I do have a DSLR, but I have found that its just too big and bulky to safely and practically take everywhere. I wouldn't walk around with it around my neck in many areas of the world. I looked at different alternatives. I liked the Canon G12, but it couldnt fit into my jean pocket with ease. The Canon S95 seemed to fit the bill, but it had no hotshoe for an external flash. The Panasonic Lumix LX5 seemed to be what I was looking for.

The LX5 is not a truly pocketable camera. It is a tight squeeze into the jeans pocket, but more pocketable then the G12. You could probably get a belt pack to make it a little easier. One thing that impressed me is its ability to autofocus in video mode which the G12 or S95 can't do. The Lumix also has a 400 shot capability while the S95 is only 200 shots until the battery runs down.

The video ability impressed me the most on the Lumix. I like to take short 2-3 minute videos on trips and I find that watching a short clip seems to bring back memories of my travels more then a folder full of pictures. The S95 can take video too, but it doesnt have the autofocus ability while recording and the picture seemed more stable with the Lumix.


(Message edited by Portege on March 14, 2011)