digital???

O

onespeed

Guest
Hi all I am looking to augment the camera shelf with a point and shoot digital any thoughts or suggestions on cameras of course leica would be my first choice panasonic second and canon third all help appreciated
thanks, Robert
 
There's a few good ones but to start.....I would get a Ricoh GX-200. It's a great all around camera with the best interface of any digital camera...any!

The only problem is ....you'll be using it all the time...it won't be on the shelf...

shooter
 
Depends exactly what you're looking for.

I don't own one, but if I were to throw money at a new digital point & shoot right now, it'd be the Panasonic LX3. It has a lens of limited zoom range, only 24-60mm equivalent, but it's a fast f2-2.8, which is standout among point & shoots. Leica sells essentially the same camera for a $r00ish premium as the D-Lux 4 if the brand is that important to you.
 
I have had the Panasonic LX2 for a number of years. At any time I might have one of a dozen different film bodies in my bag, but the LX2 is always there. It's a grat little camera. I am tempted by the faster lens on the LX3, but not enough to buy one before the LX2 breaks. The specs on the Canon G10 look great, but I prefer the ergonomics on the Panasonic/Leica models - YMMV. The Ricoh GR digital has also tempted me, but given how I make use of a digital p&s I'm sure I would miss having zoom.
 
jmkelly said:
The specs on the Canon G10 look great, but I prefer the ergonomics on the Panasonic/Leica models - YMMV.
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Agree 100% with this. IMO, Canon's overall IQ is better than Panasonic's but Panasonic beats the pants off Canon in user interface. Either can produce excellent images in the right hands. I just bought a G10 pretty much because I thought it was "cooler looking" than the LX-3, had an optical VF and had a self-capping lens. I need 14.7 MP like I need a hole in my head.

What do you want to use your digital camera for?
 
I am quite happy with my Ricoh GX-100. The control you have over the cameras functions and the way it holds is one of the best among digital P&S. the shutter delay is almost non-existant (i heard the GX200 is slower for some reason). two drawbacks are, high iso noise above 100, and about 4 seconds processing time when shooting in RAW
 
lubitel said:
I am quite happy with my Ricoh GX-100. The control you have over the cameras functions and the way it holds is one of the best among digital P&S. the shutter delay is almost non-existant (i heard the GX200 is slower for some reason). two drawbacks are, high iso noise above 100, and about 4 seconds processing time when shooting in RAW
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Yep, I've got a GX100, and the GX200 is supposed to be much faster in raw mode as it has a buffer. The slow performance is the biggest gripe I have with the camera.

Mike
 
Panasonic TZ5

Panasonic TZ5

Look at the specs and reviews of this camera.... generally selling now for under $300 new.

I did some research for a client going to Peru and this is what I came up with.
 
I think for a digital compact camera Ricoh should be first on your list as others have pointed out. Leica is just re-selling Panasonic cameras with a 400$ price increase.

At the moment the best cameras are the Ricoh GX100 or GX200, Ricoh GRD I or GRD II and the Panasonic LX3. The Canon G10 is nice but just too big.

You can see my review with sample pictures of the GX200 that also compare it to the GX100, GRD I and GRD II here: http://ricohgrdiary.wordpress.com/2009/02/18/ricoh-gx200-review-part-1/

The Ricoh cameras have the best controls you find on any digital (compact) camera so they are worth the price just for that.
You can find more pictures taken with them on my blog or Flick gallery.

@sojournerphoto
The RAW write times on the GX200 are massively improved and you can take up to 5 pictures before the camera nereds to write to the card and even then it's ready after only 1 second.

@lubitel
The shutter lag is minimal but the AF is slower and the camera can't take a picture till it finished focussing. If you use Manual focus or Snap then there is no difference between the two.
 
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Another vote here for the GRD...well I have the GRDII and love it!!! Best UI (you will not want to put it down!!) and the only true compact - from the usual line up of suspects (G10, LX3/DLux4, DP1).

I don't intend to start a war here but the GRD has a unique image quality...however, the DP1 has stand-out IQ once you get over the learning curve. Many people love the LX3, but for me the images were....well 'platicky'...but again my own very subjective opinion only.

I tested the LX3, DP1 & GRDII for a week each - three of us bought one each and would keep the one we liked best....after my week it was the GRD definitely!!!...and there was some fighting let me tell you!!! But I bought the more expensive DP1 so had the loudest voice come voting time. Handling the cameras will tell you which one is for you! Funny thing is I was set on the DP1, then LX3...but experience presented me with the GRD. So don't always follow your head on these decisions...
 
If you want something versatile, truly pocketable, and far less expensive than all the other cameras mentioned here:
Canon SD880

If you want something bigger or don't mind spending $400 or more, the other cameras are very nice as well.
 
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