WTB Point and Shoot with Raw capabilities

[mmcaleer]

I am looking to purchase a point and shoot camera for my wife so she doesn't have to carry my 30D. I would like it to have RAW and manual capabilities. One I was looking at was the Panasonic Lumix LX2 for $369

Any other suggestions?

Oh, I would also like it cheap.

Thanks,

Mike

[johnastovall]

Not cheap but one of the best and it's usable like a real camera the Ricoh GR-DII.

[hurricane]

you can convert a used Canon P&S to shoot RAW (and pick one up used for cheap):
A450, A460, A530, A540, A550, A560, A570 IS, A610, A620, A630, A650 IS, A710 IS, A720 IS, S2 IS, S3 IS, S5 IS, G7, SD400 (IXUS50), SD450 (IXUS55), SD500 (IXUS700), SD600 (IXUS60), SD630 (IXUS65), SD700 IS (IXUS800), SD750 (IXUS75), SD800 IS (IXUS850), SD850 IS (IXUS950), SD870 IS (IXUS860), SD1000 (IXUS70), TX-1

read about it here: http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

[CaptainTom]

make sure your post processing program can convert the RAW files from the camera you choose.

[boxofrocks]

Canon G9 would be the way to go, but not cheaply. Sorry, that's the only one I have personal experience with, and I love it.

[mmcaleer]

Steve,

Thanks, I found that yesterday and was thinking about doing that. I was thinking either the SD850 (good reviews on DPReview), SD870 or A720. Are any of the Canon's better than others? Other Canon's I should look at? I don't see the new SD models on the CHDK page yet.


John, The Ricoh is a little more than I want to spend. Plus it is a fixed lens. Not good for my wife.

I'd like to be in the $200-$350 range if possible. The CHDK is a good option since Canon feels they want to take RAW out of all their cameras unless you purchase a DSLR. What about the photogs that want a fun pocket camera? Listen up Canon.

[mmcaleer]

Tom,

I keep looking at the G9. I would like that but more than I want to spend right now.

I like the SD870 because it goes down to 28mm equivalent. All the others are 35mm equivalent.

[mmcaleer]

Tom,

I use Photoshop for my RAW processing.

Steve,

Have you checked this out? http://lifehacker.com/387380/turn-yo...a-super+camera

[hurricane]

Originally Posted by mmcaleer

Steve,

Thanks, I found that yesterday and was thinking about doing that. I was thinking either the SD850 (good reviews on DPReview), SD870 or A720. Are any of the Canon's better than others? Other Canon's I should look at? I don't see the new SD models on the CHDK page yet.


John, The Ricoh is a little more than I want to spend. Plus it is a fixed lens. Not good for my wife.

I'd like to be in the $200-$350 range if possible. The CHDK is a good option since Canon feels they want to take RAW out of all their cameras unless you purchase a DSLR. What about the photogs that want a fun pocket camera? Listen up Canon.

DPReview is where I would go also for comparisons. I had looked at replacing my P&S Canon S500 (so old that CHDK doesn't work on it) with a SD870 IS...nice little camera.

[rockin-photos]

Originally Posted by mmcaleer

Tom,

I use Photoshop for my RAW processing.

Steve,

Have you checked this out? http://lifehacker.com/387380/turn-yo...a-super+camera

That looks VERY COOL! I'm going to have to try that on my S3. Does anyone here have experience with this Firmware Hack?

[mmcaleer]

Here is one issue with CHDK

Fact 2 - these RAW files unfortunately only have a 10 bit depth (much less than the average bit depth of DSLR RAW files (16 bit)) but they are still better than the compressed jpgs (bit-depth wise).

Fact 4 - if you want to use the CHDK RAW files in your standard RAW workflow tool it is likely that they cannot be opened (as a lot of commercial raw converters/editors do not support CHDK RAWs yet).

Read more here

I may be back to looking at the Panasonic DMC-LX2K

[mmcaleer]

Jerry,

Try it out. It is not destructive and non permanent. Can't hurt to give a go.

[rockin-photos]

Originally Posted by mmcaleer

Jerry,

Try it out. It is not destructive and non permanent. Can't hurt to give a go.

I think I will give it a try. I have PS CS2. I presume that will open the 10 bit RAW files?

[mmcaleer]

Jerry,

Please post your results. I would like to know if PS can open them. I have CS for Mac but just bought CS3 for Mac.

[DeLeon]

Another vote for the G9. Also has a hot shoe. I played with one with a Pocket Wizard attached. LOADS OF FUN! great camera, and does an ok job as a camcorder for short video clips.