Finally! Point and Shoots for Skiers!
For the last 4+ years, I've been repeating:
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Summit
There are next to no p&s cameras out there with FPS higher than 2fps because manufacturers sacrificed framerate for megapixels.
But over the last year or so, some new products have come to market; I actually have recommendations for new point and shoot cameras, so I thought I'd make a thread. (I'll hopefully add to it after PMA/CES '12)
What makes a good point and shoot camera for a skier? IMO
Optical Viewfinder
Full Res Continuous shooting >2fps for >5sec
Image sensor 1/1.8" (or more specifically, more than 3mm^2/MP)
Quality lens >4x zoom
Full manual controls
Operable with gloves
Custom Modes
Fast/Responsive
Other nice features:
Image stabilization
RAW
HD video
I regularly capture great action at at less than 1/640. Why? Because I can TRACK my subject in the OVF. That's what the optical finder is all about: no LCD lag/blackout while shooting a moving subject. That's also particularly important if you are preset for a shot and want to click at just the right moment but still want to look through the camera instead of directly at the subject. That and wonderfully extended battery life in low temps and no problems seeing the subject due to sun glaring off the LCD. Optical finders are the shit even if they are dinky little optical tunnel finders. They are for tracking action and dealing with the sun, not for landscapes.
Better than 2fps is needed for any hope of making a sequence and for getting a good powder sequence.
The rest of the items on the list are pretty self explanatory for good image quality and usability.
Bolded cameras are the ones I have purchased.
Current High End Recommendations: These cameras have large modern sensors, optical finders, fast/quality lenses, full manual controls, HD video, and the ability to maintain 2fps or higher.
Canon G12 (infinite 2fps, 720p)
Fujifilm X10 (adjustable up to 10fps burst then infinite 2fps, 1080p)
The X10 is feature loaded with a huge unique CMOS sensor and an ultrafast f/2.0-2.8 4x zoom. The G12 has a very respectable smaller CCD sensor with a f/2.8-4.8 6x zoom. These are pricey choices, particularly the X10. However, there are some old cameras that are excellent choices available for cheap on ebay. Unfortunately, these older models are becoming scarce:
Old Cameras: These 5-6 year old models have large sensors, optical finders, fast/quality lenses, full manual controls, and the ability to maintain 2fps or higher.
Canon G7 (2fps)
Canon A610/A620 (2.4fps)
Olympus C-7070 Wide (2.4fps)
Some people want smaller cameras or need the 1080p, but can't afford the G12/X10. Well, there is a new dynamic in cameras that utilize fast BSI CMOS sensors that have reversed the low FPS high MP trend. They often have great zoom ranges, but the lenses aren't the fastest for action. Some lack full manual controls (or real apertures). However, the price and size savings require smaller, noisier sensors and slower lenses. Additionally, the trend of big LCDs and no optical finders continues. However, many options offer decent performance, great versatility, small size, and at a decent price. The handicaps of no viewfinder are compensated for with short 1 second bursts at 3-10fps. It is good for getting a moment right on the shot your preset, but tracking and sequencing is out.
Current Low End Recommendations: Decent lenses, fast/quality performance for their class, less than 1/2 lb, and capability to shoot 1080p and short high FPS bursts
Casio EX-ZR200 (30fps adjustable)
Fuji F600EXR (10fps adjustable)
Panasonic TS3 (3.7fps waterproof/shockproof)
Samsung TL350 (10fps)
Cheap Old Small Low End Recommendations: Small sensors, optical finders, smaller/slower lenses, and the ability to maintain 2fps or higher.
Canon SD900
Sony DSC-W150
From about Nov '06 to Sept '10, I haven't been able to recommend anything besides an A610 or a G7. It is nice to say something else. It's nice to see some wide lenses out there. It is nice to see some unique technology out there like BSI-CMOS and EXR backlit CMOS from Fujifilm which allows you to half the MP to double the light sensitivity or dynamic range. I anxiously await real world reviews of the ZR200. I hope to see a Canon G14 and Panasonic TS4 coming out in January.
I hope this was helpful. Discuss!
