The camera world is forever abuzz with news, reviews and new camera models coming to the market. Camera manufacturing companies are fighting to stay in the market and in doing so, they produce cutting edge cameras better than the ones they produced last year and the beat goes on. While this presents a larger field for consumers to choose from, it also throws them into a dilemma, not knowing what camera is good for them. This is more prevalent among amateur photographers who spend hours on the net searching for what camera will be good for their entry.
While this is not a conclusive list of 5 best compact cameras to buy, we have tried to select the models below based on various product reviews from around the world and compared with what is available in the Indian market. Before you start taking loans to buy some of the models we are about to review, you may need to do your own research and settle for what impresses your senses. Here is our pick:
Fujifilm Finepix X100
Some of us will still remember the Leica M-series, the classic designed cameras that even became iconic representation of cameras in movies of late 50s to mid 70s and still lived on even to the 90s. While many camera manufacturers tried to design camera ‘to appeal to the young generation’, Fujifilm came up with a surplice in the form of Fujifilm Finepix X100. The camera embodies the classic design in its metallic look chassis, die-cast magnesium alloy top, base plates and machined control dials. This camera features 12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a 23mm fixed focal length F/2 lens. It has included many technological add-ons including a newly developed Hybrid Viewfinder.
This is not a cheaper camera and with the price coming somewhere in the neighborhood of Rs. 50,000, we would recommend it for seriousamateurs or professionals.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is another camera that has a hint of a classic look. This camera boast a faster lens than its predecessor, the LX3, which means in certain conditions the AF speed can gain speeds up to 40%. Though the LX5 has a broader 3.8x lens, it still maintains the wide 24mm equivalent coverage of the LX3. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 features an 11.3 Megapixel CCD sensor but specifications say 10.1 Megapixels since that is where it performs with maximum effectiveness. One great feature of this camera is the flash hotshoe which allows a photographer to use additions flashguns. This is one of the world’s best sellers and you may not find it easy with local dealers unless to hit the online stores where you will find it selling for around Rs. 29,500 to Rs. 33,000.
Olympus XZ-1
Another camera that is doing well but is featuring a 10 megapixel censor is the Olympus XZ-1. This camera features an ultra-bright 28-112mm equivalent f/1.8-2.5 zoom lens which is an improvement is predecessor. This lens works better in low light conditions than the earlier cameras of the same line did. The camera also features a high-resolution 3-inch OLED screen and a 1/1.63 inch CCD imager with sensor-shift image stabilization. Olympus XZ-1 is basically for serious photographers and they will be pleased with the professional features included in the camera. These features include a full manual exposure mode, raw image capture, wireless TTL flash control and compatibility with a wide range of accessories including external flashguns and macro LED lights, a detachable electronic viewfinder and external microphone set. The camera is modestly priced and is available all over India for prices ranging from Rs. 22,395 to just above Rs. 31,000.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V
Sony has always impressed its consumers with the quality of their products. They go an extra mile to make sure their customers go for their products and not look elsewhere. This is what they did with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V which came in fitted with a built in GPS tracking and a travel 16x, 24-384mm zoom lens, 16.2 megapixels and a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. The camera also features a 3 inch LCD screen with 921,000-dots, 10fps burst shooting mode at full resolution, ISO range of 100-3200 among other great features not forgetting that it records HD videos as well. The camera is quite affordable with a price tag of around Rs. 20,000 though you can find better bargains from the online stores which sell the camera for as less as Rs. 16,600.
Nikon Coolpix P500
Nikon never disappoints with the quality of their cameras and one of their latest entries into their Coolpix performance series is the Nikon Coolpix P500. This camera is loaded with great features that will appeal even to professional photographers but one of its selling points is the 36x wide-angle optical Zoom Nikkor ED glass lens which offers the longest zoom ever integrated into a Coolpix camera with a shooting range of a super wide-angle 22.5mm to 810mm equivalent. This 12.1-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor camera also features a 1080p Full HD movie recording capability with one-touch operation and its priced at around Rs. 24,000.
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