New Camera Help

**Bill Cox** · 10-31-2012, 07:50 AM

Ok for the last year my go to camera had been my wonderful Canon SX40hs and it has not disappointed, I like the HUGE ZOOM and the quality HD video but it lacks a bit when it comes to photo quality(not bad, just want better) and the no raw mode holds it back. I have been mostly looking at some midrange weather sealed DSLR's like the 60d, D7000 , Slta77 but after much consideration there just not for me due to weight and size. I have decided to go the large sensor compact route, I dont need a dig zoom or hd video as my main concern is the photo quality.

I have my options narrowed down to 3 choices the Leica D-Lux5, Fuji X100, and the Canon G1X. I know the canon and fuji have larger senors than the leica but all of the sample images I see the leica seems to out perform the others in sharpness and just overall image quality. On the other hand the Fuji has perhaps the best viewfinder and most manual control in this market and the Canon has the flip out screen and I have a history with canons. At the moment I would say im leaning towards the Leica D-Lux 5 because of the sharpness, the long warranty, and it comes with Adobes Lightroom software but its not set in stone.

What is your experience with these cameras and just your thoughts on Leica cameras overall(not nearly as much info out there as the canon and fuji).

Thanks Bill

**nothinghead** · 10-31-2012, 08:06 AM

Of those choices, I would probably take the Leica. No experience though, that would be based on reputation. I am a DSLR guy really.

**SkogKniv** · 10-31-2012, 08:50 AM

Go with the DSLR, forget about the weight.

**nothinghead** · 10-31-2012, 08:54 AM

If you do go with the DSLR, I recommend the Pentax K5. they are cheap now due to the newer model being released in the past couple weeks, and are weather sealed as well. Or take a look at the new K-30 from Pentax. I shoot the K-5 myself and love the thing.

Every lens Pentax ever made will fit on these bodies, though they don't all have the same features of modern lenses. The cool thin Pentax does that the other brands do not is the shake reduction in the body, not the lenses making them lenses cheaper and lighter.

Pentax also tends to be less expensive than the big two.

**Bill Cox** · 10-31-2012, 08:58 AM

Eventually I will get into a DSLR, the weight really isnt an issue but at this point I just like the size and convenience of the compact large sensor cameras.

When I do get into a DSLR it will be the Sony Slt A77(love it, has everything I want but its just to expensive to get into at this time)

**ezra45** · 10-31-2012, 09:02 AM

I have a predecessor of the Canon, a G10, and it is a great little point and shoot. Leica glass probably accounts for the sharpness in the d luxe. You can't go wrong though, with any of the 3 you are looking at.

Regards,

ezra

**SkogKniv** · 10-31-2012, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by Bill Cox

Eventually I will get into a DSLR, the weight really isnt an issue but at this point I just like the size and convenience of the compact large sensor cameras.

I work in retail, and we sell cameras. I couldn't tell you how many people who buy the bridge cameras and super zooms, who come back after their return window has closed only to buy the dslr because they wanted better performance. It happens literally every day. I am guilty of this myself. Think about it before you pull the trigger.

**cellis** · 10-31-2012, 09:12 AM

You might go even one step up from what you are looking at and get a Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera Small and closer in engineering to a DSLR than the high end compact models. I love mine, I don't take pictures as good as SkogKniv or Adahy but I think most of that is the indian not the arrow and these are a better bridge than the higher end compact models (I switched from one myself.) Also you can change lenses on them, but just like DSLRs they are pricey. They are controversial but it's something to look into anyway.

**Bill Cox** · 10-31-2012, 09:38 AM

Know exactly where your coming from I also work in retail and get the same thing. I had purchased a Nikon P7100 earlier this year and I liked it but it had to many unnecessary dials and buttons and I wanted to take a step up to a little better performance with out having to purchase separate glass. Especially since I know what DSLR is right for what I want but Sony's are just to expensive at this moment.

Im not disputing that I will get better performance with a DSLR, right now its just not in the cards at the moment.

Here is a photo I took with the Nikon P7100, its a good camera and takes really good pictures(for my ability, really good lol). I just want to take a step up from it with out having to purchase separate glass, and the above mentioned cameras make it possible.

**Bill Cox** · 01-12-2013, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by SkogKniv

Go with the DSLR, forget about the weight.

Ok, so after much research and deliberation I have decided to go DSLR and with icome tax around the corner theres no better time than the present to take the plunge. My problem now is deciding between 3 models the Canon 7D, 60D and Pentax K5. Would like to hear what you guys and gals have to say about these 3 options and if you have another go ahead and let me know.

I know I wanted the sony before, after some more research it doesnt have an optical viewfinder and its small native lens selection so no sony's for me.

Thanks Bill