Compact camera advice.

[83G/84D]

I am looking for a decent compact camera that has a good autofocus system as well as a reasonably good low light capability and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions.
My Canon G5X is faulty and can't be repaired or replaced as the model is now discontinued.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Hello @83G/84D

Panasonic's Lumix TZ95D comes with a decent focal range and, according to Panasonic, copes.well in low light. Prices, though, in the region of £700 for a brand new one.

I've attached this thread from a few months ago. Although the OP asked of cameras suited to photographing moving buses, I hope it helps your camera search.

Choosing a DSLR Camera for Bus Photography

Hello all. I'm now starting to look for a DSLR camera that is suitable for bus photography. It would be my first DSLR camera and I've only ever used very standard digital cameras beforehand. I'm looking for something that would give me the sharpest images possible, the best features to use for...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[davews]

I am also looking to replace my Canon SX170S compact which has developed a couple of intermittent faults with something better but still towards the bottom of the price range. Mainly used for out and about photos for my web blogs. Not looking for DLSR etc, main requirement is for something that goes nicely in my coat pocket. But the choice and availability in compacts seems to have disappeared, Canon seem to be bringing out no new models and even the listed ones seem only available from the used outlets. I was pointed towards the SX730 or SX740 which has bigger zoom range, seems unavailable new and quite pricey even from the used outlets. There is a London Camera Exchange in Reading, maybe will ask them for advice.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Probably best signing up here: https://www.dpreview.com

And you'll get expert, tailored advice from the experts there + what's currently available

 

[Sun Chariot]

Probably best signing up here: https://www.dpreview.com

And you'll get expert, tailored advice from the experts there + what's currently available

A favourite reference source, I've used it for 25 years.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

A favourite reference source, I've used it for 25 years.

Me too

 

[Sun Chariot]

Panasonic's brand new Lumix TZ 99 apparently has a decent sensor, crisp fast focus of moving subjects, a focal length up to 720mm (optical) and it's priced £469.
UK release due in February 2025.

@83G/84D it's one to consider, if you're still on the hunt for a new digi compact?

 

[Russel]

If you're still looking, maybe take a look into the micro four thirds system, you'll pick up a Panasonic Lumix GX800 and standard lens for around £500...

This setup will be around the same size as a decent compact but will give you the option of adding additional lenses to your arsenal as you progress.

 

[Sun Chariot]

If you're still looking, maybe take a look into the micro four thirds system, you'll pick up a Panasonic Lumix GX800 and standard lens for around £500...

This setup will be around the same size as a decent compact but will give you the option of adding additional lenses to your arsenal as you progress.

That's a good option.

I'm partly torn between yet another digi-comp (e.g. the Lumix TZ 99) - or getting a slightly older Canon DSLR so I can make use of the Canon lenses I've not used for years.

 

[Stathern Jc]

Panasonic's brand new Lumix TZ 99 apparently has a decent sensor, crisp fast focus of moving subjects, a focal length up to 720mm (optical) and it's priced £469.
UK release due in February 2025.

Thank for pointing out the February release date.

I've got a Lumix-TZ80 which sadly after being dropped is needing to be replaced.
A few months ago I'd looked on e-bay where people were asking around £750 for them. So a couple of weeks ago was much relieved to see the TZ99 appear, (available to pre-order on Jessops website at the £469 mentioned and no doubt elsewhere too).
Obviously can't comment on the TZ99 itself, but I have found the TZ80 to be an excellent compact and I'm quite happy to look out for the TZ99 becoming available as a replacement.

When I bought the TZ80 I remember being told that it had such good scope that I would most likely leave my bridge camera on the shelf, and other than where I wanted to catch something significantly beyond the usual I mostly have.

 

[Russel]

That's a good option.

I'm partly torn between yet another digi-comp (e.g. the Lumix TZ 99) - or getting a slightly older Canon DSLR so I can make use of the Canon lenses I've not used for years.

If you're looking at long term options and depending on how many lenses you already have, I probably wouldn't be buying into a DSLR setup at this point, given how mirrorless has taken over.

 

[Sun Chariot]

If you're looking at long term options and depending on how many lenses you already have, I probably wouldn't be buying into a DSLR setup at this point, given how mirrorless has taken over.

I accumulated several L series image stab' Canon lenses up to 800mm. Various filters as well. They've been sat, unused, since the mid 1990s.
If I can get a decent soec mirrorless Canon body at sub-£500 then I'd consider it - but I have yet to find one. So it's likely I'd need to look at mid-spec DSLR bodies.

 

[ac6000cw]

I accumulated several L series image stab' Canon lenses up to 800mm. Various filters as well. They've been sat, unused, since the mid 1990s.
If I can get a decent soec mirrorless Canon body at sub-£500 then I'd consider it - but I have yet to find one. So it's likely I'd need to look at mid-spec DSLR bodies.

You can still buy a new EOS 2000D DSLR for less than £500 - https://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/Canon/Canon-Digital-SLRs (CameraPriceBuster is excellent site to get an idea of camera and lens prices in the UK, both new and used).

The problem with the mirrorless Canon RF mount bodies (to use older EF mount lenses) is you also need to spend around £100 on a EF to RF mount adaptor. But the low end EOS-R bodies e.g. the RP (full-frame sensor size), R50 and R100 (APS-C sensor size) are getting pretty close to £500 used e.g. see https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/category/...n-r-mirrorless-cameras?sort[productPrice]=ASC

 

[ac6000cw]

I've got a Lumix-TZ80 which sadly after being dropped is needing to be replaced.
A few months ago I'd looked on e-bay where people were asking around £750 for them. So a couple of weeks ago was much relieved to see the TZ99 appear, (available to pre-order on Jessops website at the £469 mentioned and no doubt elsewhere too).

Older 'compact' digital cameras have recently become popular/fashionable with the younger generation (who have only ever used phones to take photos) - combined with the big camera companies having dropped most of those from their product lines, it's pushed the used prices through the roof for some models...

If you're still looking, maybe take a look into the micro four thirds system, you'll pick up a Panasonic Lumix GX800 and standard lens for around £500...

This setup will be around the same size as a decent compact but will give you the option of adding additional lenses to your arsenal as you progress.

Also in micro four-thirds, the Panasonic Lumix G100/G100D is quite small and has a viewfinder (which the GX800 doesn't - I used to own one) plus a more modern 20MP sensor. But adding a 10x zoom lens e.g. the Lumix 14-140mm, will increase the cost and weight quite a lot.

Size comparison: https://camerasize.com/compact/#699.397,844.397,ha,f



12-32mm versus 14-140mm lenses - https://camerasize.com/compact/#699.397,844.931,ha,t

 

[Sun Chariot]

You can still buy a new EOS 2000D DSLR for less than £500

Thanks for this. The EOS 2000D seems to be an entry level camera model and, reading the specs, I think it lacks a few capabilities I used on my EOS 1v film camera.
I'll look at some other EOS DSLR models, too.

 

[ac6000cw]

The EOS 2000D seems to be an entry level camera model

It is (and is quite a small body).

I'll look at some other EOS DSLR models, too.

There's loads around used, at all sorts of prices e.g. https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/category/used-cameras/dslr-cameras/canon-dslr-cameras and https://www.wexphotovideo.com/used-...Canon"&sort=sellingPrice desc&rows=96&start=0

 

[Howardh]

Thank for pointing out the February release date.

I've got a Lumix-TZ80 which sadly after being dropped is needing to be replaced.

My TZ 70 was well used (a fantastic camera!) and last year I got it thoroughly cleaned inside, the faulty zoom fixed and other bits repaired for just over £100. However it's motor to open is worn out, still got it and wonder if anyone would buy it off me for another repair while I wait for the TZ99? At the moment it's just lying there as scrap which seems a shame as second-hand ones go for so much.

Might just take it down to my local repair shop and try again. Such a pity to have to buy another (although the TZ99 seems a very reasonable price considering).

 

[Russel]

Older 'compact' digital cameras have recently become popular/fashionable with the younger generation (who have only ever used phones to take photos) - combined with the big camera companies having dropped most of those from their product lines, it's pushed the used prices through the roof for some models...


Also in micro four-thirds, the Panasonic Lumix G100/G100D is quite small and has a viewfinder (which the GX800 doesn't - I used to own one) plus a more modern 20MP sensor. But adding a 10x zoom lens e.g. the Lumix 14-140mm, will increase the cost and weight quite a lot.

Size comparison: https://camerasize.com/compact/#699.397,844.397,ha,f

View attachment 172877

12-32mm versus 14-140mm lenses - https://camerasize.com/compact/#699.397,844.931,ha,t

View attachment 172878

I've found since moving to mirrorless I very rarely use the viewfinder as the screen is so clear and responsive.

Size is subjective, over the years I've gone from a large Nikon D7200 with multiple lenses down to a smaller Nikon D5200 then down to an even smaller Fujifilm X-T20 with a couple of small prime lenses.

I just wish camera manufacturers would stop trying to increase megapixel count, 24mp crop sensor was more than plenty for 99% of people, now we're up to 26mp and even 40mp, which is total overkill, if Fuji released a new 16mp camera, I'd snap one up!

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Thanks for this. The EOS 2000D seems to be an entry level camera model and, reading the specs, I think it lacks a few capabilities I used on my EOS 1v film camera.
I'll look at some other EOS DSLR models, too.

I don't know how "old" you are looking for, but I have an original spare Canon 5D and 30D that I've barely used. I'm not ready to give up my 5D Mk 3 however....

 

[Sun Chariot]

Many thanks @Islineclear3_1
Shorter term, I'll go the Lumix TZ99 route. "Pocket and pop out" will be.my principle type of photos this year.
Once I can get time for more creative photography, I'll take another look at the DSLR route.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Having read a couple of reviews on the new Lumix TZ99, its smaller sensor seems to suffer similar shortcomings to my recently "expired" TZ220.

I'm erring toward the Lumix TZ100EB. It's 1 inch sensor with optical quality more than makes up for a shorter focal range (250mm is still satisfactory for general use).

 

[Stathern Jc]

I'm erring toward the Lumix TZ100EB. It's 1 inch sensor with optical quality more than makes up for a shorter focal range (250mm is still satisfactory for general use).

I had wondered about the relative merits of pushing the boat out to get the larger sensor. Are they readily available?
250mm is considerably short of what the lens on the TZ99 offers, but presumably will give better scope when cropping images which would offset that a bit in those cases.
I'll need to look further into the dpreview site.

 

[Sun Chariot]

The reviews of the older TZ100 raved over the optical clarity at the edges of the frame and at all focal lengths; and also that it's a lot better for depth of field on fast shots, as it lets two more stops of light onto the sensor.
That really appeals, as my last digitals compacts fell short in all those areas.
And then, for me, where I want to go really long focal lengths, keeping the optical quality, I'll hunt for a decent, used, Canon DSLR to make use of all my old L series EF lenses.

TZ100, used, sell for around £500 - but I've seen an operable one as low as £370 on the Bay.

 

[ac6000cw]

The TZ100 and it's successor TZ200 & TZ200D are no longer available new, according to https://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/Panasonic/Panasonic-Compact-Cameras

I own a Sony ZV-1 with a very similar 1" sensor, and I'm quite pleased with the performance (although it's targeted primarily at the 'vlogging' market, it's pretty good as a stills camera, albeit it has no EVF and only a 3x zoom range).

 

[Stathern Jc]

This thread has gone quiet recently.
Just wondering if anyone has gone for the Panasonic TZ99 (or anything similar), and how they are getting on?

 

[Sun Chariot]

This thread has gone quiet recently.
Just wondering if anyone has gone for the Panasonic TZ99 (or anything similar), and how they are getting on?

I've been keeping an eye on prices for a used, good condition TZ-200.
It has the focal length I want (up to 360mm) and, crucially, it has a full sized sensor - whereas the TZ-99 is approx a two-thirds size.
The bigger sensor = more light hitting it, so I can use a bigger depth of field (or with faster shutter) compared to taking the same shot with a TZ-99 (as that has the same sensor size as my "on its knees and barely going" TZ-220).

I am also keeping an eye on used prices for Canon's EOS 6d Mkii. Another full sensor size and prices are not too hideous. Plus, that'll give me option to uee my EF lenses again.

 

[Howardh]

This thread has gone quiet recently.
Just wondering if anyone has gone for the Panasonic TZ99 (or anything similar), and how they are getting on?

Me! Exactly that model.

Really bought it for beach sunsets and landscapes + night captures etc but it hasn't yet been out "in the wild" other than a few day shots of Fleetwood and a football game. What I've seen so far the night pictures look worse than the TZ70 which I loved, camera's a bit bulkier too; settings are similar if not identical.

Example below of the ferry terminal @ Fleetwood. Captured the flying flag perfectly, on "Sports" mode as I like the contrast.

 

[83G/84D]

As the original poster, I will say that I chose an Olympus OM-1. It was quite expensive however there was a cash back offer at the time.
Generally I am very pleased with it having used it for a few months. It’s quite a versatile piece of equipment and has a huge selection of settings for different circumstances.
It’s also a lot smaller to carry around than a traditional DSLR with good battery life and a decent autofocus system.
It won’t compete with a top of the range DSLR but meets my requirements.
I would recommend one to anyone who is looking at changing or upgrading their camera.
Overall a good replacement for my G5-X.

 

[ac6000cw]

As the original poster, I will say that I chose an Olympus OM-1. It was quite expensive however there was a cash back offer at the time.
Generally I am very pleased with it having used it for a few months. It’s quite a versatile piece of equipment and has a huge selection of settings for different circumstances.
It’s also a lot smaller to carry around than a traditional DSLR with good battery life and a decent autofocus system.
It won’t compete with a top of the range DSLR but meets my requirements.
I would recommend one to anyone who is looking at changing or upgrading their camera.
Overall a good replacement for my G5-X.

As an OM-1 owner myself, a very good choice - a pro-grade camera with excellent ergonomics and amongst the best image stabilization in the business. Plenty of lens choices too from both Olympus/OM System and Panasonic Lumix (I mostly use it with the Oly/OMS 12-40 F2.8 and 12-100 F4).

Did you go for the OM-1 ii or the original version?

 

[Russel]

Before deciding on a Fujifilm system, I seriously considered an Olympus OM system setup, it's got some really nice features.

On the subject of compact cameras, I've just picked up a used Fujifilm X100F and I'm loving using it.