Originally posted by normhead I find you really have to look at a few images to understand what might be a little different. These days, there just is no camera who's images stand out as always better than another one.
I have to disagree! I consistently think images from the Ricoh GR series look better than those from the fixed-lens 28mm equivalent Fujis (and that one Nikon). It really just does have a singularly excellent lens with a unique visual signature. I really enjoyed having one for a bit, my problem with ownership of any of these large-sensor fixed lens cameras is the high ratio of purchase cost to what you lose when the lens motor, shutter, or some other component dies and bricks the camera. Fatal lens motor problems in the GR and GR II become much more common after about 11k shots based on at least one (admittedly small) poll. Busier times of year I can fire that many frames in a couple weeks, so I've finally resigned myself to living with DSLRs for the time being after all.
The pocket camera that leaves me with is the Panasonic LX3, which I bought last year, and would still recommend- even over the LX5 and LX7. The latter cameras have faster operation, slightly faster lenses and more bells and whistles, but the LX3 lens is crisper and its RAW files at base ISO more pleasant and detailed to my eye. For something like $60 on ebay I think it's hard to beat the value. The Ricoh GXR with S10 unit is optically its equal or a bit better and better-featured with much more flexible RAW files, but is about twice as bulky.