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The PowerShot SX260 HS is Canon’s latest compact travel zoom camera, replacing the SX230. The SX260 offers a number of impressive improvements including a new zoom lens that is wider and more powerful than its predecessor. The SX260 features the same 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor as its predecessor, although it features the new DIGIC 5, a larger lens focal range (up to 20X zoom), a faster burst rate (10.3 frames per second) and a 4:3 LCD aspect ratio for its three-inch screen.

Compared to the SX230, the SX260 offers a more streamlined appearance thanks to its redesigned compact form factor. The SX260 features a robust metal body that gives the camera an extraordinarily solid feel, one that suggests a high-quality product. The flash, stereo microphones and speaker are located at the top of the body. The GPS portion that once protruded prominently at the top of the camera is now integrated into the camera body. The power button was also relocated from the back of the camera to the top. All of the buttons now fit flush with the camera body. Canon also replaced the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio of the three-inch LCD display with a more conventional 4:3 aspect ratio, which makes it much easier to view and compose photos.

Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Canon SX260 HS vs Olympus VH-515

The new 20X lens is the most prominent feature of the SX260. It offers a more powerful telephoto zoom – the equivalent of 25 – 500 millimeters in focal length. The major trade-off is the F3.5 – 6.8 lens, compared to the F3.1 – 5.9 lens on the SX230. The higher lens aperture range makes it perform worse in low-light conditions, although the pop-up flash located to the upper left of the lens attempts to make up for it, with a working range of 0.5 to 3.5 meters at wide-angle and 1.0 to 2.0 meters at telephoto. Canon offers a slave flash sold separately with a range of up to 30 feet for more demanding situations.

The SX260 offers a 10-percent increase in battery life over its predecessor. However, at 230 shots via the CIPA standard of battery life, its overall battery life remains on the lower end of the performance scale. The SX260 manages to edge out cameras such as the Nikon Coolpix S9300 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS by 30 shots, yet it falls flat when compared with similar cameras like Fuji’s FinePix F770EXR (300 shots) and Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V (320 shots). To its credit, the NB-6L battery generates a complete charge via wall charger in under two hours, but picking up a spare battery is highly advised.

The SX260 is meant more for photographers in need of a good-quality camera that offers GPS capability and excellent image quality. Photographers who are used to working with RAW image files may find the lack of format support in this particular camera somewhat disappointing. In addition, it doesn’t offer many of the fine-tuning and manual controls found on more expensive models. Nevertheless, it offers great pictures thanks to several innovative features, including the iContrast Mode that reduces highlights and brightens shadows found in photos. For $349, the SX260 HS offers a solid and well-built value for many photographers.

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The Nikon Coolpix P310 is almost the same as its predecessor the P300 apart from the added and customisable function button which can be found at the front. Easily portable, without the bulk of a DSLR, and measuring only 103.0 x 58.3 x 32.0 mm with a weight of less than 200g, it is an ideal lightweight pocket compact camera perfectly suited to a keen amateur, and is available in both black and white with a solid feeling to its high quality construction. It compares well in size to the Olympus XZ-1 and the Panasonic Lumix LX5, being a good bit smaller than both of those models.

Image quality is fantastic for a camera of this size with a small 16MP CMOS sensor which also allows for HD videos at 1080p resolution, stereo sound and a movie-record button for ease of use. There is a NIKKOR 4.2x optical zoom lens at the front with a good focal range of between 24 and 100 mm, making it wide enough for landscape photography but also suitable for portrait shots. One of the main features of the Nikon Coolpix P310 is its bright f/1.8 maximum aperture.

Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Canon SX160 IS vs Olympus VH-515

Nikon also have a vibration reduction system, a feature now commonly included in high-end compacts. This mechanism stabilizes images and safeguards against camera shake, helping the user to take sharper photos while utilizing slower shutter speeds than would normally be used. It is especially useful when holding the camera in poor lighting conditions. The VB system as it is known is beneficial to the sharpness of the images and often means the difference between shooting a good, sharp photo or totally missing an opportunity, and it doesn’t affect the use of the camera in any noticeable way. Coolpix P310 also effectively treats noise, but only up to around ISO 400 where you will find some additional loss of color. Lack of detail, desaturation and increased noise affect the image quality, and will occur from ISO 400 and beyond.

If you plan to take photos at night, you are in luck, as the maximum shutter speed is 8 seconds. A large command dial on the top plate can be used to set the shutter speed, with dual controls for setting both the aperture and the shutter speed, an unusual feature on a compact. The top plate also features a mode dial, power switch, and a shutter release. Every camera setting is easily modified, giving the user the feeling of being in control. The macro performance is excellent, with focusing possible only 3cms away.

Using the continuous shooting mode Nikon quotes a speed of 6 frames every second, but in reality this is limited to 5 images at full resolution. A more realistic rate would be one frame per second, allowing up to 30 images. Disappointingly for some critics of advanced compacts, the RAW file format is not supported, despite being available with most of the main competitors to the P310.

The 3-inch LCD screen at the back of the camera has an impressive specification with a resolution of 921k-dots, and an anti-reflective coating which allows images to be captured even in tricky lighting conditions. It occasionally suffers from the tendency to underexpose and overexpose, and also has the odd problem with an unreliable white balance. However its credentials still put it firmly up beside some of the best compacts on the market.

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D800 uses numerous features from the D4 except, it is in a smaller body and at a more reasonable price. In addition, it has a densely populated sensor with 36.3MP. Other similar features to D4 include Multi-Cam 3500 FX Auto Focus system, EXPEED 3 processor that provides over 50 A/F points, and at a 91k pixel metering system. Many people like the D800 because it has the capability to focus right down to -2 EV and at the same time, it is able to shoot right up to ISO 25,600 with Hi2 setting. This type of capability is ideal for a low-light shoot, especially if the image noise is at a satisfactory level. Due to its effective pixel count, it is not a big surprise that it has a lower maximum continuous shooting rate compared to the D700. Nevertheless, the D800 is no slouch with its 4FPS at full resolution with a standard battery and 5FPS using a battery grip. With this camera in your hands, you can boost it even further by dropping the size of the image to capture DX format photos.

Nikon D800 vs Canon EOS 60Da vs Pentax K-30

Compared to the D4 camera, D800′s central 11 Auto Focus is able to function at f/8, which means the A/F system will still work when the tele-converters are used to expand the reach of telephoto lenses. This feature suits wildlife photographers who want to avoid the burden and the expenditure of dragging their selection of heavy and long optics. For example, a 200-400mm f/4 fitted tele-converter is able to become a 400-800mm f/8 efficiently and yet, the D800 Auto Focus system is able to function excellently. With D700, you will not be able to switch to video mode, as it is unavailable, but with the Nikon D800, it has full high definition functionality. Additionally, it can record 1080p video at 24, 25, 30FPS frame rates, along with 50 and 60FPS rates at 720p for recording slow motion films. In D800 video mode, you will find both FX and DX crops; even though you will notice that, it lacks the useful 1920 x 1090-crop mode, which can be found in the D4.

Nikon D800 has dual memory card slots, which can be frustrating for professional photographers as they will have to carry two different cards at all times. D800 utilizes existing memory card formats such as, SD/SDHC/SDXC and Compact Flash. Its shutter has been tested for more than 200,000 cycles and the battery life is reduced to 850 shots at CIPA standard, which is in accordance to the new Japanese electronics law. Depending on the situation or shoot, the battery has the potential to last a lot longer. You should also know that the Nikon D800 has a built-in pop-up flash unit, which is truly practical for activating external lights wirelessly and to provide fill-in lights. In comparison to the Canon 5D Mark III, you will find that it does not have a built-in flash, which is one of the reasons why a large number of people prefer the D800 to the Canon DSLR.

Nikon introduced the D800 in two versions, which is the standard body and the special edition, aptly named D800E. The Nikon D800E comes with a modified filter over the sensor, which has no anti-aliasing values. Like any other special edition items, the price is a few hundred dollars more than the standard body. Without the anti-aliasing filter, it allows photographers to resolve many details, but you will come across moirÉ patterning or false color. This may result in post-capture processing, but keep in mind that with many photo editing software programs on the market; you are able to remove the interference without any difficulty. The Nikon Capture NX2 software is known to have some of the best features to remove or lessen the effect, which comes with the D800E.

The D800 possesses the ASRS (Advanced Scene Recognition System) with 91000 pixel RGB sensor with the capability to deliver unparalleled precision, face recognition, and auto white balance. The capabilities allow the DSLR camera to analyze and identify faces, track subjects, study highlights, and identify light source.

Therefore, with all the hype, was the D800 worth the wait by amateurs and professional photographers all over the world? On the whole, the Nikon D800 offers plenty of advanced features including dual memory cards, powerful video recording capability, new battery system, a 100% viewfinder, and so much more that can correspond with the existing standards. Due to many previous complaints, Nikon has listened to them and they have tripled the pixel count as well. The DLSR is highly recommended and it is certainly an exceptional upgrade.

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Photographers that travel frequently and want a powerful camera with advanced GPS geo-tagging abilities are well served to check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The Lumix DMC-ZS30 is a smallish travel camera that takes over where the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ20 left off. The ZS-30 is equipped with a whopping 20x zoom lens that gives field of views that almost rival full size DSLR cameras. With a suggested retail price of $279, the Lumix ZS-30 gives a high-priced performance on a strict budget.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 vs Nikon P7700 vs Canon SX160IS

Photo Quality and Performance

As a travel point and shoot style camera, the Lumix DMC-ZS30 provides seamless use out of the box. A set of very easy to use menu buttons allows intuitive scrolling through the many automatic options (nighttime, surf/sand, portrait, pets, fireworks, macro, panoramic, self-portrait) as well as a partial manual override that allows ISO and aperture precision. Holding the camera feels natural and the placement of the 3-inch LED screen lets users shoot from the hip or via the eye-viewfinder.

Photo quality is what would be expected from a point and shoot style camera. Panoramic and scenery photos have tight and precise colors with just a little noise to the outer edges when the optical zoom is maxed out. If using the 20x optical zoom all the way it pays to use a bi- or tripod to stabilize the camera as it becomes very sensitive to movement.

Memory and Battery

The Lumix DMC-ZS30 comes with a small lithium-ion battery and charger. The DMC-ZS30 gets approximately 250 shots per full charge or up to 70 minutes of standard 780p video. The 1080p video mode gets approximately 55 minutes off a full battery charge. Panasonic says the battery will go through up to two or three thousand charges before it begins to lose life and holding power.

The DMC-ZS30 accepts SD memory cards up to 64GB. Data transfer speeds are slightly sluggish but are fast enough to fire off several shots on the camera’s 4fps and get them into the card before powering off the camera. The speeds do not match up to a DSLR or mini K-lens camera, but this is to be expected from a lightweight point and shoot set up.

Stacking Up Against Competitors

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 goes up against the SureShot, PowerShot and WPiO cameras from Canon, Nikon and Pentax. The Lumix holds its own against them with minimal speed differences so small they barely register for the casual shooter. With the price point coming in below its competitors it gets an upper edge for those on limited budgets.

Verdict

When cost is a factor along with space and quality the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 is a stand out camera in this category. It has a natural feel to it that makes it easy to grip and use and has a very easy interface to keep any learning curve low. It produces high quality photos and does not require a lot of space, making it a great travel camera. Go for the DMC-ZS30 when the travel plans call for fantastic photos.

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Pentax comes to the “mini” DSLR market with its K-01 camera. The K-01 competes with the Nikon One series, as well as the Panasonic Lumix GX1, Sony NEX-5N and Olympus PEN E-P3. With a street price of approximately $799, it is slightly more than the Nikon and Olympus offerings. The question is, does the price of the K-01 come with features that merit the additional cost? With the interchangeable lenses, as well as its ability to handle other K-Mount lenses, the K-01 offers quite a bit of flexibility and modification potential. The fact it is compatible with other K-Mount lenses makes it a very versatile camera for field use around the world. With this and a few new features, it seems the K-01 is up to the challenge no matter the high price tag.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 vs Pentax K-01

Sensor and Photo Quality

The Pentax The APS-C CMOS sensor was first introduced in the company’s K-5. Due to the success and well-received reviews, Pentax decided to outfit the K-01 with the same processor. Its 16-megapixel range gives crisp clarity to landscapes and action shots. Portrait and macro work suffers slightly at the edges with noticeable noise that needs to be fixed during the post/editing sessions.

The APS-C CMOS sensor is powerful and handy, but it does suffer from slightly lower shutter speeds than expected for a camera in this range. While the photo quality far surpasses that of the Nikon and Sony competitors, the slow shutter speed gives it a sluggish performance comparatively.

Design and Ergonomics

If aesthetics account for anything, then the K-01 stands above the crowd. From the first glance, it is clear that Pentax added a design that is timeless. The hand/palm grip is solid and fits snuggly into most hand sizes, and the controls are well placed and easy to use during shooting sessions. The clear 3-inch LED screen has glare-proof coatings so it is easily used in bright light conditions.

The actual design and color options were outsourced to world-renowned designer Marc Newson. Choose from yellow, black or blue body styles.

A simple switch allows the lens to come off easily and smoothly. When changing in the field, the ease of lens change means less time is spent with the sensor exposed to dust and particles.

Manual/Auto

The auto range of the K-01 is impressive and comes with pre-formatted options for a variety of shooting conditions. When more control is needed, simply switch from Auto to Manual (A/M), and the camera takes on the qualities of a DSLR camera. Adjusting ISO, aperture and light stops are easily done using the buttons and dials on the rear/top of the K-01.

Verdict

If the outward appearance, style and ergonomics are important then look no further than the K-01. This camera is gorgeous in design. Its performance is good in almost every respect except for the shutter speed. With the suggested retail price hovering near $800, users need to decide if they want to sacrifice a slight performance nod for the beautiful design of the K-01.

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Canon seems to be going against popular thought with its EOS-1D X full frame DSLR. Instead of building on the sensor power of the predecessor Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III and its 21 megapixels, Canon instead goes to a lower megapixel sensor of 18 mp for the EOS 1D-X. The company’s reason behind this is two-fold: the handling and menus are much more intuitive; the fps (frames per second) is a bold and impressive 12 fps. This is new territory for a camera in the professional realm, and the EOS-1D X sits boldly atop the heap as a result.

Standard Features

The Canon EOS-1D X comes with the following functions out of the box:

• Gapless micro lens 18 megapixel sensor @ 36 x 24mm CMOS
• Inverted controls for landscape/portrait shooting
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack
• Two Digic 5+ processors
• 12fps with autofocus and metering
• 61-point autofocus
• 1080p video-shooting at 30, 25 or 24 fps

The New Sensor

With the EOS-1D X, Canon changes the professional camera world with the new sensors found in the camera. When compared to similar models such as the Nikon D7000, the EOS-1D X is a speed demon that can handle burst shooting and multis better than anything currently on the market. The 36-x 24mm CMOS sensor allows the camera to go into auto focus during the 12fps as well as monitor and adjust metering as the conditions change. This alone is worth its weight in gold for any shooter doing sports, action or wildlife photography as it gives precise and pinpoint shots during chaotic field use.

Switch to the Live View mode and the sensor goes into either phase detection focusing or contrast detection depending on the shooter’s needs. Hit the HDR menu option and the EOS-1D X shoots in.jpg and RAW, saving three images in different data composites (constituent and composite). This goes directly into one of two SD cards that the EOS-1D X is equipped to accept (up to 64GB). It is hard to compare this to a competitor’s product, as this tech has not yet reached them.

Canon EOS-1D X vs Nikon D4 vs Olympus E-5

Weight, Size and Ergonomics

A professional DSLR should feel like a beast. The EOS-1D X is no exception. Upon lifting it, it feels like a camera that is built to last and undergo extremes. The SD card enclosure is stout and gives confidence to the shooter that nothing will compromise the priceless cards while in the camera. At 6.2 x 6.4 x 3.3 inches the EOS-1D X is noticeably bigger than most other DSLR cameras in this range, so much so it may warrant a larger case or field bag. A full weather sealing gives the EOS-1D X a tight and powerful water resistance and can be used in inclement weather.

Canon outfits the new EOS-1D X with a “multi-control” joystick placed to the right of the LED screen. This is easily and intuitively controlled with the thumb. A second joystick control is placed to the back left for use during portrait shooting angles and degrees. The hierarchy/menu follows prior Canon models, so those familiar with the company’s menu structure will be ready to use the EOS-1D X straight out of the box.

LCD Display

The 3-inch LCD display screen gives rich color and composition displays. Glare-free coatings allow users to shoot in bright sun or lighting and still be able to accurately compose and see via the screen as well as the eye-viewfinder.

Photo Quality and Performance

This is where the new EOS-1D X shines. With an automatic white balance as part of the default shooting mode, pictures come out with warm tones and crisp colors that rarely need calibrating during post. Setting the iFCL metering system to on yields results that give fantastic and accurate exposure even under difficult light situations. Again, this raises the EOS-1D X over former lines in Canon’s DSLR line up and over other competing cameras.

Going into the AF mode takes some time. Getting the full effect of the feature requires diligence and patience to program it for the shooter’s personal needs and uses. This is not an intuitive process and will take some time until the setting feels right and accurate. That said, once done the AF setting is as sharp and accurate as any camera on the market. Shooting in low light under the adjusted AF mode produces images that are incredible; yet do not stack up to the Nikon D800 and its whopping 36-megapixel abilities. Expect to see small amounts of noise under ISO speeds above 51,200.

Speed

As mentioned, the EOS-1D X is probably the fastest camera now on the market for the professional photographer. The 12 fps blows the D800 out of the water and produces images exact and precise. If the mirror lock-up is switched on (removing the autofocus) the EOS-1D X shoots a blistering 14 fps! There is no other camera that can accomplish this today. When set to the lock-up, the 14 fps can be shot in.jpg only, but that is hardly a detriment when shooting scenes that require such speed (wildlife, birds, auto races, etc). Full-frame quality comes with the high speeds, as this is a hallmark of the new Digic 5+ processors set into the camera.

Battery Power

The weak link on the EOS-1D X is battery life. When using the 12 fps, the battery lasts a weak 300 shots. Expect around 350+ when not using the high fps setting. Because of this, users should carry several fully charged battery packs when doing remote shots or fieldwork. The included battery pack can undergo several thousand charging cycles before power is compromised and life becomes an issue.

The Final Verdict

When any shooter purchases a camera with a price tag of $6500, they expect the absolute best in terms of design, stability, duration and quality. Canon ups the ante with the new Digic 5+ processors and makes the EOS-1D X one of the premier cameras on the market in this category. It more than handles its own against the D800 or D7000 and stands out among its own company’s other cameras. The EOS-1D X is a powerful tool that opens up new shooting possibilities even at the expense of higher resolution sensors.

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If power, function and a little bit of fashion is what you require out of your digital camera then the very fashionable and functional Nikon Coolpix S9300 is the ticket. Sitting securely among the elite in the point and shoot camera category, the Coolpix S9300 builds on the success Nikon has found with the entire Coolpix line. Nikon goes the distance with the S9300, giving it near every modern function that could be found on a digital camera.

For the fashion conscious, the Coolpix S9300 is available in a sharp metallic red, gunmetal grey or a matte-black. Every color choice comes with the same features, a highlight of which is the huge 16-megapixel mirrorless sensor. To get the camera to excel at long-distance and telephoto shots, Nikon equips the S9300 with an 18x digital/optical zoom.

Samsung NX210 vs Nikon Coolpix S9300 vs Sony DSC-RX100

Two slider buttons allow the telephoto/optical zoom to zoom in and out. Users need to use a bipod or tripod for extreme long distance use (when the optical zoom is extended the whole way), as it becomes vibration sensitive, even with the built in Vibration-Reduction Lens Shift. Nikon also gives the S9300 a 25-mm wide-angle view for great panoramic and landscape photos.

A built-in flash provides adequate lighting for indoor or assisted outdoor photo work. The downside is that the built-in flash tends to wash out subjects during outdoor use and gives red-eye to subjects during inside shooting, though a built-in photo editor allows for post-shooting red-eye removal.

The S9300 accepts SD memory cards up to 64GB. The SD card slot is housed next to the lithium-ion battery slot under the camera. SD cards up to 64GB are accepted by the camera’s processor.

Video of 1080p and still photos are possible with the S9300. When shooting the video expect to get approximately 45 minutes of battery life off a fully charged cycle. Nikon says the camera and battery provides up to 300 still photos off a full charge on the battery. Battery life will begin to erode after two to three thousand charging-cycles.

Photo quality is on par for the point and shoot category. Expect fantastic mid-range photos in regards to color accuracy, crispness and accurate exposure. Any miss-shots can be edited in the internal software or via computer editing software. There is noticeable noise to the edges of the photos when the zoom is at its full extension. Distinct photo settings include fireworks, surf/sand, portrait, macro, landscape, pets, sports/action, food and flower. Use these to get better pictures when shooting such subjects.

When compared to competing cameras such as the SureShot like or the WPO line, the Coolpix more than holds its own. The fast shutter speed of 4fps (frames per second) allows fun and clear burst shooting, a handy thing when trying to capture fast pets or sporting events.

With three-color choices the Coolpix S9300 is an attractive fashion and function camera in the point and shoot category. The suggested retail price of $299 to $349 keeps it well within reach of most budgets and gives some flexibility for the aesthetically minded photographer.

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The Samsung NX210 falls into the “mini” DSLR category and competes with the Nikon One series along with the Sony Alpha line. The Samsung NX210 is interesting because it was announced only seven months after the Samsung NX200 hit the shelves. The Samsung NX210 hit the retail shelves at the end of April 2012 and builds off the success of the NX200.

Samsung decided to begin phasing out the old camera models in favor of Wi-Fi enabled models, hence the switch within a calendar year between the NX200 and the NX210. The NX210 allows users the ability to transfer photos from the camera via wireless technology and gives accurate geo-tagging to each photo taken (when the feature is turned on). The only physical difference between the two models is the Wi-Fi button that turns on the wireless functions.

Samsung NX210 vs Leica X2 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

The Samsung NX210 uses more battery power when the Wi-Fi function is enabled, so caution needs to be taken when using it. According to Samsung, the NX210 battery gives approximately three hours of full time use when Wi-Fi is enabled versus up to seven when it is turned off. As for battery life and photos, Samsung says that the battery will give up to 300 pictures off a full charge. A charger is included with the camera and the battery will go through two thousand charges before it begins to lose function.

The NX210 has a lightning fast 8 fps (frames per second) when it is set to burst function. With the SD card memory these shots get recorded in near real-time. The NX210 can handle SD cards up to 64GB in size.

Like the NX200, the NX210 interfaces with a USB controlled remote fob. This is sold as an accessory and gives an added level of control when using long telephoto lenses. The lenses themselves are fully interchangeable on the NX210 provided they are K-style.

The NX210 has a whopping 20.3-megapixel sensor that gives incredibly crisp and accurate photos. There is very little noise, even when using telephoto or optical zooms. If video is needed, the NX210 shoots in 1080p high-resolution. Expect to get approximately 50 minutes of video shooing off a full battery charge.

There is a vivid 3-inch LED screen off the back. Use the screen menu to navigate the multiple functions on the camera. When the need for manual override for aperture and ISO settings is needed, simply flip the button over the “M” to override all automatic functions.

The NX210 has a suggested retail price of $899 making it a bit above the average when comparing it to the Nikon or Sony lines of “smart” mini DSLR cameras. That said, with its speed and picture clarity the price may be worth it if precision in color and photo quality is an absolute necessity. The NX210 will take any K-series lens, including those made by another company. The NX210 is a powerful camera that has the ability to expand and grow with the user (add lenses, switch to override manual) and has a beautiful shape and design. The NX210 should be a great go-to camera for amateurs and prosumer level photographers.

Our challenge this month is being sponsored by !Mo Camera Straps, makers of fashionable and practical camera straps. There will be two prizes awarded:

• One Gift Pack consisting of two neoprene quick release camera straps and one cotton tape camera strap of your choice. (Valued at $74 USD): Will be awarded to the strongest overall submission, judged based on subject matter and photographic content.
• One Cotton tape quick release camera strap of your choice. (Valued at $25 USD): Will be awarded to the strongest image, judged purely on photographic merit.

This challenge is starting late, so I will extend the timeframe for a full 30 days, closing on the 5th of October. Additionally, photos must have been taken in the past 6 months – dated April 1 or later. To enter, simply create an account with Shuttertalk if you haven’t already, and post your entry as a single post to this discussion thread.

Thanks again to our sponsor, !Mo Camera Straps for this month’s prizes and all the best – I trust it will be an enjoyable and fun experience for all!

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As far as budget-saving, consumer-friendly cameras go, Panasonic has been putting out a wide range of cameras that have great appeal to the amateur audience. The Lumix DMC-ZS15 falls into this same category. It has a 12 megapixel sensor, 16X zoom lens, a very simplistic movie mode, and no GPS capabilities. With 70 MB of memory in this camera, consumers will find it works perfectly fine without an SD card as an emergency camera, but they will likely want to pick up a 2 GB or 8 GB memory card for picture storage. It is, on the whole, a good little camera with enough bang to allow the user to feel he or she has gotten themselves a good piece of technology, but it’s user-friendly enough to not scare beginners away.

Panasonic DMC-ZS15 vs Nikon Coolpix P7700 vs Canon SX500 IS

With a start up speed of about 1.5 seconds and a shot-to-shot speed of less than one second both with and without flash, the Lumix DMC-ZS15 is an above-average performer that won’t leave its user wanting for more. As a compact ultra-zoom, this camera is effective all the way up to ISO 800 with both natural and night time light, though the dark lighting at night causes a fair bit of detail loss at the higher ISO sensitivities.

Full HD video can be recorded (1920X1080) in Panasonic’s Motion Picture mode, though the claim that the camera is recording at 60 interlaced frames per second isn’t entirely accurate. The sensor is actually outputting 30 frames/second, which means the recording isn’t true 60i. There is also the option of recording at 720/60p, which gives you smoother video output.

This is a camera which features point-and-shoot video recording with no manual controls outside of a wind filter. The camera picks movie scene modes for users when they are in Intelligent Auto mode. The camera’s Creative Filters are also accessible for those amateur video operators. Regardless of what mode you’re in while recording video, the camera will stop recording at 4 GB, so it’s important to remember there’s only so much room you can use to record.

The body of the camera is made largely out of metal, though there is a rather flimsy-feeling mode dial. The most significant feature of the camera is its 16X optical zoom lens. There is an “active” mode for the camera, which reduces a fair bit of camera-shake, though you should keep in mind no image stabilizers on the planet will eliminate the movement of the subject itself. There’s also a 3-inch LCD screen with fairly good outdoor viewing characteristics, provided Power LCD mode is on.

As a whole, the Lumix DMC-ZS15 is a versatile compact ultra-zoom camera which gives consumers a lot of options when it comes to both indoor and outdoor photography. It’s a durable, solid little camera which can stand up to pretty much any conditions that can be thrown at it, while still giving users lots of options for camera and color effects, in addition to both standard picture and Motion Picture modes. This allows users to explore the wide range of effects and options that the camera provides. On the whole, this latest entry from Panasonic is a solid entry which will please users for years to come.