Canon SX130is ?
 

Hi everyone,
My first post here and I'm looking for some advice.

I have a Fuji S9600 and ( until recently ) a Fuji E900. The E900 has lost the will to live and would cost 180 Euros to repair! Hence, I'm now looking for a new compact to replace the E900.

But of course, the question is.....which one?

After pouring through many reviews the Panasonic TZ8 and the Samsung WB600 seem to be recommended. However, I'm looking for a camera that has full PASM control that doesn't limit me to just a couple of aperture selections. And, having tried out the TZ8 in my local photo shop, lovely camera that it is, I found it very difficult to hold because of no real grip.

So, I'm thinking of the new Canon SX130is which seems to fit the bill in terms of specs and features but I can't find any reviews. Anyone have any thoughts on this camera.

Thanks,

Steve.

Hi Steve, welcome to the forum.

The SX130 IS ought to be a pretty good camera. It's really an evolution of the previous models all of which have been consistently some of the best bridge cameras on the market. Obviously, it's a fair chunk larger than the TZ8/WB660 range of compact superzooms but it's got a lot more features and is much more suitable if you're really interested in taking better pictures.

Just to throw a couple of options into the ring with the SX130, have you considered the Fuji HS-10 and the Panasonic FZ-100 and FZ-45? These are the most direct competitors for the SX130 and are all pretty new and very impressively specified cameras.

Hi Chris and thanks for your reply.
I have checked the cameras you mention but they are much too big for my needs and very similar to my S9600 of which I'm very happy.

Just looking for something more portable and easier to carry around for everyday use which also gives me full control. Seems to be very little choice nowadays unless going for a top spec compact like the LX3/5, EX1, S95, etc. Unfortunately I can't justify the outlay for one of those.

Steve.

What about the Panasonic TZ10? That's one of the best all round big zoom compacts going, and it's properly compact too...

Chris,
I've tried the TZ8 and even though it's one of the larger compacts around I found it difficult to hold securely and all a bit too fiddly for my liking; and I have relatively small hands. I am now awaiting the Canon Sx130is as soon as my local shop has one for me to try out. The user reviews are very positive.

Steve.

Fair enough! In that case, you probably won't do better than the SX 130

Quick update;
Local camera shop got an SX130is for me to try and as soon as I held it I was sold! Much easier to hold then the other cameras I tried. The large lens surround is perfect for placing the left hand much like a DSLR and It felt like a proper camera.

Whilst predominantly made of plastic it feels solid and weighty ( it is weighty ), the dials and buttons are a good size, easy to navigate and have a pretty good feel to them. The menu system is very intuitive and there are on screen prompts to guide the less confident user.

One criticism; while the grip is better than on the smaller compacts I tried it would have been so much better if Canon had made the chrome effect strip from rubber for a more tactile feel. Still, can't have everything I suppose.

However, very happy with my purchase so far.......... now time to go out and take some test pics.

Steve

Good choice on the SZ30, its got the most of the manual settings you'd expect. But of course there are some limitations which they have kep for the G12. But it's still one of the better bridge cams out there. I also posted a review of the [URL="http://pixelmantis.com/canon_powershot_sx30_is/"]sx30[/URL] which you can compare with the [URL="http://pixelmantis.com/panasonic_lumix_dmc-fz100"]FZ100[/URL] if you're interested

SX130is Update.
After an exhaustive test of this camera in varying conditions I have to say that it's very disappointing.

All pics seem to over emphasise reds to the point where they dominate any scene. Additionally I found the overall image quality not to my liking with each image looking over saturated and over processed. And, although my initial impressions re the handling of the camera were positive, in use I found the method of changing settings on program, aperture/shutter priority mode very awkward, slow and very frustrating.

So, looking again for a replacement. Perhaps the TZ8 would have been a better choice at the outset?

Now, contemplating whether I should spend more cash and go for something like the S95 or even an LX5.

Steve.

If you are disappointed in the SX130, you can try Sony's HX5 instead.
It's a fabulous camera but a slightly expensive one. Alternatively, you can try the simpler H55 instead.