I am shopping for an upgrade to my Samsung TL 500 (ex-1). I use the camera for times when I do not want to carry my dslr- or as a backup. Like so many threads I have read, this seems to be a common theme.
I have used the TL 500 for travel and general photography. My other hobby is painting military miniatures and attending shows (conventions). The shows are basically art type exhibitions. This stuff is in the 54-200mm range in size with some larger pieces as well, so close up shots and a little DOF are important. The TL 500 is great for 100-200 iso pictures, but when you get to 400 on up- really 800, the images suck. At the shows, I like to shoot without flash as it really compliments the work. The venues are large hotel ballrooms.
Here is a sample pic:
Handling on the TL 500 is not that great, lots of things are buried in menus, and I frequently change the iso by accident because the control wheel is too clost to where you grip the camera. For travel photos, I frequently have the urge to put the camera to my face ( I grew up using a Leica IIIg to shoot yearbook photos). It bugs me not to have a veiwfinder- but for closeup shots where I can stabilize my hands the rear lcd has advantages.
So, my questions- I think the Fuji X10 or X20 would be a good all rounder. I was also considering the LX 7 or Sony RX 100. They all seem to do better at 800 iso than the TL 500. The RX 100 the best, but for $600 I could get the X20 with better user interface and a OVF.
For $370 or less the X10 or the LX7 seems like a no brainer. Owners like them still, but is the iso performance better than the Samsung? The LX 7 with EVF is a little less than the price of the X20, but looking at tests it seems the X20 has an edge. RX100 has clean images, but no viewfinder- but I can stuff it in my cargo pocket when on the move or hiking. But hows the close up?? Do you think the X10 or LX-7 would work as a replacement - whats your experience with low light??
X20 it seems to be a improvement, is it that much better for $230 more??
Thanks for your help.
Matt
I have used the TL 500 for travel and general photography. My other hobby is painting military miniatures and attending shows (conventions). The shows are basically art type exhibitions. This stuff is in the 54-200mm range in size with some larger pieces as well, so close up shots and a little DOF are important. The TL 500 is great for 100-200 iso pictures, but when you get to 400 on up- really 800, the images suck. At the shows, I like to shoot without flash as it really compliments the work. The venues are large hotel ballrooms.
Here is a sample pic:
Handling on the TL 500 is not that great, lots of things are buried in menus, and I frequently change the iso by accident because the control wheel is too clost to where you grip the camera. For travel photos, I frequently have the urge to put the camera to my face ( I grew up using a Leica IIIg to shoot yearbook photos). It bugs me not to have a veiwfinder- but for closeup shots where I can stabilize my hands the rear lcd has advantages.
So, my questions- I think the Fuji X10 or X20 would be a good all rounder. I was also considering the LX 7 or Sony RX 100. They all seem to do better at 800 iso than the TL 500. The RX 100 the best, but for $600 I could get the X20 with better user interface and a OVF.
For $370 or less the X10 or the LX7 seems like a no brainer. Owners like them still, but is the iso performance better than the Samsung? The LX 7 with EVF is a little less than the price of the X20, but looking at tests it seems the X20 has an edge. RX100 has clean images, but no viewfinder- but I can stuff it in my cargo pocket when on the move or hiking. But hows the close up?? Do you think the X10 or LX-7 would work as a replacement - whats your experience with low light??
X20 it seems to be a improvement, is it that much better for $230 more??
Thanks for your help.
Matt