Even professional photographers sometimes eschew their digital SLR and other high-end camera(s) and carry a point-and-shoot.
Smaller size, easier to pocket, less obtrusive, lightweight, risky terrain… there are many reasons why even pros like to have a good point-and-shoot camera available at all times.
For those with experience, what’s the best point-and-shoot camera that also shoots RAW and why? If you’d like to prove links to images you’ve taken (on SmugMug, flickr, personal website, etc.), please do!
Leica X1
Dunno if it’s the “best” in the pro photo world.
Canon ELPH 300 HS is what I have, and love it. thin and shoots some damn good pics, and 1080 HD video.
The question was, “What’s the best point-and-shoot camera that shoots RAW?”
The Canon ELPH 300 HS doesn’t shoot RAW.
It is capable of raw. Canon just turns it off.
CHDK turns it back on.
Needing to install a custom firmware for it to shoot RAW would have been a good bit of information to add to your initial post.
I too have this camera and you piqued my interest with this CHDK. Googling it, shows that it’s not supported.
http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/ELPH300
I’m partial to Canon point and shoot cameras and Canon SLRs. For SLRs it’s really a toss up between Canon and Nikon as regards how comfortable you feel with a particular brand and accessories like lenses and flash. I prefer Canon for its warmer colors and more accurate rendition of palettes but it’s a personal preference. I like the way the Canon SLR body is shaped and to me lightness without sacrificing picture quality. I hate toting a complex SLR around that shoots incredible pictures but weighs a ton.
I recently went through a review to get a great quality camera for the wife. We chose the Canon S95 camera. It consistently gets top ratings, is built really well, small and takes amazing shots. I know some Pros who use it as a backup or testing camera before they get out the big and bulky pro camera.
Agree. It’s been replaced by the S100, which is better, smaller, faster. http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-S100-vs-Canon_PowerShot_S95
After a thorough review of pocketable cameras, I chose the Canon S95 as well. It’s nice that I can leave my digital SLR at home and still get really good results shooting RAW. It’s a very capable little camera.
I know the new S100 has a different sensor than the S95 so, for that reason, I can’t vouch for it. I don’t think there are enough reviews in yet to make an informed decision. It’s best to read multiple reviews and not rely on just one, as there’s always the possibility for bias.
While I am not sure you would call it a pocket camera the Canon G12 is about as close to DSLR quality in a small camera you can get. Here is just one of many G12 flickr groups http://www.flickr.com/groups/canon_g12_from_snapshots_to_greatshots/
I second the G12. It has Canon ‘L’ quality glass, if I recall correctly.
The G12 is only pocketable if your entire wardrobe consisted of field jackets and cargo pants.
Leica d-lux 5. Although there is a cheaper Panasonic vetsion made on the same assembly line, the Leica has a better warranty and better firmware. This is the best point and shoot camera. Period.
Another vote for the Lumix LX3, now superseded by the LX5. Nice RAW pix, manual options, but it has a lenscap so not as pocketable as some of the slimline models others are proposing.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3/5 and Leica D-Lux4 Flickr group http://www.flickr.com/groups/843626@N22/
I have the Fuji X100 and it’s incredible.
although it’s from a small company, I hear great things about the new Ricoh GXR w/the APS-C sensor module, right up there with Leica X1 (also APS-C).
smaller sensor cameras like Canon G12, Leica D-Lux5, etc cannot compare in dynamic range, lowlight capability, and detail to new larger-sensor point and shoot models.
I’d suggest the Fuji X100. Large ASP-C sensor custom mated to a very sharp fixed focal length length lens, it has become a very popular carry camera with professional photographers because of the excellent high ISO performance and tack sharp lens and images. The build quality and looks rivaling old range finder cameras as well as modern Leica’s don’t hurt either.
I agree with the others: the best point and shoot is the Leica d-lux 5, no question. The X1 is perhaps better, but it’s no longer point and shoot, at least not in terms of price!
I use my iPhone for pictures and video. Great outside but not as good in low light. I understand the iPhone 4S is better than my iPhone 4 is. When I get one later this year, I will find out.
The iPhone is always with me and the new jump to photo on start up is great. 2 pushes on the home button and a touch on the icon and you are ready to shoot.
iPhone 4/4S is a good camera but does not shoot RAW format. Unfortunately.
Canon Powershot S100 sounds like a winner to me.
Agreed! I have the S95 and it is great, the S100 looks even better!
Love the Sony Alpha NEX-5. Takes great shots and video. Hardly ever have to use flash as sensor quite large. Worth a look.
Fuji x100
I have a feeling, since it’s quite new on the market, that the Nikon 1 series might be a very good contender, It’s close to the Sony NEX range. Nikon always have had better lenses for the camera than Sony.