Decisions II

I have been deciding to get a compact to make travelling a lot hassle free and lighter. After lugging my dslr around for a few trips, I do long for a compact when I am just out enjoying myself, relaxing and not make it another photography expedition.

It is certainly very nice to have a dslr and a spare lens, tripod, extra lenses and a whole set of filters when you go on a scenic trip. It was great that I had my dlsr with me while in NZ and South Africa. Fantastic since we rented a car in NZ and was in a tour group in South Africa. Fantastic to have telephoto lens while on a safari and a whale watch trip. I lugged it to Japan too. That was the Canon 350d's maiden trip. Boy, let me tell you, it was really tiring, especially with so much walking. Really, I think I will be contended with a compact in Tokyo.

Will it compromise the quality of my photos? Certainly not, because my photos taken with the dslr is not too exciting anyway. It is a case of not the equipment that makes the difference, it is the user. I guess to me, taking out the dslr is more about indulging in my hobby, practise and try to be better. Not really about taking breathtaking photos during travels.

Anyway, I have been deciding between the LX3 and the G10. I have decided to not get the G10 because it is too bulky, and the reason for getting a compact in the first place was so that it was light and very portable - those slip into the handbag kinda portable. Just when I decided that it shall be the LX3, I thought about the DP1 or better still, the DP2.

So how? The Panasonic Lumix DMC LX3 or the Sigma DP1 or DP2?????

Both are sexy looking cameras. Both cost a lot of moola. SIGH. In a more serious comparison, the DP1 seems to have an edge over image quality, with a bigger sensor. It has a fixed focal length and that can be an issue, but it will force to me think harder about my shots. That is why I love my cheap prime lens so much now. So if I am looking for a point and shoot and am too lazy on a holiday to think about my shots, this camera will not be for me, but I like the fact that that I have to work a bit harder for some decent results.

The DP 1 has a maximum aperture of f4/, I really rather that the aperture be bigger and that is putting me slightly off. The LX3 on the other hand boast a 2.0 aperture. Now hear this..... the DP2 has a maximum aperture of f2.8! HOW NOW?

The DP1 has a focusing problems. ARGH!

The LX3 has only a maximum telephoto length of 60mm. I don't think I will be too bothered by this, since I will use it to point and shoot.


DP 1 - PROS
Great image quality
A bigger sensor
Fixed lens

DP1 - CONS
So sllllllllllllloooooooooooowwwwwwwww
Aperture not wide enough
Fixed lens

LX3 - PROS
Wide aperture
Fast
Better in low light

LX3 - CONS
Fiddly buttons
Small zoom range

If I have to choose one now, it would be the LX3. But I am lusting for the DP1! I have to admit, the better image quality is a huge draw.