I still say you should really take a close look at the Panasonic LX3...
Yes, that's the one I was looking for. It's Panasonic's flagship small camera (very wide angle, but not much zoom). Also note that the Canon G10 has been replaced by the G11, with a tilt/swivel LCD and 2-stop improvement in noise performance. That one can even shoot at ISO 12800 at a lower resolution. Both cameras list for $500 retail.
Another vote for the LX3, I am really impressed with the image quality and the level of control. Does take some getting used to when compared to shooting with a DSLR, but the 24mm 2.0 sure comes in handy sometimes.
If the LX3 is anything like the Panasonic Lumix FZ35, then it sounds like a camera worth pursuing. I'm quite satisfied with the quality of the Lumix FZ35 so far, although it is challenging to know what your comp is going to look like (especially landscapes) because the optical viewfinder is tiny and the LCD (for me) is tricky to use in some lighting conditions. Noise starts becoming an issue at ISO 400, and above that (ISO 800+) is for emergency use only IMO.
The LX3 lens is wider at 24mm (vs. 28mm/FZ35) and faster at f/2.0 (vs. f/2.8), although both are Leica lenses of excellent quality. A viewfinder for the LX3 can be purchased separately. Noise is an issue with all p & s cams, not just over 400 ISO but even at an even lower sensitivity. I don't think there are any comparable point & shoots with better noise management made than the LX3 and, of course, Leica's own DL-4 at twice the price.
I've had the G9 and now the G10--fantastic cameras. The G11 looks to have sensor improvements among other features (like a swiveling LCD), and will likely be a step up from the G10 all around.
Friends and family who see or get a chance to use my G9 or G10 immediately went out and got one for themselves. Go get your hands on one in a store, try it out.
Personally, I'm hyperventilating about the prospects of Canon's upcoming S90. It's a pocket-size camera with the same sensor and circuitry as the Canon G11, a semi-pro camera whose sensor is much bigger than what you find in shirt-pocket cams. And the S90 has an F/2 lens, which means it lets in an incredible amount of light, which means less blur. I can't think of another fixed-lens camera with an F/2 lens. I'll review it as soon as I can get my hands on it.
Personally, I'm hyperventilating about the prospects of Canon's upcoming S90. It's a pocket-size camera with the same sensor and circuitry as the Canon G11, a semi-pro camera whose sensor is much bigger than what you find in shirt-pocket cams. And the S90 has an F/2 lens, which means it lets in an incredible amount of light, which means less blur. I can't think of another fixed-lens camera with an F/2 lens. I'll review it as soon as I can get my hands on it.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 has a 24mm 2.0 lens (zooms to 60mm 2.8)
Probably not as good as the other cameras mention but we recently bought the Canon PowerShot D10 and it's a nice camera. We got it since it can be used underwater.
Probably not as good as the other cameras mention but we recently bought the Canon PowerShot D10 and it's a nice camera. We got it since it can be used underwater.
