mr._smith

That used D80 with a 9+ rating at B&H may be just a good as a brand new camera. It is warranteed for 90 days.

On the other hand, a brand new D80 can be had for $110 more at the same store with a one year warrantee.

"Agreed...for time and convenience, digital is the way to go!"

Could not have said it better.

Panasonic's LX2 has a lot going for it: it's a jewel of a camera, has RAW, can take full rez pics at 16:9 format and the pics looks real sharp at small sizes.

But, and this is the reason I no longer have it, the LX2's images are prone to noise big time and when enlarged to at least 8"x14 (16:9 format) JPEGs show detail smearing induced by the in-camera NR.

RAW is a little bit better, but noise is still apparent and using NoiseNinja will cause detail loss and smearing in anything but a well lighted scene. Maybe Panasonic will get it right with the LX3. Maybe.

Hello Amanda,

Filters for the A620 you can get here:

http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/order_A620A610_1.html

The A620 is a great camera. Have you seen Wilson Tsoi's work:

http://www.photo.net/photodb/presentation?presentation_id=317651

"My film scans of 35mm film...have a lot more detail, better color and much better exposure latitude."

As far as exposure latitude you have a point.

Did you shoot JPEG or RAW ? The D80's IQ is improved when shooting RAW. Also, all RAW developers are not equal detail wise.

Clive,

You don't need to purchase any software to convert/develop you LX2 RAW images.

The LX2 comes with SILKYPIX Developer Studio, which is quite good and holds up very well against any RAW converter.

This applies to non-rechargeable batteries only.

Rechargeable batteries on a Powershot A630 or A640 (2300 Ni-Mh) should give you at least 300 shots and up to 500 shots.

Alvin,

If you wanted to do macro photography, the answer is yes. Otherwise, you'd be hard press to see any real image quality differences between these 50mm lens at F2.8 and above.

http://photozone.de/8Reviews/index.html

"At a certain point the issue isn't the camera."

- Amen!

This is my understanding of the results of the review:

For highest image quality:

- Use ISO 100

- Shoot RAW

- Use your own noise reduction software like NoiseNinja and others.

Those accustomed to shooting at high ISO will not appreciate the LX2's high noise at or above ISO 200.

Others, using digical p&s at ISO 50 without image stabilization will appreciate a doubling of ISO speed plus IS. But if all you need from a digital p&s are 4" x 6" prints and web use, forget about this camera.

Pentax websites (JP and UK) show images taken with K10D camera

http://www.digital.pentax.co.jp/ja/35mm/k10d/ex.html

http://tinyurl.com/km2d6

Reed,

Can you tell if the LX2 can accept any type of filters ? What does the owners manual say?

I was thinking of infrared. Maybe it can do infrared without filters, do you know?

Sigma 30mm/F1.4 test at Photozone

http://photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_30_14/index.htm

Do the Nikon D50 or the Pentax K100D have mirror-up when the self timer is

activated?

"If Canon really want the G7 for pro or semi pro market, It should have a raw mode, But it does'nt, and that is quiet contradictory to what you said they said, Mr smith."

I've quoted Canon. Did not make this up. See for yourself at:

www.powershot.com

Alex,

I've looked at "Complete Photo USA" eBay auctions.

1- They only sell cameras.

2- They have had 3602 members leave positive feedback and only 3 leave negative feedback. This is very good.

3- Cameras and lenses are covered by a Mack warranty. (Cameras 1 yr, lenses 7 yrs). Don't know how good are Mack warranties.

4- Shipping is up front. You can actually calculate how much you'll pay for shipping before bidding.

5- They have a clearly stated return policy.

6- Auctions end at fair market value.

You'll save about 25% over a brand new Nikon D50 camera kit. Is it worth it?

Alex,

I've looked at "Complete Photo USA" eBay auctions.

1- They only sell cameras.

2- They have had 3602 members leave positive feedback and only 3 leave negative feedback. This is very good.

3- Cameras and lenses are covered by a Mack warranty. (Cameras 1 yr, lenses 7 yrs). Don't know how good are Mack warranties.

4- Shipping is up front. You can actually calculate how much you'll pay for shipping before bidding.

5- They have a clearly stated return policy.

6- Auctions end at fair market value.

You'll save about 25% over a brand new Nikon D50 camera kit. Is it worth it?

While you're at it, why not consider Panasonic's DMC-FZ50

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz50/

"Keep in mind that the G7 is not a proffessional camera"..."There is no way I'll shoot with G7 proffessionally, it is just a hobby camera for me."

Here's what Canon is saying about the G7:

"Canon's high-end PowerShot digital cameras incorporate the creative performance of a professional digital SLR camera and the compact ability of a PowerShot digital camera"

Would Canon be misleading us? They would'nt do that would they?

Need to re-phrase:

If your subject are moving, then VR will not be of much help. For sharp pics at 200mm you'll need to use close to 1/250th sec. Will an aperture of F5.6 at the long end (200mm) be enough? If so, you've go your lens.

What about using this lens for racing events?

If your subject are moving, then VR will not be of much help. For sharp pics you'll need to use 1/250th sec. Will an aperture of F5.6 at the long end (200mm) be enough? If so, you've go your lens.

"The 10MP may indeed provide the same amount of noise at the 8MP level; only testing will bear that out."

Published photos from the 10mp cameras by Canon and users are showing agressive noise reduction that was not needed with the 8mp digicams. Going from 8 to 10mp only increased the noise, there is no increase in detail.

And now, something is happening that never happenned before. Consumers are asking for the mfgs to stop the useless mp increase. People want larger photo sensors, not more pixels on tiny microscopic sensors.