DPReview's Budget Camera Roundup

[Flipped Gazelle]

Here it be.

If you can't wait...

Best pocket point and shoot camera: Sony Cyber-Shot W120

Overall winner: Panasonic Lumix LZ8

Canon A590IS also acquitted itself well.

 

[ElFenix]

good idea. these cameras don't need full reviews, a round up is perfect.

 

[996GT2]

+1 for the LZ8

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
+1 for the LZ8

Totally unexpected post by you! :laugh:

 

[996GT2]

But I like Canon too, I use a 40D!

 

[DavidO]

I've been trying to decide on a new camera. I like the 5X zoom on the Panasonic so am leaning toward it now over my original though of the Canon A590.

Question - Do you think the differences for the lz10 warrant buying it over the lz8? Main differences so far I see is a little wider picture field and more megapixels. Is there anything else different in quality or features that warrants the extra cost? This is for vacation/family type pictures.

Thank you,
David

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Personally, I would prefer having the slightly wider wide-angle of the LZ10 rather than the LZ8, but IMO it's not that big of a difference.

One item to consider is that with the increase in resolution from 8mp to 10mp, comes an increase in noise. Generally speaking, if 2 cameras share the same sensor size (in this case, 1/2.5") and processing engine (again, in this case, Venus IV), the sensor with more megapixels will produce noisier images.

Another point in the LZ8's favor is that it seems to be cheaper.

 

[996GT2]

The LZ10 has a slightly larger sensor: 1/2.33" vs 1/2.5". Noise should be the same

The larger sensor is why it covers 2mm wider despite using the same lens as the LZ8.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
The LZ10 has a slightly larger sensor: 1/2.33" vs 1/2.5". Noise should be the same

The larger sensor is why it covers 2mm wider despite using the same lens as the LZ8.

Heh, that's what I get for looking at the LCD size (2.5") rather than the sensor size!

LZ8 still has lower pixel density, though, so is probably still slightly less noisy. Probably doesn't matter much at this point.

I'd still go for the LZ8 because of the price. :thumbsup:

 

[DavidO]

Thanks for the comments. I think I am going to go with the LZ8 then since they seem pretty similar and 8 megapixel is enough for me.

David

 

[jpeyton]

There should be other options on that list.

Panny FS3 was $77 at Frys today.

Same 10MP sensor as the LZ8; Venus IV; much slimmer profile if you want something pocketable; same screen as the LZ8; 3x zoom that starts at 33mm (vs. 32mm for the LZ8).

Another option is the Nikon P50, which is one of the few budget options that has a 28mm wide angle zoom. Good resolution, solid metering...just keep the ISO in check. $99 at Circuit City.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
There should be other options on that list.

Panny FS3 was $77 at Frys today.

wait was it? damnit i picked up two of them and didn't notice the tag

was looking for one to get as an xmas present

edit: for some reason i think the tag said $150. the fs20 was red tagged at $180ish

 

[ElFenix]

IR has a somewhat shorter 'roundup'

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
IR has a somewhat shorter 'roundup'

I like DPReview's list MUCH better. 2 of the cameras in the IR review (the Panny LS80 and Fuji J10) are pretty average on features and performance, and the IR review doesn't even mention notable contenders like the LZ8 or Sony W120.

 

[ElFenix]

has the W120 popped up under $120 street? that was their max price.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
has the W120 popped up under $120 street? that was their max price.

The W120 is about $129 from most big sellers right now, which really isn't that far off.

The Panny LZ8, though, is a mere $99 from J&R, so there is no reason why that wasn't included in place of the rather mediocre LS80.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: 996GT2

Originally posted by: ElFenix
has the W120 popped up under $120 street? that was their max price.

The W120 is about $129 from most big sellers right now, which really isn't that far off.

The Panny LZ8, though, is a mere $99 from J&R, so there is no reason why that wasn't included in place of the rather mediocre LS80.

their range was 100 +/- 20. going up to $130 is adding 30% to the price, which many people wouldn't do.

i dunno why they didn't include the lz8. maybe you should email them