GAS Help, it's not GAS, really!

Isoterica

Hall of Famer
As some of you may have heard me mention-- I am going on vacation in January to Australia. I will be carrying my DSLR but I also want a backup point and shoot camera to pocket. I have only had a couple weeks to investigate what is out there and thus far have tried the Fuji X10 and the Ricoh GRD IV. The Fuji is a beautiful piece of machinery but because I tend to shoot street lights, reflections etc.. the sensor blooming issue is a problem for me and one I can't afford to wait out right now as far as a firmware update. So I chose the alternative, the GRD IV. Still I am unsettled, maybe because I am a bit rushed in deciding and because of the price so I am hoping some of you can help guide me so I feel more confidant of my decision.

These are the cameras I am currently considering:

The GRD IV, Olympus XZ-1, Canon S95 [Heard the 100 isn't so great] & G12.

What am I looking for? A vacationer's camera and later, one I can toss in a purse or pocket when I am not carrying my DSLR because I always carry some kind of camera, sometimes two. I want decent IQ, I want intuitive controls because I am not a pro and confusing menu's or buttons will prevent me from taking the photos I need to when I am on vacation. I do not have time to invest on learning. Moderate zoom is nicer than no zoom but it doesn't have to be megazoom, just something to nudge me a little closer. Raw files., macro. movie mode would be nice as the only other movie option is my Droid phone at 5mp..

So if you have any of these cameras and I know my request is a little vague here but tell me what you like about it, what it is capable of and what about it isn't so good. After reading all the reviews they all seem to have some.. issue or another.
 
I have the feeling that the X10 blooming issues are blooming out of proportion, for me it would have been the best travel camera choice, while I love my GRDs I just never seem to use them for shooting color, they can I just do not. As to the other ones I have never played with Olympus but many seem to like theirs, my first assistant has a Canon S90 which he likes for a family p&s. Where are you going in Australia, cities, beaches or the center?
 
I have a proclivity to shoot reflections etc as I said and the problem would not be rectified until after I get back from vacation. I don't feel that I am blowing it out of proportion, however as a less experienced shooter I do recognize that others such as yourself might be able to work around the blooming either through adjusting something or creatively altering perspective. my skills just aren't there yet. Later.. if I want to I can always pick up the x10 again. I loved the camera, was sad to let it go particularly after I got 50$ off it. It really did do everything.

We'll be in Sidney.. hotel on the beach, exploring the city and whatever is in fair driving distance, dinner cruise etc.. we are still looking into things and will probably garner more info from people while there.
 
We'll be in Sidney.. hotel on the beach, exploring the city and whatever is in fair driving distance, dinner cruise etc.. we are still looking into things and will probably garner more info from people while there.

If I was going to Sydney and only was able to take one camera, I'd probably choose the XZ-1. That said, I do not have the X-10 to compare it to. the zoom range isnt big (4x, starting at 28mm equiv) but for most purposes, would be just fine... excellent, in fact. I have no experience of the video, so cannot speak to that.

PeterB will be able to give a list of essential touristy destinations around town, and I (being north of Sydney in Newcastle) would recommend at least a 2-3 day trip to the Hunter Valley Vineyards. In Sydney... the bridge, of course, Taronga Park Zoo, Darling Harbour and surrounds, The Rocks, as well as the NSW Art Gallery and Museum (the buildings alone never mind the exhibitions are worth a visit). Hyde Park and The Domain, and Kings Cross for the sleaze and lots of street opportunities. The XZ will handle all of that :)
 
I apologize, I was in no way implying you are blowing anything out of proportion, I was talking about forums in general. Anyway the GRD is a great city camera, small and stealth, the lack of zoom though can make some find it a limited travel camera, the Olympus XZ-1 and the Panasonic LX5 would also work
 
Thanks Sue, I will write your ideas down and show my husband. Always open to suggestions and I did get to touch, hehe, an XZ-1 today. Was nicer than I expected and actually while so many people seem to complain about the open lens, it's more like a dslr lens to me like that and less to break imho.


No worries Bob.. I am really grateful to hear from others their experiences and yes their opinions. Forums are railing over the sensor blooming, you're right. If it was any other time I probably wouldn't grouse myself but I just don't trust I'll come home with good photographs and I know we won't get out there again. :) Our flight is an accumulation of 18 years of frequent flyer miles earned while my husband worked. I'm probably worrying myself more than necessary but I've had photo labs lose ALL the film [16 rolls] from a hard earned vacation before and it was heartbreaking.
 
Kristen, whichever camera you pick I am sure it will be just fine for the trip, relax, enjoy and have a great time. Sydney is a cool city, I have always enjoyed my trips to Australia. Don't forget to bring extra batteries and sd cards
 
Kristen... If it turns out you love the XZ-1, consider adding one of Olympus's electronic viewfinders for work in bright sunlight. The VF-3 is generally about $40 less than the VF-2 but occasionally is one sale for even less. These are the same EVFs that are used on Oly's micro four-thirds cameras. In fact, if you buy the XZ-1, ask that reailer if there's a deal if you buy the EVF at the same time.
 
Stocked up on sd cards, batteries will be when I choose the camera though I am backed up on my dslr. Wanting to take my father's old rangefinder too. Not sure what film to use though for a nice all purpose. I usually just shoot b&w with it but color seems necesssary. I did ask about the vf tonight too.. the store wasn't selling very cheap, might do better online. My credit card is going to look insane.
 
Canon S95 will work great

Best is to get Canon S95 in less then $300 now for the trip and then wait for X10 to be get updated. That way you may also get a good discount from current price of X10 as it happens every time when demand gets down with the more supplies :D

Also Canon S95 is a real pocket camera you can get along with your DSLR :rolleyes:
 
Thanks. It's odd they paired the silver with the black.. I got a hard case for my stuff so I can safely go carry on. Airlines state they are not responsible for damaged or missing goods. Fancy that. It will be insured as meager as my gear is. I'm not doing the tripod etc. So my DSLR, 28mm 1.8, 50mm, 55-250mm, [debating speedlight], batteries, sdcards, circ polarizer, cleaning cloths, then Compact with extra batteries and rangefinder. The latter [Minolta 35 Model II] is because my father bought it while he was stationed in Korea during the Korean War, took it to Japan, came home to the USA and it broke some time after we kids were born. He gave it to me, I had it repaired early this spring [though it wasn't the best repair] and he thinks it's the coolest thing to see photos from it. To know it got across the world again will be a thrill for him. Makes me a little nervous to maybe have it stolen so that.. I am still debating.
 
Thanks Biro and Khozema.. I actually have a local camera store ordering in the G12 and S95 for me to play with, should get Monday or Tuesday. The X10, well that was part of my plan. Or sell what I do get unless I absolutely love it, for the X10 later.
 
Thanks Biro and Khozema.. I actually have a local camera store ordering in the G12 and S95 for me to play with, should get Monday or Tuesday. The X10, well that was part of my plan. Or sell what I do get unless I absolutely love it, for the X10 later.

FYI..
Fry's brick and mortar stores are offering the Canon G12 for $300! YMMV depending on your local store availability. It is not available for online purchase.

and you have missed this great price for S95 was selling for only $229
(SOLD OUT) Canon S95 for $229 with free 1-day shipping (Mon only) at Camera Deals
 
Out of about 300-400 shots taken so far with the X10, I have one photo in which the white discs were obvious (after I specifically looked for them). It was a night time long exposure at low ISO photo. I've posted it a couple of times in this forum, so won't overload our server with it again! :) However, that's not to say that the discs were not present on other photos, but I certainly didn't see them. That being said, I can understand your hesitation about coming back from a nice vacation and seeing tons of white discs. :)

I have the S90, which is pretty much the same as the S95. It takes some wonderful photos (not as good as the X10), but there is an appreciable shutter lag. The S90/95 is also truly pocketable.

I had the XZ1, but the auto-ISO intelligence (or lackthereof) and heavy handed NR even at low ISO (for JPG's) was a downer for me. I'm generally a RAW user, but for P&S cameras, I typically go JPG. Lots of folks love that camera though, especially when used in RAW. And from Andrew's photos (and others), great things can clearly be done with the XZ1.

I've never taken any pics with the G12, but from the tons of reviews that I've ever read about the G12, there weren't many negative ones. I love the form factor with all those dials and buttons!

I think at the end of the day, you will be happy with any of the cameras that you mentioned Kristen. Enjoy your vacation and don't overthink the gear. "Use the Force ..."

Merry Christmas and happy new year!
 
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