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Expert Recommendation
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Overview
In the search for a quality camera that doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of a DSLR, but can hold it’s own in any shooting situation, my first choice by a longshot is the Canon PowerShot G11.
My Best In Class Pick
Canon PowerShot G11
Whether you just want to travel light, or you really need to get that shot without a lot of fanfare, the Canon PowerShot G11 has the features you are looking for.
This 10MP camera with the Digic 4 Imaging sensor has alot of tools to capture the image the first time, when sometimes the first time is all you get.
Consider an ISO of 3200 that can be boosted up to 12,800 at 2.5MP. A small sacrifice in pixels when shooting in dark places (which may not even be necessary because of the dual anti-noise system that gives you back at least 2 stops of sensitivity). In other words, you have options.
And to make sure you are getting the best image possible, Canon has included a host of automatic features that give you the freedom to focus on the event and not the camera. You get face detection, a face detection timer so you can get in the shot and be counted, an optical image stabilizer, blink detection and intelligent contrast correction.
It seems that Canon know’s their stuff and they want you to have it too. That’s why I make the G11 my top pick.
Comparison with Leica C-LUX 3
Although the Leica C-LUX 3 comes in at half the weight of the G11, I’m not ready to give up an optical viewfinder or a hot shoe. After all, these cameras are chosen as alternatives to a heavier and bulkier DSLR, without losing the attributes I require in the field. And the Leica may be faster on the draw, 2.5 FPS versus the G11’s 1.1 FPS but doubling the ISO before the image gets noisy tilts me towards the Canon G11.
Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
The LX3 challenges the G11 in many ways. It’s lighter weight, gets more fps, has a bigger LCD and even has an optional viewfinder you can purchase separately. Both cameras have threaded lens barrels for optional lenses and a hot shoe for external flash. But Panasonic did an interesting thing to set themselves apart from the Canon, they offered an aperture range on their Leica lens at F2.0 and 24mm wide angle coverage. Even though the LX3 has double the fps as the G11, you lose half the zoom (Canon- 5x, Panasonic- 2.5x).
Pros
- +High ISO
- +Digic 4
- +Viewfinder
- +Photo effects
- +Swivel LCD
Cons
- -Low fps
- -Heavier than comparable models
Where to buy
Canon PowerShot G11
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Best Price:
$429
See It »
- $429 - $499 Compare Prices »
Specifications
- Zoom: 5.0x
- Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm (25% wider)
- Resolution: 10.0MP
- Easy to Use: Yes
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
| Product |
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| Customer Rating |
 
(from 162 reviews)
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(from 1 reviews)
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(from 165 reviews)
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| Price | $429 - $499 | $364 - $835 | |
| Camera Format | Compact | Ultra Compact | Compact |
| Weight (with batteries) | 13.2 oz | 5.1 oz | 9.3 oz |
| Easy to Use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Colors | Black | Black, Silver | Black, Silver |
| Body Material | Metal and Plastic | Metal | Metal |
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Sensor Size
Most digital cameras, even most digital SLRs, have sensors that are smaller than a standard frame of 35 mm film (36 x 24 mm). These smaller sensors have a number of effects on the captured image and the use of the camera, including an increased depth of field, decreased light sensitivity, increased pixel noise, and increased degree of enlargement.
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7.6 x 5.7 mm | 6.0 x 4.4 mm | 7.9 x 5.9 mm |
| Video Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Zoom | 5.0x | 5.0x | 2.5x |
| Image Stabilization Type | Optical (lens shift) | Optical (lens shift) | Optical (lens shift) |
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Max Aperture (wide-angle)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.0 |
| Max ISO Setting | 1600 | 1600 | 6400 |
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Face Detection Available
Face detection technology will try to set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well-exposed, and with the proper color.
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Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Viewfinder Available
A viewfinder is a window that you look through to compose the picture. Some cameras do not have a viewfinder and instead use the LCD display. The LCD display may be difficult to see in bright light and may make it more difficult to capture fast-moving subjects because of the time required to update the display.
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Yes | No | Yes |
| External Flash Connection Available | Yes | No | Yes |
| Max Shooting Speed (burst) | 1.1 frames/sec | 2.5 frames/sec | 1.9 frames/sec |
| Sensor Raw Format Available | Yes | No | Yes |
Leica C-LUX 3
Stylish and sleek, this 5.2 oz beauty with it’s metal body is not only a fashion statement when you take it out of your purse or jacket pocket, but will get the shot you want with a minimum of fuss.
As one of the few cameras that can claim optimum quality in the automatic mode, the C-LUX 3 makes it easy for you to trust the camera to make intelligent choices so you can get the shot spontaneously.
Leica accomplishes this with their VARIO-ELMARIT 4.4-22 mm f/2.8-5.9 ASPH lens, OIS image stabilizer, AF face detection, AF tracking and automatic contrast compensation. This is one time you literally point and shoot and leave the decisions up to the camera.
Sporting a 2.5” LCD with 230,00 pixels, you can frame and shoot your image confidently, even boosting the illumination for dimly lit or overbright situations. Perfect for reviewing photos or videos with your friends.
Leica has proved their value to the world, let them prove it to you.
Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
Twice as light as the LX3 and double the zoom, C-LUX 3 is a stylish and easy-to-operate camera that will produce best-quality images while making you look good at the same time.
Panasonic has been a leader in ultrazoom lenses, which surprises me when I find that the LX3 has only a 2.5 zoom. Other features of this camera make up for the lack of zoom, and since this camera is being recommended as an alternative to carrying your DSLR, a lot of zoom may not be the main purpose of owning it.
Pros
- +Lightweight
- +Stylish
- +Automatic
- +Bright LCD screen
- +Pocketable
Cons
- -Low ISO at full sensitivity
- -No video zoom
Where to buy
Leica C-LUX 3
Specifications
- Zoom: 5.0x
- Wide-Angle Lens: 25mm (40% wider)
- Resolution: 10.1MP
- Easy to Use: Yes
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
When a camera with the robust features of a DSLR and the portability of a compact are what you are looking for, the LX3 is worth considering.
Offering both auto and manual focus, a Leica lens with an aperture of 2.0 (wow!) and an optional viewfinder, this 9.3 oz. workhorse will never leave your side, or let you down.
The LX3 has a lot of controls right at your fingertips, allowing you to make artistic choices in a flash without a lot of flipping around in menus. And speaking of flash, the LX3 has a pop up flash reachable to 5.9m with the type of controls you have come to expect: Auto, auto red eye, forced on, forced off and synchro.
Now, if exploring your camera and flipping around in menus doesn’t scare you off, the LX3 has some functions that will give you options not usually available in most compacts. A film mode that allows you to shoot in 6 color and 3 monochrome settings, giving you the freedom to be creative. Shoot in Raw and get 3 different images to compare and select. There is also a multiple exposure feature that let’s you combine up to 3 images for even more creative inspiration.
It’s nice to know that compact camera makers are still working to achieve a solid, high quality and accessible alternative to the DSLR.
Pros
- +2.0 lens
- +Film mode
- +3" LCD with 460,000 dot res.
- +Leica lens
Cons
- -2.5x zoom
Where to buy
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
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Best Price:
$364
See It »
- $364 - $835 Compare Prices »
Recommended with
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Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical Viewfinder$141.76 @ Amazon.com
Specifications
- Zoom: 2.5x
- Wide-Angle Lens: 24mm (46% wider)
- Resolution: 10.1MP
- Easy to Use: Yes
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
How It Works
You tell us your budget, intended uses, and desired features. We show you personalized recommendations from unbiased experts to quickly identify the best digital camera for you.
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How to Pick Digital Cameras
- For Travel Photos
- For Photos of Children or Pets
- For Action or Sports Photos
- For Photos in Low Light
