Ultimate Expedition Compact Camera Discussion

[MatthewThompson]

Is the leica worth the extra £100?

In a word, no. The digital rangefinders, medium format digitals and 35mm cameras are still handmade. There's nothing special about the Leica digital compacts. You get the same lens formula in the Panasonics, and arguable a better menu interface.

 

[Scott Brady]

Ricoh GX200
Leica D-Lux 3
Panasonic LX3

Did you look at the LX5?

 

[Sirocco]

Did you look at the LX5?

Not really Scott. Like I said, Im looking at slightly older models due to price. The LX5 is just over £300 (secondhand) and I read somewhere that there isn't a lot of difference between that and the earlier LX3 which I can pick up for £180.

unless you can convince me otherwise

call me tight, I just dont see the need to spend out on the newest thing (unless it is justified by a big leap in tech, not just a few tweeks).

I drive a Defender so Im used to things being 'not quite revolutionary' :coffeedrink:

G

 

[Scott Brady]

I have the D-Lux 3 and love that camera. It has been a wonderful tool and we still use it for all of the moto trips.

 

[ywen]

I'd like to add some thoughts I've been pondering about the past few days...

On my recent Moab trip, where I brought my DSLR + lenses and Panasonic GF1 + 20mm pancake..

My feeling from the trip was that the GF1 was still too big for my need. I really need something that is pocketable. The GF1 (or any m4/3 cameras for that matter) simply does not fill that requirement. The GF1 performed extremely well and I can certainly see the m4/3 format as a replacement for DSLR for many folks. However, I highly value the high ISO performance of a Full Frame DSLR and the large aperture wide angle lenses available for that format. As of right now, there is simply no replacement for the DSLR for my needs. The GF1 is a bit too close to the DSLR in its niche role. I really need a camera that accomodates the opposite extreme of my photography needs.

I'm thinking of trading the GF1 for S95 or the new Olympus NX-Z1.. Yes I'll sacrifice some image quality potential, but as of right now, I deem the compactness factor to be more important.

I have a Ricoh GRD P&S that fits in a pocket. The Ricoh high-end compacts (GRD, GX series) are the ultimate P&S when comes to ergonomics, but the new line of cameras from Canon have much more features and improved image quality.

So if you have a S95 and interested in trading, let's talk!

 

[Christophe Noel]

I'm late returning to this thread, but I just picked up a G12 yesterday. I bought a G9 in early '08, used it for the summer, sold that for a Leica Lux 3 and sold that about a year ago. There were a few things about the Leica I didn't like. More importantly, I just missed the canon. So, after spending a year looking around, I'm back in the Canon G fold.

For my criteria, size counts as I'm often on foot, skis, or mountain bike wheels. My camera doesn't need to be diminutive, just compact enough to fit in a jacket or pack pocket. It also has to be reasonably priced. I'm not about to crash my mountain bike and crush a $6995 Leica.

I've yet to find a digital pocket shooter I love as much as my 35mm Pentax 90WR or my beloved Rollei 35s.

 

[MC4X4]

I am looking at getting a tough compact and cant decide on a Panasonic TS-1 or a TS-2 or a olympus 8010.
any help would be great

cheers MC

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

I have been using Olympus for about 4 decades. Had the 1/2 frame one with the doubler and attachments way back when Kodak had quality 25/64ASA slide film. I used to push this film to increase the saturation and man did it look good. Developers gave me heck for the extra work framing the 72+ shots instead of the 36+ shots one was supposed to get from a roll.

Since then I have stayed with Olympus cameras and currently use a FE370. Robust, capable, inexpensive (~$100 or so) little camera, been underwater, been in the water, bumped around etc. and still works. Easy to use under the most difficult lighting situations, timed shots, etc. Large view screen, all cables included. Light, compact easy to store anywhere. Built in photo guide and modes, even videos (depending on SD card size). Augmented the system with a 12V charger and extra battery, large SD card (4GB) all from HK via eBay. I am very happy with it! All my photos on the link below are taken with it. :costumed-smiley-007

 

[ThomD]

We finally took the TS2 out for a spin this weekend. This is the simplest camera I've owned in a very long time. No PASM, just a laundry list of scene modes and "Intelligent Auto". I do like that it is a bit bigger than the typical pocket camera; it is a bit easier to hold.

Images are about what you'd expect from a 14MP P&S. During the day, everything is fine. I haven't bothered to take any low light photos because I don't expect them to be worth anything.

 

[landcruising]

Wish this was out a few months ago. Looks like the Canon S95 plus the external flash which is exactly what I was looking for.

Will be interesting to see image comparisions between the two cameras in an in depth review.

That a nice camera.... DPreview says this about it..

I want to see what they look like in real life..

Adventurous greetings,
Coen

 

[photoman]

That a nice camera.... DPreview says this about it..

I want to see what they look like in real life..

Adventurous greetings,
Coen

It looks impressive. Having owned several Zuiko lenses with my Olympus gear I excited to see more images from this camera. Really interested in seeing an in depth comparison to the Canon S95. Have a feeling my S95 will be up for sale pretty soon.

 

[landcruising]

the lens cap might be my only problem?

 

[landcruising]

dpreview updated its compact group test 2010.

 

[Sirocco]

Despite some opposition I just bought the Leica D-Lux 3 :wings:

found it for the same used price as a Lumix LX3. I dont think I will miss the lower 1 stop or slightly wider angle, I think the extra telephoto may come in handy.

waiting for delivery now. Hopefully get it before next weekends back country trip to the Lake District :smiley_drive:

G

 

[Scott Brady]

Our little D-Lux has been fantastic.