Curious- what compact do you use?

Hi,
I have a Pentax K-X and a Panasonic ZS3 (compact superzoom).
I keep the Panasonic with me in the car and on me whenever I don't have my DSLR with me.
I'm going to change it for a compact with full manual controls. I've put (suprise, suprise) a lot of research into it and handled a lot of cameras instore. I have my mind made up ( I think); the Samsung EX-1

There seems to be two options-go for a top end but small zoom camera; I know ideally it'd be own one of each.
Top end ones: Canon S95, G12, Panasonic LX5, Nikon P7000, Samsung EX1 etc or go for a longer zoom but worse in low light/slower aperture and less IQ; Panasonic TZ/ZS series, Casio EX-FH100 or similar.
The Sony NEX, four thirds cameras are too big once you have a zoom lens on it I think.

All have thier pluses, if there was a pocketable top end one with slightly larger zoom it'd sell like hotcakes I'd imagine.
The S95 is very pocketable which is a big advantage if you want to have it on your person (in jeans).
The LX5 can take an EVF, which you might or mightn't use. It's expensive.
The EX1 has a swivel screen and great screen resolution.
Some of the top ends are slightly too big for jeans (G12, P7000) and some fit just about (LX5, EX1).

I'm just curious what compact you own, did you go for the longer zoom or top end camera but smaller zoom, do you miss the long zoom, if it's not pocketable do you miss that etc.
Cheers,
Pa.

For pocket: Pentax I-10

For studio: Pentax X90

used to have a canon g5... loved it.
now it's the ds2 with m 50mm .. not exactly compact...
would like to have the g12 or that new nikon though....
John, that x90, has it got any pc socket or hotshoe for studio lights? or are you just using the flash manually to fire your strobes?
does it do p-ttl with Pentax strobes?
Just curious...

For those situations where a Kx + small lens is just too big, or you weren't expecting to take a camera with you, I find a cameraphone is sufficient. After all, I can guarantee I've got my phone on me at all times but a compact camera would be sat in a forgotten bag same as a DSLR... what's the phrase, the best camera to have is the one in your hand?

good point. My iphone gets used alot even alongside my d-slrs for geo tagging....

I've just got the Optio RZ10. My first compact. I like it so far, even the lime green colour .

I have a phone from the stone age so no camera on it, and no desire to update it - it works and does all I need.

I use it with continuous lighting for my eBay shots. The beauty is that the same lens will go from 1cm to infinity so regardless of the product there is minimal messing about. It works and the quality is actually excellent.

There are some things that compacts do better than DSLRs, in some circumstances.

Ricoh GR-Digital

Lovely IQ, great control layout, hotshoe, fantastic optical finder (if rather an expensive option - worth it though), RAW shooting (albeit very s-l-o-w), fits in my jeans pocket and goes with me everywhere.

It's a fixed 28mm (equiv) lens so I appreciate it doesn't suit everyone, but I haven't found it particularly restrictive.

Like JR, I also use my compact for eBay pics as the small sensor/wide lens combined with a minimum focus distance of 1cm means I can do macro shots and still have a massive depth of field. Plus I can sync to my external flash at any speed - perfect for table top work.

Wife has the D-Lux 3 which I get to use. Don't miss the long lens. I've used a FZ28 and prefer the IQ over the reach.

Pocketable is not so much of a problem. "Is that a LX5 in your pocket ....or are you just pleased to see me". If you can fit a camera in your pocket, you need to buy better fitting trousers.

I like an optical viewfinder but screens are getting more useable.

I'd happily have the latest LX5 and the S95 looks pretty good. (and the EX1 too).

That has to be quote of the week...

Lumix DMC-FX550 for me - small enough to fit in reasonably well fitting trousers - great little Leica lens, 12 x zoom and nearly as much user control as a DSLR. Rarely leave home without it and have produced some very credible shots with it

Carl

Panasonic Lumix FX7, bought it many years ago, and it's still doing my wife and I proud. The Leica lenses on the Lumix compacts really makes a difference.

I use an outdated Canon IXUS-860, 28-105 eqv, 3.8 Zoom, 8 Mpx.

And sorry, you can't have it.
I like it because it's very pockety-small, reliable, is not rocket-science to take half decent pix and it just works!

Besides, even my best mate doesn't abuse me too much when I impose upon him with it.
(not a single Go away, or POQ on that occasion)

link

And trust me, when you have as few friends as I do, then that's pretty important.

.R.

I use a Pentax Optio S60. Great camera

Currently have a pretty standard P&S - Canon Ixus 85IS

After my recent trip to China it's become very clear that the Ixus is too limited for my requirements - soon to be replaced by the Panasonic TZ10

Simon