If one is in the market for a current model compact camera with RAW capability and an optical zoom lens covering wide to telephoto, there are basically two choices, the Panasonic DMC-LX2 (including the Leica version, D-LUX 3) and the Ricoh Caplio GX100. Both of these are highly capable compact cameras. Recently, we have been providing quite a bit of GX100 coverage. To see some excellent work with the D-LUX 3, check out Jim Radcliffe's D-LUX 3 page here.
When faced with the prospect of buying one versus the other, I personally went for the GX100 due to its wider wide and, arguably, rawer RAW. I also liked having a hot shoe, mainly for the prospect of attaching an external viewfinder. However, the LX/D-LUX series has several notable strengths including a native 16:9 sensor, a format which I greatly enjoyed with the LX1. Since the "28mm equivalent" is based on the diagonal angle of view (AOV), a 16:9 format also means that the horizontal AOV at 28mm equivalent is significantly wider (and the vertical AOV significantly shorter) than it would be for a camera with a 4:3 aspect ratio. For a side-by-side view of the features offered by these two cameras, look to DPReview's feature comparison here.
The GX100 and LX2 offer widely distinct feature sets yet stand together and alone in their class. With these two cameras, Ricoh and Panasonic are leading the way with regards to what can be done with an excellent wide zoom lens and user access to RAW in a compact camera. The reason for this post is that we are hearing rumors (and in some cases more than just rumors) that both the GX100 and LX2 replacements will be introduced for Photokina in September. Panasonic made a point of holding back the LX2 replacement while introducing eight new models for PMA, and the Lets Go interview (via 1001 Noisy Cameras) suggests that Panasonic knows the importance of the LX2 in their lineup. Ichiro Kitao, Product Planning Manager Panasonic Optical Group, had the following to say when asked about the advanced compact camera market, particularly in relation to the Canon G9:
I think it is a very important segment. We have a camera in the pipeline for that segment; the Panasonic LX2. It is the year of the Photokina show so you can expect a lot from us. I suppose you can compare the Lumix LX2 to Canon's G9 camera. Not only the enhanced amateur is using this camera; we know that there are professionals too that use the Panasonic LX2 as an extra camera and for personal use. The concept of the Lumix LX2 is different than that of the PowerShot G9. We try to aim more at the emotional aspect of a compact camera. However; the possibilities of both cameras are quite alike.Some have speculated that all we'll see is a couple of 12MP sensors thrown into the same old bodies, but I am more optimistic than that. Ricoh and Panasonic each have strong recent records of innovation. Invigorated by the introduction of the Sigma DP1 in the high end compact space, I believe both companies will come ready to battle for the advanced compact segment at Photokina this year. If Sigma brings out a DP series camera featuring a zoom lens, things will be even more interesting. What do you want to see in these upcoming serious compacts? Let us know in the thread over in the SeriousCompacts.com discussion forum on Flickr.
Indeed, it will be very interesting to see what they come up with!
What caught my attention was the fake Panasonic LX3 posted on April Fool's day at DigitaCamera.jp as they "made" it with a 3/4" sensor.
It would be interesting if they tried an in-between size, instead of going to a bigger sensor (eg DP1) or using a standard sensor (eg 1/1.6"-1/1.8").
Certainly adding more features to the FX500 may point in that direction (wishful thinking, I know), since the FX-series is now growing upwards, and the FS-series is picking up what used to be the lower end FX-models.
Although I think in Japan they used the FS-series name before the rest of the world? So many camera names!
That would be very interesting indeed. The LX2 sensor is nearly 2/3", so 1" would be a solid step up. Then again knowing that Panasonic is already producing 4/3" sensors, I would love to see them shoehorn one of those in somehow. It would have t be a slow lens with a very limited zoom range, but it could work out well if done right.
Hi Amin. Actually, the LX2's 16:9 sensor is 4.8 x 8.8mm, giving it approximately the same area as the standard 1/1.8 sensor.
Panasonic's 10MP 16:9 sensor is a unique sensor which was only ever used in the LX2/D-LUX3 and not sold to other manufacturers. So it isn't unreasonable to assume that they could produce a 1" sensor that will only be used in the successor of the LX2/D-LUX3.
Whether they will produce an intermediate sensor size to accommodate more pixels is the question.
I could see two advanced compacts being announced prior to Photokina: one with a similar sized sensor as the present LX2 but with an extended zoom range, and the other with a limited zoom range but with a large four thirds sensor.
Large sensor compacts also don't need to use the whole sensor area. Reducing the image circle and cutting the corners off would still yield sufficient pixels when using 12 or 14 megapixel sensors. This would allow for somewhat more compact lenses.
It will also be interesting to see what Panasonic does with its bigger zooms. We've seen the TZ5/TZ4, but what will happen to the FZ8/FZ18/FZ50 line-up?
Will they attempt a speed-demon sensor/camera like the EX-F1?
Björn Utpott said, Large sensor compacts also don't need to use the whole sensor area. Reducing the image circle and cutting the corners off would still yield sufficient pixels when using 12 or 14 megapixel sensors.
And Panasonic is known to do this, calling it extended-zoom. On my FZ30, you can get this 'zoom' by going from 8MP to 5MP.
"Hi Amin. Actually, the LX2's 16:9 sensor is 4.8 x 8.8mm, giving it approximately the same area as the standard 1/1.8 sensor"
Good point Björn. I agree with you that we could see two advanced compacts from Panasonic. My preference would be for neither to have an extended zoom range (3x is plenty for my needs), but what you described is more likely.
1001 Noisy, I just can't get my head around rattling off frames like that. I know it's curmudgeonly of me, but I hope they keep that technology out of at least a few serious compacts =).
I made a DPreview topic on the LX3 one time (can't find it). I shopped a LX2 to represent a larger sensor and/or aperture:
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/8492/lx3zt8.jpg
Hadn't seen mr. Ichiro Kitao's statements before, sounds very encouraging.
Camille, great work on the PS'd image. Looks like a camera I'd love to see come to pass!
A potential side-effect of a speed-demon could perhaps be fewer megapixels in the same sensor area like the EX-F1. Assuming of course they don't make any other compromises to facilitate the high-speed shooting that take away from the benefit of potentially "bigger" pixels.
Another interesting camera to be presented at Photkina cologne should be the Fujifilm F110fd - a F100fd with manual control to rival F31fd (don't forget the wide angle lens!).
I look forward to a shoot out between the pannys and the fujies this fall..
Here is a interview report from China (if you can read it) indicates that LX3 will be released in Sep/Oct 2008.
http://publish.it168.com/2008/0516/20080516003701.shtml
Thanks for the link!!