Would this or the new model be best for ground level photography (as in shooting snakes and such)?
1057722
You can adjust this tripod to a very low position, I use it for macro shots on flowers all the time without any problems.
948240
"Neither the SX10 nor SX1 will keep up with any decent DSLR in image quality and surely not in low light, they just don't have the image sensor size"Yes, C. Jones, that is a given! If you want the convenience of a P&S; you have to still give up some of the features of a good SLR...at least for now.
1196604
I won't go as far as to say FZ18 is featureless but I will say that the older one hands down takes better photos. (I have new one/brother has old one). Image quality IS not as good, even with the steadiest of hands. I'd recommend going with older one until sensor is improved in new model.
1928265
It copes pretty well, but you should operate under low loght conditions in manual mode.Personally, I am satisfied with the way the camera behaves in low light situatuions, but it depends on what do you expect - it is one step above the majority of the point-and-shoots cameras(as the model is indende to be).For example, I got some amazing photos and videos of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan sceneries during night from the Hudson river.Generally speaking, I can say: yes. :)
1008024
I would say yes since it has great burst rate 4 fps and zoom (and high def video), but if you can afford an SLR with a fast lens that is best.
1550544
You might get away with one of the new, very small cameras and transmitters but you'll need to be very careful with the center of gravity. I would suggest a larger, more stable platform for FPV.
959174
This is definitely NOT a natural camera selection for "street" photography. Everything about it is slow, particularly focusing and recording images to the memory card. This is not to say that the DPx cameras cannot be used for street, but you will have to set the camera to manual focus and then pre-focus to capture fleeting opportunities. Frankly these Sigma DP cameras are best applied for STILL subjects (ex: landscapes, architecture, et.al.) in very good light. The Foveon sensor can really sing with color and detail. But, alas, it's still a very poor performer above ISO 400 and barely usable by ISO 800.) I bought mine with a very specific application in mind --high-frequency, high-detail-- for which it's exceptionally well-suited and a good value. Good luck and have fun with your photography!
391683
Thanks for the opinion on the LX3, I think I'll wait for one of the these new Canons. Agree with your point on megapixels too, it's seems like 12mp is probably overkill for these small image sensors, so I expect I'll probably crank mine down to 10 or 8 to see if I get less noise. Digic 4 sounds pretty cool too, hopefully that will help.
1548971
I don't like how it shoots in low light situations. BUT you can push the ISO in AV or TV mode and it should work OK. You may have to remove some digital noise in the editing.
2017966
No, it's been out a long time. Camera's are like computers, new models are released often, unless there is some specific new feature you are looking for a slightly outdated model can save you money. I use this one in place of my expensive SLR when there is risk of damage or just a quick documentation. Can do 30 second movies. Also check SONY S220. I am happy with the Canon A530.
1805113
Yes, I would say so. With the ability to use their website to determine the distance for each shot on the BDC models, it would work extremely well.
1365207
Yes... I'm very happy with the sp570 that I'm using right now, which includes RAW and RAW+JPEG shooting, as well as a hot shoe. I was hoping Olympus would include a rotating LCD after Canon's new model. That would have been nice. I'm upgrading to an SLR shortly, but the specs on this are worth a second glance. 26x... wow. The Bird-Watching mode also appeals to me as a wildlife photographer, although I'm not sure how exactly it would work. I know the smile shot option on the 570 is utterly useless. But the predecessor, although much maligned, is a fantastic camera, so I guess we'll have to see.
893923
In my experience, the camera is probably better suited for outdoor use. I tested it indoors before outdoor installation and the sharpness in images seemed better in natural lighting.
483543
I did not have the older version, but my friend who is also a professional photographer says there is a world of difference between the sharpness in the newer version and the older one. I actually purchased the new based on his recommendation.
960328
yes it is better and there is the Magic Lantern firmware ( non official ) that lets you shoot RAW video at much higher bit-rate and resolution ( it can rival cameras like the 60D 7D and even some high end professional video cameras.
1466714
I agree with j-rob. Does anyone know how the newer model (HDR-XR500V) performs in low-light situations? They claim the Exmor-R sensor helps with these situations. It's too bad there's no easy or cost-effective way to upgrade. I'm not in the position to spend another $1k+ for a new camcorder that handles low-light.
2083553
The Canon SD950 is for my wife, who thinks of a camera as a necessary evil to record memories. I am the opposite -- an advanced amateur (Canon 20D, 99.9% of my images are in RAW only, lots of Photoshop CS3 work, etc.). I would like to see an improved image and an easy to use Point-and-Shoot camera with a few advanced functions that wouldn't confuse my wife. Besides, serious amateurs want a fun camera like the SD series, too! My preferred priorities for the next SD Canon: 1. RAW mode and RAW+JPG mode(s). If Canon is afraid that a user might select RAW without knowing what it is then simply exclude RAW-only mode and/or include a warning when RAW is selected. Although my wife will be taking 90% of the pictures, I might want to process some of the better ones. RAW mode would give me the flexibility to improve quality (especially brightness/contrast and temperature = color). 2. Improved image -- even if it means a larger sensor or fewer pixels. I know that image quality (especially noise in low light, shadows, etc.) is already excellent for a camera of this size and that it won't approach that of my Canon 20D, but it could be improved. 3. Movie mode with optical zoom. [Thanks for the note about LP mode. I wanted it and didn't know that Canon added that feature! Direct mpeg might be great, too.] 4. Any additional controls that would appeal to DSLR users (manual and semi-automatic modes, etc.).