 2003, in the shape of the Coolpix S4 which is reminiscent of the legendary E9xx series. Looking slightly more stylish in silver than its ancestors, the six million-pixel S4 boasts a 10x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens as well as the D-Lighting function, a 2.5-inch LCD, in-camera red-eye removal and face-priority AF. Other features of note include AE-BSS, which selects the best relative exposure from a series of shots, plus a 4cm macro mode. The Coolpix S4 will be available at the end of this month priced €399. (06:05 GMT)
Nikon Coolpix S4
pics:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/Ni...s4sfrontbk.jpg
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/Ni...4specsview.jpg
Nikon has today announced its first swivel lens cameras since the Coolpix SQ in February 2003, in the shape of the Coolpix S4 which is reminiscent of the legendary E9xx series. Looking slightly more stylish in silver than its ancestors, the six million-pixel S4 boasts a 10x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens as well as the D-Lighting function, a 2.5-inch LCD, in-camera red-eye removal and face-priority AF. Other features of note include AE-BSS, which selects the best relative exposure from a series of shots, plus a 4cm macro mode. The Coolpix S4 will be available at the end of this month priced €399. (06:05 GMT)
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/05..._coolpixs3.asp
Nikon Coolpix S3
pics:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/Ni...s3sfrontbk.jpg
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/Ni...3specsview.jpg
Nikon has today announced the latest in its S series of ultra-compact digital cameras. The new Coolpix S3 appears to be identical to the S2 apart from the increase in resolution, this camera now sports a six megapixel 1/2.5" CCD sensor. The S3 will be available in a range of colors; white, matt black and silver, priced at €359 and available at the end of this month. (06:05 GMT)
Nikon Coolpix S3
pics:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/Ni...s3sfrontbk.jpg
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0509/Ni...3specsview.jpg
Nikon has today announced the latest in its S series of ultra-compact digital cameras. The new Coolpix S3 appears to be identical to the S2 apart from the increase in resolution, this camera now sports a six megapixel 1/2.5" CCD sensor. The S3 will be available in a range of colors; white, matt black and silver, priced at €359 and available at the end of this month. (06:05 GMT)
The Third Ball
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 50,498
Likes: 5,874
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Did they also officially annouce the Nikon D200? I must say....a little disappointed in it....the Canon 5D will be the next big thing. Almost a shame im invested in Nikkor lenses. But I do love my d100...for now.
back to the compact cameras
back to the compact cameras
Picked up a SD400 today for $275 from office depot...I had a gift card (they sent me for cancelling my previous order) and they have a mail in rebate and I had a gift card from them from before.
LOLZ McCain Sux
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13,764
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Originally Posted by Dem1K
sweet...I'm still debating whether or not I should take back my SD550 and get the SD400 cause it's so much cheaper??? I haven't opened it yet, haha.
$350-$50-$20=Fantabulous
Moderator
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 64,137
Likes: 3,386
From: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
the only complaint i have on my SD400 is that it only records for 8minutes 31 seconds at 640x480/30fps using up the entire 1GB SD card i got 
on the new SD450 coming out so quick after i got mine.. my friend told me the price of the SD400 dropped at bestbuy too 
on the new SD450 coming out so quick after i got mine.. my friend told me the price of the SD400 dropped at bestbuy too
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 64,185
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Originally Posted by Mizouse
the only complaint i have on my SD400 is that it only records for 8minutes 31 seconds at 640x480/30fps using up the entire 1GB SD card i got
on the new SD450 coming out so quick after i got mine.. my friend told me the price of the SD400 dropped at bestbuy too
on the new SD450 coming out so quick after i got mine.. my friend told me the price of the SD400 dropped at bestbuy too if you need to video for crazy amounts of time and get good resolution, plz get a video camera. Until then, these "inferior" digicam products will have to suffice In a few years here we will pretty much have stand-alone videocam quality video from digital cameras, WITH extended recording ability, due to increasing memory storage capacities. It's gonna be good.
Moderator
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 64,137
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From: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Originally Posted by srika
that video usage is normal for that resolution.... remember, this is not a VIDEO CAMERA!!! if you need to video for crazy amounts of time and get good resolution, plz get a video camera. Until then, these "inferior" digicam products will have to suffice
In a few years here we will pretty much have stand-alone videocam quality video from digital cameras, WITH extended recording ability, due to increasing memory storage capacities. It's gonna be good.
if you need to video for crazy amounts of time and get good resolution, plz get a video camera. Until then, these "inferior" digicam products will have to suffice In a few years here we will pretty much have stand-alone videocam quality video from digital cameras, WITH extended recording ability, due to increasing memory storage capacities. It's gonna be good.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 64,185
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holy deal, batman.
http://www.techbargains.com/
edit: newegg link fixed above... it's wrong at techbargains.
http://www.techbargains.com/
Canon Powershot SD5507 MegaPixel Digital Camera $371.99 shipped free - Free 512MB SD, Nov 10
Lowest price. newegg has the Canon PowerShot SD550 7MPixel, 3X Optical Digital Camera $371.99, free 3 day shipping. Tax in CA, NJ, TN, PR.
Select Free PNY 512MB Secure Digital Card
Lowest price. newegg has the Canon PowerShot SD550 7MPixel, 3X Optical Digital Camera $371.99, free 3 day shipping. Tax in CA, NJ, TN, PR.
Select Free PNY 512MB Secure Digital Card
The Third Ball
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 50,498
Likes: 5,874
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Originally Posted by phinthesky
SD550 anyone?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 10,121
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From: Overland Park, Kansas
Just got this the other day from Dell. If you work hard with the coupons and discounts, you can get it even cheaper.
PowerShot SD500 Digital Camera Qty: 1
Unit Price: $399.00
Dell Home Customers: Save 15% off Select Canon Digital Camera!
Expires on 2005-11-10 11:59:59 - $59.85
ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS AND COUPONS
Dell Home Customers: Shipping & Handling Charges.
Expires on 2006-01-01 11:59:59 - $3.30
Dell Home Customer: This code is good for $75 off any order of at least $75.01.
Expires on 2005-12-01 05:59:00 - $75.00
Sub-Total $264.15
Shipping Discount -$3.30
Shipping $ 2.20
Tax $0.00
Total $266.35
PowerShot SD500 Digital Camera Qty: 1
Unit Price: $399.00
Dell Home Customers: Save 15% off Select Canon Digital Camera!
Expires on 2005-11-10 11:59:59 - $59.85
ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS AND COUPONS
Dell Home Customers: Shipping & Handling Charges.
Expires on 2006-01-01 11:59:59 - $3.30
Dell Home Customer: This code is good for $75 off any order of at least $75.01.
Expires on 2005-12-01 05:59:00 - $75.00
Sub-Total $264.15
Shipping Discount -$3.30
Shipping $ 2.20
Tax $0.00
Total $266.35