Opinions Sought on P&S

[D-Man]

Hi All -

I'm pretty happy with my current DSLR setup but find myself wanting a decent P&S to keep in my pocket for those times when taking the DSLR along isn't practical.

My budget is about $280
I'm not overly concerned about manual control (if I really need 'em, I'll bring the DSLR)
Having a decent zoom is reasonably important
Being able to take decent pictures in low-light without a flash is important (but I realize that this is a challenge for pretty much all P&S's)

My search thus far has led me to strongly consider the Panasonic DMC-TZ5K and so I was hoping to get the opinions of anyone here who might have experience with this camera. I'd also be interested in other recommendations that match the general criteria I've outlined above.

Thanks in advance for your replies - they are GREATLY appreciated!!

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[mianileng]

I've owned three Panasonic models and used a few other models
including the TZ1 and TZ3. I like them for a lot of reasons but
their weak point is higher-than-average noise levels in low
light.

[David J Taylor]

D-Man wrote:
[]

> My search thus far has led me to strongly consider the Panasonic
> DMC-TZ5K and so I was hoping to get the opinions of anyone here who
> might have experience with this camera. I'd also be interested in
> other recommendations that match the general criteria I've outlined
> above.

I have the Panasonic TZ3 as a movie/backup camera and I've been pleased
with it. I tend to keep it on ISO 100 or 200, so a tripod or other
bracing in low light without flash might be required.

I did have some success at a dance/60th birthday party, though, where the
slight blurring of the subjects added to the atmosphere of the image. I
took the TZ3 as small size was required, and "I was supposed to leave the
camera at home". Wish I'd actually ignored that request and taken the
DSLR, though!

As ever, do try the camera in the shop and see how the control suit you.

Cheers,
David

[Irwell]

Have a look at the Sony W300, or the Canon SD1100, both have
viewfinders, which aid in low light conditions for framing.
The Sony has adjustable Noise Reduction modes.

[Pioneer42]

The viewfinder is the main reason I bought my Canon SD1000 (which has
been updated to the SD1100). This is a feature that has all but
disappeared on modern P&S.

[mich...@overhere.com]

"D-Man" <ne...@mind.com> wrote in message
news:49a57eaa$0$32493$6c36...@news.usenetserver.com...

Hi, I have the Canon G9 compact (which is bulky and heavy). I rarely use it
as I found after a while that the photo quality just does'nt compare with my
Nikon D80 (slr). I know this sounds a bit weird, but when I don't want a
bulky camera I put a 35mm lens on the D80 and carry that. Even though the
G9 goes from about 30mm to 130mm I still prefer the 35mm better quality shot
from the D80. I suppose if you end up with one of those super slim
Panasonics then the D80 with a 35mm lens will seem enourmous.

[Ron Hunter]

If you want low light performance, you will want to make sure your model
has a focus assist lamp. Beyond that, anything less than 4X optical
zoom isn't going to be enough. Of course, being used to a DSLR, you
will want a model with optical viewfinder.

[Rich]

"D-Man" <ne...@mind.com> wrote in
news:49a57eaa$0$32493$6c36...@news.usenetserver.com:

> Hi All -
>
> I'm pretty happy with my current DSLR setup but find myself wanting a
> decent P&S to keep in my pocket for those times when taking the DSLR
> along isn't practical.

What times would those be?