Sony DSC-H10 vs Canon SX 100 IS or Sony DSC-H50 vs Canon S5 IS

[jabezz]

Sony DSC-H10 vs Canon SX 100 IS or Sony DSC-H50 vs Canon S5 IS

I am a bit of a n00b when it comes to Digital Cameras. I can only judge or make assumptions on other people's reviews/comments.

I want to buy a Digital Camera that is a little more than you're average "Point-n-shoot" cameras, but I don't need a SLR as they are a bit cumbersome and expensive for my needs.

At first my choices was between the Sony DSC-H10 and the Canon SX 100 IS.
Sony H10:
Cons: Memory Stick Pro, Manual Lens cap

Canon SX100:
Cons: Flash cycle time (apparently up to 10s), some image noise (apparently)


So now I'm thinking, maybe spend the extra 1k and look at the Sony DSC-H50 or the Canon S5 IS. This will give me a ViewFinder on the camera which is a big up, and the Canon also has 'n boot for an external flash. Is it worth looking at these more expensive models and why?

So now I turn to anyone who has had experience with these cameras to shed some light on the pros and cons of each. What should I be looking out for? Any suggestions to cameras similar to these and in the same price range would also help (especially if links can be provided).

Here are some of the specs/reviews on above mentioned cameras:
Sony DSC-H10:
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_sony_cybershot_dsc_h10.php
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydsch10/

Canon SX 100 IS:
http://www.photographyblog.com/index.php/weblog/comments/canon_sx100_is/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsx100is/

Sony DSC-H50:
http://www.photographyblog.com/index.php/weblog/comments/sony_cyber_shot_h50/
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0802/08022502sonyh50.asp

Canon S5 IS:
http://www.photographyblog.com/index.php/weblog/comments/canon_s5_is/
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0705/07050703canons5is.asp

Regards,

[bwana]

You also might want to consider the Canon G9 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_g9.asp

and lumix LX3 looks very interesting http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmclx3.asp

[jabezz]

The Canon G9 seems to receive excellent reviews. But what was most obvious is that people complain that the 12.1mp might be overkill, especially for a P&S.

The fact that it supports raw is awesome, but then they complain that they have to use raw mode most of the time, as the jpg quality is just not up to scratch?

What makes the G9 better than the S5 IS ?

[bwana]

The Canon G9 seems to receive excellent reviews. But what was most obvious is that people complain that the 12.1mp might be overkill, especially for a P&S.

The fact that it supports raw is awesome, but then they complain that they have to use raw mode most of the time, as the jpg quality is just not up to scratch?

What makes the G9 better than the S5 IS ?I like having as many pixels as possible provided they still produce a good image. I crop like mad ;)

If I got a compact camera I'd want it to shoot RAW anyway - there have been plenty of debates here about why so lets just suffice to say that its a personal preference.

[jabezz]

Just to throw one more curve-ball in the equation.

I stumbled across the Panasonic DMC-FZ18 ... and it seems to be blowing the other mentioned cameras out of the water. What do you guys think?

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0707/07072402panasonicfz18.asp
http://www.cameras.co.uk/reviews/panasonic-dmc-fz18.cfm

Regards,

[koffiejunkie]

The Canon G9 seems to receive excellent reviews. But what was most obvious is that people complain that the 12.1mp might be overkill, especially for a P&S.

The fact that it supports raw is awesome, but then they complain that they have to use raw mode most of the time, as the jpg quality is just not up to scratch?

People will find stuff to complain about. The G9's jpegs are no worse than any other Canon P&S. They're pretty much what you'd expect from a P&S in that price range. It just has the benefit of enabling you to make higher quality jpegs via RAW.


I stumbled across the Panasonic DMC-FZ18

"Panasonic - the quest for zero defect" - remember that tag line? In my experience the quest for zero defect has always come at the cost of quality. Every piece of Panasonic gear I have ever owned (audio) has had little if any background hiss/noise, but compared to say, a Philips of the same price, the sound quality was always sub standard.

I haven't owned anything Panasonic in a decade - things might have changed (I'm actually taking an interest in the LX3 too).

[jabezz]

The G9 is just out of my price range. So I can't even consider it.

The Panasonic however is cheaper than the Canon and the Sony.

And without only relying on tech specs and reviews, I've actually been talking to some owners of the camera. And they actually use it as a substitute to their bigger SLR's for certain occasions.

From what I've heard from owners of the camera, I might actually be willing to take the risk.

Features it boasts (above the other comparisons):
18x optical zoom
RAW support
Wide angle lens

[koffiejunkie]

The G9 is just out of my price range. So I can't even consider it.

Then save a little longer - you won't be sorry :D

[sdd]

My bit of advice is to look at getting a camera with a variable angle LCD screen. It really is ingenious and worth the extra bucks.

I shoot a lot of pics of my kids and having such a screen makes it easy to get down to their level. Also helps when shooting with camera held up or on the floor.

[sdd]

Another thing with Panasonic is the noise factor - I must admit that Panasonic have got an incredible image stabilisation system which for me is very important but the unit that I used in the past had a lot of noise. I read that the FZ18 also falls victim ot the noise issue.

Everyone says go for the G9. Well I bought one and did not like it. It may be a good camera but it just did not fit nicely in my hands and it was heavy.

I must say I like my H50. It is easy to carry and use. I like the fact that it is a lot of fancy features but can also be used in "noob mode" when I give my wife to take out pics.

[assadmd]

why not try the new fuji finepix 5800... great value for money. if u getting into the digital realm this is perfect. has more to offer than u can use.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0707/07072607fujifilms5800.asp

[Tassidar]

why not try the new fuji finepix 5800... great value for money. if u getting into the digital realm this is perfect. has more to offer than u can use.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0707/07072607fujifilms5800.asp

Just bought a finepix S8100. Highly impressed.

18x Zoom
10.0 Megapixels
Great features.
One major drawback... No RAW format. :(

[bwana]

I'm very interested in this http://www.dpreview.com/news/0807/08072102panasoniclx3.asp