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11/26/2010 09:47:26 PM · #1 |
I am looking to get a point and shoot camera soon and have narrowed it down to these two options. The Panasonic Lumix LX5, I like for its faster and wider angle lens, 24-90mm 2.0-3.3 Leica Lens. It is smaller than the G12 but still has a manual controls. The Canon G12 has a 28-140mm 2.8-4.5 lens which is considerably slower. However it does have an articulated LCD screen which I really loved for street photography. Being able to sit anywhere and pretend to be reviewing images while taking candids of the person across from me was a treat I enjoyed the most with my last point and shoot, the Canon A95. Just curious if anyone has gone through the same decision and what did you decide? I don't necessarily need it to fit in my pocket as I can just put in a camera case on my belt. I have heard very good reviews for both and the would really like an an articulated LCD but can really see the benefit of a fast lens. Any input would be appreciated.
Joe
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11/26/2010 09:59:28 PM · #2 |
| S95... Same guts as a G12, Smaller chassis, better lens. |
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11/26/2010 11:57:29 PM · #3 |
DPReview recently reviewed the panasonic LX5 and the canon S95 (and nikon p7000) head to head. there are comparisson pics including the G12 on page 12, but its not included in the actual review.
//dpreview.com/reviews/q42010highendcompactgroup/ |
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11/27/2010 02:27:15 AM · #4 |
| Thanks for the replies. In regards to the s95, I put it up against the the lx5 and the lx5 won, With a wider angle lens although both were very fast lenses. I read most of that dpreview comparison too. Anywhere I saw p7000, I just put in canon g12 since the p7000 seems to be a near carbon copy. From that review it also stated the the lx5 had more of a grip then the s95. I suppose I just need to go hold them both. I realize the value of faster lenses but really like the swivel lcd. Does anyone else know of another quality compact with a swivel lcd? |
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11/27/2010 03:11:39 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by jdannels:
Does anyone else know of another quality compact with a swivel lcd? |
Hi Joe,
I was doing some research and came across this little gem of a camera, The Samsung TL500/EX1.
Here is a little comparison for you. It has the same sensor as the Canon G12 and the Canon s95.
It has a swivel screen just like the Canon G12.
The Samsung Tl500 has a 24-72mm 1.8-2.4 lens, that is even faster than the Panasonic LX5 24-90mm 2.0-3.3.
Here is a review from Dpreview in which in the conclusion they say "This is a camera capable of trading punches with one of the best compacts we've ever tested and, even if we feel it just misses out on points, that still very much makes it a contender."
A new contender enters the ring...
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11/27/2010 03:12:32 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by jdannels:
Originally posted by jdannels:
Does anyone else know of another quality compact with a swivel lcd? |
Hi Joe,
I was doing some research and came across this little gem of a camera, The Samsung TL500/EX1.
Here is a little comparison for you. It has the same sensor as the Canon G12 and the Canon s95.
It has a swivel screen just like the Canon G12.
The Samsung Tl500 has a 24-72mm 1.8-2.4 lens, that is even faster than the Panasonic LX5 24-90mm 2.0-3.3.
Here is a review from Dpreview in which in the conclusion they say "This is a camera capable of trading punches with one of the best compacts we've ever tested and, even if we feel it just misses out on points, that still very much makes it a contender."
A new contender enters the ring... |
Thanks Joe! I will check it out! |
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11/27/2010 03:40:26 PM · #7 |
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11/27/2010 03:55:15 PM · #8 |
| Hi Joe, I did not do an exhaustive research, but I had to get a new compact when my old Ricoh was stolen this summer, and I did get an LX5. A Leica lens and a smaller body swayed me over G12. Love it, the handling, the picture quality, the large brilliant monitor on the back. The HD video quality is outstanding. I would love to have a swivel LCD, for sure, but I manage to take decent candids from my lap or chest by looking at the screen from a pretty sharp anlge, so it is not impossible. |
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11/27/2010 04:24:10 PM · #9 |
I'm in the same boat. However, I am also considering the micro four thirds compacts, and even others.
First, while I want something compact, I can't fathom using the LCD outdoors for composition. Maybe with the fully articulating ones, because you can at least change the direction.
To me, the samples of the P7000 look the best of the LX5, G12, P7000 comparison and has the best zoom range. HOWEVER: the camera gets panned for being slow to do anything...may be fixed later. It's tempting to wait.
Of the Micro four thirds, it's tempting to try the G1 or G2...because the price includes a viewfinder. You can pick up a G1 for $399 on Amazon, but definitely improved in image quality at higher ISO in the G2.
The Sony NEX-3 image quality looks fantastic...and the pan mode would be cool. High ISO is great via a SLR sized sensor. But the user interface is supposed to be the worst.
The Oly micro 4/3 PL1 looks good too. But like the LX5, a viewfinder adds considerably to the price.
Heck, I even looked at the Panny Z35...smaller form factor, 18x zoom, gets great reviews...like all panny's you won't be shooting over 400 ISO, but a nice lightweight camera for the zoom range (Z40 has even more range, at 24x). Great lenses, bad sensors, but nice focus. Just not pocketable.
I can't even narrow it down to two!
Here's something really helpful, but also confusing... the comparometer on Imaging Resource lets you pick two cameras, same shot, same ISO (your choice) and compare the quality.
Hoping the discussion here helps me! (My goal is both to sort of pocket the camera, but also for bike riding. There a good zoom might make for some interesting river life shots.)
Message edited by author 2010-11-27 16:24:40.
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11/27/2010 04:31:21 PM · #10 |
Did a reread of the Samsung review: swivel screen and slightly higher resolution lcd tempt, as well as the basic grip, as compared to the LX3. Would also like to experience the faster lens. Nonetheless, I am happy to stick with the little Lumix, which by the way has a nice double/triple exposure feature, albeit cumbersome to access in the menu, and the overall quality and simple beauty of it keep me happy.
SOMEDAY they may make manual focus on these little ones a little more impressive; although I do feel more secure having it at all at all. |
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11/27/2010 07:11:08 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by nshapiro:
Here's something really helpful, but also confusing... the comparometer on Imaging Resource lets you pick two cameras, same shot, same ISO (your choice) and compare the quality. |
I'm looking at totally different cameras right now, but that tool is just what I've been looking for. Thanks. |
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11/27/2010 08:03:06 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by nshapiro:
I'm in the same boat. However, I am also considering the micro four thirds compacts, and even others.
First, while I want something compact, I can't fathom using the LCD outdoors for composition. Maybe with the fully articulating ones, because you can at least change the direction.
To me, the samples of the P7000 look the best of the LX5, G12, P7000 comparison and has the best zoom range. HOWEVER: the camera gets panned for being slow to do anything...may be fixed later. It's tempting to wait.
Of the Micro four thirds, it's tempting to try the G1 or G2...because the price includes a viewfinder. You can pick up a G1 for $399 on Amazon, but definitely improved in image quality at higher ISO in the G2.
The Sony NEX-3 image quality looks fantastic...and the pan mode would be cool. High ISO is great via a SLR sized sensor. But the user interface is supposed to be the worst.
The Oly micro 4/3 PL1 looks good too. But like the LX5, a viewfinder adds considerably to the price.
Heck, I even looked at the Panny Z35...smaller form factor, 18x zoom, gets great reviews...like all panny's you won't be shooting over 400 ISO, but a nice lightweight camera for the zoom range (Z40 has even more range, at 24x). Great lenses, bad sensors, but nice focus. Just not pocketable.
I can't even narrow it down to two!
Here's something really helpful, but also confusing... the comparometer on Imaging Resource lets you pick two cameras, same shot, same ISO (your choice) and compare the quality.
Hoping the discussion here helps me! (My goal is both to sort of pocket the camera, but also for bike riding. There a good zoom might make for some interesting river life shots.) |
The best sensor in the micro 4/3 currently is the Oly PEN EPL1. The view finder does add to the cost, but does come in handy. The small size and light weight are awesome. My favorite feature so far is you can still use the larger flash units with the view finder. While the viewfinder mounts on the hot shoe, the on board flash will trigger the larger flash wirelessly. I picked up the 14-150mm Olympus lens for a recent rip. Great all around lens, 28-300mm equiv. Optically very good, but vignettes at 14mm. For critical optics, get the 20mm Panasonic. Outstanding lens.
My biggest complaint is the lack of a cable release or wireless remote. I hope they address that soon.
I had the Lumix LX3 and loved it, I sold to to  Bear_Music when I picked up the Oly PEN. |
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11/28/2010 02:13:09 AM · #13 |
David--people complained on Amazon or other sites that Olympus is slow to focus, and misses focus a lot. What's your take on that?
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11/28/2010 04:41:09 AM · #14 |
I was in the same boat looking at all the options here and was leaning towards the Lumix LX5 after studying the specs and from it being championed by many of my favourite DPCers. I was after a compact carry round with a fast wide lens really. However, after trying out all the contenders in the shop the very canny salesman put a Lumix GF1 with the afore mentioned 20mm 1.7 (as David says-outstanding lens) into my hands and i fell in love with it really. Precisely what i was after with the added bonus of very good HD video capability. This was not something i was that bothered about initially but thought it would be fun as i don't have it elsewhere and i have a young daughter. I've really got into that aspect though- video with a fast lens is wonderful and the results are really creamy and filmic.
I wasn't really tempted by the G1 or G2 as it was losing the compactness then and getting to the point where i might have well as just used my D300. I do miss a viewfinder occasionally but i'm getting used to it and enjoying learning to shoot in a different way. It's a lovely solid camera that feels just right in my hand. |
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11/28/2010 07:43:13 AM · #15 |
| I have a G11 (not G12) but I find the exposure compensation dial immediately accessible to the left thumb is not something I'd want to be without. The articulating screen has been really useful for ground level shots too. |
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11/28/2010 10:57:50 AM · #16 |
Originally posted by nshapiro:
David--people complained on Amazon or other sites that Olympus is slow to focus, and misses focus a lot. What's your take on that? |
I haven't had any issues with focusing, but then I am not taking a lot of action shots either. It's at least as good as the LX3. I want to disable the auto-preview so that I can track a subject while shooting it. I haven't found that switch yet, but I'll bet it's there. By default, it shows you the last picture you took until you press the shutter button again to focus. So tracking a subject is near impossible, even with the viewfinder..
I won this camera in the Popular Photography Travelographer of the Year contest, so it wasn't like I did a lot of research on it before I got it. Once I had it, I started looking into it in detail. Ergonomically, the camera is more like a point and shoot. It is very menu driven. Several people of complained about that, and I understand why. Getting to the aperture/shutter controls is not as easy as it is with dials and such. I shoot aperture priority most of the time and changing the aperture isn't as fast as I'd like. Also, they put the video button right where your thumb would naturally fall on the back of the camera. That was annoying until I figured out how to disable it. Now that button works as the AE/AF lock. Much more useful for me and I'm not shooting 10 second videos all the time by accident.
Considering the smaller sensor (compared to a full frame or APS) Image quality is the critical issue for me. Everything I've read says the new sensor in the EPL1 is the best of the micro 4/3. It doesn't disappoint. I just printed an 11x17 print from I shot I took last week and it is spectacular. I'm going to print it at 20x30 to see how it holds up.
I don't see this as a replacement for the Canon system I have. It is a viable travel/back packing solution when size and weight are at issue. The IQ holds up well. Ergonomically, I think the Lumix G1 or G2 are more to my liking. The cool thing is, if they come up with something better, all the lenses I get for this camera will work on any Lumix micro 4/3 of future Oly micro 4/3.
I think they are about 2 or 3 camera generations away from this format being a real alternative to the larger cameras. The sensor size is large enough for great image quality, but small enough to make the system very portable.
Like I said earlier, the pros are light weight, great optics, good sensor, wireless flash. The cons are, P&S controls, bad placement of the video button, no cable release or remote firing option.
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11/28/2010 12:04:17 PM · #17 |
Thanks for all the details David.
Yes, I've been tempted to pull the trigger on the Lumix. But the LX-5 is $413, and the Oly is only $450 with the kit 14-45 lens. Neither has a viewfinder built in so that's the same. The Oly has the better sensor by far; the Lumix probably has the better lens. And of course the Oly can change lenses, so I'd be set if I wanted to get more range--that's a big advantage. The problem is I don't want to have another "well" to keep throwing money into for lenses! Not to mention adding in the viewfinder, and you are at the price of an SLR!
In the micro-four thirds race, I'd say Oly would be my preference, because I like the idea of built in stabilization. On the Panasonics, the pancake lenses don't have stabilization, so not having in body stabilization is a disadvantage.
I agree completely, though, that micro-four thirds was a good idea...especially because it's a standard mount that fits lenses from multiple manufacturers.
I really need to find somewhere local to see the different cameras and hold them before moving forward.
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