Panasonic Lumix FX-33??

[Jamie123]

Recently my Panasonic Fx09 broke (someone dropped it) and now I'm getting a new one.
I must admit that in the two years I've had it I never really got around to using it since I'm just not a big fan of the whole digital P&S thing. However, I still need one 'just in case' so I'm looking into the current models.

What I like about the Panasonic is its look and size. As far as image quality goes I've always been a little disappointed by the high amount of noise on anything higher than ISO 80. Has this improved in the current line of Lumix cameras (specifically the FX33)?

If not Panasonic, what else should I look into? I know everyone really seems to like the ricoh grd but even though I would like to own one, I think it'd be better to get something with a zoom since it's going to be my only p&s.

I know questions like these can be difficult to answer but I'm really thankful for any help I can get.

 

[navilluspm]

Fujifilm f30, f31fd, f20, f40 - preferrably the F31fd. I just got a s6000fd (the superzoom sister of the f31fd) and I am VERY impressed with it.

Rumor has it that Fujimall is going to be listing some f31fd refurbs in the very near future.

 

[navilluspm]

BTW if you can deal with the size, the Fujifilm s6000fd is a very nice camera, but not as pocketable as the f31fd. I broke an FZ7 and replaced it with this one. I consider the IQ of this (Fuji) camera way beyond that of the Panny for the type of shooting I find myself doing (tracking my toddler indoors and out).

 

[Kim Coxon]

I would go for the FX30, FX07 or one of the others with the 28mm equivalent. My daughter has the 07 and it makes a huge difference over the FX3 that she did have which had the more usual 35mm equivalent.

Kim

 

[kalokeri]

I read some tests with the conclusion that Panasonic did improve the noise issue of the FX 33 compared to the FX 09. But as far as I know, you can´t use the accu of the FX 09 because the one of the FX 33 is smaller as the camera itself is smaller. That would make a point for the GR D or the GX 100 (zoom 24-70 equiv.) Ricoh offers because they use the same Panasonic accu that you need for the FX 09. If you´re interested in the GR D watch out as the GR D II with better noise handling is coming very soon.

A last thought: GR D and GX 100 are expensive compared to Panasonics. If you don´t use the camera that often, a cheaper one probably will do.

Thomas

 

[Jamie123]

Thanks for all the responses so far!

@navilluspm: I've looked into the fuji line of cameras since I've heard good things about their image performance. However, I think they're a little too big and I'm not a big fan of their look.

@Kim Coxon: I'm happy that the current line of Lumix cameras are 28mm equiv. on the wide side. The FX09 was 35 and I always wanted something a little bit wider.

@kalokeri: Good to hear that the ISO performance has been improved! As for the battery of the FX09 not working with the FX33, I'm not really worried as I'll be using the battery that comes with the new one (and I don't necesserily need a backup).
Like I said, the GR D looks nice but I the fixed focal length would bother me. I know that a GR D II is coming out but that would've been out of the question anyways since it's certainly going to be more expensive than the Lumix (which the GR D isn't).

Anyways, I think I'm more or less set on the FX33 unless there's something horribly wrong with it that I don't know about 🙂

 

[kalokeri]

Jamie,

if you liked the FX 09 you should also like the FX 33. It´s nearly the same camera but with 28mm equiv. and a little bit smaller.

Maybe you have the chance to try it before buying. Take a few pictures with your own SD card and see if you are contend with high iso performance.

Good luck

Thomas