There are a few issues. Evidently the lens has a fair amount of barrel distortion that is automatically corrected by the raw conversion software. They use a proprietary raw format (booo!), and right now only the software they ship (SilkyPix for Panny, CaptureOne for Leica) can deal with the format...except for RawDeveloper if you play some tricks. In the end I guess that is just physics and the reality of digital - you can't really separate the glass from the software.

24-60mm equivalent is not going to be long enough for some, but it is what it is. The noise though is impressive. They opted out of the MP race and instead focused on making the sensor a little larger and quieter. I wish more manufacturers would do that. From the test photos I've seen iso 800 is totally usable, and as you see above 1600 will work for many/most applications. It isn't dSLR quality but frankly I did some pixel peeping last night of some shots taken in my apt in brutally low light and the difference between this camera and my K20d were not night and day.

In short, they got a lot right on this camera. They listened to users and added 4 custom settings on the selector (like the "my" settings on the Ricoh), added a hot shoe, and didn't try to shove more pixels on the sensor. Not perfect, but every camera is a compromise.

Very nice. I just bought a Canon SD790IS but I think I'll have to return it. It wants to flash for every picture I've taken indoors, and the pictures turn out pretty fuzzy for my taste. I hate having to shrink a picture to make it look better. Here's a shot from it:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86765023@N00/2976971413/" title="IMG_0111 by curkendall, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2976971413_686a323e04_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0111" /></a>

Thanks Todd. I shoot 911 parts (can't use flash, kills detail), hiking and out and about random pics at speed. My old Elph was awesome but dropped one too many times on Mt. Haystack. My Nikon Coolpix P1 bites. Can't take a decent mid-light picture if it's life depended on it, and won't take a pic at speed as well.

My favorite pic (of many) driving 90 mph through Iowa. completely random, camera hanging out the window while keeping the car on the road.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225405102.jpg

northern CA
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225405264.jpg

these tunnel shots were taken with my DLux3 (predecessor to this camera)

http://www.nostatic.com/yos08/index5.html

The cat picture was cool. ( except the for eye boogers ) yuck!


KT

I bought the LX3 last month. I really like the wide lens, which is ideal for indoor shots. Virtually all shots have been outdoor, but the indoor shots have turned out really well. I bought Panasonic's leather case for the camera, static. UPS dropped it off today. Will report back on fit and quality.

If you buy via a company on eBay, you can use Live Cashback for 25-30% off, which knocks the $500 camera down to $375 + shipping.
jurgen

I saw another reference to the cashback thing (mentioned MS). What is the story? I bought from my local camera shop as I have a relationship with them, and should I have any problems I know they'll sort things out for me. The leather case won't work for me as it doesn't have space for an extra battery and card. I usually go with a generic nylon one, though this camera is a little tricky to fit.

some more examples of iso 800 photos and various raw conversions

http://www.seriouscompacts.com/2008/10/panasonic-lx3-leica-d-lux-4-high-iso.html

I guess MS is trying to drive surfers to live.com. I searched for Nikon D40. There's a link for 25% cash back if you purchase via Buy It Now and use Paypal. After 60 days, you can pull the cash back to any account. Maximum cash back is $200 per purchase.

It was only 8-10% for a while. It hit 30% last week. Down to 25%, I think, for now.
jurgen

Great tunnel pics, like them myself
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225414895.jpg


but for me, it's all about bridges
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225413331.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225414959.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225414973.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225415001.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225415016.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225415032.jpg




and of course the random guy painting a taxi in NYC

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1225415070.jpg

Bridges are cool, but I'll have to take a picture of a meta bridge this weekend. ;) I have a tunnel series that I've done, but I really like subway stations. Sadly I am not in them very often.

you would have a lot of fun in NYC.

Nice Manhattan bridge shots Shaun!

here's a bad conditions shot: macro, iso 1600, f2, 1/13s, in the shadows of a low light room. Shot jpeg, no post processing, 100% crop:

http://nostatic.com/photos/test11.jpg (1.37MB)

Not pretty, but I doubt a typical dSLR would do much better

So why is there not a picture of her on this thread ????:D

You have the best bridges Vinny, one of the best reasons to own a targa! I miss NY so much.

How is the Macro on that puppy?

My junk Nikon coolpix finally bit the dust today.

any thoughts on this:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5A 9.1 Megapixel
http://cgi.ebay.com/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-TZ5A-9-1-Megapixel_W0QQitemZ260404438318QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ Digital_Cameras?hash=item3ca150652e&_trksid=p3286. c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39 %3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Todd, i blame you for this. Ever since i read this post and realized that there is a P&S out there with a F2.0 i have been making excuses to get one. Finally bought the Lumix version last weekend in Shanghai after we missed the train to Xian and spent the money for the trip on cool stuff for the boys instead :)

The low light performance is simply astounding and damm good Macro.
I like it that the default is no flash, instead of flash everything on other P&S.
I like the ability to have this much control in a P&S.
A little bulky but the performance makes up for it.
This is going to save me from carrying my rather heavy D80 around on short trips.

My trusty old Canon Ixus 3.2 is now my son's and this one rides with my in my laptop bag.

Couple of random shots taken with little attention.

Taken in the bathroom with no flash and no lights on an overcast day at F2.0. Cat was not in the mood to have picture taken and was moving around.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1250479931.jpg

Freehand Macro with nothing but available light in a room. A light box and tripod will make this puppy an excellent Macro camera.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1250480142.jpg