What camera- a pro point and shoot?
Discussion
Hi all- rather than the usual- i want to get a dlsr thread, i want to go the other way! Going on a road trip later in the year, and although i will probably take my dslr and lenses for the odd occasion, id like a small compact camera that i can take rock climbing or kayaking or just out for a night-
but, i'd like something that offers me fully manual control
Is there such a thing? Im not after a bridge camera, needs to be pocket sized, and idealy have a larger sensor than most point and shoots. Budget isnt too much of an issue, but i dont want to spend silly money.
This Fuji looks interesting: www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09020402fujifilmfinepix...
'12 megapixel switchable sensor (6MP in low-light and dynamic range modes)'
If that doesn't do it I guess you're looking at a Leica...
'12 megapixel switchable sensor (6MP in low-light and dynamic range modes)'
If that doesn't do it I guess you're looking at a Leica...
Edited by Simpo Two on Sunday 29th March 18:56
Full manual mode is available in a number of excellent P&S cameras. I danced this dance a few months ago and landed on a Leica D-Lux 4. If the price of the Leica doesn't float your boat the Panasonic Lumix LX-3 is almost entirely the same minus some Leica software tweaks, and a couple of hundred £ in price... I'm a badge w
e though.

Also very highly regarded is the Canon G10 although it's quite big I believe and is as expensive as the Leica.
Someone pointed me at the Sigma DP1 which looks like a tasty bit of kit but the F4 maximum aperture put me off.
You are spoilt for choice here really!

e though.
Also very highly regarded is the Canon G10 although it's quite big I believe and is as expensive as the Leica.
Someone pointed me at the Sigma DP1 which looks like a tasty bit of kit but the F4 maximum aperture put me off.
You are spoilt for choice here really!

Edited by _dobbo_ on Sunday 29th March 19:09
_dobbo_ said:
The case is a thing of beauty too... I'll confess this was a factor in my purchase

If I'm honest it's maybe a tiny but too big for the pocket since the lens doesn't retract all the way in (as you can see in the photo) but for me it wasn't so much about size as it was weight.
that, is an extrememly sexual case. i likes! I used to not care about such things, but i must admit, i do like paying a bit extra for those little touches
If I'm honest it's maybe a tiny but too big for the pocket since the lens doesn't retract all the way in (as you can see in the photo) but for me it wasn't so much about size as it was weight.
thanks everyone for your posts, you'e given me some great direction in models to look at- i'll have to have a trip to some camera shops and have a play. I wor in London, and if i remember rightly, theres some great camera shops near the British museum
Fordo said:
but, i'd like something that offers me fully manual control
I don't think this suggsetion offers full manual control, though some intervention should be possible, but it may satisfy some of the requirement for surviving rugged action.http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cam...
Saw one at Focus in Imaging. Looked interesting in camouflage colours.
Having had the LX3 for exactly a week I can confirm it is surprisingly good on manual as far as P&S's go... The results and dynamic range are a mile better than I expected. All in all I'm amazed at just how far P&S's have come at the top end of the range.
The 2.8 lens is amazing as well!
It's not quite an SLR, but then given I travel a lot for work I think it will easily do what I need.
Only downsides I can find:
- No leica logo :/
- Limited zoom (although perfect for indoors and landscapes, and with 10MP I just crop when needed).
- A bit bulky for the 'jeans pocket'
- did I mention the lack of a leica symbol?
Hope that helps.
The 2.8 lens is amazing as well!
It's not quite an SLR, but then given I travel a lot for work I think it will easily do what I need.
Only downsides I can find:
- No leica logo :/
- Limited zoom (although perfect for indoors and landscapes, and with 10MP I just crop when needed).
- A bit bulky for the 'jeans pocket'
- did I mention the lack of a leica symbol?

Hope that helps.
Look here: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408enthusiastgrou...
There's a couple of cameras on your list compared.
I suspect that the laws of physics means that something with a decent reach lens
(60mm at the long for the LX3 is a bit too short for me) must have a small sensor
to retain an overall compact size, and hence will be too noisy at useful ISO.
There's a couple of cameras on your list compared.
I suspect that the laws of physics means that something with a decent reach lens
(60mm at the long for the LX3 is a bit too short for me) must have a small sensor
to retain an overall compact size, and hence will be too noisy at useful ISO.
Got the Leica D-Lux 4 last week... really impressed for a point and shoot. Only slight niggle is that is slightly over-sharpens. Also I believe it (like most) isn't that good at high ISO. Other than that I think it's blimmin' great. I read all the reviews and it just beats the G10... but for more money.
Here is one straght out of the camera. No better or worse than others. (4.2 mb, so look at it in PS or Paint etc) http://www.stevecarter.com/L1020131.jpg
Oh and as mentioned, the case (FOC from Harrisons), is a joy.
Here is one straght out of the camera. No better or worse than others. (4.2 mb, so look at it in PS or Paint etc) http://www.stevecarter.com/L1020131.jpg
Oh and as mentioned, the case (FOC from Harrisons), is a joy.
Edited by GetCarter on Monday 20th April 16:48
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