Which Digital Camera is the Absolute Best Prosumer Compact?

Find a camera that is perfect for your (almost) professional needs!

At this level, you expect to pay a bit more, but the value in terms of extras is well worth the extra $$$. Many pros carry these cameras with them at all times just so they don't miss a quick photo-op. Output quality can essentially be the same as some of the lower end DSLR's. And features give the photographer plenty of leeway in how much control they have over the final outcome after pressing the shutter button.

Photographers who are looking to step up to this level are usually looking for a more advandced camera with advantages that are not found in basic point-and-shoot cameras. Such as:

• More manual control
• Better image quality
• Better response time (AF speed, shutter delay, etc)
• Longer or wider zoom lens options

At the other end of the spectrum, some folks who are already DSLR owners may be looking for an additional camera for these reasons:

• The same image quality that they are used
• Less to carry in certain situations that do not require the DSLR
• A good back up camera
• Something less noticable than their bulky DSLR
• Even though it is a compact (not DSLR), they still want controls similar to the DSLR

The three Prosumer cameras that I recommend are:

Canon G11, Canon Powershot S95, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Canon Powershot G11

Canon has recently released the upgrade from the previous G10 model. Interestingly, they decreased the number of megapixels... very strange. Perhaps someone at Canon had a moment of sanity and realized that pixel count is not the goal. But image quality is King.

The G11 has more the look of a professional camera than the LX3 which may suit the tastes of some photographers. Image quality is equal to the lower end DSLR Digital Rebel XSi (whidh is excellent according to all reviews).

Basic Features include:

• 10 Megapixel Image Resolution
• 5x zoom lens - 28-140mm
• Aperture is f/2.8 at the widest and f/4.5 when zoomed
• Optical Image Stabilization
• Optical Viewfinder (very important to some folks)
• ISO 80-3200
• LCD - 2.8" tilt and swivel screen (none of the models below have this)
• 18 Scene Modes
• Video - VGA movies 640 x 480 @ 30fps
• File Formats include RAW, JPEG, and AVI(movie)

Note: The Canon G12 is now on the market. It has increased video to 1080 X 720 @ 24 fps in HD format.

User reviews on DPReview.com for the Canon Powershot G11 are an amazing 4.19 out of 5 from 71 users. And on Amazon users have posted average ratings of 4.5 out of 5 from 139 users.

Panasonic DMC-LX5

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is an extremely well regarded camera by all reviewers. Even though it looks quite like other point-and -shoot cameras and it is not much bigger, it packs a powerful, professional punch.

Basic Features include:

• 10 Megapixel Image Resolution
• Leica 2.5x zoom lens - 24-60mm
• Aperture is f/2.0 at 24mm and f2.8 at 60mm (this is excellent)
• Optical Image Stabilization
• ISO 80-3200 (higher ISO is good for low level light situations)
• LCD - 3.0" with screen resolution of 460,000 pixels
• 23 Scene Modes
• Continuous shooting of about 2.9 fps
• Hot shoe for attaching an external flash
• Video - HD（16:9 Aspect Ratio）: 1280x720 pixels 24fps

User reviews: on Amazon users have posted average ratings of 4.4 out of 5 from 47 users.

*Note: Although this camera is very highly rated at all photo review sites, it remains difficult to find in stock.

Canon PowerShot S95

Canon has introduced a new S-series camera. It is slimmer and lighter than its predecessors. It may be the perfect everyday camera for people who are serious about great photography. Image quality is superb thanks to the new High Sensitivity System and higher ISO speeds, plus an exceptionally bright f/2.0 lens that makes portraits and low-light shots come to life. Photography enthusiasts will love the new control ring at the base of the lens barrel, designed for intuitive, pro-style manual control.

Basic Features include:

• Lens Control Ring
• 10 million pixels sensor
• RAW shooting
• Fast f/2.0-4.9 maximum aperture range
• Lens covering the classic 28-105mm range
• Dual Anti-Noise System (high sensitivity sensor and Digic 4 noise reduction)
• 3.0 inch PureColor II LCD
• Optical Image Stabilization
• Smarter Scene Detection
• Low Light mode
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• HD video output

User reviews on DPReview.com for the (S95 has not been rated yet). And on Amazon users have posted average ratings for the S95 of 4.34 out of 5 from 71 users.

Differences??

	G11	S95	LX5
Image Sensor (10MP vs 10MP):
High ISO Noise Level (able to take better photos in low light):
HD Video Output:
Articulating (movable) LCD screen
Zoom Range:
Wide Angle Lens (LX5 has f2.0 at 24mm):
File Format (output in RAW and JPEG):
Hot shoe for external flash
Continuous Shooting
Price

The Bottom Line

Overall, these are excellent cameras, and no matter which one ends up in your camera bag (or pocket), you will not be disappointed. However, for my $$$ I would choose the Panasonic Lumix DMS LX5 for a couple of reasons. First, the pros love this little camera. It has the most positive comments of all prosumer cameras by the experts. Second, it is truly a pocket camera. Third, it has a continuous shooting rate that is quite respectable for a compact. Fourth, it has the ability to attach an external flash to give a more professional looking photo.

On the other hand, the Canon S95 is looking good because it has nearly the same benefits and features as the Lumix LX5 for a much more attractive price tag.