Compact Dilemma

JohnF

JohnF

Messages
355
Name
John
Edit My Images
No
Currently I am having the "I need something new and shiny" feeling, we all get it at some point.

Anyway a compact to supplement the DSLR seems to fit the bill, I have narrowed it down to a couple (LX5 & S95). A couple of years ago I purchased a compact on a whim without much research and got a Nikon S220, which I don't think is very good.

An example photo is the following taken at Waterloo yesterday, ISO 400, no flash:

6140681649_d51da0a13f_z.jpg


If I purchase one of those compacts mentioned is the quality going to increase noticeably, or does the phrase bad workman blames tools come into play?
 
I have an LX5 and I love it... I think the people that have S95's love them as well...

Both are excellent camera's...

DP review have a good comparison

here
 
Was looking at the Digital Rev comparison earlier, paying particular attention to the ISO comparison.

What struck me was, at 1600 I like the Canon, at 3200 I liked the Panasonic, I don't forsee any reason for me to ever go that high, but still at the prices they are for me at least I want to get best one. Until I get a chance to handle both I won't know I suppose, hopefully I will tomorrow.

But my current compact as said brought in haste, I can do without, too slow, my phone takes better pictures.
 
I can't speak for the Panasonic, John. I have the S95 and it's a cracking piece of kit though.

So small and fits into the pocket very easily, it's actually opened me up to a bit of street photography that I never thought I'd do in a million years. It's given me a new found confidence. I love my D90, but the S95 goes absolutely everywhere with me.

I'm sure many would same about the LX5. Either way I don't think you'll be disappointed:thumbs:
 
Murph said:
it's actually opened me up to a bit of street photography that I never thought I'd do in a million years.
Click to expand...

That one line is exactly my thinking behind getting one of them, and that comment makes you sound just like me!

At the moment I am wanting to give it a go, but not with an DSLR, just seems to big and noticeable compact (good one) would be ideal.
 
JohnF said:
That one line is exactly my thinking behind getting one of them, and that comment makes you sound just like me!

At the moment I am wanting to give it a go, but not with an DSLR, just seems to big and noticeable compact (good one) would be ideal.
Click to expand...

Exactly the same as me john! If you have a quick look on my Flickr, on the right hand side is my 'Commuting' set. I started this to try and lessen my ever growing rage with 'fellow' commuters, I thought concentrating on photos might help. I'm by no means saying I'm an expert but it's really helped me mate and might show a little bit what the S95 can do (I've still got much too learn).
 
Just a beginning of a project for me John, thanks for the kind comments fella.

I'm sure either one of the two camera's would be good for you. One thing I can guarantee is that you will carry it with you everywhere mate, and that can't be a bad thing:thumbs:
 
JohnF said:
That one line is exactly my thinking behind getting one of them, and that comment makes you sound just like me!

At the moment I am wanting to give it a go, but not with an DSLR, just seems to big and noticeable compact (good one) would be ideal.
Click to expand...

The Ricoh GRD3 is a very popular compact for street photography. It has a prime rather than a zoom which might not be for everyone, but primes tend to be the preferred choice for street shooters.
 
Have you considered possibly going with an APS-C sensor compact? I spontaneously splashed out on a Fuji FinePix x100 during lunch today, and I've got to say, I'm in love. It takes some getting used to, since it's a fixed focal length which forces you to shoot differently to other compacts, but it's a joy to use with its comparatively stripped down, retro approach.
 
Last edited:
JohnF said:
Thanks for the other options. To those who have used the cameras mentioned, what is shutter lag like?
Click to expand...

Not used the GRD3 but the thing that appeals to me is Ricoh's "snap focus" feature which allows you to preselect a focus distance (either 1m, 2.5m, 5m or infinity) which results in almost instant shutter release. The reason for this is that the process of auto focussing is what generally causes shutter lag with a compact camera and by bypassing this stage then shutter lag is more or less removed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top