What's your favorite digital compact P&S model?
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**kayone** · 07-25-2010 08:36 PM

I know this is primarily a board of SLR, RF and interchangeable lens camera users, but I know some of you still or have used compact P&S in the past. Which is your favorite to use personally and model you would recommend to friends who are shopping for a new camera.

I used to own multiple Casio Exilim models from the EX-Z3 to the EX-S770. I thought the first one was great but increasingly diminished returns with later models and worse picture quality despite better form factor and slimness. Now in recent months I've finally gone to Canon and picked up a D10 for a trip to Hawaii and most recently an S90 which I got for it's RAW shooting capability

If I can find the waterproof housing for the S90 at a reasonable price I may sell the D10. The irony is that the Exilim retailed at exactly the same price as the S90 is now.

Post your favorites and what you think of them and why?

**jacobsen1** · 07-25-2010 08:39 PM

iPhone4.

Seriously. Why? Because it's already in my pocket, it's actually not half bad, and it also does 720p... I used to have a s90 and before than an LX3. The s90 is a great P&S but I wish it had better video honestly. But it's very good otherwise. The LX3 is nice, but it's bigger and no better optically so less likely to go with me (but did have HD video).

**kayone** · 07-25-2010 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

iPhone4.

Seriously. Why? Because it's already in my pocket, it's actually not half bad, and it also does 720p... I used to have a s90 and before than an LX3. The s90 is a great P&S but I wish it had better video honestly. But it's very good otherwise. The LX3 is nice, but it's bigger and no better optically so less likely to go with me (but did have HD video).

Ever try the hipstamatic app on your iPhone4? I dont like using it on my 3G very much because of the miserable camera.

**jacobsen1** · 07-25-2010 08:57 PM

I have a TON of camera/pic apps, but I don't think I have that one yet...

**Idjiit** · 07-26-2010 12:41 AM

I'm kinda with Ben, although my main camera is the GF1 at this point. I do find myself taking the GF1 out less now that I have the iPhone 4 - the new camera is much better and the apps give you a lot of tweakability and the instantaneity that only a mobile device can give you. On the other hand, the iPhone's shot control is pretty ****ing weak - no WB control, no Exposure Compensation, etc.

**jacobsen1** · 07-26-2010 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by Idjiit

On the other hand, the iPhone's shot control is pretty ****ing weak - no WB control, no Exposure Compensation, etc.

+1

but at least the shutter delay is reasonable now. Not fast mind you, but it doesn't piss me off every time now.

the WB issue is a HUGE PITA for me though. I can't even shoot a product shot in my lightbox at work (even lighting, white background) w/o it looking like crap. I've had P&Ss that can nail it perfectly...

**tbert** · 07-26-2010 09:40 AM

I have been fond of Panasonic P&S...I began digital photography with a Lumix FZ3 super zoom camera and also have an fx33.

**AWD FTW!** · 07-26-2010 11:42 AM

My first camera was an olympus stylus 1010. I loved that camera. Takes some really nice photos. Im kinda partial to olympus for P&S cameras

**Kilonad** · 07-26-2010 02:07 PM

I have the S90 with the waterproof housing. It can be a little tricky to get a half-press on the shutter while it's in the housing, but other than that it's pretty easy to use.

I loved the Fuji F31fd, and if that thing shot RAW, it'd probably still be my favorite point and shoot of all time.

**nate49509** · 07-26-2010 02:48 PM

I wouldn't mind having one these.

**kayone** · 07-26-2010 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

I have a TON of camera/pic apps, but I don't think I have that one yet...

It does effects like you're shooting with a Holga

**Idjiit** · 07-26-2010 03:48 PM

I've thought of getting Hipstamatic but the name and the description make me want to stab the developer in the throat.

**Kilonad** · 07-26-2010 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by Idjiit

I've thought of getting Hipstamatic but the name and the description make me want to stab the developer in the throat.

It would be funny if they had an option to use Ironidol developer in there.

**NewsPhotog** · 07-26-2010 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by Idjiit

I've thought of getting Hipstamatic but the name and the description make me want to stab the developer in the throat.

I'd rather drink a gallon of actual developer than buy that app, on name alone.

**jciotti** · 07-27-2010 12:04 AM

Originally Posted by NewsPhotog

I'd rather drink a gallon of actual developer than buy that app, on name alone.

Awesome reply!!!

My favorite is my Evo 4G

**jacobsen1** · 07-27-2010 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by kayone

It does effects like you're shooting with a Holga

yeah, no thanks then. As said, the name BLOWS, but I also have best camera and camera bag and both have holga type options. I love camera bag...

**Occytron** · 07-27-2010 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by nate49509

I wouldn't mind having one these.

A friend of mine has one. It's pretty sweet!

**kayone** · 07-30-2010 11:01 AM

I've been randomly shooting with the S90 while I've been out n about the past week and I have to say, pretty damn impressive, esp for its compact pacakge!

Now the picture quality never makes me think I'm shooting with anything close to an SLR or MFT, but it by far blows away the quality of any compact P&S i've used in the past. Amazing how wide angle I can get shots at min focal length and the f2.0 lens does make for nice DOF effects esp with macro shots. I'm going to challenge myself and try to capture some more artful shots with it.

The dual control dials (front ring and rear dial) make the ergonomics of manual settings even better than my GF1.

**kayone** · 08-10-2010 12:50 PM

I found out one stupid thing about the S90, while it shoots RAW in all manual modes (PASM), if you select Auto like I did the other night to shoot friends at a party in a pinch, I assumed it would continue to shoot RAW, but in fact you lose that shooting option and it defaults to L size JPG files. In fact if you select Auto and then go back to a PASM mode, you have to manually reselect RAW or you'll unwittingly continue to shoot in JPG mode. This is something that needs a serious software fix.

**Idjiit** · 08-10-2010 12:53 PM

Oh man, that blows!

**Kilonad** · 08-10-2010 12:58 PM

I've always wondered this... what does Auto give you that P doesn't?

**subimatt** · 08-10-2010 12:59 PM

I still want an s90...

**kayone** · 08-10-2010 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by Kilonad

I've always wondered this... what does Auto give you that P doesn't?

Nothing really, but I found from experience when I'm shooting a friends party or get together in a dimly lit restuarant or club and you're not trying to get award winning shots, but just photos so your friends can post them on each other's FB albums, it's the quick & dirty solution since you dont have to think about EV compensation and flash goes off automatically, in all other modes flash has to be selected manually of course. People wanna spend the minimal amt of time posing so they can get back to drinking, conversing w friends, flirting w members of the opposite sex as they try their lame on-liners.

This is about the only time I bother to use full auto mode, other I default to P mode for 90% of my shooting unless I want ASM specific effects.

**jacobsen1** · 08-10-2010 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by Kilonad

I've always wondered this... what does Auto give you that P doesn't?

it gives you a 100% default setup on the camera for most canons. IE in green box mode, AF is the shutter button. In P it's whatever my CFs have it set to be. Green box also strips a TON of options from the menus to make it more idiot proof. It's a good and a bad thing though, I use it when I NEED to use the shutter for a FB style selphie (at arms length) or when I'm handing it over to the wife.

But the fact is STAYS in L-JPEG is a bummer. Switching to it makes sense though.

**kayone** · 08-10-2010 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

it gives you a 100% default setup on the camera for most canons. IE in green box mode, AF is the shutter button. In P it's whatever my CFs have it set to be. Green box also strips a TON of options from the menus to make it more idiot proof. It's a good and a bad thing though, I use it when I NEED to use the shutter for a FB style selphie (at arms length) or when I'm handing it over to the wife.

But the fact is STAYS in L-JPEG is a bummer. Switching to it makes sense though.

Unfortunately you're probably right and it IS an idiot proofing measure so casual consumers can't complain they keep shooting in a mode that eats up mem card space and isn't viewable on their PCs...

There has to be a firmware hack to get around this...

**Kilonad** · 08-10-2010 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by subimatt

I still want an s90...

The S95 will be announced soon enough.

**kayone** · 08-10-2010 11:51 PM

on a slightly different note I ordered the Richard Franiec custom grip for the S90, it applies with double sided adhesive. Milled out of CNC aluminum it matches the color and texture of the camera body, makes it much easier to hold one handed and looks great

**NewsPhotog** · 08-11-2010 01:03 AM

^That looks like a nice addition.

**jacobsen1** · 08-11-2010 08:45 AM

see, I like the look w/o it, but having used one, I can see how it'd be nice when actually shooting.

**Kilonad** · 08-11-2010 11:06 AM

I'd love to get that, but since it wouldn't fit in the waterproof case, I shall have to continue shooting gripless.

**kayone** · 08-11-2010 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

see, I like the look w/o it, but having used one, I can see how it'd be nice when actually shooting.

yeah totally, it looks better without it but like most Apple/Mac products its an issue of form prioritizing over function. The button and grip ergonomics are terrible. At least this grip makes it look cool in its own way.

Originally Posted by Kilonad

I'd love to get that, but since it wouldn't fit in the waterproof case, I shall have to continue shooting gripless.

Yeah I considered that and I actually have the case on order. I think the ONE time a year I will shoot underwater (on vacations and maybe trick shots at the beach) i'll peel it off and reapply using the same double sided tape. The metal finish makes it nice to use an adhesive remover to peel off the old sticky.

The other 99% of shooting time Im hoping the grip will be a big boon

**Kilonad** · 08-11-2010 02:42 PM

Valid points, though I don't think it looks too bad with it on. I just hope Canon integrates it (or some other form of grip) into the S95.

**jacobsen1** · 08-11-2010 02:57 PM

they do and call it the G11.

**kayone** · 08-27-2010 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by Kilonad

I'd love to get that, but since it wouldn't fit in the waterproof case, I shall have to continue shooting gripless.

Holy crap, I just discovered that the S90 with the grip fits in the Canon WP-DC35 case, this is 10 sorts of awesome!!

It's a slightly tight fit, but apparently theres enough wiggle room in the case that the camera seats properly and the grip doesn't interfere with the case closing and compromising the seal.

when the camera locks in the case, it activates this funky clock screensaver on the camera's LCD

As you can see in the pics the brace point for the upper left hand corner of the camera front isnt really impeded by the grip because its absent in that area, hence why the camera is able to fit with the grip added on, the guy who designed it must have taken this into account as well. Pretty awesome.

**Kilonad** · 08-27-2010 11:55 AM

That's fantastic news. I might have to pick up that grip after all...

I'm pretty sure you have to program the camera to show that clock display - it doesn't do that on mine when I put it in the housing.

**jacobsen1** · 08-27-2010 12:09 PM

I think you hold down the play button when it's off or when you turn it on or some **** like that and it pops up. It's NOT the housing though, it's some button push/hold trick.

**kayone** · 08-27-2010 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by Kilonad

That's fantastic news. I might have to pick up that grip after all...

I'm pretty sure you have to program the camera to show that clock display - it doesn't do that on mine when I put it in the housing.

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

I think you hold down the play button when it's off or when you turn it on or some **** like that and it pops up. It's NOT the housing though, it's some button push/hold trick.

I believe you but I can't seem to make it happen with the camera out of the case and I have no idea where it's pressing on the camera to make the screensaver popup. I suppose I could read the user manual but I refuse to. lol

**jblaze5779** · 10-19-2010 11:53 AM

I sold most all my gear and picked me up a s95. Great camera so far and has everything that I need at this point in my hobby.

**subimatt** · 10-19-2010 12:01 PM

^ holy crap its Justin!

I agree on the S95, I love ours. Testing the water housing next week!

**Tylersladen** · 10-19-2010 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by Kilonad

I'd love to get that, but since it wouldn't fit in the waterproof case, I shall have to continue shooting gripless.

mount the grip on the outside

**kayone** · 10-19-2010 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by Tylersladen

mount the grip on the outside

you missed post #34, it actually does fit.

**mordy** · 10-19-2010 02:02 PM

My girl has a G9 and its been the best point n shoot we've used yet.

**jacobsen1** · 10-19-2010 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by kayone

you missed post #34, it actually does fit.

well that, and he doesn't need the grip when it's in the housing, he needs it when it's NOT in the housing so sticking it on the housing is just a waste...

**jblaze5779** · 10-19-2010 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by subimatt

^ holy crap its Justin!

I agree on the S95, I love ours. Testing the water housing next week!

sup, I'm torn between the housing and getting a focus fixed housing for my gopro.

**thechickencow** · 10-19-2010 05:20 PM

I've been impressed with what I've heard of the D10.

Also the s90.

But for me, now that I've got the iphone4, I'm happy with that as a p&s. It seems to do a nice job.

**jacobsen1** · 10-19-2010 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by thechickencow

But for me, now that I've got the iphone4, I'm happy with that as a p&s. It seems to do a nice job.

yep. For what I was using a P&S for the iPhone works. I might consider another EVIL type camera but I don't really need a P&S anymore. I would like a good waterpoof case for the iPhone that I can shoot from though.

**kayone** · 10-19-2010 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by thechickencow

I've been impressed with what I've heard of the D10.

Also the s90.

But for me, now that I've got the iphone4, I'm happy with that as a p&s. It seems to do a nice job.

I am now a new iPhone 4 owner and been tooling around with the camera using the standard app, camera bag, Hipstamatic and a Pro HDR. It's worlds above the old iPhone camera but I still find images a bit lacking in less than optimal lighting situations (esp with the flash off) Shots with the flash on look as good as any compact P&S, I agree. I still bring out my S90 when I go out tho, it gets a lot of mileage.

**jacobsen1** · 10-19-2010 08:38 PM

I need to get a good stitching app for the iPhone... That (and 7fps) is a big draw to a NEX5 for me....

**wrxfactor** · 10-19-2010 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

I need to get a good stitching app for the iPhone... That (and 7fps) is a big draw to a NEX5 for me....

Ben? Sony? WHAT?!??!

**jacobsen1** · 10-19-2010 09:04 PM

I've been pining for a NEX since they announced them, the menus put a damper on it but that's fixed now. Now I'm on the fence between it and the X100 (fuji) or maybe nothing because the iPhone does what I need P&S wise, do I really need something between it and my DSLR?

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