good "DSLR quality" point and shoot for Europe trip

Lancerx on 25/06/2014 - 15:22
Last edited 25/06/2014 - 17:21

Hi all,

Heading to Europe for 5 weeks in September, in need of a "DSLR quality" point and shoot camera to take pics. Note: I'm totally amateur with camera, and only really use phone for taking day to day pics, and never played with DSLR, so DSLR is out of question. Good image quality is a must, or else I might as well just use my phone. Preferably with long battery life and flippable screen for self shooting. Budget is <$500 if possible, but it's stretchable if really need be. Appreciate your suggestions! Thanks!

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • SKiZO on 25/06/2014 - 16:08
    +3

    I'm picky about photo quality and I've had success with the Lumix TZ series in the past on trips where I didn't want to lug a dslr. Looking at a TZ60 myself for upcoming hols.

    Very durable, small enough to throw into a pocket, and quick response to fire up and just shoot.
    Set it up correctly and you will need minimal post-processing as well.

    • Lancerx on 25/06/2014 - 16:27

      Thanks..any model you would suggest? Any bargain would be awesome =)

  • SKiZO on 25/06/2014 - 16:34
    +1

    Well if the first few TZ60 results on staticice can be believed at ~$350 it is a steal! Probably grey model, but who cares.

    • Lancerx on 25/06/2014 - 16:38
      +1

      well, that's a very nice price point…yea don't care about grey as long it's the same thing…

      Definitely will look into it..thanks

      A lot people suggestion to me Sony Rx-100 II, is it really that good though? Bloody expensive too..

      • billy_bob on 25/06/2014 - 16:44

        Rx-100 only has 3.6x zoom, not enough for a travel camera in my opinion. It is also around $700, so depends on your budget. Image quality is better than TZ series for sure.

        • lplau on 27/06/2014 - 08:45
          +1

          RX-100 is a awesome pick if you want the BEST point and shoot without interchangable lens.
          Its like the Rolls Royce of a Point and Shoot. If you want a camera which can take nice crisp shots then you have got it.

          If you want one which has interchangable lens, which is still compact, then I'd recommend Olympus PEN E-PM2, you can get a kit (14-42mm, equivalent to 28-84mm) from Costco for around $329 and then claim $100 cashback from Olympus.

          Then claim around $29.90 via TRS making it around $200.

          The E-PM2 has a larger sensor than the RX-100. Don't be fooled though, RX-100 is a awesome camera.

          So it comes down to what you want to do in the future, are you thinking of getting more into photography and wanting to configure more settings and change lenses? If you are then you may want to think about E-PM2, if you are just thinking I want a point and shoot and don't care about getting more into the photography scene, then RX100 is a good bet.

          If you don't care about a tilt screen and hotshoe (allows external flash and other accessories), then you can get a RX-100 and save. Find a friend which has SonyX and you can get it for around $490.

          If you must have tilt screen or hotshoe, then you will need the RX-100 II which is around $600 via SonyX.

          Pic Quality wise RX-100 and RX-100 II is very similar, unnoticable differences.

      • massafiri on 27/06/2014 - 10:41
        +1

        My friend went to Korea and took the RX-100 (Mark I).
        At first I thought he was using a DSLR, but was blown away when he said it was a compact.

        Here are some pictures:
        https://www.flickr.com/photos/105016073@N05/13992482862/in/s…
        https://www.flickr.com/photos/105016073@N05/10575367974/in/s…
        https://www.flickr.com/photos/105016073@N05/10575382204/in/s…
        https://www.flickr.com/photos/105016073@N05/14033732603/in/s…

        If you go thru the rest of the albums, you'll see that the camera struggles in some cases - but otherwise - it's amazing. Kogan has the Mark I (Older version) for $440.

  • billy_bob on 25/06/2014 - 16:41
    +1

    Or the TZ40, which is the previous model, and has touch screen whereas TZ60 does not. Only 20x zoom though whereas, TZ60 has 30x. Agree, the TZ series are great. Not dSLR image quality, but a great all-rounder for holiday travel. They do very good 1080p video as well.

  • Lancerx on 25/06/2014 - 16:59
    -1

    what if I change the title of the topic to "DSLR quality point and shoot" ? Am I asking too much here? >.< Definitely don't need to bring any lens kits with me..

  • uccoffee on 25/06/2014 - 17:03

    you have to tell us your budget … :D

    • Lancerx on 25/06/2014 - 17:18

      anything less than $500 I would say >.<

  • bargainy on 25/06/2014 - 17:14

    Waterproof is a good idea. Last time I bought one I got a Panasonic and it was heaps of fun in the rain and in the sea.

    • Lancerx on 25/06/2014 - 17:19

      Could be good idea, but can you get best of both world? Good image quality and still get waterproof?

      • Benicio on 25/06/2014 - 17:31

        weatherproof cameras have awful image quality

        • lina23 on 26/06/2014 - 12:05

          Not the Pansonic Lumix ones. I got one a couple of years ago fora trip to Hawaii, and the photo quality is fantastic. Haven't actually taken it underwater yet, but have used it in heavy rain a few times, and sailing when the boat was getting drenched. I'm actually on my 3rd Panansonic Lumix now - and the first one that I bought 10 years ago is still working, gave it to my mum - only reason I'm on my third one is just to upgrade.

      • laurence on 26/06/2014 - 20:33
        +2

        word of advice, if you get a waterproof camera, spit on the lens when you're in the water. It will get rid of droplets and the photos will look much better

  • p1 ama on 25/06/2014 - 17:23

    You won't get DSLR quality with a point and shoot.

    Your best bet, if you want to have a compact camera that has actual DSLR quality is to buy a mirrorless or 4/3rds.

    • Lancerx on 25/06/2014 - 17:26

      well, any chance I don't have to carry extra lens around? Sorry total noob here…

      • lplau on 27/06/2014 - 08:53

        You can just get 1 lens which is a all rounder. Using a Interchangable System Camera, you have the opportunity later down the track to hone in on your photo taking skills and get better images with different lenses.

        Prime Lenses with a good appeture are awesome if you want super sharp and clear images.

  • IIGnomeII on 25/06/2014 - 17:26
    -1

    Nokia Lumia 1020, the upside being that you can use it as a mobile and GPS at the same time.

    Also a music player, internet access, home access, email access, etc etc etc.
    Pretty much it wins as the swiss army tool for travelling.

    I just did Malaysia and Singapore with my Lumia 920, perfect photos on that plus all the other uses piled in.

    • Lancerx on 25/06/2014 - 17:32

      Thanks, I got enough mobile as it is..just decent real image quality is what I'm after..

      Don't get to go to Europe very often, so this better count..

      • IIGnomeII on 26/06/2014 - 08:45
        -1

        Fair enough but you should look at the 1020 as a small point and shoot that can backup your photos to the cloud and it does have SLR like quality to them.

        Check out the reviews and make up your mind yourself but one thing I can tell you is low light photography happens a lot more than you think and the Lumia range excels at them (From personal experience using both the 920 and a lumix point and shoot). Considering that a lot of photography sites were matching the 1020 up to a point and shoot should give you an indication of its ability as well.

        http://connect.dpreview.com/post/5234892048/nokia-lumia-1020…

        • eneloop on 27/06/2014 - 11:24

          This guy must work for Nokia

  • Lancerx on 25/06/2014 - 17:30

    What would you use long zoom for in travel anyway? just curious what will it be useful for?

    • rambutann on 25/06/2014 - 17:31

      Nothing unless you like to take photos of birds or something lol

      • billy_bob on 26/06/2014 - 09:11
        +1

        You'd be surprised, good zoom comes in very handy, especially if you like to take photos of buildings, stage shows, or even at busy market places where you get close up people shots without having to physically get in people's faces. Really depends on the types of photos you like to take. I have 5 cameras ranging from SLR to very compact, but my Panasonic TZ40 gets the most use because it is the best combination of compact size, features and image quality. If the Sony RX100 II had 8-10x zoom I'd be all over it….but I guess the price would then be over $1000.

  • rambutann on 25/06/2014 - 17:31

    Get a Canon G-series camera.
    Great camera, great quality and great size!
    Alternatively the Nikon J-series would also be great.

    But good thinking though, definitely don't get a DSLR for traveling, they are big bulky and a damn inconvenience.
    Theres not much of a difference between these cameras and low-mid range DSLR's.

    • lplau on 27/06/2014 - 09:00

      Not always. The times have changed, the new era of Mirrorless DSLRs have arrived.

      You can get a compact Mirrorless DSLR for traveling.

      There is plenty of difference, main difference is the sensor size.
      Just to prove my point, check out the Panasonic GM1, it is a interchangable 4/3s camera which has the advantages of both worlds.

      1. Small & Compact
      2. Can use different Lenses
      3. Larger sensor than the standard point and shoot.

      Get a GM1 and chuck on a 14-42mm pancake that would be just as compact as any other point and shoot.

      You did mention the Nikon J series, those are Mirrorless DSLRs.

  • pyramid on 25/06/2014 - 17:31
    +1

    Something like this will serve purpose. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/143387

    • Benicio on 25/06/2014 - 17:37

      very good option at a great price

  • Benicio on 25/06/2014 - 17:36
    +2

    It sounds like you're just looking for a decent PNS under $500. The whole 'DSLR quality' thing is just marketing spin as any new camera will produce solid images with the latest technology. A good camera in untrained hands will still produce bad images, where as a bad camera in skilled hands will produce good results.

    The answer is completely subjective but this site may help narrow it down for you: http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/which-camera-should-i-get/

    Happy shooting!

    • Lancerx on 25/06/2014 - 18:14

      Very good link…thanks!

  • Lancerx on 25/06/2014 - 18:17
    +5

    You know what, let's bite the bullet and jump on the Sony bandwagon..just gonna go for RX100 II, since it's undisputedly best PNS in term of image quality

    OZbargainers, appreciate if you could keep an eyes for a real bargain on Sony RX100 II! Cheers!

  • modsec802 on 25/06/2014 - 19:01
    +1

    Canon s120 at $450
    You may find its predecessor s110 at jb for $250

  • mosquito on 26/06/2014 - 08:18

    Sony RX100 I/II do have some known lens issues although I cannot find too much information on the internet.
    Sony RX100 III is very expensive but considered better than the previous 2 if you don't need a lot of zoom.

    Panasonic LX8 is due out next month which might be on par with the Sony Rx100 III / mk3.

    I'm also going to europe and buying one of these cameras, they are close to DSLR quality, or at least as close as you can get without interchanging lenses.

    • Lancerx on 26/06/2014 - 11:20

      cool..please do keep me posted of any deals of the above..

      Should I just buy in Europe? Are they cheaper there? Say in London?

  • billy_bob on 26/06/2014 - 10:33

    If you are set on the RX100 II Kogan has it for $579 (+ shipping), but will be 20% off on Sunday as per other post, so will come down to $463.20 + shipping.
    http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-rx100-ii-dig…

    • Lancerx on 26/06/2014 - 13:49

      I'll probably just go with the RX-100. Read a few reviews, they're pretty the same, but RX-100 almost $200 cheaper than II..shame Kogan don't have it

    • lplau on 27/06/2014 - 09:03

      I don't think that 20% off applies to Kogan website.

      It only applies to Kogan on eBay and Kogan doesn't list all of their items. I don't see the RX100 on their eBay Store.

  • adfffff on 26/06/2014 - 11:19

    Hi, I have a New canon SX40hs, it has 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD,35x Wide-Angle (24-840mm) Optical Zoom Lens,Shutter: 15 - 1/3200 sec, Self Timer: 2 Sec, 10 Sec
    Capture stunning Full HD 1080p video in stereo sound, I had put it on ebay,http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/261510234884?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649, if you want to purchase it, I can give you a price of $350,if you interest in it, please let me know, you can sent me a message…

  • hezmac on 26/06/2014 - 19:56

    Has anyone had any experience with the Sony hx60v compared to the lumix tz40? I've always had a soft spot for my old lumix and am looking to upgrade (and leave the old D90 at home for a while)

  • Simo82 on 26/06/2014 - 20:47

    I brought a lumix fz200, amazing camera, does everything I want and films in full HD and also films slow motion!! Great camera and recommend it to anyone

  • umoddbro on 26/06/2014 - 20:57

    nikon 1 v1 or v2, I have the v1 and its a great point and shooter.

  • jto00 on 26/06/2014 - 21:41
    -1

    you'd be silly to get anything other than a rx-100

  • discostu on 26/06/2014 - 23:43

    I purchased the Sony RX100 as I am currently traveling in the US. Best camera ever. It fits in your pocket just as a mini digital camera would but the picture quality is SOOO much better. Have been comparing my shots with my friend's Panasonic one and he has so much glare from the lighting of NYC whereas my photos are fine.

    I managed to nab mine from the Good Guys during the eBay sale for $572. JB then had a sale at $506 so the Good Guys refunded the difference and then I also got a refund at the TRS counter on my way out :)

  • padman on 27/06/2014 - 08:57

    Even better https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/150394

    Buy this, claim cash back and Gst…
    Come back from your trip and sell it and profit.

  • allyemil on 27/06/2014 - 11:58
    -1

    Bought this one, Canon EOS 700D w/18-135mm IS STM Lens Digital SLR Camera, from Camera House about 6 months ago for $745. It was actually $895, but got $150 back from Canon when they had cash back promotion back in December. Absolutely love it. Great quality photos, very quick, great for zooming in/out, tons of shooting modes, touch point swivel screen, etc.
    Granted, its a bit more now, but knowing how good it is, I would be happy to pay the current price for it to be honest.

    Personally, if you consider this camera, don't buy the one that comes with twin lens kit. The two lenses you get with that one are nowhere near as good as this one lens, 18-135mm IS STM.

    http://www.camerahouse.com.au/products/DSLR/Canon-700D-w18-1…

    If you don't mind buying from Kogan, they have it for $859 at the moment or eGlobal have it for $799.

    http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/canon-eos-700d-18-135mm-is-stm-l…

    http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/canon-eos-700d-kit-w…

    List of the best price for this one:

    http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=eos%20700D%2013…

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