Low light Compact ? Lumix LX5 ? for gigs

mipevo6

mipevo6

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Martin
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A while ago I started a thread asking about a decent low light compact camera for gigs to use when I can't take my 7D. Not many suggestions were forthcoming as most compacts can't deliver the kind of low light performance I was looking for.

I notice the LX5 has been released.

24-90 f2.0 with what looks like reasonable IQ and ISO performance.

Anybody got any experience of this camera?

Anybody tried it in low light?

Thanks in advance
 
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When shooting in lower light or interiors, photos hold up well in terms of detail up to and including ISO 1,600. At ISO 3,200, noise starts to gradually intrude. If you use the ISO 6,400 or ISO 12,800 settings, you'll see the resolution fall to 3 megapixels, to limit the appearance of such degradation. The result is a distinctly painting-like effect.

From that it looks like high ISO doesn't seem worthwhile using.
 
I've got a LX3 but honestly speaking, the acceptable iso for compact is 800 imo. You might push your luck a little if you go any higher.
 
High ISO is never going to be amazing with a small sensor - might be worth looking into an 'EVIL' camera instead, though I would say that.... :)
 
I have the Leica D-Lux 4 which is basically a LX3.. it was just about as good as it gets with a compact. The LX5 is probably better. The only gripe is the short zoom, but then again I mostly visit smaller gigs and not stadium concerts.

I'm also wondering about getting a GF1 to replace it. But not sure if even that will be allowed into concerts etc (maybe with a pancake lens but not a zoom tele).
 
I have an LX5 and have to say I'm quite impressed with the low light capability - considering the sensor size!

Just took a few quick snaps of my kitchen which is still quite dark this morning - kind of the same light levels you'd find in a pub at night. I don't do gigs so am not sure if this helps you or not :lol:

All these are wide open @ f2.0 - as shot (just resized for TP)

ISO800


ISO1600


ISO3200


Personally, if I was doing gigs and lots of low light night stuff, I'd probably look at one of the CSC cameras such as the GF1 or Pen and the pancake lens as the results would undoubtedly be better given the larger sensor size - although the camera is quite a bit bigger and the pancake lens has no zoom.

If its the portability you need, I don't think you can do better than the LX5. I have no experience of the LX3, but compared to a Canon S90 I think it's better above ISO800.
 
Thanks all of you for the replies...

Justinitus, thank you for the examples, they really help show what the results from the real world look like.

I am not looking for the "perfect" results.. Anything that gets close to this is ok by me (old shot on my rapidly falling apart F31FD)

4098687108_e91675dd43_z.jpg


  • I need a 3x-5x zoom as a minimum really to get anything decent (I think the LX5 will do longer zoom at lower MP?)
  • I need a reasonable shutter speed to freeze the action
  • I need a reasonable low light focus capability
  • I don't need 10mp as they will be viewed on the web mostly so no big prints

The Micro 43rds rule themselves out as soon as you put a zoom on them as they are no longer pocketable....

It feels like the LX5 might be pretty close to what I am looking for....

Thanks once again
 
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You're welcome Martin :thumbs:

I haven't played with the extended zoom function yet so cannot comment if it degrades image quality or not. The standard zoom is x3.8 and the aperture ends up at 3.3 when zoomed in.

As for focussing, it doesn't seem to struggle at all in low light (but obviously not in DSLR league!)

From the image you posted, you might even have more available light in these gigs than I did in my kitchen, so your results might be better still.

The only negative point I've found (as can be seen in my shots above) is that AWB is not that accurate in poor or artificial lighting, but that's easily overcome.

It also shoots RAW.
 
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I have just got myself the new lx5 and my first impressions are that it is a superb piece of kit. Am currently in process of a write up and will be putting it through it's paces regarding low light event stuff on Tuesday next week when I am shooting a stage production.

Will drop you a line when thread is done, I will post shots too.

Spooks
 
Perhaps take a look at the Sony NEX-3. It uses a large APS-C size sensor within a relatively compact body with a price that is pretty close to the LX5. It should offer DSLR class high-ISO performance in a smaller package, although it is pretty ugly to look at.
 
Spooky said:
I have just got myself the new lx5 and my first impressions are that it is a superb piece of kit. Am currently in process of a write up and will be putting it through it's paces regarding low light event stuff on Tuesday next week when I am shooting a stage production.

Will drop you a line when thread is done, I will post shots too.

Spooks
Click to expand...

Brilliant :-) I will wait to see your results and review :thumbs:

Orville said:
Perhaps take a look at the Sony NEX-3. It uses a large APS-C size sensor within a relatively compact body with a price that is pretty close to the LX5. It should offer DSLR class high-ISO performance in a smaller package, although it is pretty ugly to look at.
Click to expand...

I would happily go nex if it fit in my pocket with a zoom lens on it...

All the micro 4/3rds take themselves out of contention when you stick a nasty zoom lens on them as they lose the benefits of their compact size... shame really otherwise they would be perfect.
 
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