I am looking to buy a handheld digital camera for the times that I can not bring the SLR equipment. In looking at all the models out there I was wondering if any of you have a particular model in mind that produces excellent image quality, low noise and fast shutter response?

Any help is greatly appreciated ~ Thanks


Thomas

These are the models I have been reading about based only on the megapixel range.
I am not limited to these models though.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100
Kodak EasyShare V1253
Canon PowerShot G9
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W200
Nikon Coolpix S700


Regards,
Thomas

None of the digicams are really very good. The Canon Powershot G9 at least gives you a good range of capabilities, including RAW. Here is recent thread over on the Canon forum that compares it favorably to one of the high-ISO benchmarks for the digicam market: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/602247

I use the Panny DMC-LX1 as a carry-anywhere cam for when I don't want to haul a DSLR. It is OK for my purposes -- mostly pocketable form factor, good lens with 28mm FOV in 16:9 mode, raw files, very good manual controls. Noise levels are disappointing, however. The DMC-LX2 tried to address the noise, but at the cost of detail resolution -- more megapixels, but less detail in the end because of the overly aggressive NR. The Leica branded D-LUX 2/3 is apparently identical (although some claim there are differences, the raw files appear to be indistinguishable from what I have read).

There are some recent threads here about the Ricoh GR-D and GR-D II, with some fantastic images from photoArne, kosmoskatten, and Tariq Gibran. If you can live without a zoom, that could be a good option.

The Ricoh GX100 is very close in IQ to the GRDs, and you get a 24-72mm zoom. I think the G9 has a nasty shutter lag. The Ricoh has a snap mode. I still think the low noise kings are the Fuji F30/31s, which aren't sold anymore new. The Sigma DP1 could be the ticket when it comes out.

I just had a look-see at this site http://www.sigma-dp1.com/ for the Sigma. Pretty dam impressive except for a f4.0 lens. Other than that it has a big WOW factor!
I am still unsure of which handheld to go with. More sites to visit and more reviews to read.
Thanks for the information!

Thomas

DP1 is not going to be cheap. It doesn't shoot video probably and this is one of the feature I really want from a point and shoot camera. However, if the image quality and the fix focal length lens is great, I am sure a lot of people will buy this little toy.

a vote against LX2 (or panasonic). jpeg is basically useless due to heavy NR and ugly artifacts even in good light (not just resolution lost). RAW of LX2 is not so good either, looks like some kind of NR applied as well and not easy to work with.

G9 is good if you don't want wide-angle and don't mind its size. Nikon P5100 is not bad consider the price and size, it feel good in hand.

GX100 looks very good, tried it in a store it seems good but I have not yet decided to get one.

I have F31, good hi-iso, very responsive, i just wish it has fewer sharpening/NR artifacts or have RAW mode.

Anyone have any experience with the Ricoh Caplio GX100 and/or the Ricoh GR Digital II??

My 'which to pick from' list is getting smaller! So many comments on these cameras to read through. Here is the list as of today in no particular order....
Canon Powershot A720 IS
Canon PowerShot SD800 IS
Canon PowerShot G9
Ricoh Caplio GX100
Ricoh GR Digital II

As good as people say the Fuji FinePix F30 and F31fd are, I am very 'iffy about something being out of production and still being sold 'new'.
I have not read anything really good about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 or its brothers, so that one gets nixed from the list.

Thanks for all the help so far!
Thomas

If you want something small enough that you'll take it with you everywhere, get the SD800IS (or something else in the SD series).

All compact digicams will have some shutter lag and none of them perform well above ISO 200. The G9 is very nice, but the SD cameras are far smaller (pocketable) and you'll end up using them more.

If you can carry around a G9, you can probably carry around an XTi and a small prime lens.

Anyone have any thoughts or experience on the Ricoh Caplio R7?


Thomas

Ricoh R7. No.

Ricoh have far far too many 'lens' issues.

GX100 on the other hand is excellent.