Best value compact digital for amateurs

[kidsplayingsoccer]

I'm looking to buy a compact digital for my brother and his fiancé as a wedding gift. They're not photographers and will likely not use the camera much beyond its basic functions. I can see them learning a bit about how to operate it, but I still think it's unlikely that the gift will set off some spark of inspiration. Still, I want to get them something relatively timeless (e.g., something that won't be totally outdone by the next year's models), and that will take very HQ (HD, etc.) pics. Nothing too cumbersome, either.

This is all to say that I'd like any recommendations people have for a good, well-priced camera ($400-$700, ideally) that says "I care" without it being something whose features and skill-level requirements are beyond them. I thought about the Leica V-LUX 20 ($529 on Amazon). Leica= built well and has the "nice gift" factor, but also might be too complex for them.

Ideally, I'd like people to recommend based on personal experience with the cameras. Thanks so much for all of your help!

 

[KmH]

High quality photographs are a result of photographer knowledge and skill.

 

[JDFlood]

Actually, I think you hit it on the head. I think the V lux 20 is the perfect choice, for the reasons you say. I used to own the film equivalent of it, and now have an X2... Which works as a point and shoot well. I looked into purchasing a V LUX 20 a few months ago... Really wide range lens. I think I can recommend it as ideal for your Purpose. JD

 

[kidsplayingsoccer]

Actually, I think you hit it on the head. I think the V lux 20 is the perfect choice, for the reasons you say. I used to own the film equivalent of it, and now have an X2... Which works as a point and shoot well. I looked into purchasing a V LUX 20 a few months ago... Really wide range lens. I think I can recommend it as ideal for your Purpose. JD

Thanks for the reply. What do you (/everyone else) think of the Panasonic Lumix DMC LX5? Less expensive, but still with a Leica lens (and seems like people really like it).

 

[Steve5D]

I've got the Canon G12, and that thing goes everywhere with me. It's got some advanced functions, but they (and their controls) don't get in the way if you don't want to use them.

Canon's just released the G15 at $499.00. If it had the articulating screen like the G12, I'd be all over it...

 

[JDFlood]

I have a G12 as well. It is a good little camera, but is not elegant at all. I use it for hiking and backpacking. I'm not fond of it's low light performance. But for a gift... It's kind of like a lump of black plastic. The Lumix is more elegant, and a good camera. Given the difference in cost a contender. But the optical zoom is nowhere live the Leica. I will admit a fondness for Leica. JD

 

[JDFlood]

I have a G12 as well. It is a good little camera, but is not elegant at all. I use it for hiking and backpacking. I'm not fond of it's low light performance. But for a gift... It's kind of like a lump of black plastic. The Lumix is more elegant, and a good camera. Given the difference in cost a contender. But the optical zoom is nowhere live the Leica. I will admit a fondness for Leica. JD

I mean the zoom is nowhere as wide as the Leica. I think the
Leica will amaze them for a long time to come.

 

[2fastlx]

Have you looked into the Fuji x10?

 

[kidsplayingsoccer]

Have you looked into the Fuji x10?

I have not, but it seems to be more expensive than the Leica. Anything markedly better about it?

 

[JDFlood]

The Fuji x10 is a very good camera. Probably would take the finest pictures of the lot. But, unless these folks are going to look at the pixel level, they are not going to notice the difference. In terms of quality I would roughly lump the Fuji, lumix, and Leica in the same group. From a cashe point of view, Leica, fujifilm, then Lumix. The first two will get nods from photo enthusiasts the most often. The Fuji would be first in pic quality, I couldn't call the second two... But a newbie will not be able to tell the difference... I would have to shoot them side by side for a long time to tell, and personal preference to the layout would probably call the winner. You can' loose with these three, Leica and Fuji win in prestige. Good luck. JD

 

[usayit]

The Leica cameras (VLux and DLux) mentioned in this thread are nothing more than rebranded Panasonics. The Panasonics being cheaper.

My choice would be a toss up between the Panasonic LX5 (or LX7 announced at photokina) or the Canon G.