I’ve used several cameras of different shape, size, format and practicality. Currently I shoot with a Leica M6, a Nikon D80 and a Canon G10. Each has it’s own use, strength and weakness in terms of the kind of work I do and my style of taking pictures. In a perfect world I would love to have just one camera that I can use for everything. It would need to be something that feels and operates like a rangefinder, is as fast and high quality as a DSLR, compact and easy to use as a digital point and shoot, with a fast lens. Such a camera is my white whale.
I got the Canon G10 thinking it might be the one. It’s the camera I grab when I just want to have a camera with me, but don’t want to carry around my D80 or M6. Most of the time it works out, and I am happy with the images I get from it. The G10 does have it’s drawbacks though which put it out of the running. Mainly the noticeable shutter lag and difficult to use manual functions. Although it’s a nice touch, I’m not sure why Canon even bothered with the viewfinder either. It’s pretty much useless. The G10 is a really nice point and shoot, but not my perfect all around camera.
There are a couple of new contenders for this illusive camera in what appears to be a growing market. It seems I’m not the only one on the hunt for such a beast. The Olympus EP-1 & EP-2, the Panasonic/Lumix DMC-GF1, and the Leica X-1 all seem somewhat promising in their own way. I have neither the funds or connections to get my hands on any of these to test out. From what I have read though, each one seems to be lacking something that keeps them from being perfect.
Currently my hopes and dreams are with the recently announced Fujifilm FinePix X100 (pictured above). I’ll have to wait until they go on sale next spring to see if it wins. The fast lens, f-stop ring and shutter speed dial as well as it’s hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder make it very promising. Not to mention the fact that it looks like a retro rangefinder. The $1,000 price doesn’t seem so bad if it delivers on it’s hype.