Pro wants a good pocket camera, what to get.

<p>I am a pro and I would love a camera to toss in my car. What point and shoot should I get?</p>

<p>1. Determine what you need <br /> Most people get sucked while buying cameras because they goes beyond what they really need. Some questions to ask yourself before you go shopping:</p>

<ol >

<li>What do you need the camera for?</li>

<li> What type of photography will you be doing? (portraits, landscapes, macro, sports)</li>

<li> What conditions will you be largely photographing in? (indoors, outdoors, low light, bright light)</li>

<li> Will you largely stay in auto mode or do you want to learn the art of photography?</li>

<li> What experience level do you have with cameras?</li>

<li> What type of features are you looking for? (long zoom, image stabilization, large LCD display etc)</li>

<li> How important is size and portability to you?</li>

<li> What is your budget?</li>

</ol>

<p><br /> Ask yourself these questions before you go to buy a camera and you’ll be in a much better position to make a decision <br /> <br /> 2. Megapixels are NOT everything <br /> <br /> One of the features that you’ll see used to sell digital cameras is how many megapixels a digital camera has. <br /> One of the main questions to ask when it comes to megapixels is ‘Will you be printing shots’? If so - how large will you be going with them? If you’re only printing images at a normal size then anything over 4 or so megapixels will be fine.<br /> <br /> 3. Keep in mind the ‘extras’ <br /> <br /> you need to make as there are a variety of other extras that you might want (or need) to fork out for including:</p>

<ul>

<li>Camera Case</li>

<li> Memory Cards</li>

<li> Spare Batteries/Recharger</li>

<li> Lenses (if you are getting a DSLR)</li>

<li> Filters (and other lens attachments)</li>

<li> Tripods/Monopods</li>

<li> External Flashes</li>

<li> Reflectors</li>

</ul>

<p><br /> 4.DSLR or Point and Shoot <br /> <br /> While digital SLRs are getting more affordable they are not for everyone. Keep in mind that they are usually bigger, heavier, harder to keep clean (if you’re changing lenses) and can be more complicated to operate than point and shoot. Of course there are some upsides also. <br /> <br /> 5.Optical Zooms <br /> <br /> When you’re looking at different models of digital cameras you’ll often hear their zooms talked about in two ways. Firstly there’s the ‘optical zoom’ and then there’s the ‘digital zoom’.<br /> <br /> I would highly recommend that you only take into consideration the ‘optical zoom’ when making a decision about which camera to buy. Digital zooms simply enlarge the pixels in your shot which does make your subject look bigger, but it also makes it look more pixelated and your picture ‘noisier’ (like when you go up close to your TV).<br /> <br /> If you’re looking for a zoom lens make sure it’s an optical zoom (most modern cameras have them of at least 3x in length - ie they’ll make your subject three times as big - with an increasing array of ’super zooms’ coming onto the market at up to 12x Optical Zoom). <br /> <br /> 6.Read reviews <br /> <br /> Before buying a digital camera take the time to do a little research. Don’t JUST rely upon the advice of the helpful sales person (who may or may not know anything about cameras and who may or may not have sales incentives for the camera they are recommending).<br /> <br /> Read some reviews in digital camera magazines or online to help you narrow down the field. There are some great websites around that give expert and user reviews on virtually every camera on the market - use this wonderful and free resource.</p>

<p>are you looking for a digital or film camera? judging by your question, the size and ease of use is paramount. would it stay in the car a lot?</p>

<p>if it would be a digital point and shoot, ones which operate with aa batteries would save you from having to constantly charge the batteries. if you are thinking of film, get yourself a bessa r2 rangefinder body and a 35mm vc pancake lens. all manual camera apart from the light meter. it would take much better pictures in challenging conditions than any point and shoot.</p>

<p>the panasonic range of lx based cameras are very nice point and shoot digitals. for the advanced digital with similar maual controls, the conon g10 comes up highly recommended. many pro shooters also love the simplicity of the ricoh gr digital and the next model.</p>

<p>I will keep it simple, either the Panasonic LX3 or Canon G10.</p>

<p>Ricoh GX200 if you want a really good control layout similar to a DSLR.</p>

<p>STOP PRESS! Get your name down for one of these babies: Fujifilm introduces F200EXR with Super CCD EXR! This will possibly blitz all the opposition this year, especially if you shoot above ISO 400! I'm already getting my money ready for one.</p>

<p>The Canon SD880 is one of the very best 'pocket' digital cameras on the market. Truly small and pocketable with excellent image quality.</p>

<p>Candice, this probably isn't the answer you're seeking, but...</p>

<p>I'm also a pro photographer, and I decided I always want to carry a camera with me. My solution was different, though. I found a camera bag that looks like a purse, holds a DSLR, and also holds other essential purse contents. It is Crumpler's "5 Million Dollar Home." It's a bit chunky, but I couldn't be happier with it. One problem with the bag is the strap, which is made from seatbelt material and which can chaffe the neck if slung diagonally. However, I solved that problem with a seatbelt pad (auto supply store), used when I'm wearing the bag for extended periods. This bag holds my 5D or 40D with medium-long lens. It's a bit of a snug fit, but it's fine. The "4 million dollar home" (smaller) might work with a compact DSLR like a Digital Rebel or 40D. I usually carry my 40D with 18-55 IS, but sometimes I go out with my 5D and 24-105. My "purse" is a bit smaller than most women's purses, a bit chunkier, and really not too heavy.</p>

<p>I have a Canon SD800 and am disappointed with corner sharpness and color (purple fringing).  The SD880 has the same lens.  I am not a pro, but if it bothers me it might bother you.  My answer would be the same as Peter's, although Sarah's idea is intriguing.</p>

<p>Canon G9 or 10. All you need. If you need more you're exaggerating.</p>

<p> "point & shoot" to "toss in car"?</p>

<p> The top models are the Panasonic LX-3 and Canon G10. The G10 has better IQ, worse high ISO performance, doesn't go as wide as the LX-3. </p>

<p> A word of advice: If you're really going to keep this in the car, get a small Pelican case to fit the camera & extra batteries, and keep a silica gel packet in it. The vibrations from a vehicle can cause breakdowns in camera bodies.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I just bought a G10; I spent a month trying to decide between the LX3 and the G10. The LX3 was too little--it felt like it was falling out of my hands, and the extended tele performance of the G10 tipped me over. I think the G10 was overdone (14.7 mp), but I have to say, the images so far are stunning. The LX3 is quite elegant and the Leica lens was tempting. Ideally, I'd have both, but that's not going to happen. </p>

<p>My pocket camera is a Canon SD800 IS. It'll go anywhere, and I love it. The current model is the SD880 IS.</p>

<p>My toss-in-the-car camera is a G9. I would have liked to have known the G10 was on the way when I got my G9, for the wider lens. Either G model has much more creative control than the SD880 IS, but the 880 is the size of a cigarette pack, and is truly a pocket camera.</p>

<p>The things I like about the G9 are that I can use a Lensmate and use screw-on filters and Cokin P size ND grad filters, it has a hot shoe, e-TTL, and shoots RAW. The thing I don't like is the tiny sensor that makes it noisy. With the Lensmate on, it's not much smaller than a bridge camera, which will replace it next year when I find the right one.</p>

<p>WOW the F200EXR. I like the G10. It is funny trying to figure out all the things with a point and shoot! I guess it is like a person going to a slr . =)</p>

<p>The answer is:<br /> There is no answer!<br /> The camera is always a product of compromises<br /> Do you chose zoom ratio over speed? Yea if you are shooting always shooting outdoors, but for an "always gotta have it" camera, you might need it almost anywhere. Are there screw on wide ange adapters available?<br /> What about batteries? I would always chose a model with batteries I can buy over the counter at the Piggly Wiggly over a similar camera with proprietary batteries.<br /> I prefer a model I can fit in a shirt pocket. I can always put a lanyard on it that goes over the neck so that if it falls out, it will not hit the ground. I also put a soft spot in the lanyard so that if it gets caught in something I am not thrown off balance or decapitated.<br /> Why doesn't somebody make a shirt pocket camera with several different lens options? maybe similar models with different lenses. One model would have a high speed prime lens. Another model would be a wide zoom lens for the family reunion. And another model on the same chassis with a medium to long zoom.<br /> Are you going to participate in the event or record it? You have to decide which hat to wear. If you are on vacation, do vacation. Carry something that doesn't need a bag of accessories. Go with something that can fit in a pocket without a big bulge. Remember the Argus C-3 we used in camera school? That is what we had, so that is what we used. And if at the end of the day we needed something to pound tent stakes or tenderize meat, we were covered. It takes a great photographer to recognize and capture a great image, not a great camera.<br /> Finally I would stay with a manufacturer I trust. I won't say that you have to buy Canon or Nikon, but both have cameras that fit my criteria for about $100 as of February 2009. There are a lot of great cameras out there really cheap. You have to decide how much camera you want to carry around, and how much you want to cry if it gets lost or broken.</p>

<p>You are a pro and you need to ask what camera you need? That does not sound very professional...</p>

<p>Wait a month or two for the Olympus version of <a href="http://www.1854.eu/2009/01/olympus_releasing_new_micro_fo.html">their micro4/3 body</a> . Hopefully DSLR class image quality in a digicam body. Intechangeable lenses to boot.</p>

<p>Point and shoot category has a lot of subcategories. I chose one that is small and that has a flash shoe. I keep it in a small bag ready to go. We don't have sizable pockets for cameras on the island and even little cameras need protection- besides,who would leave home without a spare battery and SD card.etc. For one where I can TRULY point and shoot, the Program setting on my Nikon Coolpix P..... model does a fine job. And the Nikon SB400 is a necessity for my type of shooting. Nice pair, a match for sure. You have many choices as this a lucrative market for companies, so you will get tons of ideas and get dizzy.</p>

<p>It makes some sense to stay with the brand that you are familiar with. Not always. I like look of Canon's G10 and would not kick it out of my kit. Be assured of one thing- next year there will be something more 'desirable' in this category. It is such a personal decision that the answer is probably in reading 40 reviews on Amazon,making a list, and then stripping the list down to three. And then, the usual feel and touch and alternatively try out final choice for a week with return privilege (accept the fee) as last resort. Make sense?</p>

<p>For my photography and the way I shoot, I'm having a really hard time NOT recommending the Panasonic LX3 to everybody these days. Wide zoom lens, fast f/2 maximum aperture, excellent high ISO, hot shoe, well done controls (for the most part). I really don't want to give the "review" loaner I have back to Panasonic.</p>

<p>http://www.photo.net/equipment/panasonic/lx3/first-look-review</p>

<p>The LX3 looks tempting to me - thanks for the review, Josh...</p>

<p>Ricoh GRD I or II.</p>

<p>Pros: No silly zooming, quick SLR-like controls, discreet for street shooting, true wide angle, great accessory options, lovely with or without the optional optical finder.<br>

<br /> Cons: High ISO performance, no silly zooming, expensive great accesory options.</p>

<p>For +/- $100 you can get a Canon A570 or 590. Has manual settings and you can add RAW with CHDK.<br>

Decide later you should have spent +/-$400? Toss the $100 model in your spare car.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Does Lightroom 2.2 handle the LX-3 RAW files directly?</p>

<p><em>"Does Lightroom 2.2 handle the LX-3 RAW files directly?"</em><br>

Yes, the newest update added the LX-3 RAW files. BTW, my wife just got one, it really is a nice little camera...and she'll have it with her in SF.</p>