jesse1dog
Light Catcher
Been thinking for some time that I should upgrade my Nikon Coolpix 775 digital camera. It's all of 2Mp but in some ways that is all that is needed to post on the internet - isn't it? I've had the camera for about 8 years and its still working well and the original battery is still holding some charge - enough for 60 pics at least.
But time moves on and at 100% I can see that its picture quality has been overtaken.
So what do I get as a replacement? I guess the Panasonic Lumix LX-3 and the Canon S90 are the top contenders although there are Lumix G1 available within my general price range. The latter are Panasonic refurbished models. So do I go for something new, something second hand with no known history, or something refurbished.
I suspect most of my use will be point and shoot. I expect with somewhat limited use this 'new' camera should last me 5 years.
I've read the reports, looked at buyers' experience, heard about the limitations of each model, know that all 3 cameras have been superceded with something 'better' but can't really make up my mind. The inclination is to go with the LX-3, and risk going second-hand.
What are members' reaction?
But time moves on and at 100% I can see that its picture quality has been overtaken.
So what do I get as a replacement? I guess the Panasonic Lumix LX-3 and the Canon S90 are the top contenders although there are Lumix G1 available within my general price range. The latter are Panasonic refurbished models. So do I go for something new, something second hand with no known history, or something refurbished.
I suspect most of my use will be point and shoot. I expect with somewhat limited use this 'new' camera should last me 5 years.
I've read the reports, looked at buyers' experience, heard about the limitations of each model, know that all 3 cameras have been superceded with something 'better' but can't really make up my mind. The inclination is to go with the LX-3, and risk going second-hand.
What are members' reaction?
The Coolpix 775 was popular in the 2002 time-frame.
This camera is circa 1992:
One-Point-Six MEGAPIXELS, baby.
$12,400 for the body.
This camera is circa 1992:
One-Point-Six MEGAPIXELS, baby.
$12,400 for the body.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Of course, one could be really cynical and suggest that the Coolpix must have taken several dozen pictures in that time. As a friend of mine said of one he borrowed to photograph his daughters, aged 2 and 5, "The shutter lag is impossible. By the time it takes a picture, they'll be usng make-up and going out with boys."
Not a helpful comment -- sorry! -- but I thought you might find it amusing.
Cheers,
R.
Not a helpful comment -- sorry! -- but I thought you might find it amusing.
Cheers,
R.
The lag on the DCS200 was crazy. Took a while for the SCSI disk to spin up. But once it was going, the lag was reduced and the spinning disk acted as a stabilizer. Mechanical in-camera Image Stabilization.
Leigh Youdale
Well-known
My daughter has the LX3 (on my recommendation) and is ecstatic about it. Size and picture quality are excellent. I can't cope without a 'proper' viewfinder, so bought the GF1 + EVF. Still prefer my RF's.
jesse1dog
Light Catcher
The shutter lag isn't all that bad for the type of shots I take. I do have to wait at switch on for 'something/anything' to happen but until I started reading reports I thought that was a general feature of digital cameras. In some ways I quite like what I get out of this 'simple' camera, but as Roger has said in another thread I can't expect an older camera to go on for ever and a day. Hence the look around for something that will/could last me another five years - probably to see me out!
jesse
jesse
jesse1dog
Light Catcher
Hi Leigh
Thought I might pair up the LX-3 with a 'Clearview Adapter' or stick a Helios viewfinder on top, although the latter does defeat some of the virtues of the camera.
jesse
Thought I might pair up the LX-3 with a 'Clearview Adapter' or stick a Helios viewfinder on top, although the latter does defeat some of the virtues of the camera.
jesse
HoodedOne
Well-known
You can also wait for the new LX-5
http://photorumors.com/2010/07/21/panasonic-lx5-and-four-other-cameras-now-official/
http://photorumors.com/2010/07/21/panasonic-lx5-and-four-other-cameras-now-official/
jesse1dog
Light Catcher
Don't think the LX-5 will offer me anything really useful in comparison to the LX-3. Looked at the reported specifications and it didn't come into the 'must have it category'. AND it will be way over my budget!
Thanks for the suggestion though.
jesse
Thanks for the suggestion though.
jesse