Digital Pocket Camera with RAW?

October 31, 2008 2:09 PM

I am looking for a pocket digital camera (point and shoot) that will store the files in RAW.

I am looking for a pocket digital camera (point and shoot) that will store the files in RAW. Hopefully it will have a JPEG+RAW mode. I am interested in the Panasonic Lumix LX3 (as mentioned previously.) While I like this camera I thought it might be nice to have something just a little smaller. As for recommendations, you can recommend current or older models as I'm fine with hunting down used cameras if I must.

I have looked at previous posts, but thought it smart to ask since it has been a while since a similar question was asked.

In addition to a RAW mode, I would like it to store photos on CF cards, or SD cards. I also prefer that it has a pretty decent optical zoom and built-in flash. As for size, I would like it to easily fit into the pocket of an under seat bag on a bike, or in the pocket of my camelback water backpack. Preferably, it will fit into the pocket of my jeans.

Personal experience is preferred. I'd like to know what it is about your recommendation that makes it so awesome above and beyond my requirements (RAW being the most important one.)

Thanks in advance. I'll post back after I make a decision.

posted by horseblind to shopping (12 answers total)

There are very few pocket point and shoot cameras that support raw. However, CHDK is a firmware add-on that enables a lot of features on many Canon P&S cameras, including raw support.
posted by zsazsa at 2:18 PM on October 31, 2008

If you plan on going with Canon, read this. I'll give you the ability to shoot RAW with most Canon point and shoot camera.
posted by ddaavviidd at 2:19 PM on October 31, 2008

A lot of Canon P&S cameras can be "hacked" to shoot in RAW by using CHDK.
posted by GuyZero at 2:20 PM on October 31, 2008

Sheesh.
posted by GuyZero at 2:20 PM on October 31, 2008

As a semi-disgruntled LX2 user, make sure you try some sample shots before buying. The earlier Lumixes (lumices?) over-processed images and traded noise for serious detail loss. The blurring was even evident in RAW. I'm seriously considering buying a CHDK'able Canon and getting rid of the LX2.

Some features are also not available in RAW mode (at least in the LX2): you can't auto-bracket in RAW, so your dreams of HDR awesomeness just withered.
posted by scruss at 2:56 PM on October 31, 2008

Another vote for Canon+CHDK. I love my Canon PowerShot SD1000.
posted by ellenaim at 3:49 PM on October 31, 2008

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150: I love mine.
posted by blue_beetle at 5:15 PM on October 31, 2008

Since you didn't post a price limit, DEFINITELY go for the G10. I'm no Canon fanboy, in spite of the $5K I have committed to their SLR system, but the G-series is the way to go here. No question. Zooms aren't super long, but really do you NEED more than a 5x zoom? The wide end is way more important to almost everyone.
posted by paanta at 5:16 PM on October 31, 2008

The G10 is larger and heaver than the LX3, but will zoom to longer focal lengths.
posted by b1tr0t at 10:12 PM on October 31, 2008

I also say Canon. I love my Canon SD700IS with CHDK.
posted by gemmy at 5:30 AM on November 1, 2008

I'm using a Canon A590IS with CHDK. Can't beat the price and functionality (note: it's very beta quality at this point for this particular camera, the port is still underway; don't go there if you're not keen on Bleeding Edge)
posted by 5MeoCMP at 6:21 AM on November 1, 2008

So, it took a year, but Canon did release the S90 IS, which is exactly this camera. It's basically a smaller G10 (now G11) and it supports RAW+JPG.
posted by smackfu at 4:44 PM on October 13, 2009