Best Backup Point and Shoot

Normally these days I use a 50D and 400mm f/5.6L lens for the birds, but sometimes I find I'm missing shots because I've got the wrong lens attached at the right time. E.g. I've got the macro lens on the camera when the hawk flies by or vice versa. And sometimes I'm just casually out walking and want to have something with me, but not obviously be in full photographer drag.

I know some folks carry double DSLRs, but that's a bit much for me. I was wondering what the best nature photographer point and shoot is these days. I'm looking for something that will go from macro to landscape to telephoto to portrait and due a decent job in all ranges. I'm not looking to replace my DSLR, just to supplement it with a backup zoom.

How good are the point-and-shoots these days? I know there are a couple of 26x zooms that extend into the 600mm+ range (35 mm equivalent). Are they any good? I'm mostly concerned about autofocus response time and sharpness.

Hi Elliotte The quality is there but not performance Most have a severe lag. For static subjects the Canon G11 would be great. Shoots in RAW, does movies and camera settings (most) are not in the menu ! I usually have with me !! ...btw can also get the G10 if you can find one !

Elliotte,
Have you looked at the entry level DSLRs, likt eh T1i (I think I got that model right)? They are quite small and then not only do you have a backup, you can have your macro on it and the telephoto on your present camera.

The other thin to note besides the long lag time with most P&S cameras is the small sensor. The smaller sensor means you collect less light. So for the same megapixels, a P&S records as much light as a DSLR working at 10 to 20 times the ISO. For example, the noise at ISO 400 on a P&S is like the noise on a DSLR at about ISO 4000 to 8000. The smaller sensors also have lower dynamic range. More here:

http://www.clarkvision.com/articles/...l.size.matter/
http://www.clarkvision.com/articles/....size.matter2/

Roger

I have heard a lot of good things about the Canon S90 but the lens will not have the focal length you are looking for.

Hi Elliotte, Great point Roger made about the noise, I try keeping mine at ISO 80 if possible !!!

These little cameras can make great dedicated macro units, lots of dof !! I use at time a Panasonic with a Nikon 3T adapter and case do head shots of flies :)

Elliotte,

I agree with Alfred. I carry a small P&S more than I carry my DSLRs, simply because they are so easy to carry. And they can make very nice images. But when I am on a photo trip, its the DSLRs all the way, including a main and a backup.

Roger

Hi Elliotte
My first digital camera was a Canon Powershot S2IS which has a nice X12 zoom.
I also have a teleconverter which goes with it.
Good camera for wandering around and great macros but need good light to prevent noise.
Best @ 100 ISO but can take 200 ISO @ a pinch.
This is still my main camera for family pix.
Cheers: Ian Mc

Great discussion! A friend of mine is going through this exact decision process. Of course, I m biased toward DSLR. It seems to me the advantages of 4/3 like Olympus or the 1.6 crop of Canon or Nikon for the better IQ is worth the trade off of weight and bulk. However, I am used to carying a Canon Pro body all over the world, so I might not be the best to give advice.

I have what I commonly refer to as my "take to the zoo" camera although we also take it traveling when I don't feel like carrying the big stuff. It's a Canon SX10 IS*. It's 10 mp, has the equivalent of a 28 -560mm zoom (20x), takes AA batteries, and delivers quite decent shots at ISO 200 or under. I've used it, in a pinch, at air shows where the item being tracked was huge in the frame, but never tried it for BIF. The response time is decent for a camera of its size but it'll never replace the "big boys"... Still, it's portable, and not very heavy, and it was rated very highly by DPReview a few years back.
* now upgraded to an SX20 IS which is 12 mp...