Compact or bridge for travelling... thoughts please!

I have been researching a suitable camera to buy recently and just can't decide! I am a little more experienced than a beginner and would like the "room to grow" and control that a standard compact generally can't offer. My only stipulations apart from the above is I would like as high zoom range as possible (without too much distortion) and something that takes good quality photos..

I am torn between a Canon G9 (for the quality and size) and something like a Fujifilm s100fs (for the zoom). I don't want a full SLR because of the added weight/ hassle of lenses, equipment etc. I am planning to take this camera backpacking, you see, and so want something small and inconspicuous (for obvious reasons)..

I also considered the olympus 1030sw because it's virtually indestructable and discreet, but I just think it won't have the adabtability I want..

I know it's a lot to ask, but any suggestions or advice on my criteria? perhaps some advice from someone who owns one of the above cameras for some tips on suitability? Thanks for reading!budding pro!..

Comments (5)

I like my Panasonic FZ18 for my travel photos.Has a large 18x and lots of manual controls, I have been very happywith the results over the past year...

Keep on shooting memories.....

Comment #1

Vote #2 for FZ-18. The 28-504mm versatility is great plus it has threads for adding filters and teleconverters for additional zoom or macro shooting.Steve..

Comment #2

Unless the focus of the trip is wildlife, I can't see a big need for big zoom. The most weight I'd want to hike with is a Canon SD870 or Sony H10. I had a Canon S3 and I was glad to replace it with a lighter ultracompact. But I'm now a creaky old dude. In my youth I could carry a Hasselblad all day..

Kelly Cook..

Comment #3

I for one think you would be very happy with the s100fs....the image quality from this camera is amazing, not to mention it has duel image stablizatin built in and the dynamic range setting work amazing(no more blown highlights) and it's has the largest sensor of all the bridge cams. And it has full auto and full manual setting so it gives you a little room to growYou can add tcon's ,filters, macro lenses,external flashes ect to it...oooh and it was voted the best bridge cam on the market by the TIPA awards.FUJI FINEPIX S100FS, S9000http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12031129733..

Comment #4

The panasonic fz18 has very little distortion across the zoom range. Dpreview says ....

"Given the huge (28-504mm equiv.) range, the lens shows remarkably little distortion.".

Here's the complete review ....

Http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz18/.

One of the things I like about the FZ18 is that it has 28mm which I find very useful and is an important capability if you are serious about photography..

The update to the FZ18 ... the FZ28 ... is now available. I don't know how it's actual performance compares to the FZ18, but it does give you a tad more at the wideangle end ... 27mm FOV..

Good luck,.

- Simon.

Http://scpics.smugmug.com/..

Comment #5

Click Here to View All...

Sponsored Amazon Deals:

1. Get big savings on Amazon warehouse deals.
2. Save up to 70% on Amazon Products.

This question was taken from a support group/message board and re-posted here so others can learn from it.

snubbr.com

This question was taken from a support group/message board and re-posted here so others can learn from it.