I would like to buy another camera BUT

[PeterP]

I carry a rather large camera for my P&S, it is also my backup for M8. Canon G10. Yes it has a lot of menu settings, but can be customized very easily.
The B&W image was one of the first shot w/ the camera. Used it in Guatemala in conjunction w/ M7's and 5DMkII (my M8 was in for repairs )

[a.cheng]

The G1, perhaps for marketing reasons, has a styling of DSLR's. From design point of view, it's a shame. And it's not pocketable.

I just hope the second generation of Oly EP1 would come with a built-in VF. By then I would think it is a perfect carrying-around backup to a m8.

[Shootist]

Originally Posted by Nicoleica

I use a D-Lux4 as my 'carry everywhere' camera. In it's leather case it fits nicely into my handbag, and I think that it gives very pleasing results.

Thanks Nicole, and everyone else, for responding and posting some images from different cameras.
I did find some D-L4 RAW images on the net, downloaded them and looked at them closely. They are not anything like M8 images.
These are from my morning walk.
First one is with the 28 Elmarit ASPH. The otherare with the 75 Cron.


L1011806 Post.jpg

L1011783 Post.jpg

L1011819 Post.jpg

L1011827 Post.jpg

If I could find a P&S that came close.
I've had a Canon G9 (I think, the G10 is the newest model) and didn't care for it.

[wda]

Originally Posted by wlaidlaw

Another vote for the Ricoh GX200. It has a perfectly usable, demountable EVF - if not a great one. Only beefs are noise at higher ISO and lack of Mac/DNG conversion software. I have made a formal approach to Ricoh via the secretary of the Ricoh forum to either provide Mac software or at least give us some icc profiles so we can get good and consistent conversion in C1 etc. ACR converts not too badly but is not exactly big batch friendly. The ergonomics are excellent. They took notice of any criticisms of the controls on GX100 and sorted them - well done! The AF is also much improved from the GX100 and the built in electronic level is a nice feature. With the EVF off, the GX200 becomes shirt pocket size. The optional extra of the clamshell lens cap is an essential.

Wilson

I would like to add my support for the GX200 (it replaced my GX100). It is the first compact camera to reveal genuine photographer-led design. The ergonomics and customization potential would do Leica proud.

Having said that, since getting my M8 the little Ricoh has taken a 'back seat' and is reserved for back-up or non-photography outings.

[lazaruz]

here is an image that i took w/my take everywhere camera the clux1 (about 3 yrs old) shot in jpg

Flickr Photo Download: CHICAGO THEATER.jpg

the only post i did was to convert to b&w via nik software's silver efex

and this one (dlux4) i blew up to 24x 36 it does look stunning in my hallway and this was shot in jpg as well

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/...711b4e67_o.jpg

[malland]

People often object to the huge DOF of small sensor cameras because it "does not allow them to control DOF" or to "isolate the subject" through selective focus. Have a look at this article by Mike Johnson and the postscript to this article.

—Mitch/Bangkok
Bangkok Hysteria©: Book Project

[cfc247]

Shootist, as a backup and light option when not using my M8 I have a Dlux4 and a Sigma DP2. The Dlux4 IQ is going to resemble other compacts, but its definitely sharper and outresolves most out there. With the exception of the DP2, which draws beautifully. The DLUX4 is my swiss army knife kind of camera. I shoot HD video of my kids, carry it in my cargo pant pocket. The Sigma DP2 is what I use in daylight, ISO 800 and below, for more serious shooting when not using my M8. In terms of colors, tones, and sharpness, as well DOF control, the Foveon sensor and Sigma lens on the DP2 are unmatched by even most, if not all entry level DSLRs with kit lens IMO.

Here are casual snapshots with the DP2 to give you an idea of the IQ. BTW--I use it mostly in MF with the external VF. The LCD is pretty bad and AF is way too slow.

[guidomo]

The only true backup to an M8 is an M8. If you want your backup to be anywhere near the M8 in terms of quality and style of shooting then: there just is none. All the usual suspects that keep coming up again and again like DL4, DP2, Ricohwhatever are decent cameras but they can never replace an M8. But, Shootist, you already know that.

[storybrown]

If you want to carry something with you all the time (besides a cellphone-camera, as someone already mentioned, and a recent thread discussed at length), I don't think you can beat the C Lux models for a compact P&S. It's not an R8DMR or M8 or a backup for these, but it's a great compact P&S to carry around with you all the time. I usually carry a C Lux 2 that replaced my C Lux 1, which my wife now always carries

The lens certainly holds up, as several posters have noted.

Jeff Bouton has an interesting comparison of D Lux & C Lux cameras (& lenses) for digiscoping at The Leica Birding Blog

The below (all C Lux 1s) are hardly as good as what other C Lux users have already posted, but are just for illustration. The first (posted elsewhere on the forum) was shot while leaning off the seat of a lawn tractor and the second while talking on a cellphone; the last is a wall at the Gage Hotel, Marathon Texas, taken after lunch while waiting for companions to find misplaced car keys. What I was doing is immaterial, of course, except that it illustrates part of what was originally asked about - having something with you all the time . . .