Do I need to upgrade my Lumix LX3?
 

I am curious as to whether My LX3 need an upgrade. We are expecting a new baby in the coming year.

Will LX3 be sufficient enough to capture indoor baby shots, portrait, activity, outdoor scenes etc.? I use some manual control (aperture, shutter speed), while my wife is a point and shoot person (whose photos can sometimes turn out blurry or grainy even with LX3)


I have been checking out some cameras at london drugs and saw LX5, GF2, GF3, and Olympus E-P3 ( probably the nicest of all ).

Things i dont like about my LX3: there is no zoom, also maybe autofocus is a touch slower than the newer cams.

I always am amazed by the IQ from friends DSLR, but I hate the weight and cost.

Going to something like E-P3 isnt cheap either, as extra lens goes from $500-800 bux. Also, I dont know if the wife will enjoy using swappable lens system.


Any thoughts if I should keep LX3 or look for better alternatives?

Also, whats the difference between the mirrorless sony NEX vs the Micro 3/4 panny /olympus?

Since you're into the whole Lumix thing, why not check out the GFX1. ;)

unless you plan to invest in lenses, try something like a nikon P7100. i just got my dad a P7000 for $279 from BH and an ameri-friend. The LX5 was also $269 on amazon.com a while ago. the S95 is comparable with the LX5 and it hovering around $349 now. if you can invest in a flash, it may do wonders for your indoor shots.

the GF2 is heavily discounted now. it was <$300 with the 14-42, and now it's $399 @ broadway camera with the 14mm prime. that plus the new Z 14-42 pancake would be a very portable kit.

thx guys, due to limited budget , found a used Sony a200 model for 200$ in low usage condition.

is this an upgrade to my lumix lx3? I want to mainly take baby foto with blurry background effects 'bokeh'
I will find a fast Minolta f1.8 lens if you guys think the kit lens is shit for what I use it for.

also is a used Olympus e520 4/3 sensor for 250$ a good option?

please input your thoughts between Sony and Olympus.
p.s. I shot in jpeg .no post processing.
this is my entry to else. I want to learn on a budget

Why buy used m4/3 for $250 when you can buy new?

Aden Camera

However if you're looking for bokeh and lowlight and cheap lenses the A200 is probably the best since the sensor is larger as well as in body stabilization. I've owned both the A200 and the A350. I'd recommend an external flash as well.

is Olympus e520 / e620 consider m4/3? I thought its a full dslr in a smaller package with faster sensor than the PEN series

Woops. You're correct. It's 4/3 and not micro 4/3. I personally wouldn't opt for those.

If you want quality pictures of your baby in tough light conditions (Often indoors is), best bet is get an SLR, with a prime lens (like a $100 50mm f1.8) . BUt something with a quiet mode (like a D7000) so you don't disturb the baby. Would you consider an SLR?

bought a cheap used sony alpha Dslr, will buy a prime lens probably an old minolta 1.7 or newer sony 1.8 for starter.