Cameras & Camcorders

[CougDVM]

I am looking to get a second camera.  I already have a DSLR - Nikon 5100.  We love it, takes amazing pictures of the new baby.  Only problem is the camera is big and sometimes you don't want to take the big camera with you - not convenient or you don't want it stolen.  So we would like to get a smaller point and shoot for those times when we don't want to bring the big one.  I definitely want a nice one that takes good pictures, as much as a point and shoot can.  But I don't necessarily want the bulkyness of an advanced point and shoot.  Suggestions?

[xl]

You haven't indicated a budget.

My first reaction is to research the Nikon P7100.  The P7100 has a hot shoe like your D5100.  Small cameras have weak flashes, putting your D5100 external flash on the P7100 and you will be able to daylight your subject.  The P7100 will communicate with the Nikon flash with iTTL to not over power your subject.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/NIKON+-+Coolpix+P7100+10.1-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/3131295.p?id...

Other cameras to consider

• Canon G1x... just announced, this camera sensor is slightly smaller than a DSLR
• Canon S95/S100 largest sensor for a Canon compact
• Canon SX150is.  I like this camera that uses AA's to save money

Finally, you do know that the D5100 is positioned alternative compared to a full size DSLR like the D4.

BTW... what lens do you have with the D5100?  Many pack two lenses (18-55 & 55-200).  By bolting on the 18-200mm, it takes less space than two lenses.

[CougDVM]

Budget wise we are looking to stay under $500.  We have 18-55 lens.  Haven't even been able to try out all the capabilities of the camera.  Have been tied up with baby stuff and very little sleep! We picked the D5100 for quality and durability.  We tend to keep technology for a long time and wanted something that would last but also didn't cost an arm and a leg. 

Looking for similar with point and shoot.  Good quality that lasts because we can't afford to buy new ones every year.  Want something better than my old point and shoot that is 7 years old and yielded blurry pictures in Italy.

[xl]

You are in luck.... the P7100 is available now for $500 with the current sale!

• Was the blurry pictures indoors in low light?  Again the P7100 with an external flash will fix that problem.
• look at all the models I have suggest above.  Check the internet for image samples
• if you do plan to keep the camera for a long time..... look for a camera that takes AA's.  Replacing AA rechargeables can cost as little as a gourmet hot dog.

[CougDVM]

Pictures were in churches where they don't let you use a flash. The light was decent in some places, not others. Some reviews of sx150is is that the pictures are blurry & short battery?

[xl]

Church with no flash?  I would bolt a f/2.8 lens to your D5100.... sorry no work around with a compact. Otherwise a 50mm f/1.8 if you want to keep it under $500.

Walk into Best Buy and try the cameras out in the store.  The sx150is should not have blurry problems with enough light, otherwise try out the iso3200 modes.

With regards to poor battery reviews....

• don't expect lithium performance.
• poor AA battery performance may be poor choice of batteries
• get yourself Sanyo Eneloops for the SX150is.  At $5 each, they are much cheaper than a second lithium on other camera models.

[xl]

BTW... a good place to check for image samples is flickr.  Sadly the 150is is too new.

Check here for image samples from it's predecessor.

http://www.flickr.com/cameras/canon/powershot_sx130_is/

[rnestor]

Hi,

I'm in the same position as you. I have a Nikon D3100 and am now looking for an excellent  compact camera. And I have decided to wait a couple of weeks for the Nikon Coopix S9300 to arrive. It should be here soon.

Here is a link to Nikon's site:

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Compact-Digital-Cameras/26315/COOLPIX-S9300.html

[rwillen]

I picked up an Olympus E-PM1 for this exact purpose. It easily fits in my winter coat pocket with the 14-42 kit lens on it. I really like the flexibilty that the M4/3 format provides over a standard point and shoot. Picture quality is outstanding, it starts up in a few seconds and focuses extremely quickly.