Reader James Lundersen asks:
I've been looking to find a new camera to take pictures of my adventures in New Zealand. I need something with at least 10MP, but doesn't skimp on any features. However, I can't carry a huge DSLR and I want to have video recording too? I know it's asking a bit much, but is there anything out there with such high specs that doesn't turn me broke at the same time?
You're in luck today James!
We just got our hands on Panasonic's latest offering - the DMC-LX3K - and we are very impressed! A worthy choice for a point and shoot, the camera features a F2.0 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens, 10.1MP (as you ordered), and a sweet ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD. The ISO goes all the way up to 3200, offers full manual control, and best of all, features 1280 x 720p video recording at 24fps.
It's going to be available in silver and black next month for around $500.
Some other good picks are Pentax's Optio W60 and the Samsung NV24.
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You might want to check out the Canon PowerShot G9. I just bought one last week ($429 at Circuit City). It is a point and shoot but has the manual controls (if you want them, else auto mode works great), high image quality (does RAW), and movie capability (which I never use, so can't comment). It's bigger/heaver than most compacts, but way smaller/lighter than a DSLR. I actually sold my Nikon D70 to buy it, because I got tired of lugging the DSLR around, particularly on vacations.
I'm a bit wary of Panasonic. Before the G9, I tried a Lumix TZ5. I loved the size, weight, features, styling, etc. I really wanted to like the camera. But the image quality was very, very disappointing. The lens may be Leica, but what's inside sure isn't.
The ISO on that Panny (above) goes all the way up to 3200? Seriously? Barring a tripod with ideal lighting conditions, you're never going to get a decent picture out of ANY compact at ISO 3200. That's just ridiculous.
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Here's a vote for the Samsung NV24HD. I just got one and I love it.
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I second G9, Great camera, DLSR features. Amazing pics, great build, Great reviews.
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