What about Panasonic LX1?.

EDIT: Actually, NM. Too noisy...

If it was me, and money was no object, I'd get the LX1.... and here's why:.

1. Better lens. Less CA and purple fringing.2. Wider at the short end, longer at the long end.3. Higher resolution. 8.4 mp vs 6.3 mp4.

TTL auto focus6. More powerful flash7. Higher quality movie mode8. Can take pictures in 16:9 aspect ratio9. Faster continuious drive10.

Has MANUAL controls12. Uses SD memory cards, rather than XD cards.

Now, to be fair, the Fuji DOES perform better in low light situations, and will produce much less noise at higher ISO values. The Fuji is a very nice camera, and you really won't be sorry if you get it..

But these are two different sorts of camera. Both are highly rated cameras. The Panasonic gives you much more creative control. And the noise issue is largely overblown for most users needs. So, it all depends on what you want a camera for. If you want to take snapshots, go with the Fuji. If you want to use manual controls, shoot in RAW, and have a 28 mm wide angle vies, then it's a no brainer.MartyPanasonic FZ7, FZ20, FZ30Olympus C7000..

Thanks, and once again I come to a forum in hopes that my search for answers will become easier and nope, just the opposite. lol.

I will also add. I will be doing lots of indoor photos of products for both printwork and websites. I guess that will be my number one usage...

Hmm.. Actually, I'm pretty set on not getting the LX1. I've spent quite some time online looking at several pictures that were taken with it. The majority of them seem to share 1 characteristic I really don't care much for. Just too grainy. The noise just isn't acceptable for that kind of money...

I regard the F31fd as the best overall camera on the market right now..

I think the only other really amazing camera is Canon's SD700IS. Great, sharp lens, and noise is reasonable at higher-ISOs as well (of course, it can't touch Fuji, but compared to the rest of the market it's one of the top)..

There's IS and high-ISO. ISO is the overall better option, but if you're shooting non-moving subjects, IS will help just as much (say 3 stops, which is the same as Fuji's ISO100->ISO800) as high ISO will. Of course if you're shooting moving subjects, high-ISO is definitely the way to go...

Marty4650 wrote:.

3. Higher resolution. 8.4 mp vs 6.3 mp5. TTL auto focus6. More powerful flash12. Uses SD memory cards, rather than XD cards.

What a load of horse sh*t...

Apiron wrote:.

Marty4650 wrote:.

3. Higher resolution. 8.4 mp vs 6.3 mp5. TTL auto focus6. More powerful flash12. Uses SD memory cards, rather than XD cards.

What a load of horse sh*t..

Apiron, there's honestly no reason to be so inflammatory - Marty was simply listing his reasons for liking the LX1, and you can list your reasons for liking another camera, or disliking the LX1 as well. You can respectfully disagree without cussing out another forum member...

Nathan Yan wrote:.

Apiron, there's honestly no reason to be so inflammatory.

He's polluting the forum with disinformation and misconceptions, seriously, did you read what he wrote ? .

3. Higher resolution. 8.4 mp vs 6.3 mp.

Oh boy, 2 megapixels more, stop the presses. Clearly on a crappy Panasonic sensor, this is an advantage. Like a tiptronic 6 gears gearbox on a Lada Niva or something..

5. TTL auto focus.

What ? As opposed the externat distancemeter on the Fuji or something ? .

6. More powerful flash.

We are speaking about the Fuji FXX cams, that have very impressive high quality flashes here, and high reach, he just read the (somewhat misleading) specs in the camera database....

12. Uses SD memory cards, rather than XD cards.

Who the hell cares ? this is a complete non issue. If you're so anal about it, get the newer Fuji F40, it can use SD cards...

Now see, you could have responded with these counterpoints on why you didn't like the LX1, and why you like the F31, which would have actually helped the original poster, rather than some one-sentence, unjustified post that makes you seem like a troll..

Apiron wrote:.

Nathan Yan wrote:.

Apiron, there's honestly no reason to be so inflammatory.

He's polluting the forum with disinformation and misconceptions,seriously, did you read what he wrote ? .

3. Higher resolution. 8.4 mp vs 6.3 mp.

Oh boy, 2 megapixels more, stop the presses. Clearly on a crappyPanasonic sensor, this is an advantage. Like a tiptronic 6 gearsgearbox on a Lada Niva or something..

5. TTL auto focus.

What ? As opposed the externat distancemeter on the Fuji or something ? .

6. More powerful flash.

We are speaking about the Fuji FXX cams, that have very impressivehigh quality flashes here, and high reach, he just read the (somewhatmisleading) specs in the camera database....

12. Uses SD memory cards, rather than XD cards.

Who the hell cares ? this is a complete non issue. If you're so analabout it, get the newer Fuji F40, it can use SD cards...

Yah, I was aware that the LX1 sensor wasn't the greatest and that MP aren't the only thing you should pay attention to. Shame, I think the LX1 could be a really nice camera. Just isnt worth it's cost though..

Does anyone else have any valuable contributions to this thread b4 I go with the f31fd?..

Apiron wrote:.

Marty4650 wrote:.

3. Higher resolution. 8.4 mp vs 6.3 mp5. TTL auto focus6. More powerful flash12. Uses SD memory cards, rather than XD cards.

What a load of horse sh*t..

Aprion....

We were asked what we would buy if money was no object. I gave my opinion. Clearly, yours is different. I listed 12 advantages the LX1 has over the Fuji. You could only find four you objected to, and all four are valid reasons..

3. Higher resolution does matter5. TTL auto focus is a nice feature6. The LXI has a higher flash guide number, meaning it reaches farther12. I presonally prefer the SD cards, since they are cheaper and easier to find..

If you read my post completely, you would have seen that I stated that the Fuji was a fine camera, and he would not be unhappy if he bought it..

These are two different tools. The Fuji excells at lower light, the LX1 has much more creative control..

I am sorry if my post offended a Fuji fanboy, but the whole point of beginners asking questions is to get replies from all. Not just the fanboys..

MartyPanasonic FZ7, FZ20, FZ30Olympus C7000..

Guys, please try to keep the bickering to a minimum. It's just a forum. there will always be people who disagree..

Marty, are you a lx1 owner? If so, how is the noise on that camera. Most of the pictures I find that were taken with it have too much of it going on. I will try one more time to find clear pictures... On the other hand I have had a very difficult time finding pictures taken with the fujitsu that don't look excellent. If I had not actually looked at pictures taken with both cameras I probably would have just gone with the LX1....

Its sooo grainy though. Am I missing something? Is everyone who owns one shooting with high ISO? I just think it has a poor sensor. If it had a good sensor it would probably be top choice...

..hmm I do reallly like the colors captured with the lx1 though. I guess color adjustments are things that can easily be done in PS anyway though...

3. Higher resolution does matter.

8 vs 6 is completely meaningless for nearly everybody. Nobody is printing posters so huge that 2 crappy megapixels are going to change their lives..

5. TTL auto focus is a nice feature.

What are you spaeking about ? It's a P&S, they all have TTL auto focus ? .

6. The LXI has a higher flash guide number, meaning it reaches farther.

12. I presonally prefer the SD cards, since they are cheaper.

And the LX1 is oh wait, much more expensive. How much cards do you need anyway ? .

Andeasier to find..

No. Really. You can find XDs anywhere. My local supermarket has them, the cellphone shop has them.

Flash.

Flash Auto / Intelligent flash mode / Red eye reduction / Forced flash / Suppressed flash / Slow synch / Red eye reduction & Slow synch Range (Wide): approx. 60 cm-6.5 m (2.0 ft.-21.3 ft.) Range (Tele): approx. 60 cm-3.5 m (2.0 ft.-11.5 ft.) Range (Macro): approx. 30 cm-80 cm (1.0 ft.-2.6 ft.).

Flash Built-in pop-up flash.

Auto, on/off, red-eye reduction: on/off, slow sync with red eye reduction Range (ISO auto): W 0.6m - 4.1m, T: 0.3m - 2.3m Flash Output Adjustment (1/3EV step, -2 +2EV).

You are mistaken..

I am sorry if my post offended a Fuji fanboy, but the whole point ofbeginners asking questions is to get replies from all. Not just thefanboys..

You gave idiotic and FALSE arguments for choosing the Panasonic over the Fuji, you're the fanboy, or you just need to do more research...

Okay, I just dug up some info from a few places that says the Panasonic takes grainy pics at ISO higher than 100. Shame .

Apiron, calm down.. You are the most angry sounding poster I have seen all day. LOL ..

Gotta agree with Nathan... F31, Sd 700 ISJust my 2centsgusGet what makes you happy...Anything less makes you less happy!..

I was looking at the f31's sample pics and comparing them to canon a640 (they have a review on here comparing the f30 to it) It doesnt compare to the Fuji in high ISO. The images are actually sharper on the F30 than the a640. (F30 being very similar). Needless to say, the Canon sd750 and 1000 all looked worse than the the f31... which I was considering at the time..

The f31 seems to have soo much going for it. I dont have much experience with cameras, but I can tell that the sample pics that I saw of the f31 are great. If not the best, one of the best point and shoots. If you are looking for even better, SLR's are the way to go, but I cant say anything about them since i'm not familiar with those..

Since you said price isnt a factor...you gotta ask yourself if you feel like lugging around an SLR. If so, then quality and manual controls is the next step to consider which an SLR is no doubt going to beat out a point and shoot...

^^^ I'm getting SLR too  (this choice is far more difficult)..

Anyway, I just ended up buying the DS700 IS AAAANNND the F31fd. I'll just sell of the one I least like. I got a super fantastic deal so I'll actually make a few bucks when I pop one of em on ebay...

One of my cameras is a Fuji F45(F40) and I love it. I am able to keep it in my purse and never miss a photo opportunity. Just tonight, I was out with my son (to buy the new Harry Potter book) and we laughed at watching a couple tying to tie a brand new canoe on the roof of their compact car. I had my camera and got some good photos. A good memory for my son and I. Melissa.

Image control:Zoom outZoom 100%Zoom inExpand AllOpen in new window..

When can you still get the SD700IS? I was going to buy one of those and they seem to be out of stock everywhere. Johnnyhttp://tuxbailey.zenfolio.com..

Melissa926 wrote:.

One of my cameras is a Fuji F45(F40) and I love it. I am able to keepit in my purse and never miss a photo opportunity. Just tonight, Iwas out with my son (to buy the new Harry Potter book) and we laughedat watching a couple tying to tie a brand new canoe on the roof oftheir compact car. I had my camera and got some good photos. A goodmemory for my son and I. Melissa.

Why didn't you help them? Instead you stop to take a picture and laugh? hahahaha that is funny...

ElanToXT wrote:.

When can you still get the SD700IS? I was going to buy one of thoseand they seem to be out of stock everywhere. Johnnyhttp://tuxbailey.zenfolio.com.

They're all over google. Just type in sd700 is in google. I think the best you can do is around 200 (for a new non-refurb)..

They were clear across the parking area, and they did have help from the men in the store. I think we would have only gotten in the way. When they were done, they secured it just fine. It was just the image of this big canoe on a little car that was funny. Melissa..

I wouldn't get a camera, even a compact one unless it was very tiny and very cheap, that didn't have a viewfinder and that little forward bulge on one side for use as a handle. The latter helps with camera shake when you're holding it away from your face, and the former means you don't NEED to hold it there in the first place... which in turn means both that you can reduce shake even more because your head doesn't move as much as your hands, and that you can still use the camera in excessive light that makes the LCD impossible to see. (Turning the LCD off also saves power, although I'm not sure every camera with a viewfinder has that option.).

Fuji compacts don't have those features. The only compacts I can think of offhand that do are Canon's "A" series. (I'm a Fuji owner myself, but that's in the SLR-like realm, their "S" series instead of "F".)..

I am also looking at the F31 and a couple of Canon P&S. Please see the thread:.

Http://forums.dpreview.com/...forums/read.asp?forum=1002&message=24112171..

Has anyone tried or know anything about the Canon A710IS?..

Delvo wrote:(Turning the LCD off also saves power, although I'm not sure every.

Camera with a viewfinder has that option.).

The fuji camera lasts like 580 shots WITH the lcd on. It's said to have some of the longest battery life out. SO I don't think that is too much of a concern even if you werent able to turn the lcd off...

Delvo wrote:.

I wouldn't get a camera, even a compact one unless it was very tinyand very cheap, that didn't have a viewfinder and that little forwardbulge on one side for use as a handle. The latter helps with camerashake when you're holding it away from your face, and the formermeans you don't NEED to hold it there in the first place... which inturn means both that you can reduce shake even more because your headdoesn't move as much as your hands, and that you can still use thecamera in excessive light that makes the LCD impossible to see.(Turning the LCD off also saves power, although I'm not sure everycamera with a viewfinder has that option.).

Fuji compacts don't have those features. The only compacts I canthink of offhand that do are Canon's "A" series. (I'm a Fuji ownermyself, but that's in the SLR-like realm, their "S" series instead of"F".).

Well, the original poster was looking for a compact camera. I agree with you that cameras with handgrips help, but any camera that has that pretty much rules out "compactness" to the extent that the Fuji F31 or Canon SD700 are compact...

Tz3 is very good camera it has alot of features .. 10X zoom up to 15.4 + 3 inch screen + mega ois + many many features+ 28mm wide angle + Leica Lens .. and it won best compact zoom camera in 2007..

...not for IQ buffs though {as read in the review here}.

For me, it also can't actually do much manual control (and RAW which I can get with Canon ).

However, myself I split between A710is and F31 - because of Fuji's F31 IQ comparable to some DSLRs....

Oo...

That is, if image quality, particularly in low light (but not just in low light) is your primary concern. It has the highest rating of image quality of all digicams here at dpreview (9), and, in my opinion, it's well deserved. There are, of course, cameras with more features, greater zoom range, etc., and if these are important to you, then one of these cameras may be the "best" for you..

Bob..

How come nobody compare it with Ricoh R6? Is the IQ of R6 much worse than F31?..

The F31 still produces a photo that looks a bit too processed for me. Yes, it is about as good as it gets at higher ISO. I have looked at the A630 the other day and found that I could get a stop better high ISO performance by cutting contrast and saturation a notch. It also makes the photos look considerably more real. The A640 is supposed to be better yet..

If the F50 allows one to access the Saturation, Contrast and Sharpness, I would say that would be the camera to go for. One can always drop the resolution down to 6 or even 3 MP, which is all one really needs in a digicam. If these parameters are not accessible, then I may go for the A640 or buy a DA21 for my DS. The latter may be a bit large to fit into most pockets but I would have a clean ISO 1600...

Look at the OLYMPUS STYLUS 780.Super compact, 7.1mp, 5x zoom. Loads of goodies..

Later,JP..

Its forte is low light shooting. In other situations it is ok, but there areother cameras that have equal or better IQ..

When a hammer is your only tool, all problems begin to look like nails...