Compact Raw

Shame indeed. However reading some of the comments in the reviews for the G12, they question why Canon has not released an interchangeable lens mirror less camera. It seems they see this as the way forward for best IQ. Maybe Pentax have just skipped a generation

Panasonic LX5 would definitely be my choice,if it's good enough for Charlie Waite it's definitely good enough for me...

whilst I'm really happy with the K5 unfortunately Pentax wouldn't be on my list if looking for a high quality compact


Simon

I wonder if Canon were doing a Pentax by relying on their DSLR users to keep their sales up and thinking of mirorless as a passing fad (just as Pentax did with film/digital).

Hello all

Not sure I am qualified technically, but can offer my experience!

Whilst I would like to, it is not always possible to carry around the Pentax - even with smallest lens it will not fit in my suit pocket!

My good lady has an LX3 and gets some wonderful shots. The optional viewfinder for this is, however, expensive and is just a magnifying glass!

The LX5 can use the newer viewfinder which links to the camera.

For my sins, I have a GF2 - which I am very happy with. Again, have some shots I am very happy with. With the pancake lens attached it is pocketable. I also have the electronic viewfinder (same as for the LX5) which is very useful in certain situations.

Panasonic seem to update their micro 4/3 camera bodies every Tuesday or Wednesday - which means they discount last weeks model and you can pick up a GF2 for less than an LX5 (for some reason they update their high end compacts less frequently?) - had a quick look on SRS and GF2s are going for 169 body or 299 with 14mm pancake.

I think that is a cracking deal - read the reviews and launch price of the GF2.

There is also a new "X" lens coming out, which is pancake proportions but gives 14-42mm zoom.

If you start sticking on other lenses (i.e. 100-300mm), you may as well stick with the Pentax as it will not be pocketable.

Sorry - forgot to say - all of the above will save RAW.

Hope that helps

Lloyd

Thanks for that.

Does your electronic finder display things like shutter speed and aperture or is it just for framing?

It seems that the optical finder is more expensive than the electronic but both are cheaper than the Q's.

Hi Barrie

Yes, the electronic viewfinder displays everything the camera body does. It has a little connector - a bit like a USB, which slides in under the hotshoe.

It also has diopter adjustment and a button to switch the view between screen or viewfinder.

Finally, should you ever need - it tilts up to 90 degrees so you can look forward and point the camera at the sky! Not something I use a lot - but there if you need it.

I paid a fortune for my good ladies optical viewfinder - assuming it was the same - honestly, I should have got a magnifying glass and some blu-tack!

Thanks

Lloyd