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Ted Zombek

There are many alternative compact cameras on the market today, using new technology and innovations unavailable even five years ago. I’ve selected three cameras at different prices that colleagues agree are excellent choices. Each of these three cameras will easily fit into a jacket pocket and ever the least expensive of them offers a distinct advantage in image quality over a smartphone.

Photo Tips
Ted Zombek
 
It’s All About Perspective
Choosing the right compact digital camera

 
There seems to be a strong correlation between Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, their cars and photography. Whether it’s recording the delivery of the newest car, documenting a restoration or taking photos at an event, everyone wants to capture the images.

The compact convenience of smartphones is taking over for the larger single-lens reflex camera that once was the only way to get a decent photograph. The problem is these images are never quite as satisfying due to the limitations of flexibility and problems with blur because the lightweight phone often twitches when the shutter button is pressed.
However, new technologies are producing a solid alternative in the mirrorless compact camera with its high-resolution image-capture sensor, complete range of controls, and intelligent ability to automatically adjust to changing shooting conditions. There are many alternatives on the market, but to simplify things, I’ve selected three cameras at different prices that friends and colleagues agree are excellent choices. Each of these three cameras will easily fit into a jacket pocket and the least expensive of them offers a distinct advantage in image quality over a smartphone.



The Nikon Coolpix S9700, with a suggested retail price of around $350, represents a good entrypoint into a world of photography beyond smartphone snapshots.  This camera has the traditional Nikon quality built into a nice, small package.

The zoom lens that comes with this camera – 25-750mm, with up to 30 times magnification – gives the longest reach of these three cameras, an advantage when you want to carry only one camera that can shoot everything from a close-up of an emblem to a racecar in the distance on a track. But the long lens comes at a price – the images become softer the more you zoom the lens. Once you understand this limitation, the 16-megapixel sensor working with the Nikkor lens will deliver very nice images.



The Fujifilm X30 represents the middle ground in price and performance in this brief review. Equiped with a 12 megapixel COMOS II image processor  and  a 28-112mm optical zoom, this newest version of the Fujifilm X series is no slouch when it comes to capturing good quality images.

Fuji has been in the film business for 80 years or so and has developed a strong following for its different types of films. The X30 offers the option of choosing the look of the image based on the way it might appear on traditional Fuji film. Another interesting aspect of this camera is the articulated viewing screen on the back. This will enable the user to comfortably photograph from ground level or at arm’s length above your head. Current retail pricing for the X30 is $499.



The Sony Cyber-shot RX100M III is the top performer here, and at $800, the most expensive. Excellent images are the result of the marriage of the CMOS sensor with 20.1 megapixel file size and exceptional Zeiss optics. The lens is a 24-70mm zoom with an aperture range of f/1.8-2.8. This combination with the ISO range of 160-12800 allows for stunning images and exceptional low-light performance.

All three of these cameras have the ability to capture high-definition video at 1080p. But remember that using the video will fill your memory card quickly, so keep extras at hand. It is also a good practice to carry an extra charged battery or two in your pocket to ensure you make it through a long day with lots of shots.

A few technical tips are in order when using these digital compacts. First, set the image quality to the highest resolution possible. Memory is cheap and you never know when you may capture an image of poster quality or that a magazine such as The Star will want to print. Second, although images can be captured in raw or jpeg format, if you don’t know the difference, just set the camera to jpeg and you’ll be fine. Third, before you leave home, check to make sure your battery is charged and memory card empty. Again, carrying extras is a good idea if you’re going to be out all day.

Now that you have your camera in hand, it’s time to put it to good use. But before you do, review “Taking Better Pictures – 10 tips for improving car and club event photos” from the July-August 2013 issue of The Star. You’ll also find the advice at mbca.org in the Tech Talk section by clicking on Tech Talk Articles.

When you do get that “money shot” – as we call the really good ones – you’ll be able to do more than just post it at a social-media site. You’ll be able to create a frameable print, poster, coffee mug, coffee-table album or include it with your submission at mbca.org/event-reports. Who knows? Your photo might even appear in the next issue of The Star.
Author’s note: As this article was being completed, Nikon announced the Coolpix S9900, which has a slight increase in performance, will replace the S9700 and will be available this spring.