As an experiment, I embarked on a Photowalk with my three digital cameras to discover which would be the most useful, and in which circumstances.

The cameras are, from left to right:

1. Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ8 — a DSLR
2. Advent MP8 — a compact.
3. Panasonic SDR S7 — an SD camcorder.

So, two still cams and a movie camera.

The walk was around the centre of Exeter, including the Quay, the High Street and the river bank, plus a number of tourist sites around the city.

Conclusion
As expected, I used the movie camera the most. There was just too much movement and activity for static shots.

However, when confronted with a fine view, the DSLR came out and a staged shot was taken. Even so, these were all hand-held. Pulling out my tripod would have involved too much effort and made me too conspicuous.

Where a fairly static scene was involved, but with something interesting going on, I reached automatically for the compact.

So, predictably the ratio was 3:2:1 for video, DSLR, compact.

Does that tell me anything about my usage and preferences? Probably not, except that I’ll make sure I carry the videocam everywhere from now on.

Nikon has just announced its new Coolpix P80 with 18x zoom. Although described as a compact camera, it looks and feels like a small DSLR.

Nikon’s new Coolpix P80 with 18x zoom

Here’s part of the press release :

MELVILLE, NY (April 10, 2008) Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the COOLPIX P80, a high-performance compact camera built to satisfy the needs of camera enthusiasts and family photographers alike. The P80 harmoniously integrates a 10.1 megapixel CCD image sensor with Nikon’s innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept and an 18x optical Zoom-NIKKOR lens designed with the compact and comfortable styling of the Nikon COOLPIX brand.

The COOLPIX P80 addresses a need from consumers for an ultra-zoom compact camera that offers unrivaled Nikon performance and clarity, said Bill Giordano, General Manager, Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. Nikon is proud to continue delivering the highest quality imaging products for photo enthusiasts and aspiring photographers with a broad range of creative control options and superior imaging ability.”

At around $400, this looks a very interesting addition to the legendary Nikon range.

Well, here’s mine. It’s a Panasonic Lumix DFC FZ8 DSLR with a Leica 12X zoom lens.

I’ve been road testing this little beauty — it’s surprisingly small — around our town and will report back when the weather improves and I’ve had a chance to test it in full sunlight.

Until then I can say it’s by far the best digital camera I’ve bought and performs wonderfully well. Even the hundreds of functions are easy to access and control — not always the case with digital cameras in general.

Well recommended.

I wish all our readers a very happy New Year.

The Canon EOS 30D

To mark the 20th anniversary of Canon’s bestselling EOS series of cameras, the company is mounting a massive discount giveaway over the range until the end of the year.

In detail : “to celebrate 20 years of its legendary EOS system, Canon is giving back a total of £1283 ($2656) on a selection of EOS digital SLR cameras, lenses and accessories”. This cashback offer is valid from 1 October to 31 December 2007.

There are many participants in this offer. Try here.