Buying a compact camera

[Swamp Thing]

This is probably a bit of a lo-tech question on this section of the forum, but I'll ask anyway.

I'm planning to buy a compact camera. I've tried reading online reviews and, in some ways, the more I read, the more baffled I become.

I am looking for a camera which can be carried in a shoulder bag with other holidaymaking odds and ends. I'm not that fussed about mega-zoom capabilities, or extreme close-ups. I'd like it to be able to take very clear pictures and have HD video capabilities. I'd also like it to have a touch-screen focus-point function. That's about it.

I'd prefer not to buy online but in a camera shop.

I'd like to spend 10-15,000 baht.

Any suggestions?

[lopburi3]

A high quality phone/camera would not be an option? 10-15k is a lot for basic camera today and those functions can be found in some phones (which are always in hand and ready to use - with charged battery).

Understand the confusion as have done that study in the past a few times. Ended up making mind on camera choice and then buying at gray market sellers in computer section (Japanese models) at much less than retail camera shop. But that path seems to open/close often so may not be available now. Sorry can not be of help with current models.

[sunshine51]

ST...There's many compact cameras within your budget.

A friend of mine was looking for a more upmarket compact

& found the Olympus XZ-2 basic model without EVF for a

price within your budget. He likes the little Oly a lot.

Have a look...

http://www.olympus.co.uk/site/en/c/Cameras/digital_cameras/creator/xz_2/index.html

I can't remember where he bought it but AV camera reads familiar...

avcamera.com

[NE1]

I looked at compacts and the one with the touch screens had bad reviews , freezing / non responsive .

[MJP]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7.

[Swamp Thing]

Thanks for the replies.

Particular thanks for your brief but very welcome reply, MJP. I've followed up on your suggestion by reading some reviews and the LX7 sounds just the ticket.

I've also read some good reviews on the Sony RX100. Does anybody have any thoughts on this camera?

[rajyindee]

I've also read some good reviews on the Sony RX100. Does anybody have any thoughts on this camera?

You have three choices, MkI, II or III. Both the Mk1 and Mk II are excellent cameras and so much cheaper now the Mk III is on the market.

[MJP]

Thanks for the replies.

Particular thanks for your brief but very welcome reply, MJP. I've followed up on your suggestion by reading some reviews and the LX7 sounds just the ticket.

I've also read some good reviews on the Sony RX100. Does anybody have any thoughts on this camera?

RX100 MkII if you can get it within budget, MkIII if you're feeling rich.

Fujifilm X20, the X30 just came out so prices of the X20 should be lower now.

Panasonic Lumix LF1.

My choice would be LX7. Fast lens on that cam. I had the LX5, it's good.

Edited September 26, 2014 by MJP

[sunshine51]

M....Your input made me have a look around at compact cameras also..via the web that is.

I really don't keep up with them since they change fairly often but after a look wow!

Seems as though my "old" Canon G12 is ancient history! And yes I agree the Lumix

LX7 is nice! Hmmmmmmm....keep the ancient one or.....??????

[sunshine51]

Addendum to my previous post gleaned by further pursuance on the web

concerning compact cameras today.

The Lumix LX-7 is, for want of a better description and a couple of cosmetic

differences the same camera as Leica's DLux-6 but at a much cheaper cost.

Leica omits the grip on the LX7 and sells one of their own. Same with the

EVF...Panasonic's EVF works on the DLux06 just as the Leica EVF works

on the LX7 and vice versa for both. Both EVF's are the same and Panasonics

is much cheaper!

Virtually the same camera.

And....not one for being a huge Ming Thien fan....however he gives

a pretty darn good review of both here...

http://blog.mingthein.com/2013/03/25/leica-d-lux-6-panasonic-lx7/

If...and it's a big IF...I do decide to upgrade my ancient G12 I'll

buy the LX7.

Thanks M.....your post gave me the impetus to have a look around

the web.

And thanks ST for starting this thread.

[MJP]

Sunshine. Me too. I really miss my LX5 (which was stolen by a Director).

Panasonic/Leica partnership really does make for a great camera. Knowing the D-Lux is how much it it is ($$$) and the LX7 the same thing for not very much makes it . . . feel good.

The only thing is there no viewfinder, although you can get a hotshoe viewfinder, can't remember whether it's EVF or OVF, I think either are available.

Build is solid.

EDIT: Kind of really jacks the price up . . .

http://www.digitalrev.com/product/panasonic-dmw-lvf2-external-electric/MTAwMDAwOQ_A_A?googlebase=1&country=GB&gclid=CNWyi6yzgcECFSITwwodQXQAzQ

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Optical-Viewfinder-LX5-LX3/sim/B001DUJ1Z6/2

Edited September 27, 2014 by MJP

[MJP]

All that said, I'm hanging it out for the Sony RX2®. Curved full frame sensor apparently, possibly organic. Zeiss 35mm glass.

I'd probably dump all the other gear and just have one of those.

[MJP]

Sounds like the Lumix LX8 is out soon, weather sealed and with a 1" sensor, viewfinder, 4K. "Leaked spec" so who knows?

http://camyx.com/rumors/2014/07/new-panasonic-lumix-lx8-specs-leaked/

Regardless of whether you use a phone or a medium format . . . this thing will be worth it.

Edited September 27, 2014 by MJP

[sustento]

Addendum to my previous post gleaned by further pursuance on the web

concerning compact cameras today.

The Lumix LX-7 is, for want of a better description and a couple of cosmetic

differences the same camera as Leica's DLux-6 but at a much cheaper cost.

Leica omits the grip on the LX7 and sells one of their own. Same with the

EVF...Panasonic's EVF works on the DLux06 just as the Leica EVF works

on the LX7 and vice versa for both. Both EVF's are the same and Panasonics

is much cheaper!

They play the same trick with the FZ200 and the V Lux 4 and the LX3 and the D Lux 4

Edited September 27, 2014 by sustento

[sunshine51]

^^^ Sustento....yup...Leica & Pana have been doing this for a while.

Exactly the same camera save for some minor cosmetic diddies

such as the DLux 6 has no grip but Leica will sell you one of theirs

made for it. And lets not forget...that red meatball is the real reason

the Leica branded Panasonics cost what they do...$$$$$$$$$$.

To me it's wise to save the money unless that red meatball is

more important to someone than what the camera can actually do.

And if the former is the case then save up the dosh & buy a "real"

Leica with some real Leica glass to go with it.

[sunshine51]

Sounds like the Lumix LX8 is out soon, weather sealed and with a 1" sensor, viewfinder, 4K. "Leaked spec" so who knows?

http://camyx.com/rumors/2014/07/new-panasonic-lumix-lx8-specs-leaked/

Regardless of whether you use a phone or a medium format . . . this thing will be worth it.

M....there may be hiccups with the release...supposedly July 16 this year then August

this year and we're soon into October...hmmmmmmmm.

Also some say the 1" sensor will not be the same as in the FZ1000.....hmmmmmm.

Here's a couple links on the LX8 below....

http://thenewcamera.com/tag/panasonic-lx8/

http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-panasonic-lx8-comes-with-same-1-inch-sensor-as-the-fz1000-specs-roundup/

Wait & see what transpires I guess.

AFAIC....I'd like to upgrade the G12 for something better and the current LX7

will be fine as I'd mainly use it @ 24mm and nearly wide open or stopped

down a bit at that focal length.....just a grab shot kinda camera. And since

it seems that the LX7 is soon to be discontinued if not already axed then the

LX7 price should fall further!!! No rumours concerning the EVF though &

if I do decide to get either the LX7 or 8...I want the EVF and hopefully

it will be the same model at the same price...$149 USD or thereabouts.

Much cheaper than the Leica EVF for darn sure!!!

Again...I'm not in a hurry to upgrade however me G12 is "old" and has

been in the shop twice; 3K Baht each time...so far so good with the

repairs....but it's getting older & older as the months go by...like we all are!

And I really like to have f1.4 than f2.0 anyday!

Edited September 27, 2014 by sunshine51

[MJP]

^^ LX7 has reached a bizarre level of bargain. As a pocket cam I can't think of anything better for the money.

[samuijimmy]

Thanks for the replies.

Particular thanks for your brief but very welcome reply, MJP. I've followed up on your suggestion by reading some reviews and the LX7 sounds just the ticket.

I've also read some good reviews on the Sony RX100. Does anybody have any thoughts on this camera?

I have had a few Sony cameras over the years, yes good when they work.... my blight with Sony in Thailand is if it needs service / cleaning etc, it can take six months before you see it back (last experience ..... perhaps better if you live in BKK??? and can go hound them! ) That was a compact BTW...

I took my Canon 60D in today at a local Samui shop, to see about having it cleaned and serviced, has to be shipped to BKK, but that only takes a day! I was told it might take 2 to 3 months Last time it went for service it was only a few weeks...

Not sure how other manufacturers are like on service. Something to consider though! Perhaps others here could add with their experiences on service...

Edited September 27, 2014 by samuijimmy

[MJP]

Looks like the LX100 is the upgrade from the LX7 . . .

http://www.digitalrev.com/product/panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx100/MTEwMzc4NQ_A_A

Bloody hell it's £800!!!

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx100-digital-camera/p1560270?cm_mmc=googlebase-extension-_-cameras-_-digital-cameras-_-panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx100-digital-camera-black_1560270&utm_source=googlebase-extension&cm_mmc=google+-+warehouse+cameras+%26+lenses-_-shopping+-+cameras+and+lenses-_-&mkwid=sphqu1yj&pcrid=54652585569&gclid=ciobncgvgsecfrhltaode0waya

LX7's can be had for around £200. Bargain.

Edited September 27, 2014 by MJP

[sunshine51]

M...here's what ya get for 800 Quid....

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9230577452/hands-on-with-panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx100

[Assurancetourix]

When I have the money for, I will buy this camera ;

edit -- sorry, forgot the name :

Panasonic Lumix FZ200

http://www.lesnumeriques.com/appareil-photo-numerique/panasonic-lumix-fz200-p13833/caracteristiques.html

It's a 25 -600 mm f/2.8

I think about 15.000 baht in Thailand .

Edited September 28, 2014 by Assurancetourix

[guzzi850m2]

Get a Sony RX100 M2, the RX100 M series are generally considered the best compact cameras money can buy. I said compacts, the new Panasonic LX100 is not what you can call a compact, no way it will fit in a shirt or jeans pocket, hence not a compact but never the less very nice with the 4/3 sensor but only using 12MP of that.

I just bought a RX100 M3, love it man, awesome pix for the size. Video is quite good too, fiddling around with that now.

[Assurancetourix]

Sony RX100 M2 = about 500 euros in France = about 20.000 baht here

and the Sony RX100 M3 = 700 euros again in France = about nearly 30.000 baht;

not exactly what our friend want ...

The Panasonic Lumix FZ 200 isn't a real " compact "; but I will not change for another pocket camera even it's a Leica .

[MJP]

Get a Sony RX100 M2, the RX100 M series are generally considered the best compact cameras money can buy. I said compacts, the new Panasonic LX100 is not what you can call a compact, no way it will fit in a shirt or jeans pocket, hence not a compact but never the less very nice with the 4/3 sensor but only using 12MP of that.

I just bought a RX100 M3, love it man, awesome pix for the size. Video is quite good too, fiddling around with that now.

They're nice, but a bit outside the OP's budget.

I wish I'd set a budget on gear. I could afford an AC Cobra after the last three years of gearaholism.

[guzzi850m2]

Okay but he can have a RX100 then, 13.000 baht, the M2 is 23000 and the M3 is 28000, so the M3 is cheaper than in EU.

http://www.bigcamera.co.th/product/view?keyps=&cat_id=1&brand_id=5&mipps=&mapps=&go=Go&page=2

[Swamp Thing]

Yes, the RX100 at 13,000. Same price as the LX7.

So, what to do? From the recommendations on here, the reviews I've read online and the vids I've watched on YouTube, I'm going for the LX7.

Any further thoughts and opinions are welcome.

Thanks to all for helping me to narrow it down. This is just what I hoped for.

Edited September 28, 2014 by Swamp Thing

[sunshine51]

^^^ST....no matter which one you buy...enjoy it & be out taking pictures!

[MJP]

Yes, the RX100 at 13,000. Same price as the LX7.

So, what to do? From the recommendations on here, the reviews I've read online and the vids I've watched on YouTube, I'm going for the LX7.

Any further thoughts and opinions are welcome.

Thanks to all for helping me to narrow it down. This is just what I hoped for.

Either will do you fine. I like the LX7 for its fast bright Leica lens and the overall design, solid build. I used to get fantastic images from my LX5.

[guzzi850m2]

The LX7 is highly praised by the owners and many were very disappointed when the LX100 was launched and not a LX8.

And as mentioned, they are cheap now.

The RX100's can be fiddly to use due to their small sizes and not everybody likes them.

It's best to go to a camera shop where you can actually try them out and then make up your mind.

Cameras are like any other things you can buy (cars-bikes-whores or whatever) everyone prefer something different and thank Buddha for that.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/compacts/panasonic_dmclx7

[MJP]

^^I can only afford the cameras.