Cheaper alternative to LX3?

[jhmccandless]

Hi,
Looking for a camera similar to LX3, but less expensive (max £200 sterling) (Sadly I can't afford it at the moment :( ). I want a compact, take everywhere type to supplement the long range zoom that I already have. I would like one that is good for low light, and that has some manual control.
Thanks in advance!

Budget

* What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible.
£200 maz
Size

* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?
compact

Features

How many megapixels will suffice for you?
5

* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify) standard

* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10)
8

Do you care for manual controls?
at least some

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for?
landscape/people/low light

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
no

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
yes

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
maybe occasionally

Miscellaneous

Are there particular brands you like or hate?
have a panasonic at the moment, which I like

Are there particular models you already have in mind?
open to suggestion!

(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)

Image Stabilization

[David Metsky]

The camera you are looking for doesn't exist. Getting good image quality in low light requires a big CCD and a fast lens, both of which drive up the price.

[KCook]

While it's not ideal, a Fuji is certainly lower priced than the LX3

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraDetail.php?cam=1254

Kelly Cook
(Fuji F45fd)

[Jonathan Gingerich]

There is a class of cameras with slightly larger chips, 2.8 lens, and manual controls that kind of escape attention: Panasonic FX150, Cannon SD990, Fuji F60fd, Pentax Optio S12, Nikon S710, Sony W-300. (Oddly, the Cannon entry is automatic when they used to make a legendary line of no-nonsense manual quality cameras in the A6xx line.) But, these are all pricey too. You might be best off waiting for a bargain after Christmas. The LX3 looks to be an instant classic...

JG

[pas49ras]

The problem with the larger sensors is that the camera makers continue to add more pixels and this negates the quality gains made by using a larger sensor. Who the heck needs a 14mp compact camera.The Fuji F60fd at least is back with the super CCD.

http://www.1001noisycameras.com/new-digital-cameras-2008.html

[2046]

maybe you should simply go to ebay to check out some 2nd hand Canon S3 IS. You can find them for about $100 USD.

I believe the Canon PowerShot A590 (https://www.warehouse123.com/ProductInfo.php?pid=CANA590IS-BLK) will be cheaper alternative to LX3. This sleeper can add hood, tele or wide angle lens. Waterproof case is also available. Also, the camera will give you enough manual control.

[jekostas]

Perhaps look up getting a used Fuji F30 or F31fd on eBay? I don't think you're going to find what you want in a new camera today.

[David Metsky]

maybe you should simply go to ebay to check out some 2nd hand Canon S3 IS. You can find them for about $100 USD.

I believe the Canon PowerShot A590 (https://www.warehouse123.com/ProductInfo.php?pid=CANA590IS-BLK) will be cheaper alternative to LX3. This sleeper can add hood, tele or wide angle lens. Waterproof case is also available. Also, the camera will give you enough manual control.
Both the S3 and the A590 are fine cameras, but neither are very good in low light. If that's what the OP is looking for, then these will both be a disappointment.

[2046]

Both the S3 and the A590 are fine cameras, but neither are very good in low light. If that's what the OP is looking for, then these will both be a disappointment.

um, i guess not many P&S will perform well in low light. LX3 is a exception, thanks to the big aperture!

[speaklightly]

jhm-

Please do NOT be discouraged. There still are options out there that really do make sense. The Panasonic FZ-28 is an amazing digital camera, that has been somewhat overlooked.

Please take a good look at this FZ-28 image. It really has an amazing gradation of light levels along with great Leica sharpness. This common ordinary FZ-28 has better a IQ-component than even some of the consumer level DSLR cameras. Please tell me what you personally think??

Sarah Joyce