Hey guys, if you dont have the money to shell out for a DSLR or you want a good compact alternative, i really recommend the Panasonic Lumix LX3

http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/lx3/index.html

i read about this camera in another blog i frequent and the buyer gave it rave reviews. he also posted a lot of test shots and the quality is great. i did a little more research on it and there are a plethora of accessories you can get to achieve the same quality as a dslr for a cheaper price.

 

it is a nice camera dont get me wrong... sigma also makes one like it. (D1)

however for the price of either of them.. you can get a DSLR. That is their downfall.


not to thread jack or anything.. but this is where people say DSLRs are going. it's sort of an alternative. Four Thirds camera. Also a Panasonic/Leica creation. It's not cheaper... round $799. But it sure is nifty!




it's a bit smaller than a Nikon D40/D60, because... it has no mirror. Straight to sensor.




14-45 with a +10 macro filter and a Canon 420EX2 flash


14-45 with a Canon 430EX2



sorry bout that lol just thought i'd add to your list of alternatives

 

most dslrs i see are around 600-1300, and i think you can consider yourself lucky if you can find a good one for under 500. the lumix lx3 goes for around 400.

the four thirds camera looks interesting. is it like a superzoom or something entirely different?

 

or you can get Canon G10.

 

u can get DSLR for 400 bucks shipped to your door

2gb card is like 20 bucks

don't need much else

 

+1, the G10 is awesome.

the lx3 is right up there with the G10, but there are no substitutes for a DSLR.

 

I did a test at work with the canon G10 and Nikon p6000

only thing I didnt like about the canon is .. it overexposed everything when in program mode where the nikon was more realistic to the actual lighting.

:-\

 

Panasonic Lumix LX3 photos in the gallery are impressive. Don't know if these have been altered with imaging software. So they are of little help.

 

Another alternative is Ricoh GX220, that's what I have, but will be selling it for a DSLR.
Here are some pics I took while I was bored, and at a car meet. Not my best pics, but I'm still learning. The camera is awesome. Has great Macro.

 

oh wow, i love those effects. i love the color balance and the angle in that 350z.

here is the original blog review of the lumix LX3 that i read. http://www.dannychoo.com/adp/eng/1624/LUMIX+LX3.html

 

+1

G10's are awesome... some pros are using that in place of DSLRs....