New pocket camera
Discussion
I posted this request before, and the advice was a Panasonic TZ. Frankly, it doesn't cut the mustard for what I need. My requiremants are:-
Wide angle - 24/28mm
Zoom 4x or 5x maximum.
The most important requirement is low light performance. I am totally fed up with grain - or noise as it now is called. I have a full range of Nikon gear from 12mm to 400mm plus converters for my serious stuff, but when travelling I need a small camera, since space is limited on rallies. I want memories, but not at the cost of no knickers or trousers!
Currently I have a Fuji EXR 28mm 5x, but the battery life s truly shocking - like 56 photos today - and its low-light performance is appalling.
So, do have some ideas for me?
Wide angle - 24/28mm
Zoom 4x or 5x maximum.
The most important requirement is low light performance. I am totally fed up with grain - or noise as it now is called. I have a full range of Nikon gear from 12mm to 400mm plus converters for my serious stuff, but when travelling I need a small camera, since space is limited on rallies. I want memories, but not at the cost of no knickers or trousers!
Currently I have a Fuji EXR 28mm 5x, but the battery life s truly shocking - like 56 photos today - and its low-light performance is appalling.
So, do have some ideas for me?
I'm pretty impressed by my Canon S95. I think that's worth a look, it's pretty small and seems to be good for low light.
Most of the other options around that price were way larger, or very compromised in low light in comparison according to everything I read (I did a lot of reading before buying it).
Most of the other options around that price were way larger, or very compromised in low light in comparison according to everything I read (I did a lot of reading before buying it).
lowdrag said:
Seems the LX5 is going to have another customer. Thanks all for your help.
Sorry, only just noticed the thread, but I've been reasonably pleased with the low-light performance of my LX3:
No rest for the wicked... by Ethel of Buzzez, on Flickr
And this one was taken using the 'night time' mode - no flash and straight out of the camera:
P1010465 by Ethel of Buzzez, on Flickr
Is it a D3 ? No. But for a P&S it's perfectly acceptable most of the time.
Another vote for the very tiny S95 (It wins all the best small compact reviews - including DP Review?? EDIT TO ADD... ah OK "All three of these cameras fulfill this need, although of the three, we're most impressed by the Canon S95 and Panasonic LX5").
Will shoot RAW, fully manual and has two 'user definable' buttons. You can make changes to ISO 'slow' or 'fast' which helps reduce noise (though as simpo says, small compact sensors will always be noisier than DSLRs
These last night, pretty gloomy, no flash, handheld.
Will shoot RAW, fully manual and has two 'user definable' buttons. You can make changes to ISO 'slow' or 'fast' which helps reduce noise (though as simpo says, small compact sensors will always be noisier than DSLRs
These last night, pretty gloomy, no flash, handheld.
Edited by GetCarter on Friday 15th April 08:59
I would go and try handling them.
My son has a very small well built Canon something or other but he finds it
'slippery' to hold and finds one handed use difficult.
The other thing you might consider (although pocketability is compromised) is that the LX5
has an optional EVF which could be useful in sunny conditions, or if like me, you dislike waving a little camera around at some distance away from your eye.
My son has a very small well built Canon something or other but he finds it
'slippery' to hold and finds one handed use difficult.
The other thing you might consider (although pocketability is compromised) is that the LX5
has an optional EVF which could be useful in sunny conditions, or if like me, you dislike waving a little camera around at some distance away from your eye.
GetCarter said:
Another vote for the very tiny S95 (It wins all the best small compact reviews - including DP Review?? EDIT TO ADD... ah OK "All three of these cameras fulfill this need, although of the three, we're most impressed by the Canon S95 and Panasonic LX5").
Will shoot RAW, fully manual and has two 'user definable' buttons. You can make changes to ISO 'slow' or 'fast' which helps reduce noise (though as simpo says, small compact sensors will always be noisier than DSLRs
These last night, pretty gloomy, no flash, handheld.
Sod the camera, where is that bar?!Will shoot RAW, fully manual and has two 'user definable' buttons. You can make changes to ISO 'slow' or 'fast' which helps reduce noise (though as simpo says, small compact sensors will always be noisier than DSLRs
These last night, pretty gloomy, no flash, handheld.
GetCarter said:
I've looked at that place before. As soon as i can convince my girlfriend that what she wants for a holiday isn't sun, 30+ degrees and the beech, but is in fact stunning scenery, wildlife and amazing roads then i'm going to hire out their "boathouse" chalet thing. It looks the definition of tranquility!Edited by jimmy156 on Friday 15th April 16:06
jimmy156 said:
I've looked at that place before. As soon as i can convince my girlfriend that what she wants for a holiday isn't sun, 30+ degrees and the beech, but is in fact stunning scenery, wildlife and amazing roads then i'm going to hire out their "boathouse" chalet thing. It looks the definition of tranquility!
I've had friends staying in the Boathouse this week. It's really good. I would suggest early May as the best time to visit. Few tourists, little traffic, long days, no midges, least rain.Edited by jimmy156 on Friday 15th April 16:06
This was taken about 20 yards from the lounge window: (and you have complete privicy)
Elderly said:
I would go and try handling them.
My son has a very small well built Canon something or other but he finds it
'slippery' to hold and finds one handed use difficult.
Thanks for that; you are backing up the reviews, which is why I am set at the moment on either the LX3 or 5. I can't make my mind up if I need a 90mm ability, since most of my shots with a P&S are ususally in the 28/50mm range so the older LX3 would do in most circumstances. For my racing, I use the 70/200 or 200/400 zooms, but carrying the D3 and 24/70 all day for close up paddock shots is a chore as I get older. My son has a very small well built Canon something or other but he finds it
'slippery' to hold and finds one handed use difficult.
ETA; The problem here at Le Mans is that camera shops are few, with cameras of that quality not in evidence. Cheap P &S and lower range SLR's yes, but a D3 or Canon equivalent you'll not find since there just isn't the market for it. This is a relatively poor town. I really have to go by the reviews unless I want to take a special trip to Paris just to make my mind up.
Edited by lowdrag on Friday 15th April 16:25
lowdrag said:
Thanks for that; you are backing up the reviews, which is why I am set at the moment on either the LX3 or 5. I can't make my mind up if I need a 90mm ability, since most of my shots with a P&S are ususally in the 28/50mm range so the older LX3 would do in most circumstances. For my racing, I use the 70/200 or 200/400 zooms, but carrying the D3 and 24/70 all day for close up paddock shots is a chore as I get older.
I have the D-Lux 4 which is the Leica equiv of the LX3 and it's image quality is first class. But it's just too big to slip into a pocket (which is why I bought the S95). I'd def get them both in your hands to try for size.ETA: not sure if LX5 is smaller.
Edited by GetCarter on Friday 15th April 16:28
GetCarter said:
I've had friends staying in the Boathouse this week. It's really good. I would suggest early May as the best time to visit. Few tourists, little traffic, long days, no midges, least rain.
This was taken about 20 yeards from the lounge window
This was taken about 20 yeards from the lounge window
stunning! I will be in scotland this may, albeit very briefly, when i start the "Three Peaks Challenge." Its a real shame that i cant come up a few days early and spend some time up there, but funds/work holiday dont allow 
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