Compact for a shaky hand ?

whimsey

I currently have a coolpix 3100 and over the last 2-3 years I have taken aprox 3000 pictures. Its a great little camera however I am looking to upgrade.

The main problem I have is that I suffer from a shaky hand. When the lightening
is good its fine. However you can notice it in lower lighted pictures. I would love a SLR camera as I think with the better lens/sensor it would not be so bad. However not so sure that a big SLR is ideal for traveling without me looking like a real tourist.

Any ideas ideally looking for a better compact ?

Thanks
Whimsey

captain P

the canon powershot a620 is a good one. its not quite an SLR but quite close without the freedom of a wide range of lenses. it has a grip which helps to hold it steady and is a nice weight for holding.

If you really wan the shots and can afford the SLR and lenses then dont worry about looking like a tourist. I recently upgraded to a DSLR and i find it easier to hold steady than the compacts. I have the Canon Eos 350d and i love it.

here is a link to a review about the a620.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona620/

BendiBus

There are a number of compact cameras that offer image stabilisation. Nearly all Panasonic bu the looks of things.

You can check them out at dpreview http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare.asp

Takeshi_Kovacs

Yeah , you should check out Panasonics Lumix range.. very good image stabilization, and some very nice Leica glass included.
although the sensor is one of the noisier ones out there..

whimsey

Thanks a lot for all the input I will try and get a lend of an SLR and
also look into the image stabilisation cameras.

Thanks
Whimsey

Merrion

If your compact camera has a tripod attachment you can get a monopod (basically a walking stick with a camera attachment) which can cure all common camera shake problems and are much less hassle than a proper tripod.

FinoBlad

whimsey, place the palm of your left hand under the camera, hold the grip with your right hand and place the camera tight to your nose/forehead and use the viewfinder [not the lcd at arms length]. Tuck your elbows into your body and make sure your shutter speed is above 1/125, squeeze the shutter gently or use the self timer and I doubt you will get any shake.

Have a go before you trade up and see. Good luck.

andy1249

Or ... you could try one of those little tripods available in Dixons or any camera shop for about a tenner , they are about 100mm tall with a ball and socket head , ideal to fit in your pocket with the camera and guaranteed to eliminate shake!!