michael_marvelli Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 <p>Hi, I could use some help with some suggestions on a great all-purpose camera. We presently have been using a cheap cybershot to poor effect and would like to take a big step up in image quality.<br /><br />Cameras considered:<br /><br />Fujifilm X10<br />Canon S100<br />Olympus E-P3<br />Sony NEX-5N<br />Lumix LX-5<br />Other ?<br /><br />Requirements:<br /> - General all-purpose use<br /> - Have young kids...family photos both indoors (great flash or low light capability) and outside (zoom)<br /> - travel camera - landscapes<br /> - fast and accurate auto focus<br> - can shoot rapidly (Frames/sec)<br /> - image stabilization - don't know how important this is but presume it is <br /> - emphasis on photos and to a much lesser extent on video quality/functionality (I have an HD video cam)<br> <br />All of the above cameras are OK sizewise (I suspect a full sized DSLR would be too big). I would appreciate your expert feedback based on the above requirements. Please assume the price is OK for the above range of cameras and, hence, exclude price as a consideration and instead emphasize image quality, ease of use, etc. relative to the above requirements listed. I'm sure you can think of some important considerations I have not expressed. Thanks!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leslie_cheung Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 <p>I suspect the X10, S100 and LX5 will be a bit slow in the AF/shutter lag dept if they are like their earlier models. I would take the m4/3rd, NEX and maybe add the Nikon 1 system into the mix. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ariel_s1 Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 <p>In pure image quality, the NEX-5n is unbeatable in your list. The E-P3 does decently against it at lower ISOs, and has a larger lens selection, but sensor design is a few generations back, and it's also a smaller sensor, so they're hitting you with a double whammy. The other cameras are point and shoots, which aren't in the same league.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leslie_cheung Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 <p>Ariel's correct in that the NEX 5n has a better sensor but the m4/3rd has faster, more lenses...sorta even out imo. The nikon 1 AF a bit faster but kinda pricey... a distance third? </p> <p> </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill_tuthill Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 I dunno, Michael said "fast" three ways (kids being the third) so a Nikon 1 system was my first thought. The NEX-5n and EP3 are slow compared to DSLR, and others listed are even slower, especially Canon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leslie_cheung Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 <p>So...it all a wash between sony, m4/3rd and nikon...my take:</p> <p>IQ: sony (by a good margin), m4/3rd, nikon<br> AF: nikon, m4/3rd, sony<br> Lenses: m4/3rd (by a good margin), sony, nikon<br> Price: m4/3rd and sony tied, nikon</p> <p>I'd take<br> m4/3rd and sony over nikon</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunilmendiratta Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 <p>NEX-5n slow? i dont think so.</p> <p>Nikon has small sensor so i would not consider it. First choice panasonic GX1 second sony 5N.I think you did not mentioned panasonic...</p> <p> </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill_tuthill Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 According to FNAC testing with a moving vehicle, the NEX-5N got off only 4 in-focus photos, while the Olympus EP3 got 5. This compares to the Nikon J1 with 13 and the Canon 7D with 21. Citation below. Not sure what word other than "slow" could be used to describe this. On the plus side, NEX will be a good system with a few more E mount lenses, and the 18-55 is perhaps 2nd best in class, after the Sony A. http://multimedia.fnac.com/multimedia/editorial/labo/reflex-10-2011.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulie_smith1 Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 <p>After looking for awhile I got the Panasonic Lumix LX5. For me it is just fine. Focuses quickly enough to so some sideline photos of High School football. The f/2.0 24mm wide end is really nice to have. the 90mm f/2.3 on the long end is enough for me for most situations. The image quality is fine. The camera fits in a shirt pocket which means I carry it with me to many places I leave the SLR bodies behind. Some locations it is nice a it is not 'threatening' to folks like the SLR is and it is not the curiosity on a tripod the old Deardorff is.<br> A nice complement to what I own. I am pleased with it, most especially with the 24mm wide angle equivalent which I find I use a lot.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dakotah Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 <p>I agree with Paulie, the Panasonic LX5 is a great small camera that renders excellent high-quality photographs with its Leica Summicron f2.0 lens. The Panasonic DMW-LVF1 optional view finder is a great accessory for those bright sunny days when the image becomes washed out on the LCD screen.</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad_ Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 LX-5 www.citysnaps.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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