Anyone know of digital P&S with this feature set:

J Rabin · #1 10-16-2006, 12:49 AM

Can anyone recommend a digital point & shoot for non-SLR moments with the following feature set?
1. Raw Capture Option
2. Optical Viewfinder or at least a hi resolution electronic VF
3. Live histogram Option
4. Image Stabilization
5. Hot Shoe
6. Lens with decent zoom range, OK optically, and manual zoom
7. Full Manual Control Option
8. Decent ISO 200 & 400 (for a P&S)
9. Rugged case, not a toy.
9. Size not important.
Seems the last camera like this was the Konica-Minolta A2 in 2004. I'd go buy one on fleaBay, but the higher ISO was marginal, and I doubt I'll get repairs done.
Canon S3 IS left off a hot shoe and RAW
Canon G6 left off IS and G7 has everything BUT RAW
Panasonic FZ30 and 50 appear to have everything except decent higher ISO? I am told the photos are heavily processed with noise reduction
Sony had a nice CMOS SLR like P&S, but I understand it had no IS.
Olympus abandoned RAW after the 70XX and 80XX models.
Canon little S70 was nice, but not enough focal length, no IS

I want something for kayaking and bicycle trips. For 18 years I lugged my Oly OM-1, then OM-4. Rugged. Vibration proof. great optics. discreet size.

Any ideas beside a used Minolta A2?
Thanks in advance for suggestions.
Jack

Ken_Tanaka · #2 10-16-2006, 12:56 AM

The Canon PowerShot S70 came closest to filling the bill. It's now discontinued, superceded by the S80 (no RAW) but I recall seeing that a seller (Pictureline?) grabbed all of the unsold units and was reselling them.

I've used an S70 as a casual camera for quite some time. It's not perfect but it's not bad.

Ken_Tanaka · #3 10-16-2006, 01:03 AM

Addendum: Yes, it is Pictureline that still offers the S70.

Tony_Gamble · #4 10-16-2006, 04:58 AM

Jack,

If you end up persuading yourself to get a used A2 I'll mention that there is one in the back arm rest of my car. I keep it there for emergencies, such as when I see that unforgetable shot and don't have my work camera with me.

I'm not so attached to the A2 that I would not trade it. On the other hand I'm not so keen as to want to get involved in the complexities of shipping it to the US and being sure it reaches you in apple pie condition.

If you ever come to London and still want a used A2 feel free to contact me.

Kind regards

Tony
London UK

ChrisPerry · #5 10-16-2006, 12:48 PM

Tagging...

Interesting topic. Since I have only dSLRs now I find two things - my wife doesn't take pics anymore and I don't carry a camera with me unless I'm out to specifically take photos.

The one thing I hated most about P&S's is shutter lag - whether it's a focusing issue or it's just slllloooowwww in processing, the lag drove me nuts. When i'm asked to use a friends P&S the first shot is invariably of my shoes as I don't hold the frame long enough and the shutter releases long after I think it should have.

Any P&S's out there, in the smaller sizes, that have little lag time? I don't need to shoot sports or anything, but some seem to take several seconds to do their thing and IMO, that's unacceptable.

jlipkin · #6 10-16-2006, 02:41 PM

The Fuji 550 and its successor (9-something) have very little shutter lag.

ChrisPerry · #7 10-16-2006, 04:49 PM

I had a couple of Fuji P&S's the last being a 602z, which become the 7000 and then the 9000. If the S2 hadnt' been so expensive (relative to canon) i'd have likely gone that route as I like the look of Fuji's images. I didn't find their lag to be as bad as others i've held, but i'm no expert on P&S's.