Lost Camera, Need New One Any Suggestions?

[North Boy]

I recently lost/misplaced my Canon 870is. Loved that camera except for less than stellar low light photos.

So it looks like I need a new camera. Need a fairly compact, somewhat idiot-proof camera that takes great pictures and if it can be as good as or better than the 870 for picture quality that would be a bonus!

So there have been many great pictures in the forums telling me that there are some bright, good looking, knowledgeable people who know cameras and photography. (Flattery getting me anywhere?)

Any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[maverick]

hi north boy,

i have seen impressive samples from canon's recently introduced s90. this is a fairly compact camera that has a fast lens (max f/2.0 aperture) and a nice focal range (28-105mm equivalent). the only thing missing is HD video - it will shoot 640x480 @ 30fps. note that i haven't used this camera myself.

the camera that is always in my bag is the leica d-lux 4, which is very similar to the panasonic lx3. it has a fast lens (f/2.0 - 2.8 aperture), and a focal range of 24-60mm. i've used both the leica and the panasonic, and i prefer the colors i get from the leica. they have almost an identical body, the same lens, and the same flash. the software is different in the two cameras. leica provides a 2 year warranty while panasonic provides a one year warranty. leica provides capture one software for raw processing while panasonic provides silky pix.

while the d-lux 4 and lx3 aren't the most compact cameras, they are compact enough, and make beautiful pictures. many of the pictures and videos i've posted here have been shot with the d-lux 4 or lx3.

let me know if you have additional questions.

[KarlJ]

If you were really familiar and comfortable with the Canon 870IS, you could probably do no worse by sticking with that. I did that years ago when I lost my Canon G3... I searched high and low for a new-in-box replacement (no small chore as it had been discontinued and replaced with the G5). I was that happy with it.

I also have the Leica D-Lux 4; like Maverick, I recommend it very highly, provided ultra-compactness is not a factor. It's the price you pay for a fast lens.

I'd say a trip to your local retailer for a hands-on side-by-side look would be invaluable. Narrow it down, read a few reviews, peruse a few of the user groups (if it's a camera that has it's own following), then decide.

Good luck!

[North Boy]

It never fails, as soon as you've given up on finding a lost item and have found a suitable replacement, the item shows up.

My trusty 870is has shown up 1,200 km away and I await it to be shipped back to me.

This is after I discovered the new Canon S90 which has glowing reviews all over the place.

Oh well thanks for the input. I can now save my sheckels and dimes to buy a decent, yet affordable Digital SLR. The Nikon D40 sounds like a good starter. But I'm willing to listen to whatever sage advice I can get.

[KarlJ]

Yep... that's always the way, but still... that's good that it's been recovered!

You can still sell it and try the S90 on for size... unless you're like me and never get rid of cameras and just let them pile up.

[maverick]

It never fails, as soon as you've given up on finding a lost item and have found a suitable replacement, the item shows up.

My trusty 870is has shown up 1,200 km away and I await it to be shipped back to me.

This is after I discovered the new Canon S90 which has glowing reviews all over the place.

Oh well thanks for the input. I can now save my sheckels and dimes to buy a decent, yet affordable Digital SLR. The Nikon D40 sounds like a good starter. But I'm willing to listen to whatever sage advice I can get.

hi north boy,

yay! i'm glad your camera turned up!!

i haven't looked closely at the d40.

as far as slr's, i can highly recommend the d700 for its full frame sensor, exceptional high iso performance, and great build quality. it's a tad more expensive, but with rumors of a d700s or d700x coming around the corner, the d700 will be a nice catch once the prices come down.

i can also recommend the canon 5d. while it's no longer made, it still makes great pictures, and can be had for about $1,100 used but in excellent condition.

[maverick]

my Canon G3...

hi karlj,

i loved using the canon g3! i took it everywhere, and got some great pictures with it! i gave it to my cousin some years back - i think she's still using it.

[KarlJ]

Yes, it was a sweet, sweet camera. I had the 52mm Lensmate adapter on it. I used to love using my ND filters with it. Also had a Speedlite 420EZ.

Not sure why I never got a Lensmate for the Leica... oh yes, it's because I was trying to decide if I wanted the grip or not. Still can't decide. But I know I do want the cable release. So I guess I'll splurge for it all (adapter, grip and CR).

[North Boy]

Over My Head. I guess I need to find a digital SLR primer someplace.