So I got tired of lugging my SLR around

[howard]

So I got tired of lugging my SLR around and bought myself a Panasonic LX5.

My wife and I had a daughter about a year and a half ago. At first she was easy to photograph since she don't move around much. I got acceptable results using cameras when I was out. Back then one of the cameras I used was a Nokia N86 - A camera phone with autofocus and a 8MP camera. Anyways as she back more mobile a camera phone didn't always cut it.

Now it's hard to go out with the baby and camera gear so I decided I needed something smaller than a SLR. At first I got a Samsung ST550 - a camera with dual LCD's one of which faces forward. Anyways I managed to lose it somehow (it fell out of my pocket). It was better than a camera phone but it was merely acceptable.

I decided to get a Panasonic GF1 but eventually changed my mind because it's still too big. It doesn't fit on my belt or jacket pocket.

Next up was the Canon G11 or equivalent Nikon but eventually decided on the LX5. I picked it for it's relatively wide angle lens: 24mm equiv and fairly fast aperture: f/2.0 - f/2.4. It doesn't get very tight but I don't really need a long lens.

Anyways I get excellent results with it. It has a built in flash but most of the time I don't really need it since the fast lens + higher ISO performance + IS is usually enough to handle my daughter. To get a good picture first you need a camera that can keep up.

The video mode is only 720P but generally I'm quite happy with it. While I have tons of phones that also capture 720P video there's little comparison. Video from the LX5 is fairly stable thanks to the IS. Video is also fairly clean.

The battery life is excellent, I get 100's of shots on one charge. Keep in mind that I don't use my flash that much.

My only complaints are that the LX5 could be faster. After 3 shots with jpeg+raw it pauses while it's writing (I have a Patriot class 10 SD card). I guess I'm used to my SLR but still. Speed is better if I only shoot in jpeg. The LX5 is also bigger than I thought it would be or to be more specific it's thicker. While the LX5 is a smaller camera than say a Canon G11 it actually takes up the same amount of space if you put it in a case. I didn't want to spend 90 bucks on the fitted Panasonic case so I got a Tenba case instead. Apparently it can also fit the Canon G11.

Anyways, overall I'm very happy with the LX5. I still have a hankering to try a Panasonic m43's camera but for now the LX5 will do just fine.

[tiny103]

If you can get your hands on a cheap GF1, give it a shot. The GF3 aparantly is just a GF2 with better specs. I only make the distinction bc the GF1 feels like SLR with the dials and buttons while the GF2 and on use touch screen menu and stuff so it doesnt exactly feel the same.

Although with both, you get stuck trying to figure out which one to buy lenses for. Ive been using the GF1 more and more unless im specifically kind of photography (engagement shoot, studio, etc etc).

[howard]

Originally Posted by tiny103

If you can get your hands on a cheap GF1, give it a shot. The GF3 aparantly is just a GF2 with better specs. I only make the distinction bc the GF1 feels like SLR with the dials and buttons while the GF2 and on use touch screen menu and stuff so it doesnt exactly feel the same.

Although with both, you get stuck trying to figure out which one to buy lenses for. Ive been using the GF1 more and more unless im specifically kind of photography (engagement shoot, studio, etc etc).

The LX5 has worked out well for me mostly because it's small enough to take out with me. I'm kind of glad I didn't go the m4/3 route because while they're small, they're not THAT small. I actually wish the LX5 was a little shallower as it's a pretty thick camera when you take the lens bulge into consideration.

[tiny103]

yeah, for some reaosn i thought it woudl be small enough but its small enough to put into a small shoulder bag or something like that. with the pancake lens its still small for hte quality of photo and manual control i like.

[howard]

Yeah if they could make a zoom lens for m4/3 that was the size of a pancake lens I'd be all over it.

On a side note lately I kinda want to try something new. I've been using some phones with 1080p video recording lately and I kinda wish my LX5 had this too. Still the LX5 video looks way better because it has pretty effective IS.

[howard]

Sweet! It seems Panasonic is releasing a new firmware for my LX5 that adds new features around a year after I got it!

Here's a list of what's coming:

• Improved ("extremely fast") autofocus speeds
• Adds "active mode" to the Power OIS system, which improves image stabilization when camera shake is severe (movie mode only)
• New High ISO noise reduction mode for ISO 1600/3200
• Improved auto white balance in low light
• Continuous AF with both half and full-shutter shooting
• Focus areas can be saved for easy retrieval
• Improved color, brightness, and contrast on the LCD

The first 2 features are of great interest for me. I use the LX5 to shoot pictures of my toddler who won't stay still so faster AF is always welcome. I also use it to take a lot of video - both of my daughter and at press events. And I already find the IS to be excellent so improved IS is pretty exciting.

source: http://www.dcresource.com/news/newsitem.php?id=4366

[tiny103]

Looks like Panasonic is coming out with pro lenses for the m4/3s. They had to eventually come out wihtsomething like that though the price tag is probably going to be somewhere from $1,000 to $2,000.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/p...nches-x-serie/

personally im looking forward to that 12-35mm, "wide aperature" (hopefully around f2.0) lens.

[saycob]

test for write the first my comment....

[chusnun]

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[salsabila]

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[caknun]

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