Let’s get small
After using a DSLR almost exclusively for the past year or so, I’ve started to dabble with compacts again. Basically, it’s come down to the old adage that the best camera is “the one you have with you.” And since carrying a DSLR around constantly can be something of a pain, I’ve started carrying a compact at those times when I want to travel light but still be prepared to capture the moment. Of course, now that I’ve gotten used to using an SLR, it’s tough living with the compromises that compacts force you to deal with. My current compact, the highly rated Fuji F10 (pictured), does indeed take good pictures, and has decent high-ISO performance. But it also suffers from some shutter lag, takes forever to recycle after shooting with the flash, and has virtually no manual controls. So, I’m back in the market for a compact with decent manual controls, a good lens and the ability to go from shot to shot quickly. So far, I haven’t found it, though I’ve seriously considered the Ricoh GR Digital, which has something of a cult following in Japan. However, given that it’s about $600, I can’t see myself rushing out to buy it. So, for now, at least, I’ll stick with the Fuji for those times when pocketability is paramount, and await the Sigma DP1 (though I somehow doubt I’ll be able to afford it).
