I’m currently preparing a presentation on Lightweight Photography for Chorley Photographic Society where I have spoken in the past. As part of this I decided to take a few shots with my Panasonic LX7 when I was out in the Lake District on my last trip. Above you can see one of the images which I have also printed at A3 to take along on the day. The print looks quite nice with lots of detail. With the addition of a little grain I would say that it doesn’t look very “digital” at all.
This exercise got me thinking that I haven’t been using my compact camera very much over the last year. This time last year I was missing the LX5 which I had replaced with a Sony RX100. I then found I didn’t enjoy using the Sony as much so sold it for the LX7. Don’t ask me why but I never seem to be carrying the LX7 and this defeats the objective of owning a compact camera.
Anyway, I found that I really enjoyed shooting with the LX7 in preparation for the presentation and before I knew it I had ordered a Canon G16. What a bargain; £290 new from Amazon and then £40 cash back from Canon. This is where breaking the resolution comes in as I said I wouldn’t buy any more equipment this year.
I can’t yet report on the Canon as although I took it on a walk with me over the weekend the terrible weather meant that I didn’t shoot anything that’s worth showing. What I did notice is that the image stabilisation doesn’t seem to be as good as the LX7 but the noise handling appears better. Time will tell but I did find I enjoyed using the G16.
The Lightweight Photographer 
Did you intentionally mirror the tree with the patch of grass and reflected tree trunk? If so, very clever. Also, wonderful job capturing depth and atmosphere in this image.
I’m going to sound big headed now but yes it was intentional but perhaps not because I was trying to be cleaver. The composition just looked cluttered when you could see the tree branches. Pleased you like it. Thanks
That’s a lovely shot. It’s almost like two different images. The foreground is busy and contrasty and the background subdued and soft. But then you see how the two fit together as one scene.
I use the Sony RX100 Mark 2 as my compact and I love it. A little more zoom would be all I’d ask for in it.
Thank you. Great to know it hits the right spot with you.
Is now looking up Canon G16…..
I knew you would.
Beautiful image…. I’ve been looking at your site for the past couple of weeks. I’m looking for my first camera in a couple of years (using iPhones) I want a serious compact and I’m being drawn to the RX100iii…… But still unsure?
Thank you.
The RX100 is a good camera but I haven’t used the MkIII. I had a MKI and it suffered from pink fringing in bright conditions. Basically the lens wasn’t good enough for the sensor but that’s me being very picky. I now have an RX10 which has an excellent lens and shows what the sensor can do. The only other problem I found with the RX100, which you should check out is that it’s so small and the buttons so small that I struggled to use it in the cold. This is one of the reasons I returned to the LX7.
If your unsure, it’s a lot of money to spend. I would suggest trying some out in a shop if you can just to get the feel. Is it comfortable? Is it to big? is it heavier than you thought? If you are going to be shooting landscapes will it allow you to attach filters (the RX100 needed an expensive adapter to be glued to the front of the lens).
Thanks for taking the time to reply Robin, this weekend I visited Jessops in Cardiff to have my first hands on of some of the cameras I’ve been thinking about. It was the same old thing of as soon as you walked in I was pounced on.. I told them straight I’m here to look and not to buy, and to be fair they were brilliant. Over two hours with one of the salesmen. I had a try of the RX100iii and then on to the G7X… Then he gave me some of his preferences the LX100 and the GX7…. I’ll pick something soon! Trouble is I only plan on owning one camera so it does have to be quite versatile
I am pleased that you headed out to handle the cameras rather than just relying on recommendations. A lot of the enjoyment in photography comes from the feel of the camera as most will produce good results. You mention the LX100 and the GX7 in your reply. Is that the Panasonic GX7 rather than the Canon G7X? I just want to check it’s not a typo. The reason I ask is because the G7X is a Micro 43 camera so a little larger than the pocket compacts but the image quality and flexibility is in a different class and much better. If I could only have 1 camera and it was a choice between any compact camera or a GX7 I would pick the GX7 as it gives more future flexibility. Just a thought to confuse you some more.
Thanks for the reply again… It was the Panasonic GX7 I had a play around with. I realy do like the Panasonic LX100. I don’t even mind it being slight larger. The only thing that does worry me (I could be wrong as I’m still learning) the sensor size is four thirds but images are only 12mp. So I would imaging good low light shots but maybe not as good as say the RX100iii if you plan on expanding the image size later?
I have just downloaded some RAW files for the LX100 from the internet at this site http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx100/10.
Looking at the image quality in Lightroom it’s good but not a remarkable improvement on the LX7 at the low ISO. If image quality is the goal then from what I can see in the RAW files, I don’t think the LX100 has too much more to offer than a quality compact camera (although I’m sure there will be owners out there who have more experience and disagree).
In terms of print size, you can make an A3+ print from an LX7 image and it will look good. If your only going to display images on the internet then your camera phone gives sufficient resolution. If your going to print and want to make prints beyond A3+ then I would consider a true micro 43 camera such as the GX7. Up to A3+, any good compact would be sufficient (LX5, LX7, RX100, Canon G16, LX100 etc).
I suspect I may be making you rethink a little here but I need to say what I see and be honest. The best advice I can give is to find a quality camera in your budget that you like the feel of and which you think you will enjoy using. If it can shoot RAW and has at least 10Mpixels it will produce good results up to A3+. If you think you might want a little more quality and print resolution, go for any of the newer Micro 43 cameras and buy good lenses. If you only want to have a pocket camera look at a good quality compact (one that shoots RAW). If you think this is going to be a hobby you will pursue then consider a camera that takes interchangeable lenses (I suggest Micro 43).
All advice is gladly received Robin… I’ve found my perfect tool to start the long journey of truly understanding manual control. I nearly did pick up a LX100 today but something stoped me going…. Then I read your reply and then started looking around Gumtree for a small compact and I can across a “New and unopened Canon G7X unwanted gift £270 plus P&P” so….. It’s all mine on its way tomorrow! Just can’t wait to get it 😊
Great news Richard. Do let me know how you like it once you have had chance to use it.
Robin you are priceless you start the article showcasing the beloved lx7 and then acquiesce to the draw of the G16. I have to admit to not even knowing they had reached that number in the series, you have too many cameras now and you should let some of them go.
We all fall foul of this bug I am currently drawing up a list for rationalising of my gear. My heart loves them all but my sensible head is asking when I last used whichever piece of kit that’s on the list. I figure if I’ve not had cause to use it for over three months I can and should do without it.
Of course the other issue is how much I’m taking as a loss on said equipment, the value of kit nowadays falls quicker than a fridge tossed off a high rise in Manchester.
The issue of my lx7 is easier than the rest, primarily because of the dent it sustained some while ago. It’s now cosmetically a little challenged but it functions perfectly and given I’d probably get offered bugger all it’ll saty with me til it dies.
The picture by the way reaffirms my desire to keep it it can do the business and I always get a buzz when I’ve used it and view the subsequent shots on the Mac.
What news of the Nikon by the way has it gone yet ?
I look forward to seeing the results from the g16
I have to say that I’m never one to stand still. I love experimenting and trying out new things including kit. It’s rare that I actually stick with something unless I really like it. Perhaps part of my problem is that I view my equipment purchases like rentals in that I sell it when I want a change. The loss in value is just like renting. I think the trick is to buy good used equipment at a good price. That’s why I bought the G16 new – I don’t follow my own advice.