P&S, Still trying to decide which one

PhotoByMark · Aug 16, 2008

Still trying to find a nice little P&S to carry with me on my bike, kayak, pretty much everywhere and when I do not feel like carrying the DSLR.

I am thinking one of these:

1) Canon G9 - Is this discontinued? B&H has discontinued it.

This seems like the best choice as far as picture quality and features but physically bigger than I want.

2) Panasonic Lumix TZ5K - Leaning towards this one.

3) Canon SD870 and other Canon P&S.

4) Fuji?

Oh I should also mention I did buy an Olympus 1030sw for my wife. Not the best picture taker but it is a cool niche camera. We can take it to the lake, and with us on our Kayak and bikes etc. I wanted to have 2 different P&S cameras and not 2 of the same. Does that make sense?

Mike S · Aug 16, 2008

Rumor has it that the G10 will be coming out soon. If you can hold out it might be worth your wait.

My wife has the Lumix FZ18, it takes very good pics but my G9 is better.

rsprouse · Aug 16, 2008

I recently went ahead and bought a G9, in spite of the rumors about a G10 and a new Nikon competitor. I am pretty happy with it so far. In fact I am amazed at the IQ. Of course it won't replace my D3, but I will be carrying the big dSLRs less often now.

-- Russ

spalding12 · Aug 16, 2008

this question seems to be asked here... almost weekly

the panasonic Lumix LX3 is the next great thing
larger sensor
NOT a big zoom... has auxiliary lens attachments

http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/19463/panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx3/

the G9 is a great camera
but.... it isn't small
it won't be a "always have it in your pocket" kind of P&S
and THAT is an issue for me

PhotoByMark · Aug 16, 2008

G9 seems to be great little camera and I am torn as I guess I want 2 P&S cameras. A P&S smaller than DSLR with lots of the DSLR features and a then a real small carry with me all the time P&S. The TZ5 seemed a little smaller than the G9 but not still not real small. Maybe I should get something real small now & less expensive and then the G10 or the LX3 when it comes out? LX3 is not available yet, si that correct Greg?

Wow! Thought the LX3 was not out yet. But it is. Hmmmm, I am so tempted to order it right now. I will ponder tomorrow, I am tempted...

spalding12 · Aug 16, 2008

the DSC-LX3 will come out in september
many taking pre-orders now
as long as panasonic has solved the "too much in-camera noise reduction" it'll be a great camera

it will NOT be meant to telephoto shooting without the attachment
but.... with the LARGER sensor and keeping the camera to only 10.1 MP... it's going to be a very CLEAN shooter
and i'm hoping that the low-light capability will be respectable as well

one more thing
all the lumix cameras take HD-quality video
the G9 can't do that
a very cool feature, to me

PhotoByMark · Aug 17, 2008

Greg, Yes, Silly me - available for preorder.
I am thinking I will go with TZ5 for now as I want to have a P&S for next weekend.
Might consider the LX3 @the end of the year.

PhotoByMark · Aug 17, 2008

I think I will go with the TZ5. The LX3 and G10 probably will both be great P&S choices as well. I will post some pics and comments after I receive it. Thanks to those who have posted on this thread.

And... Thanks Ray!

exitnine · Aug 18, 2008

I like canon G9, but find out that the a650 (power shot) is better, because that one can swing the lcd screen out and shot from all different angle, but the down thing is doesn't have the hot shoe.

Have anyone have any experience of the canon A650?

PhotoByMark · Aug 22, 2008

Thanks All. I ended up with TZ5. Just got it on Wednesday. I am in Wichita Falls, TX for the Hotter than Hell bike race. When I get home later this weekend I will post a few pics. So far I am liking it, not bad for a little P&S.

PhotoByMark · Sep 23, 2008

Never posted any pics did I? Well, I will upload some very soon.

I like the TZ5 - wish it did better at higher ISO but other than that I am liking have a little P&S to take with me. Miss having a view finder also.

abuH · Sep 23, 2008

Till then...

While you upload, here's a few from MY TZ5 -- a nice little camera for very lightweight travel.
(All pics with some PP.)