Recently over the past couple years I have seen more and more of what has been called “pro-sumer” cameras. These professional level point and shoot cameras seem to be the digital answer to the old viewfinders of the film age. Unfortunately a lot of people thing cameras in terms of megapixel ratings or retarded features like dual LCD displays (Samsung’s newest). But the truth is 10MP doesn’t equal 10MP. Lens quality, image processing and CCD size all factor into making a great photo great and a camera phone photo…well, shite.
However, this new line doesn’t compromise. Using the same high-end components of their digital SLR cousins, these cameras boast excellent photo standards with a high level of user control, large lenses without the need to look like Nick Carver everywhere you go. (HaHa…Zing, Nick!) Here’s a quick list of my picks:
Canon Powershot G11
Probably the first in this class that caught my attention was this bad boy. A couple years earlier I lugged a huge SLR around Europe and came home to find this…the camera I should have bought. Only 10MP but with a better lens (wide angle ~28mm) and image processor, expect sharper images with less noise than any point shoot with more. No HD video though.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
Another in the high end spectrum from Panasonic’s Lumix brand. With the same innerds as their DSLR and the ability to shoot 30fps Full HD, not to mention a super small package.
http://www.panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/lx3/index.html
Olympus Pen E-P1
One of my favorites on this list, Olympus’s E-P1 is a true throwback to the retro PEN viewfinders. Amazing styling aside, this camera features interchangeable lenses! However, wait for the E-P2. Like many first gens this one has its annoying flaws and the things the engineers just plain old forgot about…like a flash. Nice style though, just shake it down a bit and I’ll buy.
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1461
Sigma DP-2
The first digital camera specifically made for shooting black and white? I’m only asking because I don’t want to say it and be wrong. But that’s what Sigma claims. Features a full frame CCD…the same one from their DSLR line.
http://www.sigma-dp.com/DP2/main.html
Leica M8
By far the most expensive camera on this list at $3995 (Jess, this is the one I want), the Leica M9 is my favorite (I don’t care what I said before.) This is Leica’s second generation of the a digital M-body camera. The M8 entered the world with mixed reviews, as Leica, the once gold standard of cameras in the film age had waited quite a bit to get into digital. The wait had cost them with the mediocre success of the M8. That said, the M9 TOTALLY KICKS ASS!
Here’s why, first off its a f-ing Leica… made from magnesium alloy and solid brass from Germans. Things that Leica has perfected from years of doing this are hard to spot individually, but add up to the same reason that a Mercedes is better than a Ford. It’s not in megapixels (18 by the way) and ISO settings (80 – 2500), but in the shutter that’s built like a swiss watch or full frame CCD that has its own IR filter on it. Interchagable lenses and the fact that God himself uses this camera, pretty much sum up to…Jessica, buy me this.
