[tryingtimes]

Hi all
I had spent ages researching and trying out the panny LX3 and canon G10. I couldn't decide between the bigger zoom range of the G10 versus the f/2 and 24mm of the LX3. Anyway - I decided to let my wife help with the final decision and she said 'no way' to either - saying that pocketablity was paramount.

So - I instantly looked around in the camera shop and found the Panasonic FX150 and Canon Ixus 870 IS which were both 28mm at the wide end. However after reading around on the internet, it seems that the Panny is extremely noisy and the Canon doesn't have a very good movie mode.

Anything else I should consider? Price isn't really the issue - up to £350 is fine. But I'd like...
Compact size (TZ5 was too big)
Wide angle (28mm or wider)
Usable zoom range (the LX3's limitation was a worry)
HD movie mode if possible
Usable ISO 400 shots (i.e. not worse than my current Canon S70).
Manual mode
RAW would be great.

Cheers
tt

[Keiron]

I have the LX3. Your wife is right, it isn't pocketable. I would also say that the image quality does not justify the price. Noise is clearly visible at ISO 200, so it's just as well it has that fast lens.

I also have a Fuji F10 - images are clean as a whistle. I'm considering changing to the F100 for the 28mm lens, and returning the LX3. Don't be put off by the low price of the Fuji!

[tryingtimes]

I've taken a look at the F100fd and it's an interesting camera. I think for similar money, the Canon 870IS is still more attractive to me though. Maybe.
If I end up getting a camera around the £150-180 mark, I might just get a second for my dad. he's been toying with the idea of one for a while and it would be helpful for us to have identical cameras.

I've now discounted the FX150 and decided that the FX37 would be the panasonic model to go for (or the touchscreen FX500). Their HD movie modes and large feature spec do tempt but every review mentions average to poor above base ISO performance, which is pretty annoying.

Any other thoughts?

[Craig_E]

A bit wasteful, but have you entertained the idea of getting two cameras? A cheap point-and-shoot for the boss and day-to-day events, and something decent for holidays and you to carry around.

[tryingtimes]

Actually my wife mentioned that - saying I could get the G10 and get a little one for her. It's an interesting idea but I can't help thinking there should be a good middle ground camera.
A G10/LX3 would be £300-£350 and then I'd probably have to spend around £120 on a compact.

hmmmmm - I'll consider it, but I had kind of got used to the idea over the last few days that I might only have to spend £200 in total.

Edit: there's always the G9 I suppose.