Point and Shoot Cameras

I have used a Panasonic Lumix DSC-ZS1 and ZS9 inside a number of cathedrals, churches, and a synagogue as well as in numerous museums. The photos have almost always turned out well. I use the automatic setting, and print them on eight and a half by eleven inch photo paper on our HP Photosmart copier. I've also used the latter camera at two wedding anniversaries with good results.

We have a Canon PowerShot S90 and I've been very impressed. Here is an example of a low light photo, albeit shot in Peru and not Europe ;-) https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/390151_2533163059995_1581091130_2412452_893568999_n.jpg

Carroll, P&S Cameras typically don't allow the user much control over shooting parameters such as ISO, shutter speed or aperture, so they're not always ideal for low light situations. The auto focus in some Cameras doesn't function well in low light, so that's another aspect to consider. Some models are designed to function reasonably well in situations like that, so you'll have to do some research. You might find it helpful to have a look at DP Review or Steve's Digicams to check some of the reviews. Some new models will be introduced this spring, so you may want to visit a few Camera stores in your area to have a look at these. I'd suggest concentrating on "Camera" stores rather than big box retailers, as the staff will be more knowledgeable. Cheers!

Carroll, most of the newer models of P & S cameras will take good pictures in low light/at night if you use the right setting and preferably a tripod to steady the camera.

I have two Panasonic P&S cameras both of which have night shooting modes and have functioned quite well. The problem is holding them steady during the exposure. I use a very tiny tripod that I bought in Florence years ago and I find a wall or something to set it on. It also helps to use the 2 second shutter delay just to make sure you don't move it when you press the button.

Swear by my Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS. Takes great pics in low light situations. 4x optical zoom 12MP.

I think something that improves all low-light photography is a tripod or some other support (resting the camera on a bench for example.) When people travel the lens range is often very important.... dp review (as mentioned above is a great resource) has a good review (a bit old) of superzooms, which are often seen as travel cameras (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q110superzoomgroup/) Another question to ask is how big do you want prints (or do you want prints.) Cameras good in low light usually do something to minimize "noise" as they increase ISO and aperture, but that may or may not affect you based on what you intend to do with the pics. As also mentioned earlier, I used the Panasonic Lumix FZ series and thought it was a great travel camera.

I bought a Canon S95 IS last year. One of the main considerations was low light capability and it's fantastic. The previously-owned S90 got squished or I'd still be using it. The S95 goes to 3.8 optical zoom, but to 15 digital, a minor drawback. It wworks fine in automatic but is fully capable of being used in manual. Now they're up to the S100 which I think has a zoom improvement. Cannon seems to change that series every August or September. Maybe wait to see if they come out with a S110 or S(next) and buy it or the S100 which will probably drop a bit in price.

Carroll, Whichever Camera you decide to buy, be sure to check the reviews (if available) to make sure that it will meet your needs. DP Review provides VERY detailed and comprehensive reviews, but it sometimes takes them some time to review newer Cameras. Other websites you could check are Camera Labs or DC Resource. Some of the newer P&S Cameras are much better at getting images in low light conditions, but of course the best solution is usually a DSLR. Although it's a bit of a chore to travel with, I always pack along both a DSLR along with a P&S. Good luck with your decision.

Canon G11 or G12. Same camera, G12 d version. I own the G11. Has setting specifically for low light conditions. Amazing camera. Not cheap, but you will have for years.... I bought mine on Amazon.com Easy to use, just spin the dial to the conditions. Has setting for indoors, outdoors, foliage, landscape, fireworks, low light, candle light, children...and you can do some fun stuff with the colors/black/white. HIGHLY RECOMMEND This camera is used by professional photographers as their back up camera. You can also learn to use ISO and F-stop with this camera, it's that versatile. If not into the ISO stuff, just keep it on automatic and get great pics.

I went from a Sony cyber shot to a canon g11.......what an up grade. My European pictures look soooooo much better. But like others have said, even with a point and shoot, you can take photos at night or in low light, you just have to know what setting. My Sony cybershot night or low light pictures always looked like crap though. But I think that having the canon, made me want to know more about photography. The canon is larger than your typical point and shoot but not as huge as a DSL.....I could still keep my camera in my coat pocket if I wanted to but you can tell I have a camera in my pocket.

Thank you so much to everyone who responded. These were all very helpful. I am planning a trip to see the Christmas markets in Germany after Thanksgiving, and I was thinking my pictures at night would be horrible. Then I saw an ad for some new Nikon P&S cameras that said they took good pictures in low light, and I thought maybe with a different camera I could get better pictures. I don't really need a new camera though, so it would have to be a big improvement to be worth it. First, I'll try taking some low light pictures with a tripod. Then I'll check out some of the recommended cameras and read some reviews. I have lots of time to think about it. Thanks again!

If you are considering a tripod to help with tricky night shots, you might consider the Gorillapod. http://joby.com/gorillapod As a solo traveller, I find this useful, little, lightweight tripod a must have on my trips. The flexible legs can wrap around railings and door knobs, etc. or used as a standard little tripod. Available in many sizes, I use a small one for my Panasonic Lumix point-and-shoot. My son also had great success using the largest size with his digital SLR on a round-the-world trip. A quick check of the website also tells me they are now available for mobile phones, too.

Thanks, Barbara. I was thinking there was no way I was going to carry a tripod around in Europe, but I'll definitely check this one out.