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Upgrade time Michifús
Though I love my 30d, it simply isn't the most practical camera to have in certain situations. And, sadly, my Canon S400 is beginning to show its age.

Though it was top-of-the-line when I got it back in... 2003, I believe? It now seems bulky, awkward and archaic compared to some of the p&s cameras my friends and colleagues have.

With that in mind, I think it's just about time to upgrade my p&s to something a bit more modern.

I have been seriously considering the Leica D lux 3 (pictured, obviously) and I'm wondering if anyone has done any extensive shooting or has a decent amount of experience with it. It fits my budget < ~$700, has all of the features I want (i.e., the lens, f/2.8, 1600 ISO, OIS, etc.) Plus it seems so sleek, sexy, and elegant.

Basically, what I'm asking is this:

I want to buy this camera. Are there any major reasons I shouldn't drive up to B&H next week to pick one up?
>> Anonymous
Have a read http://www.dpreview.com/news/0609/06091408leicadlux3.asp

Also remember this camera is essentially a rebaged Panasonic as Leica are have a deal with Panasonic. The lens is also a licensed lens, Panasonic have a paid a licence to use the Leica name a real Leica lens would say leitz. clever marketing on panasonic's side. But anyway if you have the money spend get the leica but there are better cameras that are cheaper.
>> Anonymous
Leica D-Lux 3 = Panasonic LX2

Panasonic LX2 = one of the shittiest sensors in its class (hey, even ISO 400 is nearly unusable)
>> Anonymous
Although I agree with you as I said it is essentially a rebaged Panasonic. They arnt identical the only difference is Leica did incorporate some of there own image processing etc I don't know how much difference this makes to a crap sensor to start of with. The phrase you cant polish a turd springs to mind. Buy a canon compact the results are far more pleasing.
>> Michifús
What's a good compact Canon? As stated in my OP, I have an S400 and haven't really been keeping up on the more current models.

Suggestions welcome as I'd take the advice of fellow photographers over a (usually) biased reviewer any day.
>> Anonymous
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=113

I would recommend the SD800 if you wanted to stick with the very compact route the quality is stunning. People come into to work and couldn't believe such a small compact could produce the quality results. Also the 630 is very nice its better value then the 640 the only difference is the pixel count and the difference between 2 mil pixels is negligible, but you still have all the manual modes which I assume your used to on your 30D. Your best bet is read through the models you like and get a better idea of what you want, then post back and we can tell you our thoughts on it, also read up on DPreview very good site.
>> Anonymous
>>38696

Canon G7. A bit hefty compared to their other P&S, but the image quality and features more than make up for it.
>> Michifús
>>38714
Wow, that G7 is certainly nice but it seems a bit too bulky for something to keep in my pants pocket. Still, I might have to look into one of those somewhere down the line.

>>38707
SD800 is more along the lines of something I'm looking for. What does it offer in the line of manual controls? The lens offers the focal length and apertures I'm looking to use most for a pocket p&s, however, how does the sensor hold up at various shooting speeds?

The A640 / 630 looks like a nice middle ground between the two, but it seems as if noise is a problem when shooting at higher ISO. Is it as bad as I'm reading or is it exaggerated?


*** For reference to noise, I do a lot of printing at 11" x 17", some 8.5" x 10", and occasionally larger formats (normally no more than 19" x 25"). I realize that it's unlikely that I'm going to be using this camera for images that are approaching the 19" x 25" size, but I still want something that can handle an 8" x 10" without massive amounts of grain / noise.

Anyway, thanks for all of your help /p/, the advice is greatly appreciated.
>> Anonymous
>>38718
1. Go to a review site like dcresource.com or dpreview.com.
2. Read the reviews and download a few sample images shot with different ISOs for each camera you're considering.
3. Print the samples at the largest format you're going to use.
4. ??????
5. PROFIT!
>> Anonymous
Dude, Dont bother going for the 30D unless your planing on doing ALOT of profesional photography! there is such a thing as too much camera, and the 30d is it! if you do want a better digital camera thats better then the Canon s400, go for something like the Nikon 80D!
>> Anonymous
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>>38731
dude, the OP stated that he already HAS a 30D.
>> Anonymous
ill post some shots from my A630 with the different ISOs. I just plopped it down on my table and took pictures of whatever was in the way, so don't expect it to be anything more than a way to compare the noise.

All were shot at f/2.4 in aperture priority mode in superfine quality and shrunk to 50% of original size. Also, I saved them all at maximum quality in photoshop to keep out any extra noise, so the files are larger than I would like, but meh.
>> Anonymous
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ISO 80

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon PowerShot A630Camera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsMaximum Lens Aperturef/2.8Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution180 dpiVertical Resolution180 dpiImage Created2007:03:26 14:38:59Exposure Time0.4 secF-Numberf/2.8Lens Aperturef/2.8Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length7.30 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width1632Image Height1224RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceManualScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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ISO 100

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon PowerShot A630Camera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsMaximum Lens Aperturef/2.8Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution180 dpiVertical Resolution180 dpiImage Created2007:03:26 14:40:27Exposure Time0.3 secF-Numberf/2.8Lens Aperturef/2.8Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length7.30 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width1632Image Height1224RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceManualScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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ISO 200

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon PowerShot A630Camera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsMaximum Lens Aperturef/2.8Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution180 dpiVertical Resolution180 dpiImage Created2007:03:26 14:40:49Exposure Time1/6 secF-Numberf/2.8Lens Aperturef/2.8Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length7.30 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width1632Image Height1224RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceManualScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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ISO 400

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon PowerShot A630Camera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsMaximum Lens Aperturef/2.8Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution180 dpiVertical Resolution180 dpiImage Created2007:03:26 14:41:04Exposure Time1/13 secF-Numberf/2.8Lens Aperturef/2.8Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length7.30 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width1632Image Height1224RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceManualScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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ISO 800

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon PowerShot A630Camera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsMaximum Lens Aperturef/2.8Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution180 dpiVertical Resolution180 dpiImage Created2007:03:26 14:41:19Exposure Time1/25 secF-Numberf/2.8Lens Aperturef/2.8Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length7.30 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width1632Image Height1224RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceManualScene Capture TypeStandard
>> thefamilyman
i've heard good things about the Fujifilm F30, looks like it has very good noise control, even i might look at purchasing one myself.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilmf30/page6.asp

"Our tests show that the F30's sensor gives you at least a two-stop advantage over the best that conventional CCD technology can offer, and in many cases a three-stop advantage, with ISO 800 output that can rival some cameras at ISO 200."
>> Michifús
>>38735->>38739

Greatly appreciated; thank you!


>>38748

The F30 is definitely a nice looking camera, too, especially since the review I read had really good things to say about the sensor (something that tends to be the weak point in ultracompacts). Anybody have one of these puppies / seen them in action?
>> thefamilyman
>>38763
haha, i did something crazy and bought one.
i haven't had it long, but so far, i am very impressed.
>> Anonymous
the panasonic lx2 is a pretty safe bet. it's better than lugging around a hefty dslr, and while it may have some noise on higher iso levels than 200, it's shake prevention compensates for the lack of shutter speed in high or low light. it's a nice camera for the money and has some great ideas behind it. research it a little more and maybe even try it out. it's worth it.
>> Anonymous
any panasonic is shite nuff said...
>> ac
>>38903
Not "'nuff said". If you're going to make a blanket generalization, at least provide some evidence to back it up.
>> washer
i like new panasonic cameras. they aren't total shit.