Digital camera

[EvilWeevil]

Firstly the effective focal length is double, more or less.

1.6x on most "cheaper" DSLRs (eg Canon 400D, 40D)
so that 18mm lens behaves like a 29mm, but conversely, a 300mm telephoto is like a 480mm lens.

This is a factor of the size of the sensor in comparison to 35mm film - so more expensive cameras will reduce the ratio to 1.3x or 1x

[TheFaQQer]

I've been looking at the compacts mentioned here, and am hoping to make a decision soonish.

The ones that I'm considering are:

- Canon Powershot SD870 IS / IXUS 860 IS
- Canon Powershot G9
- Nikon Coolpix P5000
- Fuji Finepix F50
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

Must be pretty portable, which seems to rule the G9 out as it's by far the heaviest. I'd like plenty of manual settings, but know that in reality I won't use many of them because it'll do everything for me as I want it to. Decent zoom, plus video so I can film the kids.

I'm edging towards the Canon Ixus 860 which has got pretty good reviews that I can find, and it's the lightest, BUT it's "only" 8 megapixels. Instinct tells me that that will be plenty (!) but then I wonder about the FinePix.

What does the panel think? I'm not too fussed about price, but don't want to be too silly - the more expensive the camera, the less likely I am to buy a Nintendo Wii this month....

(And finally, do you think I can claim it as an expense? )

[TheFaQQer]

OK - one more to consider:

Canon IXUS 80 / Powershot SD 1100 (in silver or caramel)

[Gonzo]

I've been looking at the compacts mentioned here, and am hoping to make a decision soonish.

The ones that I'm considering are:

- Canon Powershot SD870 IS / IXUS 860 IS
- Canon Powershot G9
- Nikon Coolpix P5000
- Fuji Finepix F50
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

Must be pretty portable, which seems to rule the G9 out as it's by far the heaviest. I'd like plenty of manual settings, but know that in reality I won't use many of them because it'll do everything for me as I want it to. Decent zoom, plus video so I can film the kids.

I'm edging towards the Canon Ixus 860 which has got pretty good reviews that I can find, and it's the lightest, BUT it's "only" 8 megapixels. Instinct tells me that that will be plenty (!) but then I wonder about the FinePix.

What does the panel think? I'm not too fussed about price, but don't want to be too silly - the more expensive the camera, the less likely I am to buy a Nintendo Wii this month....

(And finally, do you think I can claim it as an expense? )

I got a Powershot G9 recently and I am in awe at the quality of the images that I am getting from it. (I am no aficionado though and it is the first time I have paid that much for a camera). I would agree that it is a little bulky, but I have had no issues carrying it around.

As for expensing it? YourCo does require a health and safety assessment of the working environment at each client's site, and evidence to be kept on file, doesn't it Surely though, your dispensation would cover it?

[EvilWeevil]

6, 8, 10, 12 megapixels - you aren't going to notice the difference. Bear in mind that 12MP DOES NOT give you twice as much definition as 6MP - it's only 1.41 (square root 2) as much, and unless you start printing out stuff at A4 size or larger.

Go for the one with the largest physical sensor. If they're all the same, go for the Panasonic.

[TheFaQQer]

Come on, RH - which one should I buy???

- Canon Powershot SD870 IS / IXUS 860 IS
- Canon Powershot G9
- Nikon Coolpix P5000
- Fuji Finepix F50
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3
- Canon IXUS 80 / Powershot SD 1100 (in silver or caramel)

[realityhack]

Come on, RH - which one should I buy???

- Canon Powershot SD870 IS / IXUS 860 IS
- Canon Powershot G9
- Nikon Coolpix P5000
- Fuji Finepix F50
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3
- Canon IXUS 80 / Powershot SD 1100 (in silver or caramel)

Straight away I'd say the G9 - on features alone. It may well be a bit bulky for you, but this is my No.1 compact of the moment, without a doubt.

The TZ3 is a great second-place - I looked at this before deciding upon the G9 - faults for me were the shutter lag is longer, the speed-to-focus was a little sluggish and not as decisive as the G9, but the looks, compactness and the rest of the features are pretty much A OK.

My dad has that Coolpix P5000, and he's taken some excellent shots with it - if he can use it then it's obviously easy to use, as he's not a technology fan.

<aside> This is the man who asked me to take a look at his mobile phone one Christmas as there was something 'wrong' with it. He never used to reply to texts. When I looked at the flashing envelope symbol on his phone, and he said 'it's been doing that for months', I sighed and showed him what text messages were. </aside>

I don't know enough about the other compacts though to offer an opinion - check them out in the 'side-by-side' reviews on dpreview.com and you'll get a better idea. The IXUS cameras are sturdy, reliable and easy to use low-end compacts. The G9 is at the top of the tree, the very best.

[TheFaQQer]

Ta,

Choice is down to between the G9 and the Ixus 80 - there was a good comparison between the 80 and the TZ3 on dpreview that leaned more towards the Ixus. Plus it's a Canon, which I prefer.

If my project gets canned this week, it'll be the 80. If it doesn't, it'll be the G9.

[realityhack]

If my project gets canned this week, it'll be the 80. If it doesn't, it'll be the G9.

Good call.

[realityhack]

Update - got the G9 btw - astonishing little camera, truly astonishing.

Some of you making the transition from film to digital may appreciate the following link, which is IMO an excellent explanation of the technologies at work and how to apply them:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm