Monday, December 20, 2010

Video-capable DSLR for the price of a point-and-shoot

Costco.com is selling the Panasonic DMC-G10 with a 14-42mm OIS lens for $349.95 through December 30, 2010!  Free shipping too!  Item # 527094
(OK, technically this is not a DSLR because it's part of the new generation of interchangeable-lens cameras that don't use mirrors.)  
 
At this price, the G10 costs less than high end point-and-shoots such as the Canon G11 and Nikon P7000, and is on par with the cost of a Canon S90 or S95.  The price is low enough that buying this kit does not necessarily require a commitment to the Micro 4/3 system.  Pricewise, it's a viable alternative to a bridge camera or high-end point-and-shoot.
 
COMPARED TO POINT AND SHOOT CAMERAS:
- The G10 is by no means as portable as a pocket digital camera but it's smaller than the average interchangeable-lens camera.
- The image quality would be significantly better than that of a point-and-shoot due to the larger sensor. 
- Like point-and-shoots, the G10 has live view, which is great for casual photographers who are more accustomed to looking at the LCD than using a viewfinder. 
- It also records video (720p).
- The 14-42 would be equivalent to 28-84mm on 35mm, a fairly useful zoom range that can cover moderate wide angle to short telephoto.  The lens has OIS (Panasonic's optical stabilization system).
 
Our 4-year old Casio EX-V7 point-and-shoot is starting to act weird.  Maybe I can get this as a replacement if the "budget committee" approves. :)

2 comments:

  1. Wonderful post! I am thinking of getting a new camera and I can't decide if I should get a point and shoot camera or a bridge camera from one of the top rated camera models in the market like Canon, Nikon, Panasonic and more. I'm looking around for opinions and advices from experts and I hope I'll get the answer that I am looking for. Will definitely consider your post and I hope I won't regret my purchase! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Glad to help. Another option is to get a used dslr. A used Nikon D70 for example is quite inexpensive these days.

    Best regards,
    Mic

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your comment. It will be published as soon as we get a chance to review it, sorry for that, but we get lots of spam with malicious links.