I would like a digital camera because I'm going overseas for a while and don't want to do loads of developing or printing or scanning. I want something compact, not big fat DSLR.
My main gripe with digitals I've played with are that they are not as direct and intuitive to control. I don't like full programme mode and am happiest when I am shooting in aperture-priority mode with TTL metering and the aperture control is a nice mechanical ring on the lens. If I open the ring up, I get less DOF and higher shutter speed and if I close it down vice versa. Simples. So I don't want to have to spin a thumbwheel or waggle a joystick to change aperture.
I don't want to shoot moving film or any gimmicky stuff. I'm not hung up on interchangeable lenses but I'd rather avoid a zoom lens unless it is fast and sharp as I often shoot in low light. I'd rather look through a viewfinder than stare at a screen - but this is force of habit perhaps, which I could probably get over.
Am I going to have to save/wait for the Fuji Finepix X-100, save even harder for a Leica M8 or 9 (actually forget it, they're way too much.) Or do I conclude that digital does not yet quite fit my needs?
Though it doesn't have the aperture ring I would highly recommend the Panasonic Lumix LX3
It is solidly built takes some great pictures and can be used in a manual mode. It is also great value at around £300.
@Hobo
Though it doesn't have the aperture ring I would highly recommend the Panasonic Lumix LX3
It is solidly built takes some great pictures and can be used in a manual mode. It is also great value at around £300.