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Camera help.... because the Searchbar sucks

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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
Tried the searchbar and didn't get anything satisfying.

I got a Nikon Coolpix S600 recently as a present and after reading the reviews on it, I want to exchange it for a better point and shoot camera. The reviews all say it sucks at taking action shots and that's what I'd be using it for 50% of the time. I'd mostly be using it for landscape, macro, action shots, and video when I forget to/can't bring my GoPro.

SO. Can you guys point me in the right direction for a point and shoot camera under $300 that takes good quality pictures including good action shots? I'd be paying the difference seeing as the Coolpix seems like a cheap camera. My old Canon SD850 worked great but it crapped out in a Thunder/Electrical Storm at 12,000ft and it's been discontinued.

I want to reiterate that I'm interested in a Point-and-Shoot camera, not a SLR camera as I can't afford that nor can I pack that in my pocket while touring in the backcountry or mountain biking.


+Karma and all that shenanigans for helping.
Jan 10 2013 1:18AM
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mlp
Posts: 360 - Karma: 45
http://www.adorama.com/ICAS110B.html?sub=pricewatch&emailprice=t&utm_term=Other&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Other&utm_source=rflaid64393
Jan 10 2013 8:41AM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26

The canon s1xx (s90, s95, s100, s110 etc)s are pretty good. Also the panasonic lx5/lx7 and nikon p300 and olympus xz-1 are supposed to be good. Also the canon g series (g11, g15, gx). There are probably some other ones that i'm missing, but thsoe seem to be the good high end point and shoots.

You can google some different threads comparing them, I don't think many people on NS shoot with P&Ss. You could create an account for one of the sites and ask there also (like potn and forums.dpreview)

Jan 10 2013 9:05AM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26

double post

forgot to add the sony rx100

Jan 10 2013 9:07AM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
The Panasonic LX series is the shit, Leica rebrands em so.... Fantastic lenses, great size, my grandpa recently took his LX5 and a Canon 5d with 24-105 to Cambodia and he found during the day he almost used the LX more, size was way easier for long days, less 'oh shit this going to get stolen' factor, and the files are still great.
Jan 10 2013 9:33AM
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
sony rx100 is out of budget, but the canon s90,95,100 etc. are all supposed to be awesome, many are used by pros as a mini pocket cam. panasonic lx's are the same. Also, I used to have a sony superzoom that I loved, but it was an slr style form factor. You may want to look at something like the hx9v, I think it got great reviews and is supposed to have really good video quality too
Jan 10 2013 9:47AM
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
or the hx20v, on sale at b&h once you add it to the cart and has some cool features. Im beginning to think that I may have confused it with the hx9v.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/846284-REG/Sony_DSCHX20V_B_Cyber_Shot_DSC_HX20V_Digital_Camera.html

it is under $300 when you add it to your cart
Jan 10 2013 9:49AM
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michael_bc
Posts: 1386 - Karma: 720
Try to look for a heavily discounted Nikon 1 series (J1) or micro four thirds camera (Panasonic or Olympus). I've seen offers as low as $250.
Jan 10 2013 6:27PM
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michael_bc
Posts: 1386 - Karma: 720
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-J1-10-1-MP-Digital-Camera-White-Kit-w-VR-10-30mm-Lens-Sealed-In-Box-/281046096373?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item416fa719f5 http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Thirds-Interchangeable-Digital-Body/dp/B002CGSYKI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357860869&sr=8-1&keywords=Olympus+pen+e-p1
Jan 10 2013 6:37PM
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michael_bc
Posts: 1386 - Karma: 720
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-J1-10-1-MP-Digital-Camera-White-Kit-w-VR-10-30mm-Lens-Sealed-In-Box-/281046096373?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item416fa719f5


http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Thirds-Interchangeable-Digital-Body/dp/B002CGSYKI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357860869&sr=8-1&keywords=Olympus+pen+e-p1
Jan 10 2013 6:39PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Wow thats a good deal :O Much better than a point and shoot.
You could also look for an older canon slr (like a 20/30/40d), unless that would be too big for you.
Jan 11 2013 12:17PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
Thanks guys. Definitely looking for something small that I can throw in a pocket that would still be great for action shots and landscape shots as most of the time I use my camera I'd be skiing, biking, or hiking.
Jan 11 2013 4:52PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Sounds like the J1 would be good for you
Jan 11 2013 5:14PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
Does it come with a lens? Wouldn't having that external lens get bulky in a jacket and/or pants?
Jan 11 2013 11:40PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
Never mind. I see it comes with a lens now. That's a little out of my price range, but my other question still stands in terms of bulkiness. I guess I could drop the dough if it were really worth it.

What about this? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-+Coolpix+P310+16.1-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/4883771.p?id=1218572407266&skuId=4883771


Also, are there any Canon cameras I should be looking at? I really liked my old Canons that I've had in the past.
Jan 11 2013 11:48PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
Yeah A m4/3 isn't that small, didn't think you'd be putting it in your pocket or anything. You're basically looking for a high end point and shoot, right? Then the olympus xz-1 (something with a 1 an x and a z, forget the order), the canon s100/110, nikon p300/p310, canon G series, and the lx5/7, but it has a lens cap and the lens sticks out more.
Do some research yourself for comparing these, and which other cameras are good (google best high end point and shoot under $400 or something)

As far as that bestbuy link, that camera is pretty good, I believe it doesn't shoot raw, but you probably won't need that. I never buy from best buy since its usually cheaper other places, like on amazon its $20 cheaper.
Jan 12 2013 6:20AM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
also the sony hx9v/hx10v are pretty good too. Not quite as good quality stills but really good zoom range and video (and amazing image stabilization)

Jan 12 2013 6:23AM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
S95 or S100 are "the best" because of their size, and the quality is pretty damn good. I have friends who own LX3, LX5 and G12s who don't use them as much as they might, because they're took bulky to always have them at hand. S95 fits in any pocket, any time. If you're short on cash, just get a decent Canon model like you 850, whatever the current version is.
Jan 12 2013 1:27PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
How about this package deal? Worth it? Anything else I should look at that Best Buy sells?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon-1-J1-White-10.1MP-Camera-with-10-30mm-Lens-and-Extra-30-110mm-Lens/9999196600050000.p?id=pcmprd195800050000&skuId=9999196600050000&childSku=3628065&count=1#productdetail

Since my Mom got the original camera through Best (worst) Buy, I unfortunately have to get the replacement through them too since I can only return for an exchange or store credit.
Jan 23 2013 12:29PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
The S100 is on sale for $279.99
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+-+PowerShot+S100+Black+12.1-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/3558321.p?id=1218413767982&skuId=3558321&st=canon%20S100&cp=1&lp=1


Best Buy doesn't seem to carry the S95.
Jan 23 2013 12:35PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
S100 and S110 are the current models. Go for the S100, you'll be happy with it.
Jan 23 2013 3:27PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
The S100 is sold out. What should I get between the Canon S110 and the Nikon J1? I like how small the Canon is, but I also like the two lens option of the J1.
Jan 24 2013 12:08AM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Completely different cameras dude. I can't help you decide what you want, sorry.
Jan 24 2013 4:33AM
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michael_bc
Posts: 1386 - Karma: 720
I put my m43 in my pocket all the time, with a pancake lens its tiny, and even with a tele lens it goes in a jacket pocket without a problem.

Even the best point-and-shoots (Canon g1x, Sony rx100) are terrible at freezing action.
Jan 25 2013 3:33AM
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