Travel Photography - Thoughts on a P&S to supplement a DSLR?

I'm looking for something small for routine carrying when we are traveling even when we aren't expecting to be taking pictures and thus carrying the good camera.

I'm looking for something small for routine carrying when we are traveling even when we aren't expecting to be taking pictures and thus carrying the good camera.

If price is not a concern, I'd suggest the Fuji X100 – everybody and their cousin seem to be raving about it.

If you are looking for something less expensive and/or would like to have a zoom lens, both Panasonic Lumix LX5 and Canon S95 are good choices. Our second camera is a Canon S90 (the older version of S95) and we are extremely happy with it.

Cheers,
T.

Seems like the DSLR people in the DPReview forums love the "G" series of cameras as a backup such as the G12 or older G11 / G10.

They also mention the S95 a lot as a great DSLR companion.

If price is not a concern, I'd suggest the Fuji X100 – everybody and their cousin seem to be raving about it.

Drool!! That's too pricey, though.

If you are looking for something less expensive and/or would like to have a zoom lens, both Panasonic Lumix LX5 and Canon S95 are good choices. Our second camera is a Canon S90 (the older version of S95) and we are extremely happy with it.

Cheers,
T.

It didn't even occur to me that stabilizers would exist in P&S cameras!

Seems like the DSLR people in the DPReview forums love the "G" series of cameras as a backup such as the G12 or older G11 / G10.

They also mention the S95 a lot as a great DSLR companion.

If you want an even more compact DSLR, the GF1 or GF2 might fit the bill. I chucked my Canon 40D once I bought a GF1 -- the convenience of the size outweighed any potential decrease in image quality. What's the use of a larger-sensor camera if it's too heavy to carry around, anyway? ;)

The LX3/LX5 is also a good choice -- got my wife the former, then we sold it and upgraded to the latter.

The GF1 set I got came with a 20/1.7 (around 40mm in normal terms), while the LX3 came with a gorgeous 24-60mm zoom (with a 2.0 aperture at the widest end) -- both perfect walkaround cameras even at dusk.

Depends how serious of a photographer you are. If you have a top-shelf DSLR and lenses to match, you probably wouldn't be happy with the IQ of anything short of a m4/3 or Sony NEX. OTOH, if you're just a hobbyist, I think the G12 and S95 are great options.

For the last couple of days, I've been readin up on a P&S that I saw in the store over the weekend - the Canon SX230HS. (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SX230HS/SX230HSA.HTM) I've read a number of reviews of it thus far, and they all seem to range from "very good" to "solid gold".

What caught my eye about this camera more than anything else were the DSLR style controls - it has P, Tv, Av, and M modes, as well as a number of creative modes, arranged on a DSLR style control wheel on the back. It also has a very wide zoom range, equivalent to a 35mm lens of 28-392mm, or the DSLR equivalent of 18-245mm. The reviews harp on it's good image quality and very good low-light performance at high ISO with no flash.

Drawbacks mentioned seem to be that battery life is poor compared to similar cameras (though this is partly from the fact that the camera has a built-in GPS, which can be turned off to extend battery life); and that the pop-up flash pops up EVERY time the camera is turned on, whether Flash is enabled or not.

I'm seriously considering buying one of these cameras, if I can unload the Canon SD1400IS (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SD1400IS/SD1400ISA.HTM) that I bought a few months ago. It's a wonderful little camera, but it has limited manual exposure control and few physical controls (wheels/buttons); I'd much prefer to have those DSLR style controls on the SX230HS.

If you want an even more compact DSLR, the GF1 or GF2 might fit the bill. I chucked my Canon 40D once I bought a GF1 -- the convenience of the size outweighed any potential decrease in image quality. What's the use of a larger-sensor camera if it's too heavy to carry around, anyway? ;)

The LX3/LX5 is also a good choice -- got my wife the former, then we sold it and upgraded to the latter.

The GF1 set I got came with a 20/1.7 (around 40mm in normal terms), while the LX3 came with a gorgeous 24-60mm zoom (with a 2.0 aperture at the widest end) -- both perfect walkaround cameras even at dusk.

x2 - I have a GF1 and love it, plus you can use your existing lenses with an adapter.

+1 for canon s95

+1 for canon s95

Yeah, that's where I'm leaning at present.

I haven't made the jump to SLR yet but for now I'm using a Samsung HZ15W P&S and I'm pretty happy with in. Schneider 24mm wide lens with 10X optical zoom.

Check out the Canon SX1 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsx1is/) (20x optical zoom, 28-560; among other goodies).

There is probably a newer version.

Updated: SX30 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-SX30IS-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B0041RSPR8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310679863&sr=8-1)

For the last couple of days, I've been readin up on a P&S that I saw in the store over the weekend - the Canon SX230HS. (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SX230HS/SX230HSA.HTM) I've read a number of reviews of it thus far, and they all seem to range from "very good" to "solid gold".

What caught my eye about this camera more than anything else were the DSLR style controls - it has P, Tv, Av, and M modes, as well as a number of creative modes, arranged on a DSLR style control wheel on the back. It also has a very wide zoom range, equivalent to a 35mm lens of 28-392mm, or the DSLR equivalent of 18-245mm. The reviews harp on it's good image quality and very good low-light performance at high ISO with no flash.

Drawbacks mentioned seem to be that battery life is poor compared to similar cameras (though this is partly from the fact that the camera has a built-in GPS, which can be turned off to extend battery life); and that the pop-up flash pops up EVERY time the camera is turned on, whether Flash is enabled or not.

I'm seriously considering buying one of these cameras, if I can unload the Canon SD1400IS (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SD1400IS/SD1400ISA.HTM) that I bought a few months ago. It's a wonderful little camera, but it has limited manual exposure control and few physical controls (wheels/buttons); I'd much prefer to have those DSLR style controls on the SX230HS.

Check out the Canon SX1 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsx1is/) (20x optical zoom, 28-560; among other goodies).

There is probably a newer version.

Updated: SX30 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-SX30IS-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B0041RSPR8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310679863&sr=8-1)

4.2 x 4.8 x 3.7 inches

While it might technically be a P&S that's bigger than I'm looking for.

I sure like the zoom range, though:

35x wide-angle optical zoom (24-840mm) with Optical Image Stabilizer

Check out the Canon SX1 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsx1is/) (20x optical zoom, 28-560; among other goodies).

There is probably a newer version.

Updated: SX30 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-SX30IS-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B0041RSPR8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310679863&sr=8-1)

Looks like a nice camera, but it's not really a pocket-size P&S, it's a bridge camera.

+1 for the Canon S95.

I use it a lot as a backup to my Nikon D200. it's good enough IQ, has auto and manual features and pocket sized to do a normal day of shots and leave the dslr back in the room from time to time...exactly what i was looking for.

+1 for canon s95

I carry one in my shoulder bag when I'm not using the Canon 5D I use for work.

+1 on the Canon S95.

They are getting a little harad to get and rumors are a replacement in September.

Well, I picked up a new camera yesterday - the Canon SX230HS that I mentioned earlier in the thread. I've only played with it briefly thus far, but I'm pleased and excited about it.

The chief reason I bought it was that it's a P&S with a full set of manual and semi-auto controls on it that closely mimic an SLR. The additional modes and controls make operating it feel like a "real" camera, as opposed to a child's toy as so many full-auto, no control P&S cams do.

Before I bought, I read a couple of reviews that praised its low-light capability. In the few pics I've taken so far, it has impressed me greatly; indoor pics at ISO 400 with no flash and fairly low ambient light are much brighter and cleaner than my old P&S, a Canon SD1400IS.

Although the 12mp resolution is slightly lower than the SD1400's 14mp resolution, I feel that when I start taking serious pics with it, that won't matter - particularly because the impressive focal lengths (28-392mm equivalent) give me the ability to zoom WAY up on stuff before I snap. The SD1400IS only has a focal length of 28-112mm equivalent.

Both of my P&S cams came with Canon's IS (Image Stabilisation) system, which compensates for motion blur when using slow shutter speeds. I've taken a few hand-held shots with speeds as slow as 1/10 sec and seen no discernable motion blur; now that I have a cam with a Tv (Shutter-Speed Priority) mode, I'll be playing with it further to see how good the IS system really is.

The SX230 is bigger than my SD1400, but still small enough to carry in my pocket (I tend to choose pants with deep pockets so I can carry a lot of stuff).

I'll come back in a couple of weeks and post an update, but what I've seen so far makes me suspect that the SX230HS would make an excellent P&S supplement for DSLR users who don't want to carry the Monster around with them all the time.

Well, I picked up a new camera yesterday - the Canon SX230HS that I mentioned earlier in the thread. I've only played with it briefly thus far, but I'm pleased and excited about it.


I've got the older, bulky SX20 and have been more than happy with it. Full controls and wide range with the lens. I take it to dirty/dusty places (hiking, races, etc) that I won't take my interchangeable lens stuff. It's a tad slow with shutter lag & I've seen some moderate purple fringing at times but can't really fault Canon too much since they've given me 28-560mm in one unit. My night shots look pretty fantastic. The flexibility outweighs the cons for me. I hope you're as happy with your SX as I am with mine.

I have a S90 as my digital backup to the SLR. It's a great camera and I would take it over a DSLR+kit-lens all day and everyday. To be honest, I like my XA2 a whole lot more as a point-and-shoot, but I am a bit of a film nerd. :p

I have a S90 as my digital backup to the SLR. It's a great camera and I would take it over a DSLR+kit-lens all day and everyday. To be honest, I like my XA2 a whole lot more as a point-and-shoot, but I am a bit of a film nerd. :p

My DSLR has a stabilized 18-200 zoom, not a kit lens.

I have nikon dslr, I'm considering Panasonic DMC-TS3 (http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-TS3-Waterproof-Stabilized-2-7-Inch/dp/B004KKZ0JM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1311384870&sr=1-2) for p&s. I like the rugged & waterproof feature, this will be perfect for those diving trips and other times when I don't want to expose my dslr. I can also give it to my 6 yo and let him take pictures while I use my dslr :p. The pic quality is not as good as LX5 or s95 but I have dslr for those reasons. I don't need P&S to compete with my dslr, I need it for times which I'm unable to use my dslr.

Edit: link Fixed

I have nikon dslr, I'm considering Panasonic DMC-TS3 (http://www.amazon.com/Ikelite-Underwater-Housing-Panasonic-Digital/product-reviews/B004OL0JXO/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1) for p&s. I like the rugged & waterproof feature, this will be perfect for those diving trips and other times when I don't want to expose my dslr. I can also give it to my 6 yo and let him take pictures while I use my dslr :p. The pic quality is not as good as LX5 or s95 but I have dslr for those reasons. I don't need P&S to compete with my dslr, I need it for times which I'm unable to use my dslr.

Wrong item!

Wrong item!

Ooops Sorry, What was I thinking. Here you go http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KKZ0JM/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=17NTC5V4N34DXJA4EZXD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

If you want an even more compact DSLR, the GF1 or GF2 might fit the bill. I chucked my Canon 40D once I bought a GF1 -- the convenience of the size outweighed any potential decrease in image quality. What's the use of a larger-sensor camera if it's too heavy to carry around, anyway? ;)

The LX3/LX5 is also a good choice -- got my wife the former, then we sold it and upgraded to the latter.

The GF1 set I got came with a 20/1.7 (around 40mm in normal terms), while the LX3 came with a gorgeous 24-60mm zoom (with a 2.0 aperture at the widest end) -- both perfect walkaround cameras even at dusk.

+1 for the LX5
Hard to beat the Leica lens on it, except for a better Leica

Just picked up the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10. While I have not had too much of a chance to test it out, I am currently pretty pleased with it. I've used Panasonic in the past, and their P+S crank out decent photos.

Well, I picked up a new camera yesterday - the Canon SX230HS that I mentioned earlier in the thread. I've only played with it briefly thus far, but I'm pleased and excited about it.

The chief reason I bought it was that it's a P&S with a full set of manual and semi-auto controls on it that closely mimic an SLR. The additional modes and controls make operating it feel like a "real" camera, as opposed to a child's toy as so many full-auto, no control P&S cams do.

Before I bought, I read a couple of reviews that praised its low-light capability. In the few pics I've taken so far, it has impressed me greatly; indoor pics at ISO 400 with no flash and fairly low ambient light are much brighter and cleaner than my old P&S, a Canon SD1400IS.

Although the 12mp resolution is slightly lower than the SD1400's 14mp resolution, I feel that when I start taking serious pics with it, that won't matter - particularly because the impressive focal lengths (28-392mm equivalent) give me the ability to zoom WAY up on stuff before I snap. The SD1400IS only has a focal length of 28-112mm equivalent.

Both of my P&S cams came with Canon's IS (Image Stabilisation) system, which compensates for motion blur when using slow shutter speeds. I've taken a few hand-held shots with speeds as slow as 1/10 sec and seen no discernable motion blur; now that I have a cam with a Tv (Shutter-Speed Priority) mode, I'll be playing with it further to see how good the IS system really is.

The SX230 is bigger than my SD1400, but still small enough to carry in my pocket (I tend to choose pants with deep pockets so I can carry a lot of stuff).

I'll come back in a couple of weeks and post an update, but what I've seen so far makes me suspect that the SX230HS would make an excellent P&S supplement for DSLR users who don't want to carry the Monster around with them all the time.

Thanks for the link and comments.

I too am looking for a camera that not only has the features similiar to an SLR but also will allow me to use it on an everyday basis. The one I am considering is the exact same model but without the GPS system. It is referred to as the Canon Powershot SX220 HS.

It has the same features as the SX230 HS apart from the GPS Transmitter, also it is £50 cheaper plus I do not have much use for the GPS thingi so I am liking it alot more than the Canon S95/Nikon P300 and afew others.

Thanks for the link and comments.

I too am looking for a camera that not only has the features similiar to an SLR but also will allow me to use it on an everyday basis. The one I am considering is the exact same model but without the GPS system. It is referred to as the Canon Powershot SX220 HS.

It has the same features as the SX230 HS apart from the GPS Transmitter, also it is £50 cheaper plus I do not have much use for the GPS thingi so I am liking it alot more than the Canon S95/Nikon P300 and afew others.

The SX220 HS is not a bad camera at all. You just have to realize it has several limitations compared to a DSLR or a higher-end P&S, including:

* Lack of RAW format, which limits the degrees of freedom in editing
* A single AF point (plus face detection)
* Point metering is limited to the center of the lens
* A small sensor
* Relatively slow lens (f/3.1 – f/5.9)
* No true wide angle (the widest setting is 28 mm equivalent)

If you are looking for convenience, a wide range of focal lenghts, and mainly shoot in good light, you are more than likely to be happy with this camera. If you put a premium on very high image quality, ability to take good images in low light, or want to do a lot of editing, this is not the ideal choice for you.

Cheers,
T.

The SX220 HS is not a bad camera at all. You just have to realize it has several limitations compared to a DSLR or a higher-end P&S, including:

* Lack of RAW format, which limits the degrees of freedom in editing
* A single AF point (plus face detection)
* Point metering is limited to the center of the lens
* A small sensor
* Relatively slow lens (f/3.1 – f/5.9)
* No true wide angle (the widest setting is 28 mm equivalent)

If you are looking for convenience, a wide range of focal lenghts, and mainly shoot in good light, you are more than likely to be happy with this camera. If you put a premium on very high image quality, ability to take good images in low light, or want to do a lot of editing, this is not the ideal choice for you.

Cheers,
T.

Thank you Thalassa for your reply.

Yes indeed the SX230/220 does have a few limitations but it does have a lot of features that I would use on a daily basis.

I am looking into more options this is only camera I will consider from the travel zoom range. I am now comparing the Panasonic LX-5, Nikon P7000 and the Canon G12. If there are any others let me know?

how pocketable do you want it to be? the lx-5 / g12 are not so pocketable, while the s95 is.

I have one of the waterproof Olympus Stylus cameras. The whole point of a P&S is to be able to slip it in a pocket and take it anywhere... so I literally want to be able to take it anywhere.

Image quality is secondary with one of these. If I want top notch images, the DSLR would come along. That's really just the way it has to be.

as someone who likes small travel zooms in a P&S, I noticed that Sony announced a new camera today that looks interesting to me.

Canon has unveiled the ELPH 510 HS (IXUS 1100 HS) - a super-slim compact superzoom in the ELPH/IXUS family. Despite its small size, it manages to fit a 28-336mm equivalent, image stabilized lens in front of its 12.1MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor. It also has a 460k dot 3.2" (8.8cm) touchscreen LCD on its reverse. Unlike most previous Canon ELPHs, it includes the ability to shoot in 16:9, 3:2 and 1:1 image ratios. Beyond that there are the usual Digic 4-powered creative effects such as Miniature and Toy Camera, the ability to shoot high-speed bursts, slow-motion movies and 1080p24 HD capture. The 510 HS is also compatible with a new optional external flash.

how pocketable do you want it to be? the lx-5 / g12 are not so pocketable, while the s95 is.

Unless you buy some of the huge gangster jeans.. with big pockets and a good show of what underwear you got on.... you get me? :D

In all seriousness, no I was not going to put a G12/LX5 into my pocket.. it was just something I was thinking about buying as an alternative to a DSLR.. which you read in my other thread. ;)

how pocketable do you want it to be? the lx-5 / g12 are not so pocketable, while the s95 is.

I would add the Olympus XZ1 to this list

+1 on the Canon S95.

They are getting a little harad to get and rumors are a replacement in September.

Heard anything more?

I am not sure if you decided yet, but I was also looking for an alternative to my DSLR. I have a D200 and I was looking for something smaller when I wanted to travel light. I went with a Leica D-Lux 5 and couldn't be happier. It also shoots RAW which is very nice.

I was actually shocked when I got back and I looked through the pictures from our last trip. It is a bit pricey though, but I have been told that the Panasonic LX5 is basically the same camera.

Depends on how small one wants to go there are many great choices now and even more available soon. For smallest the Canon S95 and Panasonic LX5 (or even the older LX3 if you can find one). Next step up Canon G12 but not that significant image quality from the S95.

Also many current Micro 4/3's like Olympus EP3, EPL3, Panasonic GF3 both have many lens options as well as legacy lenses. Fujifilm's X100 is wonderful quality and great high ISO but it has a fixed focal length lens of 35mm equivalent.

Sony NEX series the upcoming NEX 5N and NEX 7 are really nice, big sensor cameras. Another up and comer is the Fujifilm X10.

Check out the Canon SX1 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsx1is/) (20x optical zoom, 28-560; among other goodies).

There is probably a newer version.

Updated: SX30 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-SX30IS-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B0041RSPR8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310679863&sr=8-1)

4.2 x 4.8 x 3.7 inches

While it might technically be a P&S that's bigger than I'm looking for.

I sure like the zoom range, though:

35x wide-angle optical zoom (24-840mm) with Optical Image Stabilizer

I got the SX30 about 4 or 5 months ago and LOVE it, but it's not really the P & S that people would want if they want to keep their travel camera lightweight. It's big and somewhat bulky, but with the stabilizer, you can get some pretty good shots even using the lens fully at 840mm. I do a lot of night shots (lights on a river, buildings etc) and my pics turn out quite good even when not using a tripod. You do, however, need to be aware of it's limitations. It's slow powering up and if you are looking for something to take action shots or continuous motion shots, forget it. I actually keep my "baby" cannon P&S with me for whenever I want to do any quick shots or any action shots.

I picked up a S95 recently because I wanted a good P&S that I could carry daily and serve as a backup for my 50D. I could not be happier and have no regrets over my purchase. In fact, it has become my new workhorse for my Beer A Day blog images.

I would for for one of the waterproof cameras as well. Take it anywhere and not worry about it getting wet. I've made some awesome water action videos.