Nikon Coolpix P7000, Canon Powershot G12, Panasonic LX5- comparisons and reviews

Three exceptionally fine mid price range cameras were released in late 2010 and it is worth taking a look at each of them. They are all around $400 to buy online and each has a right to claim to be one the best value cameras available in 2011.

This page gives an overview and makes some comparisons.

For Point and Click Photographers

If you are used to the smaller kind of point and click cameras that retail for around $100, any one of these cameras will be an eyeopener.

These are not huge DSLR type devices that you need a trailer to carry- once all those delicious accessories are loaded. They weigh generally less than a pound- compared to several pounds for a real heavyweight DSLR. Also, you don't need to be an expert to get the best from them- though they will reward the more knowledgeable user.

The Nikon, Panasonic and Canon cameras featured here occupy a place between the lower end of the digital camera market and the high end DSLR cameras that retail for around $1000- $5000. Often they are referred to as luxury compacts because they are small but have great features, quality optics and powerful image processors.

These are great cameras for enthusiasts who want quality results but also for anyone who wants the best snaps of holidays, sports events and special occasions. If you have the pleasure of using one of these for a while, you will find it hard to rely on a Kodak Easy Share ever again.

Nikon Coolpix P7000

Any camera called a Coolpix is guaranteed to be offered as a camera for the fun end of the market. At the same time this is a Nikon and worthy of respect. This is also the closest camera to a standard DSLR in feel.

The P7000 is bigger than its P6000 predecessor which means it is little less portable. In compensation it has a 28-200mm optical zoom giving it the most powerful and versatile optics of the three models The G12 has a 28-140mm zoom for the G12 and the LX5, a slightly disappointing 24-90mm.

The P7000 also has the best LCD screen resolution and the big, bright, 3 inch screen lets you select your shot problem free even in sunlight.

Features

Whilst many cameras boast features that are astonishing compared to models ten years ago, the Coolpix 7000 is especially feature rich with everything from automatic smile detection to electronic virtual horizon software to make sure the image is level.

These are some of the key technical features:

• 10.1-megapixel, large
• CCD image sensor of a power many DSLR cameras lack
• 7.1x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-Nikkor ED Glass Lens. This can zoom in close or get the kind of wide angle you need for groups close to.
• Motion Detection software detects moving objects (or people!) and calculates the best shutter speed and ISO for a sharp image.
• State of the art Image Stabilization with optical and electronic systems
• ISO up to 6400 for low light conditions or fast movers
• Best Shot Selector takes up to ten shots while the shutter is pressed, then chooses the best image to save.
• HD (720p) Movie with Stereo. There is a microphone input jack and HDMI output for easy playback on home entertainment systems. it offers 30 fps recording.
• RAW file function for easy PC integration.

Canon Powershot G12

The Coolpix may have the highest screen resolution but the Powershot G12 has the most versatile screen. It is the only model on this page with a screen that pulls out and tilts. This is especially useful for dramatic low level shots or getting that picture above the heads of a crowd.

Overall, the camera compares very well to the Coolpix with fast operation, wonderfully sharp images courtesy of quality optics and very easy to use controls- including dedicated EV and ISO dials that work almost intuitively. It is also more user friendly with better menu and more fun things like color filters.

As far as video features, are concerned the G12 is the better choice overall except for lack of a mic jack. 

The card slots makes saving and outputting images easier on the G12 than any of the 3 models, with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card, MultiMediaCard, MMC Plus Card and HC MMC Plus Card compatibilty. The Lumix and Coolpix only offer SD/SDHC memory card options, though this will be enough for most people.

Features

• 10.0 Megapixel CCD sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor- Canon get image processors right and this is the key hardware in any digital camera
• Hybrid image stabilization- optical and electronic
• 5x Optical Zoom
• 28mm Wide-Angle Lens
• RAW and JPEG image modes
• hotshoe
• Capture images and video to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card, MultiMediaCard, MMC Plus Card, HC MMC Plus Card

Panasonic LX5- Most popular with Buyers and great value.

The Panasonic is the smallest and lightest camera on this page and is a genuine compact. Slip this into a jacket pocket and you will hardly notice the bulge.

It suffers from more restricted optics with less zoom and wide angle possibilities but is is also significantly cheaper. This is perhaps the model least likely to appeal to photo enthusiasts and most likely to appeal to holiday snappers who want more quality than cheaper compacts can deliver.

If you check out the buyer reviews around the web it is amazingly popular with people who buy it. Most sites register around 90 per cent satisfaction with the purchase. This almost certainly tells you it is purchased by people upgrading from $100 models and being blown away by the difference.

One significant advantage is for anyone with AVCHD capable TVs.  HD video can be shot in the AVCHD format for easy playback.

• 10.1-megapixel CCD 
• 3.8x F2.0 ultra-wide-angle 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens
• Big 3.0-inch LCD screen
• Record HD videos in AVCHD Lite
• Venus Engine FHD image processor
• Slot for SD/SDHC memory cards 

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