2007 Year End Candy Store for Photographers

[Tom Swaman]

O.K., I am posting this here in hopes of catching the attention of many of you, professionals, busines folks and amateurs of all levels.

As far as I can tell, the new, non-dSLR models have either hit the shelves or been announced for 2007. I, for one, am in the market for a good, high quality shirt pocket camera, compact or ultra compact. I would prefer this camera to be capable of shooting in aperture priority, shutter priority and manual mode. Next, in order of preference, I would prefer a limited focal length ratio zoom lens to promote higher qualityimages. I prefer the zoom lens have a 28mm wide angle equivalence on a 35mm comparative basis. Next I would like to be able to shoot in RAW mode and have a functioning optical viewfinder. i suppose that I may need to give-up the latter two items due to a lack of availability. Lastly, I insist that the camera yield well exposed and relatively low-noise images to hopefully ISO=400. I am highly flexible on the file size since these numbers really do not mean very much in the P&S cameras.

PLEASE TELL ME WHICH MODELS MEET THESE CRITERIA AND THE PROS AND CONS OF ANY THAT EXIST.

With much appreciation and hopes that this thread helps many of you,
Tom

[kgphoto]

Tom,

Don't you want a hot shoe or other off camera flash sync-ability?

[aam1234]

A colleague just bought a Canon S570 (or something like that) and he was very impressed, so much so that he kept on coming to my office to tell me about it. He is DSLR user (Nikon).

[jfrancho]

Looking like a G9.

[aam1234]

The G series is not exactly a pocketable cam, otherwise it's an excellent choice. It has Raw, full manual, hotshoe, among other things.

[jfrancho]

Originally Posted by aam1234

The G series is not exactly a pocketable cam

It is 4.2 x 2.8 x 1.7 in.

[Tom Swaman]

Thanks all for the help. Please keep this coming. I cannot help that this information will aid a whole bunch of us.

KGPhoto, I would like a hot shoe or off-camera sync(preferably PC), but a real hot shoe, and not one of Sony's little....."ours is different than all others." Frankly, I did not forget this in my wishlist, but i think the chances of getting this with the other items are remote.

aam1234, I do not know of a Canon S570 nor could I locate this in a quick search.

John, I know what and why you said it looks like a G9. The main problem with this camera is that it is relatively expensive and has a long focal length normal lens. This means wide angle adapter which adds weight, size, clumsiness and cost. This is why I am trying so hard to obtain accurate, hands on experience from folks on here with the Leica/Panasonic or similar. It just looks like these may be as good as or functionally better than the G9. I sure do not know, but I sure would like to know.

Have a great day all,
Tom

[aam1234]

Originally Posted by jfrancho

It is 4.2 x 2.8 x 1.7 in.

You must have big pockets, John

Tom, I think it's an A series, like this A560.

[jfrancho]

You must have big pockets, John

Yes, and it takes deep pockets to own one

[jfrancho]

Originally Posted by Tom Swaman

John, I know what and why you said it looks like a G9. The main problem with this camera is that it is relatively expensive and has a long focal length normal lens. This means wide angle adapter which adds weight, size, clumsiness and cost. This is why I am trying so hard to obtain accurate, hands on experience from folks on here with the Leica/Panasonic or similar. It just looks like these may be as good as or functionally better than the G9. I sure do not know, but I sure would like to know.

You have one choice in Leica, and its roughly 10x the G9 in cost. The Panny DMC-FZ18K has RAW, but it is even larger than the G9, >$500. About the closest I can find to your req's is the DMC-LX2K, at $370 but no external flash.

[Tom Swaman]

John,

I think you are incorrect. Have you looked at the Leica Dlux3 or the Panasonic DMC-LX2?

Thanks and thanks in advance for your comments and thoughts,
Tom

[jfrancho]

The Leica is very close to the LX2 that I pointed out above, but around $600, and no RAW.

[Tom Swaman]

John,

I believe that both cameras shoot in RAW.

Tom

[jimiw]

Not meaning to hijack the thread but what is RAW? Thanks Jimi

[jfrancho]

OK, yes its there. I didn't see it in the specs at first glance. As far as I can tell, you're paying to have the Leica logo in clear view to impress your friends, and you get their "special in camera processing" which isn't much value if you are shooting RAW. The Panny is definitely a contender.

[jfrancho]

Originally Posted by jimiw

Not meaning to hijack the thread but what is RAW? Thanks Jimi

No sweat, Jimmiw. Here is a good primer: Understanding RAW Files Explained. Not all cameras can record in raw format.

[jimiw]

Originally Posted by jfrancho

No sweat, Jimmiw. Here is a good primer: Understanding RAW Files Explained. Not all cameras can record in raw format.

Thank you jfranco I really do appreciate it Jimi

[Tom Swaman]

John,

Do you know whether the Panasonic is identical to the Leica with only a difference in logo? I have heard that Panasonic makes the camera using a Leica lens for both companies, but I do not know the truth and I sure would like to know.

Do you know anyone who has tried this camera. The problem lies in the market. Not too many photographic houses carry Panasonic and B&H, who does, push Canon for obvious reasons.

Thank you,
Tom

[jfrancho]

Originally Posted by Tom Swaman

John,

Do you know whether the Panasonic is identical to the Leica with only a difference in logo? I have heard that Panasonic makes the camera using a Leica lens for both companies, but I do not know the truth and I sure would like to know.

Do you know anyone who has tried this camera. The problem lies in the market. Not too many photographic houses carry Panasonic and B&H, who does, push Canon for obvious reasons.

Thank you,
Tom

I think its just processing differences.
Leica D-LUX 3: Digital Photography Review
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2: Digital Photography Review

No, I don't know anyone that has used it. Also, I've never had BH push something over the other. They usually just take your money, regardless.

[Tom Swaman]

John,

Thanks for the effort. You are so correct about B&H folks unless you blow a little smoke and get them to spout off theif recommendation. I did this twice and came up with Canon and Canon and one salesman who could not spell camera and anothera on who seemed to be prtty good and very middle of the road. Such is life.

Tom