digital compact comparable with Contax t2?

[Roger Vadim]

Hi,

I am looking for a digital compact camera (which shouldn't be overly expensive) to go with my Contax t2, is there something out there which can match image quality and ease of use?

Any recommendations?

Thanks, Michael

 

[VladimirV]

Maybe the closest you will get is with the GRD I although it has a 28mm f2.4 lens, great build and controls, fast AF and a great b&w mode.
You can also look at the Sigma DP2, it has a 41mm f2.8 lens and large sensor although thge usability and controls are not it's strong point and the AF is slow.

 

[rondo]

Grd1

Grd1

Vladimir, is it possible to find a new GRD these days? Or only used?

 

[ZeissFan]

They made a compact digital Contax TVS. It didn't have a folding lens door, and I doubt that you'll find one that does.

My opinion is that most compact digital cameras offer similar features, similar image quality, similar body designs and similar lenses. The exceptions are the so-called bridge cameras and certain specialist models, such as the Sigma DP-1, Olympus EP-1, Ricoh GRD and a few others.

 

[hiromu]

Vladimir, is it possible to find a new GRD these days? Or only used?

Check with Pop Flash Photo. They should have a few GRDII new. Also, they are selling on auction site...

 

[Don Parsons]

I love my Canon A570. It has IS, a fairly fast 35mm (-140?) f2.6 lens, manual, program,aperture and shutter priority. I got it for under $140. It's my go everywhere camera.

 

[joachim]

Hi,

I am looking for a digital compact camera (which shouldn't be overly expensive) to go with my Contax t2, is there something out there which can match image quality and ease of use?

Any recommendations?

Thanks, Michael

Olympus E-P1 with "Pfannekuchen"

Similar form factor. Better than any other compact due to larger sensor. Similar specification lens (f/2.8 modest wide). Problem might be price though.

 

[VladimirV]

Vladimir, is it possible to find a new GRD these days? Or only used?

You can find the GRD I only used these days and this is the better one of the two, the GRD II is still available new. There are rumors and some pictures of a GRD III which should be released in the coming weeks with a 28mm f1.9 lens so this could be the best one to get.

 

[peterm1]

Some people swear by the Lumix Lx3 although personally my favourite is the Canon G10. its not directly comparable to the T2 though as its bigger / has a zoom etc. But in terms of image quality it may be the best you can hope for. I still own a T2 as well and have to say that thing almost invariably outshoots my Leica glass (on film cameras) . Sharp, great contrast and fab color. Pure wonderment.

 

[Roger Vadim]

Thanks for the comments, guys! I'll have a look at the suggestions.
Being a bit of a digital phobic, all those zillion of compacts out there on the market made me wonder which one to get...

And Peter is right, that lens is quite good, although, as a B/W shooter, almost too contrasty 😉

 

[mfunnell]

I still own a T2 as well and have to say that thing almost invariably outshoots my Leica glass (on film cameras) . Sharp, great contrast and fab color. Pure wonderment.

While I wouldn't go that far 😉 , I certainly agree the T2 is a great package and has a very nice (and typically Zeiss) lens.

Unfortunately, I think that the answer for the OP is that there just isn't a digital compact comparable to the Contax T2. Or even the Oly mju-II aka Stylus Epic, for that matter.

I wish there were, and fondly hope that some descendant of or competitor to the recent micro-4/3rds cameras or Sigma DP-x-es will come along and do the trick.

...Mike

 

[f16sunshine]

Agree with the last post. Nothing will be as satisfying in use compared to the T2.
I bought an LX3 recently. It's a nice camera producing good IQ and easy to use.
If the GRD3 is as good in low light as the LX3 I would opt fir it. The ergonomics are better IMHO. Also it is more compact when not in use.

 

[zuikomaniac]

Try Olympus C-5050 , only 5MP, but solid camera with zuiko 1.8 lens ...