Panasonic LX-5 or Nikon P7000?

[Joe_Lorenzini]

I'm looking to upgrade from the LX-3 to either the LX-5 or switch over to the new Nikon P7000.

The LX-3 is fantastic and has worked well for me so going to the LX-5 would be a no-brainer as long as they didn't screw it up which it looks like they haven't.

It's the Nikon P7000 that's got me thinking. So far, great reviews and solid photos. It uses a different RAW format from Nikon's DSLR NEF files but I've never had a problem editing the LX-3 raw files so I'm not too worried there.

The P7000 is more "bulky" than the LX-5 which is a factor but the P7000 has some features I'd like to see in the LX-5, most noteably a larger zoom range.

Anyone have thoughts on which way to go?

Joe

[Wes]

I know nothing about the Panasonic line of cameras. My first thought is whether or not the Panasonic will use your Nikon lenses. If not, I would stay with the Nikon.

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Here's a link to both cameras:

Nikon P7000:
Nikon Coolpix P7000 digital camera specifications: Digital Photography Review

Panasonic LX-5:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 digital camera specifications: Digital Photography Review

Both are point-n-shoot style.

Joe

[ChuckW]

If you like your LX3 you will probably really like the LX5! Obviously there is nothing wrong with Nikon lenses but the lens on the LX5 is a proven Leica vario Summicron design that provides a full f2 aperture at the wide end of the zoom range. This actually allows for some pleasing bokeh, very hard to achieve with most compact cameras. The LX5 also allows the use of an optional electronic view finder and does video very well if you are in to that sort of thing.

[Joe_Lorenzini]

I have no doubt I'd be happy with the LX-5 as it would be my third iteration of the camera and I've always been very pleased by the performance. I'm just wondering if the P7000 might take it to the next level.

Joe