Looking for a camera with very good noise to ISO ratio?

Question

I'm looking for a digital camera (not a DSLR because I do not want specific lenses for 1cm macro and a family of expensive lens) that has an excellent Noise to ISO ratio, and at least a 4x zoom or close to it.

Canon would be preferable, but would like to know what people's suggestions are?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Dr Sam is good answer.

The Fuji F30 is best for low noise, but only middle of the road overall.

If you'd like to compare how the Canon family is on high ISO, got to www.dpreview.com. They have specs, features, and reviews on just about every camera. You can check out actual pictures from respective cameras and compare noise levels for yourself.

I will say my Canon Powershot G6, (although a lovely camera that serves me very well as a macro and "pocket" camera,) really isn't a good performer at higher ISO. 200 is iffy, and 400 is unusable. It may be that other Canons fare better in this department.

My new Nikon D80 dSLR is good at 800, decent at 1600, and in a pinch I would even use the 3200. So you might want to reconsider the SLR if you need the best high ISO available.

Good luck!

Answer 2

If you want low light/low noise/high ISO performance, everyone around here seems to recommend the Fujifilm FinePix F30. One of our real regulars - a Canon lover - is waiting for hers to arrive as I write this.

Go here and read the reviews and look at the samples:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/fuji_f30.html
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilmf30/

My daughter has an S2-IS, by the way, and it's a really nice camera, but I do not find it to be a standout in low light photography. It has a sensor about half the size as the Fuji and this does not bode well for low light/low noise photography.

Answer 3

Canon S2 IS or S3 IS. The S3 IS is the newer model.
See all the Canon models at http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/

I have the S2 IS and it is superb. I just ordered an EOS 400D Digital Rebel and I can barely wait to get it out of the box.
You should also ask this question at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/digital-photography/