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wrote:
> Pete from Boston wrote:
> > I'm looking to replace my Canon Powershot S80 after one too many E18
> > fiascoes and I'm looking at the Panasonic Lumix LX1 or LX2. Both offer
> > 28mm wide angle, which is important to me, and mst of the same features
> > as the S80, as far as I can tell. They have a larger minimum aperature
> > than the Canon, though, without the ISO 50 to compensate in extreme
> > brightness. Though they have a much longer minimum shutter speed (60
> > sec. vs. 15 sec.).
> >
> > Anyone have experience with the S80 and either the LX1 or LX2 that can
> > offer any other useful comparison info based on practical experience?
>
> When I was buying my last camera, I was choosing between the S80 and
> the LX1 (and ended up with the LX1). The most important differences are
> as follows:
>
> - LX1 has RAW format, S80 doesn't
>
> - S80 has an RGB histogram, LX1 only has a luminosity histogram
>
> - LX1 has much better controls - physical switch on the lens to switch
> between autofocus and manual focus, AF/AE lock.
>
> - LX1 has a true 16:9 ratio sensor (there is also a physical switch to
> switch between formats).
>
> - Manual focus works a little better on the S80.
>
> - S80 has an optical viewfinder, LX1 doesn't.
>
> - The LCD screen on the LX1 is waaaay better than the one on the S80,
> which makes it much easier to compose and review pictures.
>
> - The LX1 has a better lens.
>
> - The S80 is less noisy than the LX1, even at low ISO.
>
> - The LX1 is smaller, but the protruding lens makes it awkward to put
> it in your pocket. The S80 is larger but flatter.
>
> Those are the major differences that jumped out at me. As I said
> earlier, I bought the LX1 and I'm very happy with it.

Thanks, this is a great rundown. I got my hands on an LX1 in a store
briefly and it's bigger than I thought, demonstrating your point about
the pocket. Unfortunately, the S80 is notorious for having its door
(and consequently lens) open in the pocket, however well it may fit.
This left me with a lens jammed beyond repair.

I liked the controls better on the S80, though I am used to them, and
didn't really have a good opportunity to test out the LX1 thoroughly.

I need to get back into a better store iwth a little more time, but
this info is great as I said.