The G10 samples above are all at ISO 80, but they look good to me for ISO80. Once the G10 starts to ship, we will get more of an idea of what it can do. I hope there is a little improvement in ISO 400 and dynamic range.
My LX3 arrived. It has better color, lower noise and better dynamic range than the G9. I like the size, build, interface and handling. The f/2 lens opens up a whole new world because it is sharp at f/2. f/2 is just enough of an improvement to really change your shooting indoors. But, after only a few hours of testing/use I have hit an issue. I am processing my G9 RAW files in ACR and my LX3 RAW files in Silkypics. ACR produces very highly detailed images with the G9 (for a P&S). Silkypics seems to not be doing anywhere near as good a job with the LX3 images and therefore the G9 is noticably out resolving the LX3. Since there is no ACR support for the LX3 yet, I need to stop my testing for a second and try to understand what I can do to resolve this issue. This is a common problem with RAW converters and one reason that I use ACR/LR. The stats I posted to start this thread indicate that resolution differences should be small or negligable. I think that the LX3 camera is producing files that contain better data than I am getting out of Silkypics (even the jpg's from the camera show better detail).
One other plus for the LX3 is that the wider lens allows you to shoot closer and since these smaller flashes have a limited range this turns out to be a big plus. That with the f/2 gives you the ability to better balance room lighting and flash.
I've put a few more hours into the LX3 and G9 comparison. I updated the SilkyPics RAW conversion software and carefully reshoot my tests at ISO80 and ISO400. On the issue I mentioned above (G9 out resolving LX3 at ISO80), at ISO80 images are very close in term of detail with the 12MP files of the G9 showing a little more detail than the 10MP files of the LX3. Both would be considered excellent for a P&S. By ISO400 the enhanced noise performance of the LX3 allows it to pull easily ahead in noise and detail. ACR/LR2 support for the LX3 could further help the LX3 when and if it is released.
I really hate to say this, but when it comes to buying P&S cameras, it is really a case of looking at features. The small sensors are just not that much differentiated from one another. It is really a case of pretty much insignificant differences when the final image is compared. At any rate, the comparison would be between cameras of equal technology. I would think the comparison you would want would be the G10 vs the LX3. I'm not sure why you would compare the G9 to it.
With two Toughbooks, I'm already a Panasonic junkie, so the buzz over this new LX3 got me interested in their P&S line (I need something much lighter than my D300+zoom for a full-time carry). After crawling through their blizzard of inscrutable model names, I decided the LX3 has insufficient reach. Conversely, the well-regarded TZ5 has too much: you pay with a smaller sensor, slower glass, and (likely) image quality. The Goldilocks choice for me is this model: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/573606.jpg
The FX150 has a silly number of pixels, but I particularly like these aspects: 1/1.72" sensor, 3.6x zoom (28-100mm equiv), Venus IV image processor, RAW, HD video. Am pulling the trigger tonight, and will report back later.
The G9/G10 have some attractive features like hotshoe and manual modes, but also some drawbacks like weight. All these offerings seem quite competent. The P&S market has surely matured since I bought my Nikon Coolpix CP-900 in 1998!
UCSB wrote:
True, the review is only on jpg images. I use only RAW ... but, most current owners report that RAW is much better than jpg for the camera. I got a great deal on my LX3 ($339), but it is backordered. It may take until Oct before I get it ... I'll post some RAW comparisons with the G9 when it arrives.
Hi UCSB,
If you don't mind me asking where did you order your LX3 from?
If you don't mind me asking where did you order your LX3 from?
Thanks,
Sam
I ordered from J&R ... but, the great deal ended and they increased the price. Before it was $400 with a 15% cashback through live.com. But, now it is $450 with 6% cashback.
