Compact Camera Reviews / Opinions

Am looking for a new compact camera for a couple of different purposes,

The missus and I are heading on a 6 week holiday through Europe in 6 weeks time and im also chasing a convenient camera for taking out on the boat. Needs to be a tough water proof camera to handle the elements (Everything can get wet on a centre console!)

Am a little bit over dragging the DSLR out with me,  a little too big to cart around on the boat at times, as well as not suitable to carry around through Europe.

 

Have been looking at the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-2, anyone have one of these and could comment on the quality, usability of this camera? Basically a click and shoot camera with a few alternate features for taking a more crisp / clean picture (IE to frame)

 

Anyone have any other brands they would recommend?

 

Cheers


Bodie's picture

Posts: 3758

Date Joined: 05/11/07

Ah and there was a discussion

Tue, 2013-07-02 10:15

Ah and there was a discussion recently about Iphone photos storing GPS data / information, well it seems compact cameras are now coming out with the same technology. Worth noting when posting pictures online of your fish etc...

SamC's picture

Posts: 2013

Date Joined: 30/08/06

Following down the same path

Tue, 2013-07-02 10:58

Following down the same path at the moment Bodie.

Take a look at the Canon EOS M & Canon G15.

These have been recommended by professional photographers and tick all the boxes for me.

Can get water proof housings to suit aswell

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Cheers,

Sam

Posts: 563

Date Joined: 27/08/09

The canon G series is good.

Tue, 2013-07-02 11:23

The canon G series is good. It is canons top end of their compact camera series, before the leap into DSLR's. I purchased a G3 over 10 years ago and it still performs well. Although it is well down on the pixel count by todays standard being only 4mp, it still outperforms a lot of modern compact cameras because of the better lens it is fitted with.

I have recently played with a friends G15 and it is a nice piece of kit.

SamC's picture

Posts: 2013

Date Joined: 30/08/06

Also, take a look through

Tue, 2013-07-02 10:59

Also, take a look through dpreview.com, very handy!

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Cheers,

Sam

Buz's picture

Posts: 1555

Date Joined: 28/08/07

Have an older Olympus TG-1

Tue, 2013-07-02 11:31

Have an older Olympus TG-1 and a brand new TG-2. Love both of them. Get great pics from them and great 1080hd vids too. As far as the 'tough' cameras go I think its the best availabe right now. Though they are bigger than some of the others. Taken them both snorkelling and shallow water diving, and been drenched in the rain with them and they havent had any problems so far. One thing though if you dont plan on getting the add on lens's for the TG-2 use some loctite blue on the lens ring on the front as mine was prone to falling off sometimes. Not a biggie bit makes it look crap if its missing.

sunshine's picture

Posts: 2641

Date Joined: 03/03/09

Panasonic

Tue, 2013-07-02 11:34

Waterproof to 10 metres, compact, a little heavy as full metal case, great photos and vid and dont mind the cold either as used mine in Alaska underwater taking shots of hooked fish (my guide almost had a fit when I first submerged it.

timvb's picture

Posts: 88

Date Joined: 07/07/10

Have you considered the micro

Tue, 2013-07-02 11:42

Have you considered the micro 4/3's option - Panasonic Lumix GF1 etc? Not waterproof but the image quality is substantially better.

Not cheap but certainly a lot lighter than a DSLR! I've been considering getting one for quite a while but I've "invested" far too much money in my DLSR + lenses to not use it. Another drawback for me is that it introduces a new camera body to buy more lenses for....

Posts: 605

Date Joined: 02/01/11

Have a good look in

Tue, 2013-07-02 13:00

Have a good look in www.steves-digicam.com. if that does not.work google those words. Nice and precise reviewes.

Posts: 524

Date Joined: 31/01/13

I've been using a Panasonic

Tue, 2013-07-02 13:13

I've been using a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT20 for the last 12 months & love it. Easy to use with great picture quality for a point & shoot. I do alot of beach fishing so it's been dropped in the ocean, in sand, on rocks & handled with slimey fish scale hands & it's still going strong. I just wash it under the tap when I get home (waterproof to 5m) & it's good to go next time around. Battery life is pretty good getting around 400 shots on full auto before needing to be charged. Charging time is reasonalbe going from dead flat to fully charged in under 6hrs. Another mate uses the Lumix DMC-FT4 which he swears is the toughest point & shoot he's ever used & he gets some cracker shots out of it. Lumix has been around a fair while now so if you get one you can be pretty sure your getting a good camera.

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 Just because I smile & nod does not mean I believe the crap coming out of your mouth.

All people have the right to stupidity but some abuse the privilege.

Vinesh87's picture

Posts: 2751

Date Joined: 02/04/11

 If you have been using a

Tue, 2013-07-02 13:20

 If you have been using a dslr you wont be happy with the images from the tough cameras.  I had a g12 which is unreal pics and price. I am now upgrading to OM-D E5 good capabilities and not too big plus slightly rugged.Have a look!

 

If you want to see some images feom my oly tough or g12 let me know.

 

Vinnie