How to chose a compact or mirrorless camera?

Question

The number of different compact cameras is just crazy. Each brand has some dozens of camera.

I personaly have some features in mind:

i want Prosumer satisfying image quality, that is:

• colors doesn't look strange
• good sharpness, but I do not want to see those awful sharpening artifacts, that fake feeling that some excessive sharpening filters give
• no noise problems at ISO 400 or maybe 800 (but this is pretty standard I think)
• or in a word, in most non critical conditions I do not want to miss my reflex

Beside that:

• no noticeable shutter lag with prefocused image
• decent focus speed (but i do not really shoot at eagles or pumas :D) so just something that works fine
• i want to carry it in my jacket or coat pockets
• zoom I do not care for 10x super zoom, but I would like something ranging from wideanlge to standard or moderate tele

Optional

• RAW recording
• flash. I guess with good ISO performance even indoor i can shot without flash
• image stabilization could be good to shoot indoor

Price: I have seen Olympus XZ-1 which is just lovely, but I would like to spend a little less, let's say 200 euros (or 260$).

So basically I have two questions:

1. How to chose a camera taking into account all those requirements?
2. Any specific model suggestion will be wellcome too :)

Asked by Paolo

Answer

Is it even possible to find a camera that meets all your criteria at that price point? I'm thinking that a refurbished Canon S90 or s95 just might do it. Canon has refurbs at $280/$320 at their web site

If I recall, you can find wider, but the S90/S95 would certainly be a fine choice if you don't mind having an older model.

Answered by Paul Cezanne

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