Nikon that shoots like iPhone ?

[StuartMoxham]

<p>While we are suggesting cameras that we like what about a Fuji X100 or X100s. It a great camera with a fixed prime lens and a switchable optical/electronic viewfinder.<br>

Lex for me the X100 is the replacement for my Canonet. I've been looking for a digital replacement for a long time and finally picked one up. The viewfinder is what swayed my decision in the end.</p>

[studio460]

<p>Lex said:</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>I'd like to see Nikon dump the entire teensy sensor Coolpix lineup and make CX their primary Coolpix format, with only two or three distinctly different models . . .</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Agreed! Nikon's Coolpix line has far too many models, with too little differentiation among them. I think Nikon needs a consumer product-line manager willing to take some "risks." Save for the RX100, I'm now just as inclined to buy an iPod Touch (since I don't want to pay for a data plan), so I'll always have at least <em>something</em> with me to shoot, 24/7.</p>

[studio460]

<p>Apple iPod Touch/iPhone 5s camera features:</p>

<p>iPod Touch, 6th-generation [released 09/2013]: 5MP, f/2.4 camera (32GB and 64GB models only).<br /> Price: $299-$399 (no contract).</p>

<p>iPhone 5s [released 09/2013]: 8MP, f/2.2 camera:<br /> 15% larger sensor than iPhone 5.<br /> 33% faster lens than iPhone 5.<br /> Larger, 1.5-micron pixels.<br /> Slow-motion video: 120fps @ 720p.<br /> Image-stabilization.<br /> Two LEDs for subject illumination (tungsten/daylight), offering auto-balancing, variable color-temperature, depending on scene.<br /> Price: $99-$299 with contract (e.g., Sprint: $80/month, unlimited); $799 (unlocked; no contract).</p>

[studio460]

<p>Looks like the iPhone 5s "wins," feature-for-feature, when compared with the new iPod Touch. My original "carry-everywhere" camera, my Samsung NX200 APS-C compact (with a 16mm f/2.4 lens attached), I ended up <em>not</em> carrying around very much. As compact as it is, it's still far bulkier than any cameraphone. But, I just now found my NX200 (hiding under some photography books), and I just now started charging the battery. I'll give the NX200 another try tomorrow at work.</p>

<p>Upon closer study, I found that the iPhone 5s' camera appears to have several improvements over both its predecessor, and the new iPod Touch (I had initially thought they may have been equipped with identical camera technologies). But, again, since I get a free phone from work (just an old-school Blackberry), I'm not likely to sign up for any contracts anytime soon. Current 4G LTE data plans are quite a bit more expensive than I had hoped, so it looks like I may be going with a 32GB iPod Touch as my "carry-all-the-time" camera.</p>

[Andrew Garrard]

<p>I'll second that the X100 looks like a nice bit of kit, having played with one on a few occasions. If the X100s wasn't so expensive, I'd have one by now. The leaf shutter is particularly appealing. However, I'm not sure I'd say that it handles like an iPhone, and it's not <i>that</i> small.</p>

[studio460]

<p>I just read Ming's comparison of the Nikon A, and the Ricoh GR. However, Ming found several "working against" issues with both models, which raised some concern. Now, I'm more confused than ever (of course, I have no idea how my Samsung NX200 ILC would compare with these newer ILCs). I did take my NX200 out today, and found it reasonably quick in focusing, and achieved fairly well-balanced exposures under a variety of lighting conditions.</p>

<p>Do I still want/need a cameraphone? Yes! A slim, truly pocketable camera would be a welcome addition. The NX200, while very compact, is still significantly more bulky compared to any smartphone. The iPhone 5s' camera has some attractive features (multi-color LED), but without a contract, it's extremely pricey. I just saw a 30-second spot for the LG G2's camera features, which at least on the commercial, seemed impressive--here's how they compare:</p>

<p>Apple iPhone 5s: 8MP; digital image-stabilization; A7 64-bit processor; 1,570mAh battery<br /> LG G2: 13MP; optical image-stabilization; Snapdragon quad-core 2.26GHz processor; 3,000mAh battery</p>

[studio460]

<p>I said:</p>

<blockquote>

<p><em>. . . of course, I have no idea how my Samsung NX200 ILC would compare with these newer <strong>ILCs</strong> . . .</em></p>

</blockquote>

<p><em>[Correction: the Nikon A and Ricoh GR are both APS-C compacts, <strong>not</strong> ILCs.]</em></p>

<p>After shooting some random things today with my Samsung APS-C ILC + 16mm f/2.4 lens (24mm-equivalent), I think I like my NX200 now. Not sure why I had the initial impression that the NX200's sensor lacked "snap." Moderate-ISO test images looked crisp, noise-free, and exhibited lots of detail. The first image is right out of the camera. The second was enhanced a bit.</p>

<p><img src="http://studio460.com/studio460/NX_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p><img src="http://studio460.com/studio460/NX_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>

[studio460]

<p>[Edit: Nevermind--I didn't realize that the Sony RX100 also has a retracting lens (similar to the 2/3" Fuji XF1). But at virtually identical form factors, the larger-sensored RX100 wins!]</p>

<p> </p>

[studio460]

<p>I said:</p>

<blockquote>

<p>[Edit: Nevermind--I didn't realize that the Sony RX100 also has a retracting lens (similar to the 2/3" Fuji XF1). But at virtually identical form factors, the larger-sensored RX100 wins!]</p>

</blockquote>

<p>To clarify, previous to the above edit, I was discussing the Fuji XF1, then deleted the post when I realized that the Sony RX100 is virtually identical in size, but with a larger sensor, and a lens equally as fast. I should've said, "<em>But at virtually identical form factors [compared with the 2/3" Fuji XF1], the larger-sensored RX100 wins [over competing 1" non-ILCs]!</em></p>

[studio460]

<p>Nikon Coolpix S100 1/2.3" compact ($109):</p>

<p>The lens is far too slow (f/3.9-f/4.8), but this is more of the candy-bar like form factor both me and OP, I think, are looking for. Something slim enough to slip in a pocket, small enough to want to carry around all the time, yet a step-up from most smartphones' built-in cameras (which I'm not sure this is).</p>

<p>http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/818675-REG/Nikon_26280_CoolPix_S100_Digital_Camera.html</p>

<p>However, this model was introduced way back in 2011, and as I said, its maximum aperture is far too slow. Anyone have any other suggestions in a similar form factor?</p>