The perfect ovcerlander's compact?

[Warthog]

Hi All,
I had been in the market for a new compact for a while: my new requirements had been sturdy, adequate zoom, but with a wide angle.
Enter the Panasonic DMC-FT2 with a 28mm wide angle Leica lens, just under 5x optical zoom, waterproof to 3m, dust and shock proof and good to -10 celsius (perfect for Estonia!)
Only gripes are no optical view finder and few manual overrides but I have used the latter only fleetingly in recent years!
NOrmally they have been selling for £275. I once spotted them at £250 but sold out.
But now: £215-219 depeding on the colour!! Mine is ordered.
LUMIX DMC-FT2

HTH

[Threewheelbonnie]

I've been using a Leica lens Lumix (Don't know the model without looking) for the last two years and as you say, pretty close to the perfect travel camera. Think it was reccomended by someone on here.

There again, I like my 195? Ensign roll film travellers camera too. It's just over £1 a shot though these days and definately not the perfect overland camera!!

Andy

[The Raven]

We use the Pentax W90. Pretty good camera for bouncing around on the bikes. waterproof to 10m, shock/dustproof. Can't complain

We also have a Canon G12, that although not anything proof, is rugged as hell and takes great shots

[Bjorn]

How do you define "perfect"? A fellow overlander likes to zoom in with her 10-times zoom, wheras I couldn't care less about zoom range. Wideangle is more important for me.

The G series from Canon are nice, BUT they have one problem: the lens hood mechanism is dangerously close to the lens. On my old G10 I've scratched the lens just by leaving it inside the tank-bag whilst riding. Same happened to a travel buddy just 3 weeks after he bought the G11 in Ciudad del Este/Paraguay. Panasonic LX3/LX5 have a 'proper' (sturdy) lens hood.

Then again – the Panasonic aren't perfect either... small zoom range.

[Warthog]

Originally Posted by Bjorn

How do you define "perfect"?

Hence why the title is a question, not a statement.
For me "perfect" will inevitably be a compromise and hence impossible! However, the closest I'll get is a camera that ticks off as many of my "must have" features. In the FT2 I find many.

Originally Posted by Bjorn

A fellow overlander likes to zoom in with her 10-times zoom, wheras I couldn't care less about zoom range. Wideangle is more important for me.

The FT2's 28mm wideangle, and its considerable toughness should be quite attractive, then...

Originally Posted by Bjorn

I couldn't care less about zoom range.... small zoom range.

Make up your mind!!!

[T.REX63]

My choice of weapon is the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010. Water proof, shock proof and uses regular SD cards.

[The Raven]

Originally Posted by Bjorn

How do you define "perfect"? A fellow overlander likes to zoom in with her 10-times zoom, wheras I couldn't care less about zoom range. Wideangle is more important for me.

The G series from Canon are nice, BUT they have one problem: the lens hood mechanism is dangerously close to the lens. On my old G10 I've scratched the lens just by leaving it inside the tank-bag whilst riding. Same happened to a travel buddy just 3 weeks after he bought the G11 in Ciudad del Este/Paraguay. Panasonic LX3/LX5 have a 'proper' (sturdy) lens hood.

Then again – the Panasonic aren't perfect either... small zoom range.

Good to know on the G series. I have a retro looking rugged leather case that protects the lens and camera when not used, I'll be sure to use it

mind the advert, just pulled the photo offline.

[mcgiggle]

I'm on the hunt as well but it must have AA batteries

Cheers
Pete

[anaconda moto]

There are alot of good choices,
but for me it is important that the lens closes,it must be small,
and not to expensive,
i hate to take stuff with me that is very expensive becouse
i do not want to be thinking every minute about where i put it ,
or worry about loosing it.
But i know a lot of people that do not worry about taking
expensive things with them on a trip......everyone is different.

Saludos.