Loving the 16:9 AR and 24mm lens on my new digital camera.
I did just buy a Canon IXUS 80 about 6 months ago, but that one was mostly for fun and because I was switching to an iPhone where the camera couldn't match what I used to have in my pocket with the Nokia N82. In some ways, this feels like my first serious camera purchase. I've always sorta backed down from learning the finer (mechanical/optical) points of photography*, choosing simplified compacts where the most one has to supply is a focal range and maybe dial in the film's ISO rating. With this one, I'll probably have to learn a thing or two.
I did just buy a Canon IXUS 80 about 6 months ago, but that one was mostly for fun and because I was switching to an iPhone where the camera couldn't match what I used to have in my pocket with the Nokia N82. In some ways, this feels like my first serious camera purchase. I've always sorta backed down from learning the finer (mechanical/optical) points of photography*, choosing simplified compacts where the most one has to supply is a focal range and maybe dial in the film's ISO rating. With this one, I'll probably have to learn a thing or two.
*Also known as the "I'll fix it in post" approach.
-- Edit:
It's been a few days with the LX3, and I'm still very pleased with it. The interface is initially complicated, with a two different menus offering to help you change settings, with overlap into each other. One is designated a "Quick-Menu", and is activated with the little joystick. In practice, it does live up to its name, and most people will probably use it for changing ISO speeds, AF modes, and so on. Many little things that could have been poorly implemented were thankfully well-designed. This is also the first camera I've owned that can accept software updates (there's one out already), so perhaps my one major gripe will be addressed someday: The very handy Multiple Exposure mode is buried in the "Slow Menu", and can't be assigned to the shortcut button. Starting it up takes more than a few keypresses.
I did a solid day's worth of internet research before getting it – the purchase was spurred by another friend's decision to buy it, and my faith in his own inability to buy something without knowing all the alternatives, so what you're getting here is effectively two recommendations – this camera outperforms anything in its class & price range so long as you're interested in a wide-angle lens. It shoots RAW and the built-in noise reduction can be dialed up or down in JPEG mode to suit your preferences. If you're looking for something with a long zoom, then this probably won't satisfy you (but the Canon G10 might). The build quality is also fairly solid, with very few plastic parts, and should last for years.
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Funny that you mention the Canon G10. After not quite as exhaustive online research as yourself I suspect, I recently purchased this model because I like that its got SLR function in a compact (my top priority - got to be small and fast to capture those 'blink and you'll miss it' moments) form, and solid build quality. I'm still awaiting its arrival.
I was actually very interested in the G9 when that came out, as it was the closest to an SLR that any 'prosumer' camera had gotten at that point, but then I saw some terrible sample photos from an amateur, and decided the gap was still rather large. SLRs have never been an option for me, the size is part of it, but the real issue is that I have some measure of contempt for people who buy professional equipment they don't know how to use, for a purpose they don't intend to master. I'll buy an SLR when I've learnt how to use a cheaper camera properly, which is sort of how I've come to the LX3.
The G10 has poorer image quality than the LX3 in low-light/high-ISO situations, so you'll want to be careful or shoot in RAW. I haven't seen one upclose, but I don't think it's too far from a micro 4:3 SLR in size. Did you have a look at any of those?
Perhaps the disastrous G9 results you saw were more down to a no-talent handler than the equipment. Thanks for the tip. Nope, I didn't look at any micro 4:3 SLRs. I specifically searched for compact cameras and consider the SLR punch the G10 packs a welcome bonus. It is rather bulky but (just) pocketable.
Looking forward to seeing what you get out of it! Where do you normally upload, flickr?
Being acutely aware that my time in England is fast running out (I'm graduating next July), I aim to get loads of lush London shots while here. I'll upload on Facebook when these are ready.
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