Best compact cameras: 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014 |
| Budget Cameras for: 2014 |
The reason your 8MP smartphone camera can't match your mate's 8mp compact for image quality and level of detail is that it's not all about megapixels - sensor size matters too. A Smartphone's sensor is a mere fraction of the size of that inside a compact camera: a larger sensor means bigger pixels and better light-gathering ability, plus the way in which the technology is configured in a camera means that you can achieve sharper definition, finer detail and cleaner images in low light.
Added bonuses such as Wi-Fi connectivity, big zoom lenses and detail-rich macro shooting modes - not to mention HD movie recording and fast burst shooting modes - are all features that current smartphones just can't deliver to the same level as a compact, if at all.
Put simply, smartphone cameras have their place when it comes to occasional snapshots, but for a reliable, responsive performance and truly impressive image quality in an easily portable package, you can't beat a compact. Read on for our round-up of six of the best budget-friendly compacts on the market that will help you take your photography to the next level.
Nikon Coolpix S9500
Spec: 18.1mp, 1/2.3 inch back-illuminated sensor, Full HD (1920 x 1080) video, 3-inch OLED screen
Price: US$287.44 / £179.99 / AU$299
Price: US$287.44 / £179.99 / AU$299
This stylish compact launched at £299.99 / US$349.95 / AU$399 but can now be snapped up for a fraction of that. Its stylish good looks, decent build quality and well-rounded feature-set make it an ideal choice for savvy snappers looking to bag a bargain.
For your money you get a user-friendly compact that's well-equipped for capturing everyday life on the move. As well as an 18.1mp back-illuminated CMOS sensor that's capable of delivering great quality images, the S9500 boasts a versatile 22x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 25-550 mm on a 35mm camera) - complete with VR stabilization.
Videographers get a Full HD movie mode and HDMI output, plus built-in Wi-Fi and GPS allows for easy sharing and geotagging of video and stills by installing the Nikon wireless utility app on your smart device. Overall, this is a solid camera with plenty of functionality on offer for the price and the ability to deliver top-quality images to boot.
Pros:
- Versatile 22x optical zoom lens with excellent VR system
- Plenty of user-friendly exposure modes
- Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi
Cons:
- Screen a little low-res compared to the competition
- No manual exposure control
- No RAW capture
Canon IXUS 255 HS
Spec: 12.1mp, 1/2.3 type back-illuminated CMOS, Full HD (1920 x 1080) video, 3-inch PureColor II G LCD (TFT)
Price: US$255 / £159 / AU$209
Price: US$255 / £159 / AU$209
This camera started life at £230/US$230/AU$279, reflecting its feature-rich list of specifications and excellent build quality.
The current average online price for this camera makes it a very attractive option for photographers looking for a reliable compact that packs in plenty of functionality.
In use, the intuitive interface and snappy performance from the AF system makes this little IXUS a joy to shoot with. Its fast start-up and shot-to-shot times are backed up by impressive image quality, with the camera's HS status denoting its top-notch low-light capture capabilities.
Throw in high-quality Full HD movie recording, built-in Wi-Fi and a useful 10x optical zoom lens (complete with Canon's excellent IS system) and this pocketable powerhouse further demonstrates its excellent value for money.
Pros:
- Decent low light performance
- Effective IS system
- Responsive in use
Cons:
- No touchscreen
- Some wind noise on movie soundtracks
- No Auto-Stitching of panoramas
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX300
Spec: 18.2mp, 1/2.3 type Exmor R CMOS sensor, Full HD (1920 x 1080) video, 3-inch TFT ClearPhoto screen
Price: US$208.58 / £129.99 / AU$349
Price: US$208.58 / £129.99 / AU$349
At its launch, this petite compact was billed by Sony as 'the world's smallest 20x optical zoom digital compact camera', making the WX300 a superb choice for on-the-go photographers who need a camera capable of capturing a wide range of subjects.
The easy-to-use compact boasts an 18.2mp Exmor R CMOS sensor, 10fps continuous shooting, Full HD video recording and built-in Wi-Fi - all in a stylish little package.
Quick start-up and fast AF acquisition are further attributes of note, along with well-controlled chromatic aberrations at both ends of the colossal 25-500mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range.
Pros:
- Slim and stylish design
- 20x optical zoom lens
- Very good image quality at low ISOs
Cons:
- No tripod bush
- So-so performance in low light
- Some loss of image quality at wide-angle settings
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ9
Spec: 16.1mp,1/2.33-type High Sensitivity MOS Sensor, Full HD (1920 x 1080) video, 3-inch TFT screen
Price: US$223.37 / £139 / AU$299
Price: US$223.37 / £139 / AU$299
The no-fuss approach to the interface on the SZ9 will appeal to enthusiasts who prefer to point-and-shoot rather than faff about with camera settings or gimmicky features.
Billed by Panasonic as "every photographer's friend," the SZ9's small size and simple user interface certainly make it an approachable compact for less experienced users that just want to take great pictures, minus the fuss.
With manual options very few and far-between, the SZ9 offers a decent range of automatic modes and little extras like the option of adding creative filter effects to your images in-camera - either at the time of shooting or retrospectively.
Consistently turning out well-exposed, pleasingly detailed images, the SZ9 is a reliable everyday shooter with the added bonus of built-in Wi-Fi and the ability to control the camera from your smartphone.
Pros:
- Easy to use - ideal for beginners
- Good overall image quality
- Useful 10x optical zoom
Cons:
- Few manual options so less suited to advanced users
- Macro mode only focuses down to 5cm
- Lens motor picked up on movie soundtracks
Canon IXUS 135
Spec: 16mp, 1/2.3 type CCD sensor, HD (1280 x 720) video, 2.7-inch TFT screen
Price: US$160.68 / £99.99 / $149
Price: US$160.68 / £99.99 / $149
Dipping into the shallow end of the price pool, you start to see some paring back of features, such as 720p - rather than Full HD - movie recording, a smaller 2.7-inch screen and a lack of manual functionality; however that's not to say that the budget-friendly IXUS 135 doesn't have its fair share of good qualities to offer.
The more modest 8x optical zoom lens on this model still offers plenty of scope to get creative with your framing, with the on-board Intelligent IS system helping to keep your shots shake-free.
Designed with beginners in mind, the simple interface puts 32 Smart Auto scenes at your fingertips, delivering consistently accurateand high-quality shots from all manner of photographic scenarios.
In spite of its low price point, the IXUS 135 even manages to proffer Wi-Fi functionality for easy sharing and GPS via mobile.
Pros:
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- GPS via Mobile
- Smart Auto (32 scenes) for ease of use
Cons:
- Smaller 2.7-inch LCD
- Only 720p HD movie recording
- Noisy above ISO 800
Nikon Coolpix S6500
Spec: 16mp, 1/2.3-in. type CMOS, Full HD (1920 x 1080) video, 3-inch TFT screen
Price: US$192.82 / £119.99 / AU$219
Price: US$192.82 / £119.99 / AU$219
With a 12x optical zoom lens, Wi-Fi connectivity and Full HD video on board, the Coolpix S6500 is bound to appeal to tech-savvy snappers that don't want to break the bank.
It comes in a selection of colours and sports a sleek, svelte silhouette that conceals a wealth of impressive features. Nikon has shoehorned a 16mp back-illuminated CMOS sensor and EXPEED C2 processor into its robust little body, along with a VR lens covering an equivalent 25-300mm focal range.
Automatic functions cover beginners with options like an Auto HDR mode, 3D shooting and Easy Panorama 360/180-degree capture and a high-speed continuous shooting mode records 7 consecutive stills at 10fps, with Subject Tracking keeping moving targets in focus.
The on-board Smart Portrait system is another feature that will appeal to socialites; however a lack of manual functionality and some inconsistencies when it comes to accurate exposures take the shine off an otherwise impressive contender.
Pros:
- Plenty of automatic functions on board
- Full HD movies
- 10fps shooting with Subject Tracking AF
Cons:
- Auto metering system tends towards slight overexposure
- Little manual functionality
- Fine detail is somewhat lacking in images
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