Interested in Closest "SLR"-type quality "portable" camera
 

I tried searching but basically im trying to look for the best "SLR" type quality camera that is ur typical conventional digital camera size

I love how the pics turn up with those huge cameras/lens I see but I think a smaller camera would be a better fit for vacations and such

looking to spend $500-700 but open to see what experts on this board suggest

thanks

Canon G10, Panasonic Lumix LX2, Ricoh GX200.

Panasonic Lumix LX-3

G10.

Panasonic LX3
for sure
nothing comes close for me at this point
tho it is nice that hte G10 has a flash hotshoe!

^^^ The LX3 also has a hotshoe.

The LX3 will probably give you the highest quality image of any advanced (non APS-C) P&S out on the market now. It is limited in its zoom range: 20mm-60mm f2-2.8. ...but the lens is an excellent Leica optic.

The G10 will also give you excellent images, but it does have higher noise levels and less dynamic range than the LX3. It does have a longer reach, as it's zoom lens goes from 28mm-140mm f2.8-4.5.

The Sigma DP2 has a APS-C sensor in it which actually gives the best quality images, but it only has a 35mm f2.8 lens. No zoom. The DP2 will give you DSLR quality files, as it does use a DSLR sensor.

If you're willing to carry a slightly bigger camera, the Panasonic G1 is awesome. It's a mini DSLR with interchangeable lenses.

Lastly, there is a new camera that is going to be introduced in the next week or so by Fujifilm called the FinePix F200EXR. This thing is incredible. It may outdo the LX3 Jpeg image quality. Basically, the camera has two sensors offset by 1 pixel. When you press the shutter button, one sensor will start taking an image for the shadow areas, then partway through the exposure, the other sensor will take an exposure for the highlights. The camera then combines the images into one for a very high quality, high dynamic range image. The lens is a 28mm-140mm f3.3-5.1. Sadly, the camera does not save RAW files, just Jpegs. I may get one, as the Fujifilm rep is willing to sell me one for a fraction of the MSRP.

refurb rebel xti from FS for $350, Canon 35mm F2 for $399 give or take. small as hell, and killer image quality for the dollar.

Ok thanks for the suggestions
I'm pretty noob at this photography stuff

I saw one of my friends take a picture with a nikon and it turned great

Can any of the smaller cameras above take quality night shots?

+2

Jason any word on the cdn retail for the fuji? you should buy it, and if you don't like it sell it to me =)

Which Nikon?

Camera taking night shots will depend on photographer skill. I need more practice at it still, too - hard to figure out correct exposure.

The Fuji by a big margin, judging by our preliminary tests. I can't post samples yet, as we had a pre-production example, but as soon as I get my hands on a production sample, I will.

MSRP is $399.99, so retail would be about $350? I'm not sure. We won't carry it in stock though.

The XTi is a small DSLR, but there are smaller DSLR's and he does not want a DSLR size camera. The price is damn good though.

The Fuji by a big margin, judging by our preliminary tests. I can't post samples yet, as we had a pre-production example, but as soon as I get my hands on a production sample, I will.

MSRP is $399.99, so retail would be about $350? I'm not sure. We won't carry it in stock though.

even smaller
olympus e-420 + 28mm i think

or
pentax k110d or whatever + pancake limited prime lenses....drool.

^^^ Even smaller is the Panasonic G1. Amazing image quality. I know at least two professional photographers who shoot Canon for commercial work that use the G1 system for personal work. They use the Leica M lenses on it for fucking incredible images...1/6 the price of a Leica M8.

Speaking of Leica, the Leica rep loaned me a Leica D-LUX4 today to use for a few days. I'll post samples later. I'll take the same shots with the Leica and my LX2 for comparison. :)

i have Panasonic LX3 for sale. pretty much brandnew. i was gonna use it for my vacation trip. comes everything except for the box. see it for ur self. thnx

let me know im willing to let go for cheap!

PM me

agreed. a few friends of mine have that camera, takes great pictures for the price

updates?

Stupidly, CS3 can't open the D-LUX 4 RAW files. I'll try to post the jpeg samples later on, but it won't be a proper comparison.