Comments on: Digital Pocket Camera with RAW?

Question: Digital Pocket Camera with RAW?

horseblind — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:09:30 -0800

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.

By: zsazsa

zsazsa — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:18:44 -0800

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.

By: ddaavviidd

ddaavviidd — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:19:52 -0800

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.

By: GuyZero

GuyZero — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:20:07 -0800

A lot of Canon P&S cameras can be "hacked" to shoot in RAW by using CHDK.

By: GuyZero

GuyZero — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:20:22 -0800

Sheesh.

By: scruss

scruss — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:56:35 -0800

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.

By: ellenaim

ellenaim — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:49:25 -0800

Another vote for Canon+CHDK. I love my Canon PowerShot SD1000.

By: blue_beetle

blue_beetle — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:15:48 -0800

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150: I love mine.

By: paanta

paanta — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:16:17 -0800

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.

By: b1tr0t

b1tr0t — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:12:38 -0800

The G10 is larger and heaver than the LX3, but will zoom to longer focal lengths.

By: gemmy

gemmy — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 05:30:13 -0800

I also say Canon. I love my Canon SD700IS with CHDK.

By: 5MeoCMP

5MeoCMP — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:21:00 -0800

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)

By: smackfu

smackfu — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:44:38 -0800

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.