Great low-light photos and video from nice ultra-compact design.
I purchased this camera in seek of a very small form factor camera that would take low-light, relatively high-resolution still photos, as well as be able to record high-definition video if I desired. It measures 3.5"x2.0"x0.75", and weighs about 4oz with battery.
The movie mode is easy to switch into, as well is the sweep-panorama mode, and allows additional stills to be captured during recording. This camera delivers good still photos in both low and bright light, able to use as wide as a f/2.6 aperture and as high as 12800 ISO, together with multi-shot technology to reduce noise on the final photograph. In a room with very minimal light, it can take shots that look like the room has much higher ambient light levels.
You cannot manually set specific settings (A/S/M), but the camera does a very good job of making adequate settings for you quickly for solid consistent quality photos. It does a superb job of taking good pictures from a small package in most general settings, when (if you are a serious photographer) you don't have time or space to use your higher-end equipment, or can just be your primary camera if you are a casual photo taker.
Other features that I come to appreciate on this camera since starting to use more: 1) internal memory. it has a small amount for a few pictures (just 3 at highest 16MP, up to 67 at lowest 0.3MP) just in case you forget your memory card (it takes SD cards with capacities up to 64GB at least, as well as MemoryStick) 2) ergonomics/rounded corners. all edges are nicely rounded for a comfortable stashing without 'cutting' into your leg or clothes 3) all the different intelligent-auto settings to help you match your environment (v.low light, portrait, landscape/snow landscape, to name a few) 4) standard micro-USB PC and charger interface. easy to charge with any computer or 500mA charger. 5) easy quick navigation of menus and playback with scroll wheel and directional interface. 6) LCD. almost forgetting since it is close to being expected, but the LCD screen is a good size, is clear, and does not lack as it does on some other cameras in this class.
On to the things I wish were slightly different: 1) zoom feature. The zoom is very fast to go from 1x to 5x, and as a result, difficult to get precise mid-range zooms. In many cases, either all the way out (1x) or all the way in (5x) will probably be your goal, but sometimes you only want to be zoomed halfway in. In these cases, you are at the mercy of the camera to stop roughly where you want it, and with some practice, you may get good at this, but if you wanted 2.7x instead of 3.0x, you'll have to just go with it. Some light post-production work of cropping out anything unwanted that made it into the edge of your shot is probably the best way to handle this. 2) power button. It is a little too easy to turn on in my opinion (no press-delay). I keep the camera in my laptop bag, and if I have a lot of other stuff in that front pouch with it, through moving around, something may bump the power button and turn the camera on. Although the camera does have auto-off feature you can set the timeout preference on, the biggest problem I see is the lens trying to extend and not being able to, risking damage to the motor over the long run.
I have had my camera for about a month and have been quite happy with it. It delivers great photos when I need something quick and do not or cannot carry/get my dSLR camera.Read full review
