P&S:G10 vs Panasonic Lx3

[Rocky Sharwell]

I am in the market for a quality P&S that will shoot RAW. I have read a ton of stuff on the web about the canon G10 vs the Panasonic Lx3. The Panasonic comes with a Leica lens but does not have an optical viewfinder. The Canon has an optical viewfinder but is reputed to have more noise at higher ISO settings.

I am curious as to any experiences BPN members have with either of these cameras--or other alternatives.

Thanks
Rocky

[Garry Gibson]

I have a G10, its a great camera, rugged, good images easy controls.
I try to keep the ISO at 400 as the max.
There is a viewfinder but only about 80% of the view, also there is no information
in the viewfinder.
I use it to help provide some stability at lower shutter speeds.

Just as a FWIW here is an interesting article on the G10 from the Luminous Landscape.
http://luminous-landscape.com/reviews/kidding.shtml

good luck
GG

[Rocky Sharwell]

Thanks Gary--I have decided to go with the G10--Like anything else there are positives and negatives but I am generally comfortable with Canon products...

[Alfred Forns]

Rocky I would go for the G10 Don't have to go into the menu for most basic controls and they are well laid out and the viewfinder is a necessity. The camera feels great in your hand. Noise wise is not better or worse than the others, best to stick to 100 if you can but 400 is usable.

I had the LX1 and it produced fine images, did not like the lack of viewfinder and felt small/fragile.

[Rocky Sharwell]

I am hoping to have the G10 in hand by Friday.

One other side benefit if the G10 is that Canon makes an underwater housing that it is not too $$ for it...

[Michael Pancier]

I had the older Lumix model and was happy with it but it only shined when shooting at low ISO. I recently got the G10 and am quite happy with it. I bought the RRS L-bracket for it which adds little in weight and size. My objective was to have something compact that I could attach external flash if needed (either a 580ex II or an STE2 transmitter) if I needed it; but above all, I wanted something I could have in a flash when I needed a good shot and just don't have the time to take off backpack; and set up gear. I can set up tripod and place the g10 on it and can set it up for auto bracketing at -2, 0, +2 (my old Lumix only did -1, 0, +1). I shoot raw and get nice HDR's and great images.

Unlike with my old lumix, I cannot use a polarizer on it; but it has a smaller. What I do like about it is that I get a true 28mm wide angle which I don't get with any P&S.'

I find the G10 has a good IS and is great for macro work. Here's a handheld macro shot I got with the G10

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/...0ec835cb_o.jpg

It is noisy above 400; but it shines at low ISO esp. in good light or with tripod.

[Rocky Sharwell]

Sadly, the G10 did not arrive on Friday--I did get my new 26 inch NEC monitor though..I am hoping the G10 shows up tomorrow