Sometime ago, the vintage digicam virus hit me, and I started a quest: To collect cult-classic vintage digital cameras, which were big hits during the early 2000's, at rock-bottom prices, if possible. Over time, I have managed to collect quite a few of these gems, and here in this test, I tested their performance using my default outdoor shot. I will be testing these cams using various conditions, and these will be shown in other posts, but first, let us look at the contenders.
My testing will be a bit different in that I test the images to see how they would fare when basic sharpening is applied. Some images fare well while some do not with basic enhancements.
My testing will be a bit different in that I test the images to see how they would fare when basic sharpening is applied. Some images fare well while some do not with basic enhancements.
1. The Canon Powershot A650
A camera that still sells for quite a pretty penny in 2014. The camera that the fantastic Alexey Kljatov (aka ChaoticMind75) makes popular thanks to his ingenious use of it. I got mine from Ebay, used, and yes still pricey! This is a cult camera and it shows by its specs - viewfinder, AA Batteries, large sensor, great lens, IS and the rumor that Canon killed this great A-series line because it is already eating into its other camera segments (G series). What more could one ask for a cult cam?
2. The Low Light Legend, Fuji F31fd.
Another vintage camera whose price managed to stay high (even higher used) on Ebay, because of all the raving reviews and praise it received from various sources. During its heyday, the F31fd was unchallenged in the area of Low Light Sensitivity among compact cameras. Up to now the F31fd has a wide cult following. I have tested the F10 on bright, outdoor conditions and it performed. Prices of the F31fd with its siblings (F10, F20, F30) remained high long after it has been discontinued.
3. Casio Exilim Z850
This nifty little camera is the successor to the much acclaimed Z750 from Ken Rockwell's review. The Z750 reached cult status, and the Z850 is the improved version of the Z750. Intuitive, very snappy, long battery life, sharp images, the Casio Z850 is surely a joy to use.
4. Olympus Camedia C-8080
The King of the Prosumer-Bridge cameras of 2004. During that time we saw all of the major camera manufacturers bringing out their big guns and giving their all in making their Bridge Cams. Olympus, Canon, Nikon and even Minolta brought out their big guns. The C8080's specs is like a dream come true, something that even modern cameras would be jealous of - Magnesium Body, Top-class lens, dual Memory slots, big sensor, wide aperture, tilt screen, among others. A cult classic? Definitely.
5. Kodak Max Z990
Kodak's top of the line Zoom cam, just before the company started folding up its camera division. The Z990 boasts of a 30x zoom, AA-powered source and impressive optics.
6. Sigma DP1x
Throwing in a wildcard, the Sigma DP1x is the darkhorse in this set of contenders. Although in reality it only totes a 4-megapixel equivalent sensor, initial tests show that the DP1x possesses a very sharp Sigma lens, and together with creative post-processing can churn out quite magnificent photos.
7. Nikon P300
Nikon's first premium compact, the P300 stands overshadowed today in terms of specs...but the P300 is a surprisingly capable shooter. Sharp, quick to focus and shoots confidently in low light scenarios.
8. Olympus XZ-2
Easily the best camera in this group, judging by the specs alone...but is it really a walk in the park for the XZ-2?