Leica Question

[dbphotos]

I generally shoot my D2X or D200 but I've been traveling for business recently and I'd like to take a P&S (due to size) with me. I have been intrigued by the new Leica C-LUX 1 (http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/01/l...unces-c-lux-1/) which sells for $495, but in researching it I discovered that it is essentially the same camera as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 (http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/14/p...-tz1-digicams/) which cost approx. $289.

Has anyone had experience with either of these cameras and besides the bigger LCD and LEICA name plate, is there anything else that would justify the price difference? Of course I'm drawn towards the Leica but would the Lumix give me the same quality?

Or should I just stick with one of Nikon's P&S?

Any insight would be appreciated.

[jeffkohn]

I'd definitely get the Panasonic over the the Leica, if it has the features you want. They're the ones who make the camera, after all.

The newly announced DMC-FX50/FX07 look pretty attractive to me, particularly the wideangle zoom lens, but I just haven't been able to bring myself to spend money on a P&S.

[Comanche]

My only quarrel with many hi-end P&S is that they have no optical viewfinder, which is the case with either the Leica or Lumix. Most also have long lenses, but scrimp on WA.

If you are in the market, take a look at the Canon S80 - 28 equivalent WA, optical VF (yeah, I know its just a tunnel, but its better than holding a camera out at arm's length to frame a shot), decent lens, and decent resolution.

[jeffkohn]

If you are in the market, take a look at the Canon S80 - 28 equivalent WA, optical VF (yeah, I know its just a tunnel, but its better than holding a camera out at arm's length to frame a shot), decent lens, and decent resolution.

I"ve actually been watching EBay for S70's, because I prefer that model's CF card and RAW capability over the new S80. But they're still going pretty high even used.

[Comanche]

True - IMHO, the S70 was better. The SD card issue does not bother me, but I do want RAW.

Cheers -

[Killeenguy]

you know i've always wanted a P&S due to me wanting to carry a camera in my pocket...so that when i'm hangin out with my friends i can whip it out and not be so noticed. or light weight and easy for other to use so i can be in the picture too!

[andylaiphoto]

There is no point and shoot to buy but the Fujifilm F30. This is an "I told you so" situation. If you go with it "I told you so"...it's the best. If you don't "I told you so" you should've.

http://fujifilm.com/products/digital...f30/index.html

I have a Z1 with an early incarnation of that sensor and it's just awesome. The F30 can shoot super high iso no prob.

[jeffkohn]

Originally Posted by andylaiphoto

There is no point and shoot to buy but the Fujifilm F30. This is an "I told you so" situation. If you go with it "I told you so"...it's the best. If you don't "I told you so" you should've.

http://fujifilm.com/products/digital...f30/index.html

I have a Z1 with an early incarnation of that sensor and it's just awesome. The F30 can shoot super high iso no prob.

It's too bad about the 36mm wide end though; that's a deal-breaker for me.

[dbphotos]

OK, after careful consideration I've ordered the Lumix FX01 (I have no patience, once I decide it's time to order).

It covers 28mm to 102mm, has optical image stabilizaiton, shoots at up to ISO 1600 (I can't imagine I'll need higher for a P&S), has Leica lens, ccd, etc., 2.5 inch LCD screen, starry sky mode, several aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2 and 16:9) and shoots at 3fps. Most importantly I think it has a nice design and look. :-)

Not a bad deal for $276 (Adorama).

Thanks for all the advice. I'll post some examples and my initial observations once I have it in my hands.

[andylaiphoto]

"I told you so."

[dbphotos]

Originally Posted by andylaiphoto

"I told you so."

I know, I know. We'll see.

[andylaiphoto]

Panasonic...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pana...x01/page13.asp

Fujifilm...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/FujifilmF30/page16.asp

[jeffkohn]

Originally Posted by andylaiphoto

Panasonic...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pana...x01/page13.asp

Fujifilm...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/FujifilmF30/page16.asp

Canon...
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons80/page14.asp

(and I'm a Nikon guy )

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Dude. You're David DAMN Bailey. Only the Leica will do! (besides, it'll match the Hummer)

Oops... Scratch that, just read the earlier post (grin).

_/oe

PS. I've been eyeing the Digilux 2 (scratch that - meant D-Lux 2) for a while now but love the Leica look of the C-Lux 1.

[johnastovall]

It not a true Leica. Buy the Panosonic and be done with it. Or wait for the real Leica the digital-M coming this fall and take out a second morgage, like I'll be doing.