Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX7 10MP Digital Camera w/ 24mm F1.4 Lens & 1080p Video $289 + Free shipping

Quote from sdallnct : In the sub $400 range what is the single best image quality camera available that will slip in the back pocket of jeans? Particularly in lower light? If it has a moderate wide angle lens, don't need much of a zoom. Does need to shoot RAW. S100?

Save up another $100 or so and you're in RX100 territory and it's best in low light conditions. (I got mine for $385 but that deal is long gone.)

Quote from kahluatex : There is a lot of praise for the GH2 and I almost went that direction, but I don't want to spend $500 for the body and another $600 to get IQ and perspective comparable to the 35mm f/1.8 I love so much (and unfortunately an adapter for the 35mm would give it an effective perspective of 70mm and wouldn't magically improve its AF and AF noise for video purposes).

It's not just the GH2's lens that makes it good for video.
It wasn't really that great for video until it was hacked to provide 42Mbps videostreams (I'm fairly certain the LX7 doesn't do this)...

Quote from blueknob : Any opinions on this vs. the DMC-GF5K? I missed out on that deal at $300 and have been looking for another good deal in this price range. It looks like the LX7 is an older model vs. the GF5K? http://slickdeals.net/f/5805900-P...m-Lens-300

I went for this over a GF5K or a GH2 (or anything along those lines) because of restrictions at my concert/performance venues that prohibit the use of a "professional camera," which they define by anything with the capability to change lenses. That simple fact automatically eliminated anything not in the P&S category. I was tired of having to go back to my car to return my Canon 7D.

I hope RX100 has deals like this.

Quote from Roy2001 : I hope RX100 has deals like this.

IIRC, it's kind of the champ of P&S bc of its sensor

I got this a couple months back when Amazon had it for sale for $299 as a small carry around when i dont haul my Sony A580 to places. I like this camera, you can adjust the aperture, shutter speed and use manual mode; or you can do auto with tons of settings. For me, this is a camera that i can carry around whenever and wherever without being heavy and appearing intrusive.

However, it will not out perform a DSLR if that is what you are looking for.

PS. even after 3 month of usage, i still feel awkward with changing setting because i keep pressing the center button to confirm instead of right arrow button (WB button) and ended up leaving the setting screen.

As for the constant reference to RX100, i had the chance to use it for a couple hours and its performance seems nice, but its $600 price tag is high for those that doesn't want to commit and just want a p&s, where the lumix's 300ish price seems about right to put it above low-end p&s camera.

So if I just want a camera to pick up and use to take pictures of my kids the LX7 is probably ok for that?

Quote from maiku : http://www.disneytouristblog.com/...ws-disney/

Thanks for the shout-out!

For this person's needs, I'd highly recommend the Sony RX-100. That has become my go-to point & shoot. Personally, I don't see much value in going smaller than a DSLR (I'm looking at you, NEX) unless you can put that smaller camera in your pocket. The Sony RX-100 fits the bill.

It's normal price is far from a slick deal, but it's well worth the money, IMO.

been waiting for the Sony RX-100 to go on sale. I won't spend over 400.

Need nice camera for kids photos.

Need good low-light movie mode for nightime fun

Quote from ray4jc : So if I just want a camera to pick up and use to take pictures of my kids the LX7 is probably ok for that?

Yeah, you won't be disappointed. It's interface comes highly recommended and it's auto-mode reportedly does an excellent job for hassle-free photography. But if you find yourself interested in more advanced features, the LX7 is loaded. The image quality is better than most P&S, and its large aperture gives you some ability to capture more professional looking photos where the background is out of focus. Its strongest selling point, IMO is that it is, hands down, the best P&S for video capture at any price point.

Re RX100:

Quote from deer_park : As for the constant reference to RX100, i had the chance to use it for a couple hours and its performance seems nice, but its $600 price tag is high for those that doesn't want to commit and just want a p&s, where the lumix's 300ish price seems about right to put it above low-end p&s camera.

Quote from bricker85 : Thanks for the shout-out! For this person's needs, I'd highly recommend the Sony RX-100. That has become my go-to point & shoot. Personally, I don't see much value in going smaller than a DSLR (I'm looking at you, NEX) unless you can put that smaller camera in your pocket. The Sony RX-100 fits the bill.

Quote from guitardedboy : been waiting for the Sony RX-100 to go on sale. I won't spend over 400. Need nice camera for kids photos. Need good low-light movie mode for nightime fun

The RX100 is clearly the better picture-taker, especially in low-light, but it doesn't deliver 200% better photos If the LX7 can be had for $300, then I'd value the RX at $400-$450 for photo purposes, assuming you are experienced enough to use it well. (A $2,500 set of golf clubs is no better than a $250 set if you aren't an advanced golfer

Re LX7 Video:

I don't have first-hand experience with it, but after hours of research, it seems clear that the LX7 is far superior to the RX100 at video, including low-light photo (bc it has such a large aperture, it can capture at 400 or 800 ISO where the RX100 must go up to 1600.

If you're interested in LX7 video, there are some really great contributors on the dp review forums.

E.g., here is a thread comparing the RX100 with the LX7 [dpreview.com].

I think Markr041 [dpreview.com], in particular, has a lot of insight about the LX7, and has some posted a number of informative tips for taking video on the LX7. Here are a few threads he added to, which I found helpful:
LX7 Video Performance [dpreview.com]
Low Light Video [dpreview.com]
LX7 vs. $600 camcorder [dpreview.com]
LX7 Video Settings/Tips [dpreview.com]

Quote from kahluatex : IIRC, it's kind of the champ of P&S bc of its sensor

i would honestly take the LX7 over an RX100 if i was in the market, and this is coming from a NEX-6 owner


LX7
- superior lens
- superior UI/menus
- better hardware controls
- better video recording
- much cheaper

RX100
- slightly smaller
- superior sensor


the IQ of both cameras is neck and neck IMHO because the better lens in one cancels out the better sensor in the other, but the other areas, the LX7 excels at for a cheaper price


and also, the champ of P&S is probably the RX1 (around $1000), neither the LX7 or the RX100 can touch that

OP here.

Just got my shipment confirmation. I was getting nervous. Apparently J&R canceled a few of the GX1 orders from yesterday.

If it's OK with slightly larger size, actually Nikon V1 is better than LX7 and RX100 now.
Now $399 at B&H with two lens(10-30mm and 30-110mm).

Just do the picture comparison at dpreview. here.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/s...c-rx100/13

You can select the 3 other different cameras to compare. You notice V1 and RX100 picture is close.
However, V1 has much faster auto focus and better in the video.

I got this as a xmas gift and it's the best child friendly camera (meaning you can take pics very fast) . It focuses so damn fast like the DSLR. The video is very impressive as well. Couple of dislike is that, it's not pocket friendly (it's jacket friendly though) and that lens cap is stupid. If you search on amazon, they sell the lens auto open/close thing for $15 and I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. Just wish it was pocket friendly but oh well..it sure beats carrying DSLR around though. I'm not a camera expert but low light pics were very impressive.