Interesting. I have an LX5 and I'm quite disappointed with it as to me my old LX2 took sharper images at low ISO, both are rubbish at higher ISO's. To me LX5 files look mushy when pixel peeping and I wouldn't recommend the camera to anyone. Maybe the Leica version is better.
Or maybe your particular LX5 is just not so good?
Here's an old comment I saved off of some chatter
about the LX3:
"As for the LX, I use 21 mp full frame cameras professionally,
and I've been very surprised at the photos I get with my LX3.
It's always with me, but I carry a purse. But guys, you can
always stick it in your front pocket and impress the ladies!"
I have an LX3, and when it went on the fritz (several impacts'
effects eventually being too much), I debated going for the
finally materialized LX100 (once rumored to be a 1"-sensor'd
upgrade) or the earlier latest version the LX7. I got the latter,
cheaper. The LX5 extended zoom range of LX3 from 24-60 to -90mm (eq),
and the LX7 opened aperture a full stop (2-2.8/3.3 => 1.4-2.8 (!)) on the
extended range. And changed from CCD to CMOS sensor supposedly
better at higher ISO.
.:. I have not yet given up thought to acquire another LX3,
but have come to like the LX7 and think overall it's giving
similar IQ (damn slow at times writing or going to View?!).
(I shoot SOOC JPEG, lo-tech.)
Their stabilization isn't too shabby, btw. One one recent
shot that I repeated w/E-M5 I happened to come out better
that time (I'm not into testing) at 1/6 w/LX7 than the 1/8 w/E-M5.
.:. YMMV.
Yes, I know all the Panasonic stuff (LX-5 equivalent),
but it's a really nice package in Leica form.
What gets me is that not only is the essentially equal
item sold w/the Red Dot for a huge mark-up (now tried
to be rationalized by the LR gambit (I recall one guy
remarking that he'd now a slew of LR licenses
)),
but you don't even get the slight grip on the body
--no, but you can purchase one from Leica ($150?) !
The new D-Lux (7?) (I mean LX-100
Well, for you --for us, per my dilemma above--, there is
the D-Lux 6 to consider, for a bump in aperture and some
other things.
But none of these LXes is all so compact and pocket-fitting
as the Canon S90/95/100, RX100(s).
OTOH, I much like the easy selection (ring on lens, which
w/LX7 also has an aperture ring) of FRAMING : 1:1, 4:3,
3:2, & 16:9 --which have common image circle except
for the 1:1. Sized resp. 7.5 - 10 - 9.5 - 9, mpx for LX3-5-7.
-d.
