Which should I keep?
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Discussion

Deluded

Original Poster:

4,968 posts

220 months

Sunday 30th January 2011
quotequote all
Right, so due to circumstances that are irrelevant to the thread (so I won't go into it), I currently have two cameras and am at a loss at which to keep.

Both are very different so both have many pros and cons when comparing the two.

The two cameras in question are a Panasonic Lumix LX-3 and an Olympus E-450. The Lumix is a high end compact, the E-450 is an entry level DSLR.

I originally purchased the 450 as I had owned Olympus DSLRs in the past and always got on with them. I used it for a few weeks but decided to sell it on as I didn't get on with the bulk of an SLR any more. I also disliked the flash stobe focus when the flash is raised (as opposed to an AF assist lamp).

I then purchased the LX-3 as an alternative as it is a compact that produces DSLR quality images but isn't a DSLR. I like the camera a lot but it isn't without its faults. It is a compact but it's hardly small. Not pocket sized really. Also, I miss having a view finder when shooting with it. One other con to the LX-3 is that I purchased a lens adapter so I can fit filters, and also a wide angle lens adaptor. With this attatched, its actually pretty much the same size as the E-450 anyway, so not really compact at all. Plus, with these adapters on, the built in flash is pretty much redundant as it isn't tall enough to clear the lens.

Now, the E-450 managed to make it's way back to me, so I have two cameras sat here and I don't know which to keep.

They are both worth approximately the same (although the LX-3 will probably get a bit more selling it with the extra lens bits) so selling price doesn't really matter. I have used both cameras a little in the last few days and it is nice to have my hands on a DSLR rather than looking at a screen, but I'm still stuck with the fact that it's a bulky bit of kit I can't just slip into my pocket (although neither is the LX-3 with the extra lens bits on).

As far as using the cameras goes, they are pretty much just for point and shoot most of the time. Taking photos of my daughter and out and about. I do go out and shoot landscapes from time to time too, although it won't get heavy use or be used for anything demanding.

So, if you were in this situation, which would you keep? Oh, and you can't keep both.

Simpo Two

92,737 posts

294 months

Sunday 30th January 2011
quotequote all
Deluded said:
Oh, and you can't keep both.
Why not? I have a compact and a DSLR; they do very different jobs.

Deluded

Original Poster:

4,968 posts

220 months

Sunday 30th January 2011
quotequote all
I need the money rather than a camera sat here doing not a lot.

Plus, the missus has a Lumix compact already. It's a very good camera but the LX-3 is miles better so would be worth keeping along side it.

Edited by Deluded on Sunday 30th January 21:24

Simpo Two

92,737 posts

294 months

Sunday 30th January 2011
quotequote all
Deluded said:
Plus, the missus has a Lumix compact already.
Ah, well dump the other Lumix then. One tiddler and one big bugger; all corners covered smile

Deluded

Original Poster:

4,968 posts

220 months

Monday 31st January 2011
quotequote all
Just to throw something else in.

How about selling both and looking at a camera circa £400? Any ideas?

muppetdave

2,118 posts

254 months

Monday 31st January 2011
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I can't help thinking that you've already made your mind up to get rid of the SLR from reading your post.

Gold

1,998 posts

234 months

Monday 31st January 2011
quotequote all
Deluded said:
Just to throw something else in.

How about selling both and looking at a camera circa £400? Any ideas?
Have you considered one of the Micro 4/3rds cameras? Now in your budget and a good compromise.

GetCarter

31,254 posts

308 months

Monday 31st January 2011
quotequote all
Gold said:
good compromise
IMHO: an oxymoron

Deluded

Original Poster:

4,968 posts

220 months

Monday 31st January 2011
quotequote all
muppetdave said:
I can't help thinking that you've already made your mind up to get rid of the SLR from reading your post.
No, no I haven't, although that was obviously the plan. I miss loads about using a DSLR, hence why I am having second thoughts on what to sell.

The DSLR has downsides but so does the compact. I have no overall preference to either at the moment.

Simpo Two

92,737 posts

294 months

Monday 31st January 2011
quotequote all
You can't fulfil all roles with one camera. I've run with a two-camera system (the cameras have changed but not the principle) since 1984.

When I'm bothered:



When I'm not:




Peasy smile