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General discussion

Looking to replace my Leica C-Lux-2

Dec 12, 2011 3:04AM PST

The C-Lux-2 takes nice pictures, but I want a camera that takes better low light concert pictures.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Discussion is locked

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Leica
Dec 12, 2011 6:16AM PST

Leica does make a camera that should work well in low (concert) light.
It is the X1.

http://www.amazon.com/Leica-X1-12-2MP-Digital-Camera/dp/B002NX13QC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_p_9

The price is about $2,000.

For low light you need:
1.
A lens that captures a lot of light.
Measured in aperture (i.e. f/2.8 is twice as bright as f/4 which is twice as bright as f/5.6)
2.
A camera sensor that is large (22.2x14.8 mm - about half the size of 35mm film)
3.
ISO settings of at least 3,200 which is twice as bright as 1,600, which is twice as bright as 800, etc)

..

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Looking to replace my C-Lux-2
Dec 13, 2011 3:57PM PST

$2000. is our of my ballpark but thanks for the suggestion.

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Can you afford $1,000?
Dec 15, 2011 12:17PM PST

If so, I would recommend a Panasonic G3 + 20mm f1.7 "pancake" lens over the Fuji X10 because the G3's larger 4/3 sensor will give you better lowlight performance--my guess would be around 2 stops--in a package that's around the same size.

Obviously, in addition to the higher price, the other drawback of the G3 + 20mm would be the fixed focal length--20mm (40mm equiv.) vs 7-28mm (28-122mm equiv.) so maybe check the EXIF data on your current pics and see what focal length the majority of them are. If they are longer, you might consider the Olympus 45mm f1.8 lens (90mm equiv.) instead of (or, in addition to, if you can afford both) the 20mm pancake. But the 45mm, in addition to being longer focal length-wise, is also longer physically. Although, not enough to make it unworkable in my experience. (I've shot a bunch of concerts with both lenses on my GH2.)

Additionally, the flip-out LCD on the G3 comes in really handy when taking pics over the heads/hands/arms of the people in front of you.

Mark

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Concert Camera
Dec 12, 2011 6:35AM PST

Besides the ability to work well in low light without flash, I assume it probably needs to be inconspicuous. A DSLR would work the best, but many venues do not allow those kinds of cameras to be used (if they allow photos at all).
Are you satisfied with the optical zoom of your current camera? That too is an issue; the more zoom you want, the larger the lens needs to be (if you want it to work well in low light).

If it needs to remain relatively small and you do not want an interchangeable lens camera, probably the best is the new Fujifilm X10. It has a bigger sensor than your current camera, and a much brighter 28-112mm f/2.0-2.8 lens.

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Concert Camera
Dec 13, 2011 3:59PM PST

I will look into the FujiFilm X10.
Inconspicuous is a MAJOR plus.

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In my opinion,
Dec 18, 2011 12:55PM PST

Leica X1 and Sony Nex5N are some good candidates for you to consider. Try them out ! Good luck.