I'm really liking the LX-7

Don't think I've had such a fun digi-cam before. Other cams I own include the Canon S400, Canon G7, Canon SD700 and the Fuji F30. The G7 with manual buttons is nice but too big for carrying around.

I picked up a LX-5 on sale some time ago. I liked it instantly. The look, the close macro mode, the feel, the size, the responsiveness, the flash results, the buttons for choosing aspect ratio and AF mode and the look of the images ALL contributed to a very satisfying user experience. If a camera is fun to use, you'll liklye use it more often. I would have been TOTALLY happy with the LX-5 and though the LX-7 was tempting...I would have stayed with the LX-5, it was that fun to use....until the LX-7 went on sale for an incredible $299. I was NOT expecting that. Then some hard decisions had to be made...a lot of research.  If anyone is trying to decide between the LX-5 and LX-7 and doesn't want to pay the now $400+ for the LX-7, the LX-5 is a steal at $249 for what it gives you.  I would have been happy with either but at $299 for the LX-7, it made the decision a bit easier.

One advantage I saw the LX-5 having over the LX-7 was in the length of continuous video recording. Panasonic then nixed that idea. That made it easier to lean toward the LX-7. It has so much to offer even over a great little cam like the LX-5. The one thing I am appreciating right now is the f/1.4. I am shooting ever lower ISO at 1.4 indoors under low light. To know I'll only be at f/2.3 at the long end is great too.

I wanted to keep both cameras but just could not justify it right now. Believe me, I did not want to let the LX-5 go even though I had only taken maybe 20 shots with it, if that. I fell for that camera from the very first shot. I really wanted to keep both. None of my Canon's ever had that appeal....maybe the S100 which I may pick up if the price drops more. I will likely carry the S100 around more with me than the LX-7 due to size...but I am not going to justify having both unless the S100 drops to $229 or so, if and when Amazon decides to clear it out. I was feeling that way earlier but may just stick with the LX-7 only.

I do notice the LX-7 tends towards red-eye as mentioned in Jeff's review of the flash performance in the review of the LX-7 on DPReview. Did not notice that on the LX-5. But I have a red-eye removal tool in PS CS6 that is quick to fix it.

But right now, the two things I'm appreciating about the LX-7 is the close macro at 1cm...sometimes I don't realize how close the lens is to the subject until it bumps into it. The second thing is the f/1.4 allowing me to keep ISO very low.

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I know you mean well but please do not embed my images into the forum. Thanks for respecting that. http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/some_recent_shots http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/a_red_fox_family http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/55043863/small.jpg