compact camera with a viewfinder

Jules, The only problem i see with the LX3 which i do like the look of.. is the small zoom in comparison with the likes of the TZ5/6.

Ah, well. You are going to need the 5 or 6 then, just don't expect too much difference to your 3!

Thanks avole

Scotty

I think what you have to watch out for is that there is a limit on the quality of lens possible in such a small camera/ lens combination.

My perception has always been to accept that increased quality and maximum aperture for low light conditions is achieved by embracing the trade off of reduction in focal length range.

Today's technology is simply incredible but the laws of physics still have an influence!

Peter

Peter,
Yes i appreciate what you say and agree with you
I dont expect DLR performance from a compact camera but for sheer in the pocket PAS convenience then they are hard to beat especially with the 12x optical zoom lens.
regards, Scotty.

Been surfing the reviews and have come down to 2 compacts... TZ6 which has a great 12x zoom and the FX550 both Pannys which has a smaller zoom but does things like B+W and Sepia modes and films in HD quality.
both have large 3 inch screens and cost around the same at £250. CANT DECIDE!

Scotty - how much do you really use that zoom. You might find in most cases all you need to do is take a few steps closer to the subject and you are sorted.

That LX3 is one hell of a good caemra. Fabulous images, full manual controls, great lens speed etc etc....

Good luck with your choice.

Lontano,
Yes you are right the TZ3 is a cracking little camera and im very pleased with it.
The only reason that im getting another camera is that im sick of my daughter "borrowing" it for 10mins that turn into 10days !!
So my thinking was that i would get something that would allow for some imaginative photography and slightly different for my daughter to play around with as she is really getting into photography now.
We both like the small compacts as we can just pop them in our pockets when out n about.
The other camera that i was thinking about is the LX3 which appeals as to the manual capabilities but for the money it has a very small zoom and no b+w -sepia modes which are not the end of the world as we can fiddle with photoshop etc,but can be got on the FX550 for less money.
Will let you all know which we decide on.

p.s. which straight forward simple to use photo editing software would you recommend ?
cheers, scotty.

Anyone ?

I use Lightroom for nearly everything these days, with only occasional forays into CS3 required. However, on a budget, Elements is unbeatable.

Thanks Doc, which version do you rate ?

ok made up me mind at last(should please you Jules) am going for the Panny LX3 and keep the LZ3 then we can share cameras. sorted. Anyone recommend where we can get a good deal ? best price so far is £300.
cheers, Scotty.

quote:

However, on a budget

Rockingdoc, this is the NAIM forum, for heavens sake....."on a budget"..........whatever next.

Cheers

Don

You have made a very good decision. The LX3 is an outstanding camera. I use mine far more often than my expensive SLR gear as the picture results are excellent and come close to what I would get with the heavier gear.

Scotty

Not sure about best deals but from my experience with my D-Lux 3 I'm sure you will be really impressed by the LX3 which presumably moves things on a bit. Good call1

Peter

quote:

which straight forward simple to use photo editing software would you recommend ?

I recently got a copy of Aperture and it works a treat without requiring you to get too heavily into the techy stuff - the option to do so is also there if you want to later on.

Peter

Lontano,
Any tips on using the LX3 ?
Peter, thanks i will investigate aperture.
scotty

Apertures no good for me Peter as i have a PC.
Thanks anyway.

quote:

Originally posted by scottyhammer:
Lontano,
Any tips on using the LX3 ?
Peter, thanks i will investigate aperture.
scotty

Scotty - no major tips. It is very easy to use. Over time start to play with all the manual controls.

A friend of mine has bought the leather cover for it and it is really quite nice. Think I might get one myself.

Have fun with it.

As to versions of the Adobe software, I'd buy the newest you can afford, but I'm quite happy being one or two releases behind. So long as it can handle all the RAW files you use, you should be fine.
Bits of new software are like new tools; I try not to buy a new one until I actually need it for a job.

Can someone explain what exactly are RAW files ?
I know the LX3 uses them but whats the advantage.
thanks in advance, Scotty

RAW files can be manipulated to greater extent.


This may? Help

Thanks H

I think that RAW files are uncompressed, hence retain (all) the quality of the original image as captures by the CCD sensor.

JPEG files are compressed, and probably loose some of the captured information.

I have a recollection that TIFF files might not be compressed??? Not many cameras seem to have this facility these days - reasons?

cheers

Don