Is there a digital camera that comes close-Not M8 or RD1?

[Gray Fox]

I suppose this has been tromped on before, but if so, I haven't read it. After 30+ (oops, 40+) years lugging various cameras all over the world, I have no Leica type lenses lying about, but I'd like something as close as I could find to the convenience and speed of a digital RF--I suppose many of you out there would, too. I have a G2 and full compliment of lenses, and catch myself tripping the shutter and waiting for a file to load as I do with RAW images in my Nikon DSLRs.

I'm the sort who doesn't want to sell one of my trucks to afford a camera, but I do almost daily get some idea that I simply have to go try with one of the DLSRs and come back in and pop the card into my PC and then see what I've done in CS2. I've only recently started shooting RAW and now wonder why I had been so against it in the past.

I have both a Microtek 4000 dpi 35 scanner and an Epson flatbed to handle medium format, but I guess I have become used to the immediacy of digital.

I just finished reading the review of the Canon G7 on the Luminous Landscape and am disappointed to see that it isn't going to do the trick. ANY suggestions besides selling a truck and proceeding witha $6K camera on foot?

 

[jlw]

Watch for another batch of $1599 refurb R-D 1s at the Epson store?

 

[amateriat]

If it's not a digital RF, I'd say the answer is "not too likely". (IMO)

Short of this, something along the lines of an Olympus C8080 will do, as a digital adjunct to my other stuff, not a replacement.


- Barrett

 

[SteveM(PA)]

The Sigma DP1 will be coming early next year, the first compact with an embiggened sensor...with some limitations of course. My digi compact just croaked, so I'll probably be getting one, for my movies and snaps.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0609/06092604sigmadp1.asp

 

[f8&go]

Perhaps you could sell a grandchild or something 🙂 and get
a Lumix L1 ($2K) or a Leica Digilux3 (same camera, $2.5K.)
The included zoom lens is excellent according to popphoto mag.

 

[iñaki]

I hate the focus sistem of all the digicams I have used. Of course, haven´t tryed a digital RF yet (I haven´t seen one).

 

[ikiru]

Here is what I would like. I fixed lens digital camera that works like my hexar AF.

So That would be Fixed lens with a focal length between 35-50mm. APS sized sensor. And the use of the outside the lens IR active focus system...

It is amazing how FAST the Hexar grabs focus in any light.

The ultimate travel/walkabout camera.... But I'll keep dreaming and shooting the hexar....

Something like the Olympus 5050 is attractive...if only it had higher ISO.

so even a smaller sensor, with a good F2 or f1.5 (hey why not f1.5 and take advantage of the extra usable DOF)

 

[Socke]

The Canon Powershot G7 has the looks, but the absense of RAW and some issues as reported on dpreview drive me away from it.

My dream compact would be the G7 with RAW and a faster 3x zoom. But as it is, the Contax TVS will see some more film.

 

[John Camp]

I've got a G7, and I like it. I think Michael Reichmann (on LL) may have had a change of heart -- in fact, they even have a contest in which they're giving away a G7.

JC

 

[mc_vancouver]

Here is what I would like. I fixed lens digital camera that works like my hexar AF.

So That would be Fixed lens with a focal length between 35-50mm. APS sized sensor. And the use of the outside the lens IR active focus system...

It is amazing how FAST the Hexar grabs focus in any light.

Ikuru, if you ever decide to sell your Hexar, and I'm assuming it is the black, silent version, give me a ring...I used to have one and regret very much selling it. Michael

 

[ikiru]

Michael,

I doubt I would sell the Hexar even if I had a digital equal. This thing is just too darn fun!

 

[AusDLK]

I've not used one but the Ricoh GRD is supposed to be sweet.

Other than a very slow RAW image save time, I have nothing negative about it.

 

[Socke]

I've got a G7, and I like it. I think Michael Reichmann (on LL) may have had a change of heart -- in fact, they even have a contest in which they're giving away a G7.

JC

Yes, he bought on to go with his M8.

If I had a M8, I'd be happy with the G7 as it is.

 

[ChrisN]

For me, a good rangefinder camera has a number of attributes that make it ideal for urban photo situations.

Appearance: It looks less intimidating than an SLR - compact lenses help.

Viewfinder: The excellent optical viewfinder of a good RF is a joy to use. I wear multifocal specs, and to compose on the screen of most digital P&S cameras is a pain, as I have to hold the camera up in front of me and raise my chin to peer through the bottom part of my spectacles. This feels awkward and looks silly. Give me a decent viewfinder any day. Sony's F717 (with a body that rotates about the lens) is actually quite a good design in this respect; used this way it feels similar to a TLR, and has the same problems in bright sunlight.

Quiet operation: Anything louder than a Leica M is too loud! I do like the way the P&S cameras can be set for silent operation.

Immediate response: I like to be able to pre-set focus and exposure settings so that there is no delay when I press the shutter.

In terms of the using experience, I'm starting to think the Ricoh GR-D, with an optical viewfinder, might come closest to what I'm looking for.

 

[Trius]

Here is what I would like. I fixed lens digital camera that works like my hexar AF.

So That would be Fixed lens with a focal length between 35-50mm. APS sized sensor. And the use of the outside the lens IR active focus system...

It is amazing how FAST the Hexar grabs focus in any light.

The ultimate travel/walkabout camera.... But I'll keep dreaming and shooting the hexar....

Something like the Olympus 5050 is attractive...if only it had higher ISO.

so even a smaller sensor, with a good F2 or f1.5 (hey why not f1.5 and take advantage of the extra usable DOF)

Speaking of the 5050, it has fast lens, but not the wide angle I'd like. The 5060 has the wide, but not the speed. Aside from the higher ISO issue, maybe a 5050 w/ a WA adapter. Majoli does great work with the 50x0.

 

[Sylvaticus]

.... I'd like something as close as I could find to the convenience and speed of a digital RF .... I just finished reading the review of the Canon G7 on the Luminous Landscape and am disappointed to see that it isn't going to do the trick. ANY suggestions besides selling a truck and proceeding witha $6K camera on foot?

The Canon G7 is a disappointment for many of us. Since you cited the G7, I presume you're aware of it's predecessors, with raw images and an f2 lens. They're still around secondhand at something like their original retail prices, say $400 to $500 or may be more for a G5 or G6.

The "rangefinding" system is fast and accurate, but wouldn't suit many RFF members since it isn't done by mirrors. And the viewfinder is direct, not a miniature TV like so many other diigitals.

 

[sircarl]

The big knock on the Canon G7 is the lack of RAW, but if that's something you can live with, it has a lot to recommend it. I've fondled it in a local camera store, and it's a brilliantly designed camera that just feels "right." You get an awesome set of controls, IS, an optical viewfinder (with a diopter yet!), fast response times, an ISO knob on top, and a hot shoe, all in a very compact body that resembles a traditional film camera in many ways. I've seen some very appreciative reviews from professional photographers who use it as a "second" camera to a DSLR or even a primary camera for more informal shooting, when the lack of a RAW option isn't a concern. If it had a 28mm wide angle (35mm equivalent) -- my primary requirement -- I'd buy it in a flash.

 

[pvdhaar]

The Sigma DP1 will be coming early next year, the first compact with an embiggened sensor...with some limitations of course. My digi compact just croaked, so I'll probably be getting one, for my movies and snaps.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0609/06092604sigmadp1.asp

I'm really curious about how it will turn out in reality. The prototype shown doesn't have a viewfinder, and neither does it have an accessory shoe where you could put one.. The fixed lens big sensor concept is very appealing though..

 

[pvdhaar]

Ikuru, if you ever decide to sell your Hexar, and I'm assuming it is the black, silent version, give me a ring...I used to have one and regret very much selling it. Michael

The Silver Hexar can be re-configured by a clever sequence of button pushes to do silent-mode as well. A complete description can be found on http://www.photo.net/equipment/point-and-shoot/konica-hexar.html

 

[Bill58]

The Ricoh GR-D gets a lot comment, but there curiously is not a peep around about the 2 or 3 other 28mm Ricoh digitals. Why? Are they dogs?

If the Fuji F30 was 28mm I'd buy it.