Best compact camera for under £200?
Discussion
I currently have a Fujifilm Finepix F500 EXR which has been a little disappointing as it doesn't have great image quality and you can't zoom in quickly enough while recording video. I would like to know which (in your opinions) is the best compact camera for under £200 or so. I use it for taking pictures and videos of cars in London and want good quality pictures and full HD video capability as well as a quick start-up time so I don't miss any moving cars. I would also benefit from high-speed shooting as well if possible and good pictures in dark conditions as my finepix is frankly awful at that. I have been looking at the Panasonic Lumix TZ30 but have seen a couple of nasty reviews for it recently. Is it any good? Thanks for any help.
The TZ30 is a great camera. I've just got one to replace a TZ20 mainly because of the improved zoom and better GPS facility. The Leica lens provides sharp results throughout the focal range.
I've not seen the TZ30 at the £200 mark yet (seems to be nearer £240-270), but it should creep down in price over the next few months.
I've not seen the TZ30 at the £200 mark yet (seems to be nearer £240-270), but it should creep down in price over the next few months.
58warren said:
The TZ30 is a great camera. I've just got one to replace a TZ20 mainly because of the improved zoom and better GPS facility. The Leica lens provides sharp results throughout the focal range.
I've not seen the TZ30 at the £200 mark yet (seems to be nearer £240-270), but it should creep down in price over the next few months.
I've seen it brand new on Ebay for £170, but I don't know how good it is at photographing fast-moving subjects? Thanks I've not seen the TZ30 at the £200 mark yet (seems to be nearer £240-270), but it should creep down in price over the next few months.
I guess the £170 price is the import from Hong Kong. It will likely be branded as the overseas model (Panasonic ZS20), but is essentially the same camera. Some eBay sellers look as though they are UK based, but often the goods are from HK - I know all the ones I looked at were HK based and I ended up buying from Amazon for reassurance. I guess it's best just to check out their feedback before parting with a fair bit of money. Of course you may find a seller who is UK based and get a bargain.
The camera has a mode for fast sports action in the Scene (SCN) setting, but I've not yet used it, so can't comment.
The camera has a mode for fast sports action in the Scene (SCN) setting, but I've not yet used it, so can't comment.
Just noticed Jessops are doing the TZ30 with £35 cashback, so it's effectively available for £200 and easier to return to the shop as opposed to posting back to a web based seller if there are any problems.
I'm sure Jessops would let you try one in store, but might be difficult testing fast action shots out!!!
I'm sure Jessops would let you try one in store, but might be difficult testing fast action shots out!!!
58warren said:
Just noticed Jessops are doing the TZ30 with £35 cashback, so it's effectively available for £200 and easier to return to the shop as opposed to posting back to a web based seller if there are any problems.
I'm sure Jessops would let you try one in store, but might be difficult testing fast action shots out!!!
Thanks very much for the help! I'll go and have a look.I'm sure Jessops would let you try one in store, but might be difficult testing fast action shots out!!!
To be honest I did the same, wanting a compact to take away on holidays and weekends away instead of the Canon 600d.
I find I rarely use my SLR now as the TZ Panasonic's are very good. The 20x optical zoom range on the TZ30 (24mm - 480mm) pretty much equals that of the two lenses I have for my SLR. The Leica lens is also pretty sharp allied to a 14 megapixel sensor.
I find I rarely use my SLR now as the TZ Panasonic's are very good. The 20x optical zoom range on the TZ30 (24mm - 480mm) pretty much equals that of the two lenses I have for my SLR. The Leica lens is also pretty sharp allied to a 14 megapixel sensor.
Thanks for the help 58warren, I bought the TZ30 from Ebay in the end but went to Jessops to try it out and it seemed very responsive. Here's the link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-PANASONIC-DMC-ZS20-T...
Coming in late on this. I bought the TZ30 and find it a good camera. It got slightly damp on holiday and threw a hissy fit and was very random for several days until it dried out. I had a Canon A710iS before and I stlll prefer that and the software that came with it and it certainly coped better with mild moisture. Overall, I also prefer Canon software but the more modern Canons seem more plasticky and the later Canon software is not as good as it was a few years back.
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