Looking for decent compact

[Thunderace]

. . . for when I can't/won't take my 5D2 somewhere.

Image quality and low noise is important, as is a 'proper' viewfinder.

Considering Canon G12/G15, Nikon P7100, Fuji X10. Anyone got experience of these or any alternatives?

[lowdrag]

I have a Canon S95 with an f2 lens for when I'm travelling. No it hasn't got a viewfinder, but apart from when I have the sun on the screen I've got used to it and have no issues. It has full manual control, but if there's one pet hate it is that you cannot have the flash on no matter what shooting conditions. Off yes, auto yes, but that's it. Oh, and the lens gives great results.

[Podie]

Olympus XZ-1 is worth a look, but you would need the optional viewfinder (circa £150) to meet all your requirements.

[Thunderace]

Viewfinder is essential. I have other compacts and I just don't like looking at a screen on the back

[RobDickinson]

x100s?

[GetCarter]

Thunderace said:

. . . for when I can't/won't take my 5D2 somewhere.

Image quality and low noise is important, as is a 'proper' viewfinder.

Considering Canon G12/G15, Nikon P7100, Fuji X10. Anyone got experience of these or any alternatives?

If you are considering the X10, get the X20. It's better. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilm-x20

The viewfinder is somewhat disappointing (so I suggest you try it), but it does at least give you 'info' (X10 doesn't). It's slightly bulky for a compact... depends how big your jacket pockets are. You really need to hold one to decide. Extremely well built and easy to use. Images are a little soft, but better than my S95

[Mr Will]

I'd strongly suggest a look at the LX7. It's a good bit smaller and more portable than the Canon G-series/Fuji X series options and it's got an absolutely lovely 24-90mm f1.4-2.3 which should let it run them close on image quality. It also has a choice of two optional removable viewfinders (optical or electronic) to satisfy that requirement.

[lowdrag]

I looked at the LX7 before buying the Canon, but found it a tad bulky for the pocket and also I didn't like the removeable lens cap which I was sure I'd lose before long! For my press needs not one editor has complained about the image quality, and it's with me in the car all the time. No doubt though that it is a fabulous camera though. I came across this review comparison that might be of help to the OP:-

http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-ca...

All prices and sizes here.

Edited by lowdrag on Thursday 16th May 10:59

[Mr Will]

lowdrag said:

I looked at the LX7 before buying the Canon, but found it a tad bulky for the pocket and also I didn't like the removeable lens cap which I was sure I'd lose before long! For my press needs not one editor has complained about the image quality, and it's with me in the car all the time. No doubt though that it is a fabulous camera though. I came across this review comparison that might be of help to the OP:-

http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-ca...

All prices and sizes here.

FWIW I agree with you. I compared the S95 and LX5 extensively before settling on the Canon for the reasons you highlight and I have no regrets. I think the decision between the current generation (S110 vs LX7) is more difficult because of the improvements that Panasonic have made to the lens.

The reason that I suggested the LX7 for the OP is simply the expandability. If he cannot be persuaded to do without a viewfinder then that rules out the Canon instantly.

[allen l]

Not sure about the LX7, but the LX5 doesn't make me feel happy. Skin colors can be very 'fake'.
Think I'd go for a Fuji X100S if I wanted to buy one now.

[allen l]

Not sure about the LX7, but the LX5 doesn't make me feel happy. Skin colors can be very 'fake'.
Think I'd go for a Fuji X100S if I wanted to buy one now.

[allen l]

Not sure about the LX7, but the LX5 doesn't make me feel happy. Skin colors can be very 'fake'.
Think I'd go for a Fuji X100S if I wanted to buy one now.

[14-7]

lowdrag said:

if there's one pet hate it is that you cannot have the flash on no matter what shooting conditions. Off yes, auto yes, but that's it. Oh, and the lens gives great results.

Err, you can. Not in auto mode but anything else you can switch the flash on and it will pop up when you depress the shutter half way.

[PJ S]

If in no immediate hurry, and the lack of zooming lens isn't offputting, then you could wait and see how the new Ricoh GR is received.
Of course, the OVF is additional, slotting onto the hotshoe.
Seen a few comments about how good the Voigtlander 28mm VF is on users' GR IIIs and IVs.

[Thunderace]

GetCarter said:

If you are considering the X10, get the X20. It's better. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilm-x20

The viewfinder is somewhat disappointing (so I suggest you try it), but it does at least give you 'info' (X10 doesn't). It's slightly bulky for a compact... depends how big your jacket pockets are. You really need to hold one to decide. Extremely well built and easy to use. Images are a little soft, but better than my S95

Good call, the X20 is my new biatch

[Itsallicanafford]

Ricoh GRD, I think my one is a III. I used to own the film versions (GR1V, S), it's just like those but digital, great build quality and keeps it simple... it's a great camera, I hardly use my D300 since getting it...