Help choosing LX5 or S100 now!

[sara]

Hey guys so I'm at a camera shop and deciding between LX5 or S100! I can't decide! Which is better?

I actually manhandled both cameras. I like the LX5 but the S100 feels sturdier and I like the turning aperture ring!

But the LX5 is known to be a good camera with the Leica lens and all! Argh I dunno! I have an hour to decide!

[drewbarb]

Tough choice, but I think I'd go with the LX5- the hotshoe makes the camera more useful; put a real flash on it, or a radio transmitter linked to one or several flashes for real creative off camera lighting; or slip a finder in it, turn off the LCD and shoot fast and save battery life.

The S100's function ring is a nice touch, and it's nice to have the ability to assign its function...

Anyway, good luck, and enjoy! You can't go wrong.

[sara]

Thanks Drew for your input.
Yes I think both cameras work, thing is I think I'm just concerned about quality because I'm so used to shooting film, I also have a DSLR, and I don't want this to be disappointing, but not saying a point and shoot will always be better from a film camera and DSLR.

I wish they had that spiny aperture ring on the Lumix!

The lady at the shop kept telling me te LX5 is an old camera and the S100 is newer (but in Asia sales people are soooo obsessed about what's new!).

[custom875]

I had a similar problem a few years ago. Had the Leica dlux-4 and sold it for the s90.
I have bigger cameras that I use more often (Dslr and rangefinders) but the reason I still have the s90 is for the portability factor. As far as image quality is concerned I cannot comment on these newer versions but for me the s100 is nice because it will fit into a pocket a little easier.

[drewbarb]

Well, she is right- the Lumix is getting old- but it's still a great camera. As a film user (like myself) you will no doubt like shooting RAW, which either camera will do- so quality becomes less of an issue. I guess I'd spend your hour playing with both and see which feels more natural to hold and shoot with. How fast can you get the all the controls and features you'll use with each? I'd bet after a few minutes with each contender in your hands thinking about this, the answer will come to you.

[jazzwave]

Side by side fro DPreview
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras

Anyway, you need to visit Camera store, try, and feel it in your hand . You will know which one will match for you.

Both cameras are good.


Good luck

~ron~

[Pablito]

LX5 has the optional electronic viewfinder which makes it into a "real' camera.
;-)

[Jani_from_Finland]

During 2 years the LX3 was my most used camera, i would choose the LX5 on the spot! At least the LX3 had superb lens, great IQ and was actually quite tough and didn't even mind a little water at sea (as you can see on this one http://www.flickr.com/photos/jah3/3993204541/)

[sebastel]

and - what did you choose in the end?

cheers,
s.

[sara]

I didn't buy anything in the end...I decided to wait another day...I'm leaving to London on Saturday that's why I wanted to get it today.

I think I'm going with the LX5 anyhow because of a better lens and battery life. It's compact for me anyhow, I carry a big bag and that size is nothing to me. I know for guys it's a different story, you need something flat to put in your pockets. I've been carrying my DSLR and Leica in my handbag for months, think I'm used to it lol!

I could a future LX6 but when? End of 2012? -_-

Oh yeah and also, there's always going to be upgrades every year anyway so...ahhh -_-

[sebastel]

maybe interesting for LX5 users who can buy on taobao:

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=2961641621

my wife got it, and it's quite nice!
cheers,
s.

[sara]

Went ahead with the S100.

Sorry!

But I am not sorry for buying that camera. I think I made the right choice.

[sebastel]

i think so, too. enjoy.
and, thank you for updating!

[scorpius73]

I bought an S100 for my trip to London as well a month ago. I took it along with my M6 with a 50mm f2.8 Elmar M. My wife noticed that the Leica stayed in the bag alot. Goes to show I was very impressed with the S100. You will not be disapointed.

[jpfisher]

Sara--you didn't go wrong with the S100. I reviewed both it and the D-Lux 5 (Leica version of the LX5) recently and thought it offered excellent value for its cost. Both cameras are capable of capturing fine images, especially when you consider their size. Ejoy!

[River Dog]

Good move Sara. The LX5 is just not pocketable enough for a P&S and I hated the lens cap so I traded it for the S95. If you like getting in close with people in London, you will love it. Mute all sounds and switch off the AF assist lamp. You can zone focus with AF to a known distance (like a Tube carriage width) and then switch to MF to lock it in. It's well worth reading up on all the settings to get the best out of it.

Umm, a good excuse to show off my best S95 shot to date. The LX5 would not even have been with me on the train, but then I am a bloke with an iPad satchel