Holidaying: Epson R-D1 or Lumix LX3?

[Justin Low]

I'll be going on a trip with my family soon. It's mainly a sightseeing type of holiday, with a fair bit of shopping. I don't think I'll have any time set aside for photography in particular.

I have an Epson R-D1, and if I take it, I'll bring along a 28/3.5 Skopar and a 40/2 Summicron-C. I don't intend to bring a camera bag around, so it'll just be one lens, with the camera on a strap across my body. I will probably slip a small external flash into my jacket if required.

My aim is to pack light, yet not short-change myself in terms of picture quality.

I was wondering if the Lumix LX3 could replace the R-D1 in this respect. It's much smaller and lighter.

I would ask this in the Epson forum, but given the bias, and that I already own the Epson (as opposed to having to spend money on the LX3), I think here would be the better choice.

Seeking your opinion. Thanks!

 

[M4streetshooter]

Take the Eppy....I miss mine and will never have it again but...
it's the last of the true organic image makers.....

As you say, you won't have much time for image making so make the best with the little time ya got...

Shooter

 

[kshapero]

Justin,
It really comes down to space. If you have none then take the Pany. If you have the space, take the Epson.

 

[Trius]

You mentioned image quality as important. I think the choice is clear.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Justin, if I understand your post correctly you already own the R-D1 but will need to spend some $$$ to buy an LX3 if you go that route. If I was in the same position, I'd save myself the extra outlay and take the R-D1 and maybe just one lens. Have you got a fast 35mm you can take? That'd be my choice.
Cheers,
Jon

 

[Justin Low]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. Very interesting comments.

Jon, that's correct. I already own a R-D1, and yes, I would need to spend money to buy a LX3. My fastest 35mm lens is a Summicron ASPH 35/2. I'm inclined to take the 40/2 though because it's much smaller. My fastest (only) 28 is a CV 28/3.5 Skopar.

To me, here are the pros of each (forgive my rant, just self-rationalizing):

Epson R-D1
+ No additional outlay
+ I can get shallow focus
+ Familiar with the camera
+ Better viewfinder, easier to see at night

Lumix LX3
+ Fast wideangle with zoom
+ Cheaper, lighter, smaller
+ No worries about sensor dust
+ Easier for the rest of the family to use, should they decide to

I'm going to carry the R-D1 around all week with just the two lenses and see how it works out.

 

[bennyng]

Hey Justin,

How is it going? It's been a while!

I was kind of in the same situation earlier. Own an Epson R-D1 and wondering if I should take a smaller compact on a trip. Ended up buying the Panasonic LX3 and it's a great little camera.

As far as family vacation and happy snappy is concerned, the Panasonic LX-3 is very convenient. Extremely portable. Easy to use. Plenty of options if you should get creative.

And if you need other lens options, feel free to contact me. I have a few small compact options you can loan for your trip. Perhaps a set of Canon 28mm f/2.8 LTM, Canon 35mm f/2.0 LTM, Canon 50mm f/1.5 LTM to go with your framelines? These oldies can still deliver quite a punch!

Cheers,

 

[Cron]

therefore my choice clearly would be the LX-3.
I own a d-lux4 and had a similar situation some weeks ago. Because of travel light I decided to take the dlux only. Small, portable, reliable, fast lens, excellent picture quality. Never missed an RF-body.

regards

 

[sebastel]

last year on my trip to yunnan, i took both with me, epson with 2.0/35mm and the LX3.
i always had only one camera with me on my day trips.

now guess what?
while the LX3 is comfortably small, the extended possibilities with the zoom lens did not pay. i found the pictures from the epson better by far, and this does not only relate to the technical part.

the epson, while a little bit heavier and bigger, never disturbed the tripping and sightseeing. so my choice in a similar situation will always be the R-D1. by the way, in the meantime, i sold the LX3.

if you want to see the photos taken on this trip yourself, here you go:
http://sebastel.de/yunnan/yunnan.html

regards

 

[f16sunshine]

Hahahaha!
I just went through this.
Don't even think of the LX3 if you are looking for the IQ you usually get from the RD1 and lenses you listed.
I shot the LX3 last week for a large event were I needed to be very discreet for the client. The IQ is horrific by comparison.
The LX3 is a great camera on the playing field of P&S models and phone cameras. It is not and never will be on the field with the RD1 or even the m4/3 cameras.
Yes a strong opinion but, as I said I just did this. You know how I would go next time.

 

[Justin Low]

Interesting. Thanks for the responses. I've just spent a chunk on something else, so it looks like I will not be getting the LX3. 🙂