LX7, or wait for LX8

[Frederoxx]

Hi guys.

I live in Denmark, and i'm going to New York in may. I'm thinking of bying a camera in NY for shooting Street Photography.

I would like to buy the Lumix LX7 - But ive read that the LX8 is in stores this year. Probably this summer ?

Hmm, i know its all rumors, and no one can say anything for certain, but i cant figure out what to do.

But .. Im not that happy about buying a 2 year old camera, if the LX8 is arriving soon.

What do you think the price would be for the LX8 ?

Any advice ?

Best regards

Frederik

 

[AnalogJ]

Not that I'm the first to know or anything, but I haven't heard anything about a successor coming along. That being said, the LX7 is a jewel of a camera, particularly with the LVF2 viewfinder added to the package (though not necessary).

To me, Panasonic hit the nail on the head with this one. And if this means anything, Leica just issued a new edition of the camera, new in cosmetics only. They obviously think they have a product STILL worthy of support.

I can only think that peripherals like WiFi will get added. The LX7 is still a close to perfect camera in its price class as long as long range zoom is not a requirement.

 

[Ronomy]

Not that I'm the first to know or anything, but I haven't heard anything about a successor coming along. That being said, the LX7 is a jewel of a camera, particularly with the LVF2 viewfinder added to the package (though not necessary).

To me, Panasonic hit the nail on the head with this one. And if this means anything, Leica just issued a new edition of the camera, new in cosmetics only. They obviously think they have a product STILL worthy of support.

I can only think that peripherals like WiFi will get added. The LX7 is still a close to perfect camera in its price class as long as long range zoom is not a requirement.

+1! Couldn't agree more. This camera will be with me for many moons and not just as a still image camert...video is outstanding even in low light.

 

[Joseph Broz]

The LX7 is a wonderful little camera. But it will take time to master the wonderful ability of this camera. I predict the LX7vis in your future.




A 200mm crystal ball

 

[Cyril Catt]

AnalogJ wrote: Not that I'm the first to know or anything, but I haven't heard anything about a successor coming along. That being said, the LX7 is a jewel of a camera, particularly with the LVF2 viewfinder added to the package (though not necessary).

To me, Panasonic hit the nail on the head with this one. And if this means anything, Leica just issued a new edition of the camera, new in cosmetics only. They obviously think they have a product STILL worthy of support.

I can only think that peripherals like WiFi will get added. The LX7 is still a close to perfect camera in its price class as long as long range zoom is not a requirement.

I'd agree. Potential 'improvements' (?) to a new LX model might include:

• an inbuilt EVF - hopefully with higher resolution than those on the LF1 and ZS40/TZ60 - however, some might prefer to avoid the likely higher cost that would incur, and retain the optional LVF2;

• a Control ring;

• Focus peaking;

• WiFi;

• GPS;

• Touch screen;

• loss of 18mm accessory lens capability

If there is an LX7 replacement this year, it will most likely be the 'LX9', as Panasonic seems to exclude even numbers.

 

[Sergei Golikov]

I've been smitten by the LX7 recently through a chance encounter with the Leica equivalent, so am in a similar wait and see position, waiting to see if a successor is in the wings.

 

[windmillgolfer]

At the prices on offer in the US, I'd get both the LX7 and LVF2 unless there is confirmed news on the release of an LX9 (which, as a new camera, would be very much more expensive). Given the US/European price differentials you would lose very little if/when you subsequently re-sell them. The LX7 is a cracking camera and was a very welcome upgrade from the LX5.

I doubt an LX9 will have better optics; improvements are more likely in the sensor and processing power to improve IQ, plus wifi. If Panasonic were to meld LX quality sensor/ optics with the TZ60's handling/controls and a better inbuilt EVF (though I'd live with the same low res EVF) I'd be very pleased indeed. The only other improvement they could make would be to articulate the LCD, in which case the there'd be less need for an inbuilt EVF.

--

Stuart
Also at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/
Mr Ichiro Kitao, please upgrade the FZ50

 

[AnalogJ]

The LX7 is a wonderful little camera. But it will take time to master the wonderful ability of this camera. I predict the LX7vis in your future.




A 200mm crystal ball

I have had this camera for 3/4 year and I'm still figuring it out.

 

[AnalogJ]

At the prices on offer in the US, I'd get both the LX7 and LVF2 unless there is confirmed news on the release of an LX9 (which, as a new camera, would be very much more expensive). Given the US/European price differentials you would lose very little if/when you subsequently re-sell them. The LX7 is a cracking camera and was a very welcome upgrade from the LX5.

I doubt an LX9 will have better optics; improvements are more likely in the sensor and processing power to improve IQ, plus wifi. If Panasonic were to meld LX quality sensor/ optics with the TZ60's handling/controls and a better inbuilt EVF (though I'd live with the same low res EVF) I'd be very pleased indeed. The only other improvement they could make would be to articulate the LCD, in which case the there'd be less need for an inbuilt EVF.

--

Stuart
Also at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/
Mr Ichiro Kitao, please upgrade the FZ50

I looked at the LF1 this week and found the built in viewfinder to be quite weak. Okay for composing, but its color and light rendition to be inadequate.

 

[Frederoxx]

Thanks for the replys !

I'm thinking, i will buy the LX7 when i get to NY. + The LVF2

Not long ago the price for the camera was 299 ,- But i believe that the price is going up again ?

The cheapest i can find i about 350 dollars incl a 32 GB SD card.

Do you have a better price somwhere ?

Thanks

Frederik

 

[dbmodernimage]

Maybe the LX7 will be the last of the LX line? Perhaps Panasonic is looking to compete with the Sony RX100 in offering the LF1 (or replacement)as a small pocket camera or going to the GM1 for better image quality which with the pancake lens is not too far off size wise.Just a thought really as I don't know what market share and how profitable the LX series has been for Panasonic especially with the RX on the market and new compacts rumoured from Nikon using the 1" sensor and the NX mini from Samsung.

If you can get the LX7 for a good price I would go for it as it is a very capable camera. My carry round camera is an LX5 which is with me when I leave the house and I still really enjoy using as it feels just right for me. It is a good trade off between image quality and portability. Personally I would like to see a new LX with built in viewfinder, wifi, focus peaking etc.

Just my 2 cents worth

 

[Joseph Broz]

I purchased the electronic view finder for the LX7 and am very happy with the result.

 

[94]

I have the optical add-on finder DMW-VF1 and like it a bunch. The camera has a function for its use - turns off the LCD, and the framing is quite good except, of course, at close range. A nice alternative to the electronic version which I found to be bad enough to return.

 

[AnalogJ]

I have the optical add-on finder DMW-VF1 and like it a bunch. The camera has a function for its use - turns off the LCD, and the framing is quite good except, of course, at close range. A nice alternative to the electronic version which I found to be bad enough to return.

In what way was the LVF2 "bad"? It's not the equivalent of an SLR view, but it's damn good and far better than the LF1 viewfinder. Its color and dynamic range is quite good.

 

[Cyril Catt]

Frederoxx wrote: Thanks for the replys !

I'm thinking, i will buy the LX7 when i get to NY. + The LVF2

Not long ago the price for the camera was 299 ,- But i believe that the price is going up again ?

The cheapest i can find i about 350 dollars incl a 32 GB SD card.

Do you have a better price somewhere ? Thanks Frederik

The LVF2's main disadvantage is that it makes the LX7 bulkier, whilst the alternative of mounting it and demounting it every time you use the camera is inconvenient.

A less bulky (and less costly) alternative is to use a Clearviewer, which turns the LCD into a "virtual EVF", and can be quickly folded against the camera to reduce bulk when not in use.

Of the two, as a shortsighted glasses wearer, using a shoulder bag (which can hold the LX7 with LVF2 mounted) whenever I leave home, I prefer the LVF2. But either device enhances the LX7 use in brightly lit situations. However, I use a Clearviewer to give me the "virtual EVF" convenience on my ZS15.

 

[AnalogJ]

The LVF2's main disadvantage is that it makes the LX7 bulkier, whilst the alternative of mounting it and demounting it every time you use the camera is inconvenient.

A less bulky (and less costly) alternative is to use a Clearviewer, which turns the LCD into a "virtual EVF", and can be quickly folded against the camera to reduce bulk when not in use.

Of the two, as a shortsighted glasses wearer, using a shoulder bag (which can hold the LX7 with LVF2 mounted) whenever I leave home, I prefer the LVF2. But either device enhances the LX7 use in brightly lit situations. However, I use a Clearviewer to give me the "virtual EVF" convenience on my ZS15.

 

[kkardster]

Any advice ?

It doesn't really matter how "old" a new camera is unless it's missing something you need. If the LX7 does what you want, why wait? Buy it. Any replacement will cost more and may not be available by the time you visit. There are still real camera stores in NYC so you should be able to try-before-you-buy if you plan to purchase state-side - but you may have trouble finding a European version if that matters.

--

Bruce
You learn something new every time you press the shutter

 

[geoffmalter]

+1

 

[dkotenoglou]

Ironically I was going to post a question very similar to this one.

I am an owner of an LX5. My primary subject is my very active 5 year old.

Outdoors is no issue, but indoors is a challenge. All too often lighting is a challenge so I end up missing moments or the shots are very grainy. I have used the flash when I can, but things get so washed out.

I have done a ton of reading and watched several training videos on the camera and I have gotten better. Even turning down the flash a few steps.

I am on a budget, but would it be worth for me to buy an LX7? I know about the Fstop improvement, but would it really help that much indoors?

We are parents on the go, so an external flash is not an option.

I should add that i live in Pittsburgh (formerly a New Yorker) so I dont have the advantage of going to a real camera store and talking to some experts.

Thoughts opinions of people who had experience with both models?

 

[geoffmalter]

I have had my LX5 for two years before I bought my 7. The 5 is still a good camera, but the 7's faster lens, burst rate, and better LCD (and optional LVF2) can make a difference. B&H and Adorama have very fair return policies.