Which compact camera... Sony, Panasonic, Aldi

[Ellisium]

Hi, I am looking at a digital camera for everyday use as part of my job.

The main criteria is that it must be compact and take clear close-up photo's

The 3 that spring to mind are the:

Sony DSC-T100
Panasonic DMC-TZ3
the one in the Aldi magazine this week (Traveller 10mp and 6x optical zoom) http://www.aldi.co.uk/special_buys/index.html

I have used my mates Sony DSC-T100 and like the software provided which puts the photo's into folders depending on the date they were taken. This is important to me to beable to review any photo's simply by entering the date as I could be asked to produce photo's from, say, 6 years back.

The Aldi digital camera seems to be excellent value for money as on the face of it, it is better than the Sony and also comes complete with everything needed such as docking station and extra battery e.t.c. but do you reckon the photo's will be as good a quality, as that is what is important... to beable to zoom in for reference at a later date.

Let me know what you think, also, it is to be used within the construction industry so must be sturdy and reliable (not asking for much )

Thanks

[Pirate!!]

Ahoy!

For close-up work you will need macro mode. The TZ3 will have this as well as image stabilisation and 10x optical zoom and other features. Would be my pick. Also, if you 'search' on this forum for TZ3, I'm sure TZ3 owners findings and reviews will help you to make an 'informed' decision as opposed to an opinion.

[Ellisium]

Thanks for that "Pirate!!"

Have heard many good reviews of the Panasonic TZ3 so will look into it more.

It's just the price of the Aldi Traveller seems very appealing. Suppose we won't know more untill it is released and people have used it hey.

Other opinions welcome though...

[tryingtimes]

Many of the things which add up to a great camera can't be described in specs.
Some of the things which make the Panny stand out, you don't really read about, like the ability to brighten the screen without entering the menus and also keystoning of the screen to allow you to see it when looking at an extreme angle. There's also the wide angle (one of the most important features in a compact from my point of view). 28mm will make a big difference over the 35mm standard.

The TZ3 is a little bigger than some though.
I also like the look of the Ricoh Caplio R6 (high zoom and wide angle) but the dealer I spoke to said that he had heard reports of a highish return rate through the group (Jacobs).

In general, I wouldn't personally consider the Aldi camera - it will probably lack a lot of usability features which make some cameras stand out.

Don't worry too mcuh about megapixels either - if cost is an issue - this is the first thing that I personally would compromise. The TZ2 is cheaper and is 6MP - the only other difference I could find was the smaller LCD screen. I am considering it for my in-laws.

If you need it in the field, also consider batteries - most of these take proprietary rechargeables so you will need to budget for a spare. Some take AAs which might be useful in an emergency.

[Ellisium]

Cheers for that "trying times"
Some nice photo's on your page

Looks like the Panasonic is the one to go for and at a nice price. I see it uses a Leica lens aswell, which also features in some of my other equipment.

I liked the Aldi package as it comes complete with a spare battery, docking station e.t.c but I suppose you get what you pay for.

Would a car charger be recommended, or a spare battery?

[Pirate!!]

Spare battery . . yes. No need for a car charger IMHO. Spare memory card too (just in case).