Point & Shoot (for wife) recommendations

Erie Von Otto · 04-09-2012, 01:02 AM

Subject Matter Experts!
I am looking for some advice. My girl told me that she wants a new camera for her birthday (July). I have begun the research process and was hoping some of you could point me in the right direction.

She is a working/busy woman and likes to snap a lot of shots of the kids and daily "fun" stuff, Family hanging out, bbq's, things of that nature. She likes to have the camera with her at all times so it has to be somewhat smaller/portable.

I was looking at the usual suspects: Sony NEC, Canon EOS, ect. But I think those may be too bulky? I like the photos that the DSLR take that I see on the forum, but this isnt for me, its for her and portability and semi-great photos is key. Something that focuses quickly would prob help... She drinks a lot of coffee, shes German. (I love their cars and women. And food. And beer.)

I have Photoshop Elements at the moment, full version, so I can always touch up the photos should the need arise. Anyway, any opinions would be great. Should we go with a DSLR or a standard point/shoot? Price range would be in the $500s. Thanks for the help!

M_Six · 04-09-2012, 08:25 AM

The Canon S95/S100 line would work. Very small but takes very nice images. Video, too. They're a bit pricey at the moment, though. I paid $225 for my S95, but then the price went through the roof. Now an S95 is only marginally less than an S100. Still, for size and quality, they're tough to beat.

Chewy734 · 04-09-2012, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M_Six

The Canon S95/S100 line would work. Very small but takes very nice images. Video, too. They're a bit pricey at the moment, though. I paid $225 for my S95, but then the price went through the roof. Now an S95 is only marginally less than an S100. Still, for size and quality, they're tough to beat.

^ this.

The1 · 04-09-2012, 08:52 AM

you'll get a lot of people with this recommendation.

reason really is, if you are willing to do touch ups or even work in something like Lightroom to process pictures, the S95 and S100 shoot have the ability to shoot in RAW format, which can be very easily worked with in Lightroom or Photoshop.

Otherwise, it will be about the same as many of the other expensive point and shoots as far as the JPEG quality goes.

Also gonsider a G12 or whatever the newest version of that camera is, it is basically the same camera as the S95/S100 but has a different lens and a tougher body. Might be on the ugly side of things though

M_Six · 04-09-2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The1

you'll get a lot of people with this recommendation.

reason really is, if you are willing to do touch ups or even work in something like Lightroom to process pictures, the S95 and S100 shoot have the ability to shoot in RAW format, which can be very easily worked with in Lightroom or Photoshop.

Otherwise, it will be about the same as many of the other expensive point and shoots as far as the JPEG quality goes.

Also gonsider a G12 or whatever the newest version of that camera is, it is basically the same camera as the S95/S100 but has a different lens and a tougher body. Might be on the ugly side of things though

And bulkier. By quite a bit.

secretsquirrel · 04-09-2012, 12:27 PM

The S95/S100 can't really be beat for size and image quality. I bring it everywhere I can't take my DSLR.

M_Six · 04-09-2012, 12:35 PM

S100 is currently $379 at JR. That's what most places charge for the S95.

Erie Von Otto · 04-10-2012, 01:06 PM

Thanks for the tips! I am looking at the S100 and Im liking what I am seeing. The only thing is the pop up flash. Dont know how durable that would be. Also, looked at the Nikon 1 J1. Bit higher up in the price range, but looks like it may be a good one. I do like the chance to swap lenses, but again, its for her, not me. I dont think she would be running around changing lenses out. Probably end up losing it... Plus, she could have it in red. (last camera was a pos Nikon Coolpix s80. Lens broke after 1yr, pic qual was horrid, BUT, she loved the red body)
Another contender Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. Looks good. Good reviews.
And finally, the Olympus XZ-1.
All in all, the S100 seems to be the best bang for buck for a "Purse" camera, and I think Im heading that way. Maybe some thoughts on the others? I dont mean to bother, but I like to research a lot and ask people that are smart on things before I make an informed decision. Thanks for the help!!

E90SoFlo · 04-10-2012, 01:41 PM

I have a SX110is (which is blown away by the S100) and I love it for everything that i don't need a DSLR for.

I would suggest the S100 to everyone. The popup flash is super easy and reliable.

04-09-2012, 01:02 AM	#1
Erie Von Otto DT///M 237 Rep 1,388 Posts Drives: 2014 F31 Touring Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Rocket City, AL iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 BMW G01 X3 [9.25] 2015 Mini Cooper S [9.50] 2014 BMW Touring [9.50] 2011.75 BMW M3 E90 [10.00] 2010 BMW X5 [0.00]	Point & Shoot (for wife) recommendations Subject Matter Experts! I am looking for some advice. My girl told me that she wants a new camera for her birthday (July). I have begun the research process and was hoping some of you could point me in the right direction. She is a working/busy woman and likes to snap a lot of shots of the kids and daily "fun" stuff, Family hanging out, bbq's, things of that nature. She likes to have the camera with her at all times so it has to be somewhat smaller/portable. I was looking at the usual suspects: Sony NEC, Canon EOS, ect. But I think those may be too bulky? I like the photos that the DSLR take that I see on the forum, but this isnt for me, its for her and portability and semi-great photos is key. Something that focuses quickly would prob help... She drinks a lot of coffee, shes German. (I love their cars and women. And food. And beer.) I have Photoshop Elements at the moment, full version, so I can always touch up the photos should the need arise. Anyway, any opinions would be great. Should we go with a DSLR or a standard point/shoot? Price range would be in the $500s. Thanks for the help! __________________ "With great power comes great responsibility." -El-Superbeasto
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04-09-2012, 08:25 AM	#2
M_Six Free Thinker 20275 Rep 7,564 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	The Canon S95/S100 line would work. Very small but takes very nice images. Video, too. They're a bit pricey at the moment, though. I paid $225 for my S95, but then the price went through the roof. Now an S95 is only marginally less than an S100. Still, for size and quality, they're tough to beat. __________________ Mark markj.pics "Life is uncertain, eat bacon now." -UncleWede
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04-09-2012, 08:52 AM	#4
The1 Major General 78 Rep 5,114 Posts Drives: white 135 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: KW ontario/vancouver temporarily iTrader: (0)	you'll get a lot of people with this recommendation. reason really is, if you are willing to do touch ups or even work in something like Lightroom to process pictures, the S95 and S100 shoot have the ability to shoot in RAW format, which can be very easily worked with in Lightroom or Photoshop. Otherwise, it will be about the same as many of the other expensive point and shoots as far as the JPEG quality goes. Also gonsider a G12 or whatever the newest version of that camera is, it is basically the same camera as the S95/S100 but has a different lens and a tougher body. Might be on the ugly side of things though
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04-09-2012, 12:27 PM	#6
secretsquirrel Colonel 200 Rep 2,348 Posts Drives: G80 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: DFW iTrader: (2)	The S95/S100 can't really be beat for size and image quality. I bring it everywhere I can't take my DSLR.
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04-09-2012, 12:35 PM	#7
M_Six Free Thinker 20275 Rep 7,564 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	S100 is currently $379 at JR. That's what most places charge for the S95. __________________ Mark markj.pics "Life is uncertain, eat bacon now." -UncleWede
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04-10-2012, 01:06 PM	#8
Erie Von Otto DT///M 237 Rep 1,388 Posts Drives: 2014 F31 Touring Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Rocket City, AL iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 BMW G01 X3 [9.25] 2015 Mini Cooper S [9.50] 2014 BMW Touring [9.50] 2011.75 BMW M3 E90 [10.00] 2010 BMW X5 [0.00]	Thanks for the tips! I am looking at the S100 and Im liking what I am seeing. The only thing is the pop up flash. Dont know how durable that would be. Also, looked at the Nikon 1 J1. Bit higher up in the price range, but looks like it may be a good one. I do like the chance to swap lenses, but again, its for her, not me. I dont think she would be running around changing lenses out. Probably end up losing it... Plus, she could have it in red. (last camera was a pos Nikon Coolpix s80. Lens broke after 1yr, pic qual was horrid, BUT, she loved the red body) Another contender Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. Looks good. Good reviews. And finally, the Olympus XZ-1. All in all, the S100 seems to be the best bang for buck for a "Purse" camera, and I think Im heading that way. Maybe some thoughts on the others? I dont mean to bother, but I like to research a lot and ask people that are smart on things before I make an informed decision. Thanks for the help!! __________________ "With great power comes great responsibility." -El-Superbeasto
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04-10-2012, 01:41 PM	#9
E90SoFlo Banned 220 Rep 2,669 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Naples, FL iTrader: (9)	I have a SX110is (which is blown away by the S100) and I love it for everything that i don't need a DSLR for. I would suggest the S100 to everyone. The popup flash is super easy and reliable.
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