What are some high-quality fixed-lens digital cameras (as a backup to a my DSLR system)?
I want to buy two cameras.
The first camera will be a semi-professional level DSLR such as the Canon 20d/30d/40d or Nikon D60/D70/D80/D90. Any of these would work fine for me, and I don't need any help here.
The second camera will be a fixed-lens lens digital camera, one which has the largest image-sensor and the best image-quality that you can get in this category (fixed-lens, non-DSLR).
For this second, backup, camera, my order of priorities is:
1) top-notch lens-quality and image-quality
2) relatively fast foucusing-time and shutter-response-time
3) relatively low-noise
4) an articulating (swings out) LCD-monitor would also be nice
5) I do not want a "pocket-size", I want a medium-size camera that has some weight and size to it.
6) I do not want a "super zoom", just a 3X to 4X ordinary zoom. A fairly wide angle at the wide end would be nice (such as 28mm equivqlent).
7) Price is not that big a factor, but it should not exceed the cost of my DSLR.
I do currently have and use an older Canon Powershot G3 which is a pretty good camera (for its age) in this category, but I want something newer and with a faster shutter response.
What are the top 3 or 4 cameras I should look at? Thanks for your suggestions and comments.
I appreciate the suggestion that perhaps I should just buy a duplicate DSLR camera body, e.g., a second Canon 30d body.
However, I should have stated in my original question that the second camera is not merely there to use in case the DSLR fails, although that is one important reason to have it.
Sometimes I find myself wanting to use a camera:
1) that is a smaller, lighter, more transportable, easier-to-handle package than the DSLR+lenses
2) that is less obtrusive or attention-getting
3) that can be lifted overhead and aimed using an articulated LCD-screen
I should have written that I want two cameras for multiple reasons, not just as a backup in case the DSLR fails.
Canon G9 or G10
I don't want to sound like I'm stating the obvious here, but for the price of a new 'high quality fixed length' camera (about £300) you could buy another 30D body (or Nikon D60 body). The best back up body you can have for a Canon 30D is another 30D (or of course the Nikon equivalent).
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Additional: in that case then I certainly concur with either a G9 or G10. If you decide to go with a Canon system then you can also use your external flashes, plus other Canon equipment on your back up camera.
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If the G10 had a tilt screen like it's older siblings I would recommend that camera. I have a couple of friends that own the G10 and they claim the image quality is presentable.
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Canon G9 or G10
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Canon G10 seems to fit the bill.
When you say "fixed lens" and "large sensor," the Sigma DP2 comes to mind. There is no zoom at all, but the SLR-size sensor should let you crop to make up for some of that.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/585341-REG/Sigma_C72900_DP2_Digital_Camera_.html
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Hi,
I'm looking for the same and found 2 (expensive) candidates so far, both worth looking at:
- Sigma DP2
- Ricoh GR2
Both pocketable, supposed to have outstanding image quality and very low key appearance (nice when shooting candid pictures) - but I finally bought the Lumix LX-3.
You can also have a look at he new Olympus EP-1.
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