Camera Labs

Hi everyone,
I sort of happened upon this site by accident and found it so informative it was an easy decision to register.
I've been interested in photography from the age 0f 14 ( a long time ago now)! My first "proper" camera was a Zorki 4k followed by a Zenith E and then an Olympus OM1n which was/still is an absolute gem.

Finally converted to digital about 10 years ago and currently use a Fuji S9600 bridge camera and (until it recently died) a Fuji E9000 compact.

So, I'm currently looking at replacing the E9000 with a quality compact which led me to this great site.

Artisan.

check out Gordon's recommendations.

http://www.cameralabs.com/buyers_guide/ ... mera.shtml

hop this helps!

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Camera: Canon 550D with battery grip
Lenses: Canon 24-105mm f/4L, Canon 50mm f1.4, Canon 18-55mm, Tamron 70-300mm,
Accessories: Manfrotto 055XPROB with 808RC4 head, Canon 430ex II speedlite, Lowepro Nova 180AW and Lowepro Pro Runner 450AW

Oh that is so lame, every hot girl who can aim a camera thinks she’s a photographer -Stewie Griffin

Welcome Artisan to the Camera Labs forum!

- Bjorn -

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Street and documentary photographer | Google+ | Twitter | Blog | Tumblr

Leica M9-P (my article on Camera Labs) | Leica D-Lux 5 | 50mm Summilux

Thanks for the welcome guys.

jameswilby5, I tried out the Sony HS55 and the Panasonic TZ8 and decided that neither was for me. After a short wait I also managed to get hold of a Canon SX130is to try out. First impressions were goodish in terms of overall handling compared to the others and so I bought it. However, after a week of what seemed like disappointing results to me, I returned it.

I am now looking at premium compacts and trying to justify the extra outlay necessary to myself ( and the GF ) before making a final decision.

It's a toss up between the Canon S95 and the Panasonic Lumix LX5.

Artisan.

Welcome to forum, artisan. You'll find a friendly bunch here...

Hey Artisan!

I hope that you enjoy our friendly forums!

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-Evan

Gear: 7 Nikon Nikkor AI-S and AF-S lenses, SB-700 flash, Nikon D7000, Nikon FM, variety of accessories

"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs."
- Ansel Adams

Welcome aboard Artisan, enjoy the forum and we are a friendly bunch...

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Aidan Hill. com
Nikon D7000 | Nikon 70-200MM f/2.8G VR II | Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM | Tokina 11-16mm F2.8| iMac 27" | MacBook Pro 13" | Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Bag |

Thank you all for the very warm and friendly welcome.

Artisan

Welcoem on-board - I've already reciewed the LX5 and my S95 review will be coming soon, but the results for it can already be seen in my LX5 reivew...

I am sorry to hear you didn't like the canon camera. I was going to suggest it as have seen some very good reviews for it. I personally have rarely used my compact since I got my 550d. As you have a bridge camera are you sure you need a compact?

If you need one that will fit in your pocket why not have a look at the Canon PowerShot S95. Its cost more but is well worth the extra money as it gives you more control over the picture.

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Camera: Canon 550D with battery grip
Lenses: Canon 24-105mm f/4L, Canon 50mm f1.4, Canon 18-55mm, Tamron 70-300mm,
Accessories: Manfrotto 055XPROB with 808RC4 head, Canon 430ex II speedlite, Lowepro Nova 180AW and Lowepro Pro Runner 450AW

Oh that is so lame, every hot girl who can aim a camera thinks she’s a photographer -Stewie Griffin

The S9600 is much the same size as an average DSLR hence the need for a go anywhere compact.

The S95 is on my shortlist and has some excellent features that I really like. But, my main problem is that I need glasses for reading which is a real pain when using a camera with no viewfinder. An optical viewfinder isn't that much of an advantage either as one still has to refer to the screen when making camera settings.

Hence, I'm coming to the conclusion that my best ( perhaps only ) choice is the LX5 + the optional EVF.

It pains me to think of the cost but such is life I guess.

Artisan.