New camera?

[Infinite]

Looking to get a new camera for my first ever family holiday with my parents since I was born (I'm almost 21 now)

I've still got the good old Sony T7 compact from 5 years ago and still works a charm but after looking at some of the photos you guys have been posting I think I need to get something that can really capture the moment. Going to Beijing so the camera is going to have to perform well in both day and night outdoor environments and do well in indoor low light places.

I've got a budget of around £250 for a good camera. Have been considering so DSLRs but thinking about it, it would cost too much and be too inconvenient to carry around and probably too expensive. So I started searching for Point n Shoots and condensed the camera down to the following:

Sony HX5 and Panasonic TZ10. Both are around the same price and similar performance in spec and reviews. Anyone give their impressions on these two? or are there some better camera I have missed?

Thanks

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

You can get a Sony A230,Nikon D3000 or an Olympus E450 with a standard lens for slightly more than your budget. In low light the dSLRs will have better image quality and will tend to be able to focus quicker too especially if you intend to use a telephoto lens.

I would check posts 34,35 and 36 in this thread:

http://forums.hexus.net/photography-...-camera-3.html

If you want to still get a compact and the lack of manual controls does not bother you I would suggest the Panasonic TZ7:

http://www.trustedreviews.com/digita...mix-DMC-TZ7/p1

The 10MP TZ7(ZS3 in the US) is similar to the 12MP TZ10(ZS7 in the US) but does have manual controls and also lacks GPS. However it is meant to have better image quality than the TZ10:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...8&changemode=1

The TZ6 is the cheaper version of the TZ7 which has a lower resolution screen and less advanced video options but has very similar image quality IIRC.

I have used the TZ6 and it is not too bad in low light if you use the flash but a dSLR will be better. In good light it is capable of producing decent pictures, the 25-300MM lens range is quite a good range, the autofocus is quite speedy and the camera is easy to use IMHO.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The Panasonic TZ8(ZS5 in the US) is the cheaper version of the TZ10 which lacks GPS and has a smaller screen.

I would suggest that you handle the cameras you are interested in before you buy them though!

[neonplanet40]

Another vote for TZ7, got it myself

[usxhe190]

Sony TX5 all the way, my friend. Waterproof, dustproof - perfect for a holiday snap.

[Infinite]

Thanks Cat, going to have to be a no to the dSLR. Im a complete noob at photography, don't know the first thing about EV, ISO, white balance, etc. Although I would like to learn about it sometime, doing it during a holiday probably isnt the best time. Might short course in it though if I have the time down at the local college

I will check out the TZ7 as well. Considering it is over a year old strange that the newer TZ10 would not be superior in every way :3

Probably go to Currys Digital tomorrow and have a look. Anyone know the best/cheapest place to buy them? Was thinking about Dixion's Tax Free at the airport, but if I get it on the day, might end up not being able to use the camera when we arrive. Do the camera batteries come charged or is it better to charge it over night or something on the first charge.

Just remembered about SDHC memory sticks. Anyone recommend the best brand and the size best for value? 4G

[neonplanet40]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lu...5910391&sr=8-1

£195 here on Amazon, thats where I got mine - Very cheap

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Set the dSLR to auto and will be easy to use as a compact. The only thing is that the standard lens has a more limited range than the one found in the compact.

However,the TZ7 is a good choice IMHO and you can get one for under £200 from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lu...5910878&sr=8-1

If you use the free one month trial of Amazon Prime you can get the camera delivered next day for free.

Edit!!

It seems neonplanet40 beat me to it!!

[Michael]

Just to add some variety... I couldn't reccomend a Canon G11 more... Can be had for around the £300 mark on ebay i'm sure!

I know it's stretching your budget, but, it really would be worth it I think. The images it takes are beautiful, real quality piece of quit.

Here's a couple I took in Thailand, straight off the camera and i'm pretty sure these were both just taken in 'Auto' mode.

[g8ina]

Sorry to resurrect but ...

My GFs sister wants me to buy her a camera about £200 and the Lumix TZ7 looks great at Amazon at only £188.

Has anyone experienced any problems with the lens being scratched by the lens cover, as reported in one of Amazons reviews ??

Any other cons ?

[neonplanet40]

Cant say i've had this problem mate. Cant even see how it would be possible unless it was user error :S

I havent found any cons but I dont know much about cameras and the chances are I havent got anywhere near the best that this camera can produce yet as I just rely on auto settings.

The video is very good.

[Bobster]

glass scratched by a lens cover? how can plastic scratch glass???

[kalniel]

glass scratched by a lens cover? how can plastic scratch glass???

Presumably they mean they got some sand behind the lens cover and scratched the glass, which is user error.

[g8ina]

Yep, I also was thinking sand, thanks all, placed order just now, got the last one at amazon for 188 quid !!

[bharte]

£250? I'd buy a Canon G7/9/10 second hand (they didnt make a nine). DSLR qualty photos in a smaller more portable body. Built to last and usually owned by caring photographers so they wont have been abused.

[kalniel]

£250? I'd buy a Canon G7/9/10 second hand (they didnt make a nine). DSLR qualty photos in a smaller more portable body.

I don't agree. In perfect conditions they might match small aperture DSLR shots, but as soon as you want meaningful aperture adjustments, shoot in tricky lighting situations, or want to expand your equipment with tools appropriate for the job then these premium compacts can't compared with a DSLR. If you want a small portable DSLR then buy a small portable DSLR

The G series are very good compact sensor cameras, however I think the OP and the subsequent poster have already solved their dilemmas