New Panasonic LX7

[dave stew]

I'm in the market for a high end compact. I thought the answer was the Canon S100, then Sony launches the RX100 with a big sensor. A bit of Googling last night revealed the latest Panasonic - the LX7. At first, I was a bit sceptical of the Pan, with a small sensor and the largest body of the three. But what a lens! Super fast Leica with F1.4 max aperture in wide and F2.3 in telephoto. Better than a lot of SLR kit lenses.

I think the only way to settle it would be to try them all for size in the camera shop... Any views?

[flat-planedCrank]

Just pondering how big a 24-90mm f1.4-2.3 SLR lens would be...

[binliner]

I'm looking for a top end compact at the moment to use instead of the 7D when I want to travel light, my shortlist is Sony RX100, Fuji X100, Fuji X10 and Canon G1-X but it's probably between one of the last 2 (The Sony doesn't have a viewfinder and I'm not sure the prime lens on the X100 will be flexible enough for me.)

Personally my only problem with compacts is IQ and noise so sensor size is one of the main criteria for me and in reviews I've read the others in my list fared better than the Panasonic but it was recommended as a contender along with those in my list by someone I know at a camera magazine

I'm going to do what you mentioned, take a memory card into the local Jessops and take some test shots to see which one feels best before making my mind up.

Edited by binliner on Tuesday 24th July 21:34

[GetCarter]

And just to add confusion

http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/compact_cam...

Already down to £425

I haven't read any reviews mind.

[spareparts]

GetCarter said:

And just to add confusion

http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/compact_cam...

Already down to £425

I haven't read any reviews mind.

Is this not just the Lumix TZ-30? (available around £250)

[GetCarter]

spareparts said:

GetCarter said:

And just to add confusion

http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/compact_cam...

Already down to £425

I haven't read any reviews mind.

Is this not just the Lumix TZ-30? (available around £250)

Yep.

We've kinda covered the Leica v Panasonic thing to death here, but in short... the D Lux 4 had a Panasonic LX equiv. Leica's hold their value long term due to the (sorry) badge, warranty, build quality, firmware and much better cases!

If you're on a tight budget, Panasonic will always win, but as the O/P mentioned the Sony (circa £475) I thought it worth a post.

As mentioned, I haven't read any reviews... for all I know they are both dogs.

Edited by GetCarter on Wednesday 25th July 12:46

[Mr Pointy]

DPReview have a preview test up on the website. Many of the changes seem more biased towards video rather than stills.

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/panasonic-lumix-d...

It's sad to see the sensor is smaller than the LX3/5 as it's key feature was always the low noise of the pictures it produced. Hopefully this hasn't been compromised.

[thehawk]

Was going for a LX-7, but really think I will go for the Sony RX100 based on the following review. The shots are clearly better because of the sensor size.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/panasonic-lx...

[dave stew]

I suppose there's no substitute for cubes (or larger sensor!) Proof indeed that the RX100 looks like the one to go for if you aren't planning on a wide open aperture at full telephoto. And it's a bit more compact than the LX7 which is important to me.