Any Suggestions for a Point & Shoot camera?

fitz Dec 19, 2010

  1. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    My early experimentation with digital point and shoot cameras was a dismal failure. The shutter delay on those cameras was unacceptable for trying to catch a train running by. So I bought a digital SLR which has been just wonderful. I am now looking for a backup camera, and wonder if any of our members use one that has no delay in the shutter? My digital SLR is a 6 megapixel device, and most of the new point and shoots are 10 or more. Thanks for any recommendations, and Merry Christmas.
    :tb-biggrin:
     
  2. CNW 1518

    CNW 1518 TrainBoard Member

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    Got a Nikon L100 for my dad last Christmas..

    10 megapixels

    15x optical zoom

    Able to take pictures of motion objects like this

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Now Nikon has the L110 out.. I'm sure you wouldn't go wrong with either.
     
  3. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks. I was leaning toward the Nikon L110 until I read a review which stated that the shutter delay was long. Is the L100 delay long? They advertise several shots in a row - Is there a delay when you use that feature?
     
  4. CNW 1518

    CNW 1518 TrainBoard Member

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    Yeah.. Thats really one of the few downsides to this camera line..

    It's def not a bad backup camera if thats all youre going to use it for.

    I'm more of a Canon guy myself so I'm not really being biased one way or the other judging on the nikon.
     
  5. CNW 1518

    CNW 1518 TrainBoard Member

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    [​IMG]

    also took this one..

    Its not a bad choice at all.
     
  6. Train Kid

    Train Kid TrainBoard Member

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    Here you go...you can pick up the "body only" from B & H in NYC for $7,600. It wil do the job for you though. :D

    [​IMG]
     
  7. Tracy McKibben

    Tracy McKibben TrainBoard Member

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    I have a Canon Powershot, the A510 model, and the shutter delay is horrible. Great camera otherwise, but I've missed many a moving object because of the delay...
     
  8. bierbass

    bierbass TrainBoard Supporter

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    I use a Kodak point in shoot 760x or something. Its about 5 years old and I am reasonably happy with it. I am sure the newer generations are okay too. I helped my dad pick out a newer Kodak last year.

    About the SLRs and the price--- I worked in a camera shop years ago and had trouble understanding why cameras were expensive then. But I was also in college and didn't feel dropping $400 on a camera body was necessary. I don't get how companies are asking what they are asking now considering technology and the cost of many things are relatively lower. And Nikons IMO have always been over-priced. The company makes great lenses. And their reps will tell you how all the glass is color matched. But is it really worth the extra $?

    A question directed at the folks concerned about shutter delay--- are you all pressing the button half way and firing, or waiting until the train comes into view and then pressing? Maybe you are already doing this, I pre-focus (by pressing halfway) on a spot (I compose the shot while in the half pressed mode) where I'll snap when the moving obeject (train) reaches the point I want it at (focused on). If you wait until the train is at the spot you want it before actively pressing, you will have lag because the camera is focusing and trying to get an exposure reading, then firing.

    I hope this helps.

    Dan
     
  9. bierbass

    bierbass TrainBoard Supporter

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    Also, Merry Christmas Fitz, and everyone else too. I'll be visiting the Water Level Route soon.
     
  10. subwayaz

    subwayaz TrainBoard Member

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    I have an older model of the Canon Powershot 100 and it has that delay also but other than that it's a fine point and shoot. 10x zoom and 8mp. But for the price sweet!

    Pictures below were taken with the Powershot 100 for an example; and I'm sure not a professional
     

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  11. chessie

    chessie TrainBoard Supporter

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    I can tell you first hand there is nothing more disappointing than the shutter delay in a point and shoot after using a digital SLR. I used to shoot higher end Canon point and shoots before going to the DSLR line. Most point and shoots would be fine for a stationary shot in decent lighting..... but with a moving item, plan to pan and hope for the best :eek: I have not tried and Point and shoots lately, but if I were to pick something, I'd probably go with more than a pocket item. Canon makes some bigger Powershots with 10x (or more) zoom, but again, you are approaching the price of a lower end DSLR body.

    As always, there is a tradeoff between size and quality (and capability). :rolleyes:

    Harold
     
  12. mojo

    mojo TrainBoard Member

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    The Panasonic Lumix LX5 or earlier LX3 are both good cameras. There isn't that much between the two models actually, the LX5 having a few improvements but nothing major. Second hand they are not too expensive now.

    I would suggest the Lumix GF2 but I imagine it is probably a bit bigger/more expensive than you were thinking.
     

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