High-end Compact vs CSCs

What would you choose!?

  • Panasonic Lumix LX7

    Votes: 4 9.5%

  • Sony NEX-F3

    Votes: 2 4.8%

  • Olympus PEN E-PL3

    Votes: 6 14.3%

  • Panasonic Lumix G3

    Votes: 6 14.3%

  • Something else...

    Votes: 24 57.1%
  • Total voters
    42
Thrash

Thrash

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So, after some research ive narrowed down my options but im still yet to decide on one! Ive got a few in mind though and all seems to have benefits over the others:

Panasonic Lumix LX7
Sony NEX-F3
Olympus PEN E-PL3
Panasonic Lumix G3

Of course, im open to other suggestions but all of the above are within my price range and I know one is a high-end compact but this isnt really a deal breaker for me. The LX7 lens looks very nice and is a f1.4 "Leica" (note the inverter commas :lol:) and is still fast at the tele-end which is really tempting me. The others are all CSCs, again, so long as it comes with a lens I can use (which they all do) then its fine, I can buy adaptors to use some of my old M42 lenses too which is good.

I just really dont know what to go for, ive done my research and watched countless reviews but each have different strengths/limitations but probably all have similar IQ. The only thing putting me off the LX7 is that im a photographer and I enjoy taking photos, I probably wont be using to get photos of family and kids, ive seen some great photos from the LX7 though on this forum but when I go onto Flickr, I see just as good photos from all the others.

So, opinions? :)
 
I think you are just going to get poll results where "something else" is the clear winner, so a bit pointless!
Not sure what the budget is but I would go for X20.
 
Id personally go with a CSC, I prefer larger cameras, viewfinders, lots of controls and bigger sensors. Have you tried any in a shop?
 
ernesto said:
I think you are just going to get poll results where "something else" is the clear winner, so a bit pointless!
Not sure what the budget is but I would go for X20.
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Well I was hoping those who say something else will specify what they recommend like you did!

twist said:
Id personally go with a CSC, I prefer larger cameras, viewfinders, lots of controls and bigger sensors. Have you tried any in a shop?
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I did own a Nikon V1 before and I really liked it, couldnt justify keeping that and the DSLR though so got rid of that. I rarely used the electronic viewfinder on it though, I didnt like it at all, composing using the rear LCD was fine for me.
 
I've been looking at the x20 as well (reasonably fast constant aperture zoom and phase detect AF).

I've tried other "compact systems" (Nex7 etc) and for me they are not a good alternative. If I want/need something that "involved" I'll just use the DSLR's. The only "compact" I was ever particularly happy with was the Canon G series but I still wanted "more." I *think* the x20 is going to be it for me.
 
twist said:
What about the RX100?
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Just a bit too expensive unfortunately, otherwise I wouldnt hesitate.

sk66 said:
I've been looking at the x20 as well (reasonably fast constant aperture zoom and phase detect AF).

I've tried other "compact systems" (Nex7 etc) and for me they are not a good alternative. If I want/need something that "involved" I'll just use the DSLR's. The only "compact" I was ever particularly happy with was the Canon G series but I still wanted "more." I *think* the x20 is going to be it for me.
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This is the issue you see, im selling my DSLR to get something which is easier to carry around and so will get more use so something which is like a DSLR is no problem for me but likewise if its nothing like one but is fun to use and takes great photos I dont really mind either.
My mate has an X100 and when we go shooting his photos look way better without any PP, it will be of the same subject but the colours are just amazing, I dont even know how to describe it but the colours are very rich and deep, if an X10/X20 could replicate that id buy it right now, unfortunately I dont know if they do though :p
 
Thrash said:
This is the issue you see, im selling my DSLR to get something which is easier to carry around and so will get more use so something which is like a DSLR is no problem for me but likewise if its nothing like one but is fun to use and takes great photos I dont really mind either.
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Then you are in a very tough position IMO... A lot is going to depend on what you like to shoot and how serious you are about it. As a "general purpose" camera I'm looking at the x20 very seriously (actually I'm just looking for the best deal before pulling the trigger).

If you're more "serious" or shoot in more demanding situations then "a system" is probably a better choice...but, for me, it might as well be a DSLR then.
In systems I would choose the Nikon V1 for sports/action, Sony Nex for "general", or 4/3 for overall versatility....I've considered this a lot and looked at many systems and tried a couple; I'd probably have to go 4/3 if I were going to try again...
 
I don't know your requirements but am aware of your circumstance...

I think an X10 is the most sensible option for you wish will retain a lot of the satisfaction.

Much preferred the feel of the x10 to my LX7 (although the LX7 is by far superior).

Of course that's just based on compacts, I have no experience or desire for CSC.
 
Phil Young said:
I don't know your requirements but am aware of your circumstance...

I think an X10 is the most sensible option for you wish will retain a lot of the satisfaction.

Much preferred the feel of the x10 to my LX7 (although the LX7 is by far superior).

Of course that's just based on compacts, I have no experience or desire for CSC.
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Do you have any photos taken with your X10 that I can see mate? :) I've seen some from your LX7 and told you how impressed I was but have you got any X10 ones I can compare with?
 
What's your budget ?

I picked up a 6 month old nikon v1 with kit lens for £150. Couple that with the 18.5mm f1.8 prime and its a great camera
 
jamin100 said:
What's your budget ?

I picked up a 6 month old nikon v1 with kit lens for £150. Couple that with the 18.5mm f1.8 prime and its a great camera
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About £300 but depends what I get for my D3200 and lenses. I know I can get the LX7 or X10 for £250 and wasn't massively keen on my old V1
 
I suppose it really depends upon what you want, the most potential for image quality and image size and the ability to change lenses or the most compact form.

I suppose that the largest sensor system will probably always offer the most potential for image quality at the largest image size and if you intend to crop heavily or print or view large images the bigger the sensor the better. Personally I don't consider the LX series to be small enough to have a clear and significant advantage over a small CSC so I'd probably rule the LX7 out. I have a LX5 and hardly ever use it and the image quality can't even begin to compete with my G1. The LX7 is a later model but I'd be very surprised if the later CSC haven't maintained the gap.
 
Thrash said:
My mate has an X100 and when we go shooting his photos look way better without any PP, it will be of the same subject but the colours are just amazing, I dont even know how to describe it but the colours are very rich and deep, if an X10/X20 could replicate that id buy it right now, unfortunately I dont know if they do though :p
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Fuji are known for their out of camera JPEG's but I'd imagine that you could get somewhere close by tweaking other cameras settings and I'd imagine that you could pretty much replicate the look by shooting RAW and processing for best effect.
 
I'd expect the LX7 and its relatively tiny sensor to be hopelessly outgunned by any of those CSCs.

I can recommend the Nikon J1 and V1 from personal experience. I also own an X100s which is a terrific camera. I understand that it's predecessor the X100, which might just be within your budget, is almost as good IQ wise but is just a bit slower in use.
 
If image quality is important to you, then the NEX will be the clear winner from your list. I've owned older models of all the ones on your list and done direct comparisons between them, and the Sony produces the best results no question.
 
woof woof said:
Fuji are known for their out of camera JPEG's but I'd imagine that you could get somewhere close by tweaking other cameras settings and I'd imagine that you could pretty much replicate the look by shooting RAW and processing for best effect.
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Thats part of the joy of the Fuji's though Alan, you don't have to shoot & process raw to get the best from the camera ;)
 
iancandler said:
Thats part of the joy of the Fuji's though Alan, you don't have to shoot & process raw to get the best from the camera ;)
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Exactly. I have owned an X10, X100 and now XF1. I don't shoot raw because Apple doesn't support it but I have tested raw conversions via SilkyPix (taking shots in raw + jpeg) and I cannot get as good a result after messing around for a while* as the jpeg was from the camera.


(*much longer than I should need to due to SilkyPix being useless!)
 
ernesto said:
Exactly. I have owned an X10, X100 and now XF1. I don't shoot raw because Apple doesn't support it but I have tested raw conversions via SilkyPix (taking shots in raw + jpeg) and I cannot get as good a result after messing around for a while* as the jpeg was from the camera.


(*much longer than I should need to due to SilkyPix being useless!)
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Might be wrong but I thought the most recent Digital Camera RAW update included the Fuji cameras ? http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1629
 
Any of the CSC cameras are (by definition) interchangeable lens systems so as much of a PITA as a "proper" DSLR (albeit lighter!). For several reasons, I decided to go down the lighter route and have a small selection of Fujis - an X-10, an XF-1 and an HS-30. Of the 2 compacts, my preference is for the more pocketable XF-1, purely on its pocketability but there are a couple of things I prefer the X-10 for, namely the OVF (although it's flawed by no in VF info [partially rectified in the X-20 although that info is somewhat limited and hard to see against the image]) and the hot shoe. I try to keep the XF on me whenever I think there's likely to be a shot in the offing but will take the HS-30 (bridge superzoom) if I think I'm likely to need longer than 100mm.

For more serious photography (especially low light and more "creative" stuff), I still use my DSLRs but will be taking the smaller Fujis on holiday to save space and weight (we're going somewhere we've been many times before so I have thousands of shots that cover the place and we're going again later in the year so I can take a DSLR then if I need to).
 
Nod said:
Any of the CSC cameras are (by definition) interchangeable lens systems so as much of a PITA as a "proper" DSLR...
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They're smaller than many DSLR's and more in line with the size that cameras used to be... but they're heavier than many used to be.
 
I use a Lumix G1 with pancake lenses and a LX5. The LX5 is easily good enough for 90% of my photos. If I could only have one, I'd go for the LX5 - it's a marvel and I read that the LX7 is even better.

If you like a bargain, the Samsung EX2F is available for £200 from Currys currently. That's a VERY good deal if you do opt for a compact. I'll leave you to read the reviews but highlights are a f1.4 24mm lens (like the LX7) but also a tilting LCD screen.
 
I have a LX5, IMVHO you have to be really careful not to blow the highlights as the DR is so limited and TBH my LX2 produced sharper pictures. I felt disappointed by the 5 and I can't see myself bying another in the series, once bitten... :thumbsdown: But on the positive side these cameras are smaller than a CSC and they have a zoom lens :thumbs:
 
hannahntilly said:
If you like a bargain, the Samsung EX2F is available for £200 from Currys currently. That's a VERY good deal if you do opt for a compact. I'll leave you to read the reviews but highlights are a f1.4 24mm lens (like the LX7) but also a tilting LCD screen.
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Thanks for pointing this out, will certainly take a look into it as that is a good price! :thumbs:

Also, thanks for all the replies and posts guys, im leaning towards a Fuji X10/20/100 but undecided still. For those who have voted other, do you have any suggestions as to what? :)
 
I bought an e-pl3 because I wanted something more compact than my 5D but wanted the ability to change lenses. I am happy with my choice and theres a great range of M4/3rds lenses.

Steve
 
My thoughts are on the same line as Nod, the idea of a "compact" to me is that it fits in a shirt/trouser pocket for maximum portability/convenience...if it doesn't and you need to carry it around in a bag then you might as well be carrying a DSLR as they are the best bet for maximum IQ and flexibility.

With the above in mind I bought the Sony RX100 and definitely made the right decision, it's a very capable camera and one I can take anywhere without a second thought

Simon
 
I sold my G3 as i still preferred my GF1.
The x100 is great if your happy with one focal length.
 
simonkit said:
...the idea of a "compact" to me is that it fits in a shirt/trouser pocket for maximum portability/convenience...if it doesn't and you need to carry it around in a bag then you might as well be carrying a DSLR as they are the best bet for maximum IQ and flexibility.
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I suppose where you draw the line as to what quality you want is highly personal thing. I only own two shirt pocket cameras the best of which is a Canon Ixus but I'd say that it hardly counts as a camera :thumbsdown: but I'm sure later moels are better, I hope so anyway. Despite my disappointment with my LX5 I've always thought that the higher end compacts represet the least quality I'd accept from a half way serious camera but I've seen little evidence that they can live with models with larger sensors.

Unfortunately larger sensor almost certainly mean a bigger camera and a bag, unless it's winter and then my CSC will fit in my coat pocket. I disagree about might as well carry a DSLR though as it's the camera and lens combination you have to think about and my CSC+lens is significantly lighter than my 5D+lens, so much so that I hardly ever take the 5D out any more, the weight difference is that noticable and that significant for me. Yesterday I want out with my G1+lens fitted and a second lens in my jacket pocket and I know that my 5D + two lenses would have been a PITA.
 
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If I did not have a fuji X10 I would settle on the X20.
I may yet?

No refurbished available yet :shake:
 
woof woof said:
I've always thought that the higher end compacts represet the least quality I'd accept from a half way serious camera but I've seen little evidence that they can live with models with larger sensors.
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You haven't tried an RX100 though ;) Things have moved on since the LX5 and Panny have never been know for the best high iso performance. As already mentioned above Fuji are another company taking a serious look at compacts..about time is all I can say, for those days when IQ/flexibility isn't 100% critical but still pretty high IQ, the days of needing to carry any camera around in a bag have started to disappear. Unfortunately you do need to spend serious money for the convenience though.

Simon
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
If I did not have a fuji X10 I would settle on the X20.
I may yet?

No refurbished available yet :shake:
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Terry, just my opinion, based on a quick play with an X-20 rather than extended use.

I would (and am) stick with the X-10. My only real gripe with mine is the lack of in VF information and I thought that had been addressed in the X-20. Well, there IS some info in the VF but is dropped on top of the image so is hard to see, especially against a pale subject. There's also no artificial horizon/level provision, you have to look at the screen to see that. However, I'm told that the X-20's sensor is new and has no low pass filter so can provide more detail/sharpness but I'm more than happy with A3 prints SOOC from my X-10 (and XF-1). However, I said similar about the D700/D800 and now have both!!!
 
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