Time for a new compact camera.....

[British Red]

harry,

The macro is good and the camera also has a super macro setting. You will need a tripod in low light - but thats true of most tight macro work due to the short depth of field.

Its not as good as my Canon DSLR with a proper macro lens - but then the compact cost less than just the lens did

Red

 

[Chopper]

Hi BR,

I have been toying with an Canon EOS 100D with a 300mm tele lens, and or a G10 for the past few weeks trying to get the best of both worlds. Then I read this thread and done some reading on the web and I now have got an even bigger dilema as I keep thinking of the Canon SX10is.

How are you finding yours and what is the image quality on maximum zoom? I hope you dont mind me asking, but if its as good as I hope I will save approx £600.

 

[British Red]

Chopper - I have a 400D and a big old bag of lenses (18-50, 80-200, 135-400 and 60mm macro). probably 90% of the time now I take the sx10is. Its easier to carry and does most things well.

There are a few things where the SLR is better - it focuses faster (vital for birds on the wing and other really fast moving subjects). The manual focus is superior. A true macro lens is much better for "insects eye" type close ups. The SLR can do RAW format if you are into heavy manipulation of images (The G10 does RAW - the SX10is doesn't).

The Sx10is doesn't get dust on the sensor. It weighs 10% of the SLR gear. You don't spend half your life faffing about changing lenses, it uses standard AAs (great for carrying spares - and you can sue re-chargeables). It has most of the features of the Canon SLR body from spot focus to ful manual control. It will go in a coat pocket.

I find most of the time the convenience of the compact (albeit a bloody good one) outweighs the drawbacks

Red

 

[Chopper]

Thanks for that.

I think I will go for the SX10

 

[Chopper]

Well, I done it!

A quick search of the web and found camerabox.co.uk were doing the SX10is for £289.99 plus £8 p+p. Jessops are £342.00 and local and wont price match on line companies. or so they say one the phone.

So, a 10 mile drive to my local Jessops, wave cash under the nose of the Manager and would you believe it £50 straight off their price, take a further £50 off for the Canon cash bach promotion and a final cost of £240.

First impressions of the camera, its great, fab zoom, very crisp images and the colour is spot-on.

Cheers BR, its really good, no wonder you are happy with yours.

 

[British Red]

Glad you are happy. Seriously, its worth spending a lot of time exploring the features. For example on "P" mode I often move to a narrow focus and spot metering. You do know (for example) that you can move the focus / meter spot around on the screen?

Its a cracking camera - I'm delighted with mine - we'll have to compare outcomes!

Red

 

[Chopper]

Its a cracking camera - I'm delighted with mine - we'll have to compare outcomes! Red

The more I play the more I love this.

It has sooooooooo many features I think it will be a while before I am ready to compare my snaps with the master of photography.

I recon if i play with this every day it will take me about six months to get my head adound this, but I am sure it will be worth it.