Hi, this is my first post! Sorry I know someone had started a similar thread to this (LX3 vs. G10), however I didn't want to hijack their thread as mine is slightly different. Also sorry if this should be in the “Beginner’s Questions” area, Mods feel free to move if required. I just figured this would be more appropriate as my topic is more about equipment…
I don't have much experience with cameras and photography in general. I just know I love it. It fascinates me knowing that with the right skills, talent, and equipment, one can capture amazing images whether they are landscapes, portraits, or urban art, etc. The only experience I have is with old cheap film cameras back in the day, and recently in the last 2 years with my Panasonic FX01 (the first camera with a 28mm wide lense...). Also I recently got married and we skimped on everything else to do with the wedding, but paid top dollar for a really good photographer. The photographer's were really good in letting me have a bit of a say (not too much cos' after all they were the professionals) in the style and type of photo's/composition that we preferred. Anyhow I enjoyed that very much and then being able to work with them to organise our wedding "storybook" (we opted for this rather than the traditional album).
Anyway, that's basically the extent of my limited experience with photography. I feel that I'm currently using my little Pana to it's max capacity and I think it has been a pretty good P&S compact camera, however I want to take my photography to the next step. Also not quite wanting to go the DSLR route just yet.
I've narrowed my selection down to x3 cameras: Canon G10, Panasonic LX3, and Panasonic FZ28.
Here's my dilemma:
G10:
Classic styling, robust, great dials etc. 1/1.7” CCD (34 MP/cm²). Proven Canon brand/product. RAW shooting and buffer. 3" LCD with great visibility. 5x optical Zoom (f2.8 – 4.5). However: poor video quality, 28mm wide lens compared to LX3.
LX3:
Compact design, robust, fairly easy to operate (i.e. accessing MF via joystick). 1/1.63” CCD (24 MP/cm²) = extremely sensitive. RAW shooting and buffer. 3” LCD with great visibility. 24mm wide lens (f2.0 – f2.
. 720p HD video rec. However: 2.5x optical zoom compared to G10 or FZ28.
FZ28 (superzoom):
DSLR/traditional design, good build quality (not metal though), easy operation. 27mm wide lens (f2.8 – f4.4). 18x optical zoom. 720p HD video rec. RAW shooting and buffer. However: 2.7” LCD with average visibility. 1/2.33” CCD (36 MP/cm²) = less sensitive.
As far as I can see the LX3 is a beautiful camera and that would be the one I’d choose hands down except for the lack of optical zoom. I struggle to think that 2.5x would be enough in most circumstances. Whatever camera I purchase will be my primary camera, not one to compliment a DSLR as a P&S compact.
That’s why the FZ28 is still a consideration for me, as it has 18x optical zoom, decent lens, 720p HD rec (not a top priority, but a nice addition to have), and a half decent CCD (until the LX3 came along).
However the G10 seems to somewhat fit in between the 2 Pana’s with it’s 5x optical zoom (I’d still like more), half decent CCD, half decent lens, but then doesn’t rec in decent video quality and costs roughly the same as the LX3…
Is there another camera I should be considering? Is there another camera about to be released that I should wait for? I know some people say the menus and user interface of the Pana’s are sometimes not the friendliest, however this doesn’t bother me as I should be able to work it out given my experience with my FX01.
I’d like to hear what experienced photographers have to say about the various pros and cons, it seems to me that each camera excels in one area, are where the other’s don’t, and I’l like to know if these features are really that important. And all the reviews on each camera I’ve read are positive, so I’m absolutely torn between the 3 of them.
Thanks for your comments.
PS. Please forgive me for writing such a long post
Dan