In an effort to do my 365 project without lugging my nikon D70 around all the time, I just got a Nikon coolpix S4300. I'm disappointed that the images are not really crisp. Is that just typical of a point-n-shoot? My D70 pics are fantastically sharp. Am I expecting too much from the coolpix, or are there better ones out there I should consider instead?? (I have 30 days to return this current one)
I've got really crisp pics with my Canon Power Shot. Unless I zoom more than a bit. For being a PAS, I love it. I looked at the Nikon Coolpix but forget why I went with the Canon. Sorry!
The smaller the sensor, the less sharp your images are likely to be, for many reasons, a couple of which are the much lower sensitivity the smaller sensor sites have (hence the camera needing to amplify the data more and introducing more noise) and the quality of the lens that most compact cameras have.
There are variations between compact cameras and I don't know how the Nikon fairs, although I doubt it's particularly bad.
There are smallish cameras that have DSLR-matching image quality (at least for crop-frame DSLRs like the D70). Mirrorless cameras, such as the Sony NEX-6, when combined with the new 16-50mm power zoom lens, are impressively compact for something that would rival or even surpass the image quality (although probably not the usability) of your D70. The Canon G1X is another possibility, which has a slightly-smaller sensor but will still give you exceptional image quality given the size. A third option would be the Fuji X100, which has a fixed lens (no zoom).
However, they are all expensive options and none will be as compact as a truly compact camera like the S4300. Unfortunately, if you want a really small camera, image quality is not going to match that of a DSLR when you start pixel-peeping.
I'm using a Panasonic Lumix TZ10 and I love it. I'm in my third year and completely using auto so you can check out my shots to see what my little p&s produces.
I have a Canon G12 which I bought so I wouldn't have to lug my other camera around too. 6 of my last 8 photos were taken with this if you wish to check them out. It's great for landscapes and okay for people too. Here is my last shot (taken with my G12).
I have the Sony RX100, which takes nice sharp pictures. It has a much larger sensor than most point-n-shoots, although it is not as large as a DSLR. With 20mp, you can also crop in quite a bit and still have a good image. It shoots raw and jpeg. However, it costs quite a bit more than the nikon s4300. ($650) The last couple shots in my project were taken with it, but they are heavy on the photoshop, so it may not be helpful.
I use a Canon Powershot SX210 IS and love it. It's compact and has a great zoom as well as a macro function. Here's one I took recently and if you want to see how it handles landscapes, etc., check out my project:
I have a Panasonic Lumix and it saved my butt this weekend because I forgot the sd card for my nikon D70 so I know what you mean about not being happy with point & shoot. but as far as they go i am happy with what i got! and it has some cool settings like a fireworks mode!
Sharpness has many factors. As mentioned, the small sensor of a pocket camera can affect perceived sharpness. This is typically magnified when you enlarge the image. However, if it is very noticeable on your monitor, I would suggest there is an issue with your camera, either in design or perhaps yours is defective. There is also cost. Manufacturers do not give you everything in the least expensive models, else there would be no need to part with loads more dosh.
Update:
Just read reviews on your model and they do suggest it is design.
You can stay with a PAS, but it is likely you will need to spend a bit more.
I've a Canon G12 and G1X as my PAS cameras and both have excellent IQ. The downside is cost.
@sunshinephoto5 That's what I was going to suggest! I love my Panasonic Lumix @ksiugzda My Panasonic Lumix is a bridge camera, so it's still a bit bulky (like the D40), but it can still do everything that a DSLR can do--you just don't have to change lenses. And with some of the settings, it's like you brought 2 or three lenses with you anyway. I can get both macro and wide angle landscapes with it. So i try to use my D40 whenever I can, but since I only have 2 lenses (kit and 50mm) I still rely on my bridge camera. Anyway, you can look at my project if you would like to see how capable my lightweight bridge camera is. :-)
I used a LumixTZ-20 for the majority of my first year, the picture quality is great - tried a few different p&s over time and this has certainly been the best
Thank you all for the feedback!! I have several other cameras to investigate!! After more playing with my Coolpix S4300, I've discovered it takes better photos close up. Any wide angle, full room shots are terribly "chunky" when I view it at 100% in Lightroom, with lots of ragged edges.
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
There are variations between compact cameras and I don't know how the Nikon fairs, although I doubt it's particularly bad.
There are smallish cameras that have DSLR-matching image quality (at least for crop-frame DSLRs like the D70). Mirrorless cameras, such as the Sony NEX-6, when combined with the new 16-50mm power zoom lens, are impressively compact for something that would rival or even surpass the image quality (although probably not the usability) of your D70. The Canon G1X is another possibility, which has a slightly-smaller sensor but will still give you exceptional image quality given the size. A third option would be the Fuji X100, which has a fixed lens (no zoom).
However, they are all expensive options and none will be as compact as a truly compact camera like the S4300. Unfortunately, if you want a really small camera, image quality is not going to match that of a DSLR when you start pixel-peeping.
Update:
Just read reviews on your model and they do suggest it is design.
You can stay with a PAS, but it is likely you will need to spend a bit more.
I've a Canon G12 and G1X as my PAS cameras and both have excellent IQ. The downside is cost.
@ksiugzda My Panasonic Lumix is a bridge camera, so it's still a bit bulky (like the D40), but it can still do everything that a DSLR can do--you just don't have to change lenses. And with some of the settings, it's like you brought 2 or three lenses with you anyway. I can get both macro and wide angle landscapes with it. So i try to use my D40 whenever I can, but since I only have 2 lenses (kit and 50mm) I still rely on my bridge camera. Anyway, you can look at my project if you would like to see how capable my lightweight bridge camera is. :-)