Last semester I started following a local farmer who raises Black Angus cattle here in Fairbanks. The following is Stacy Hansen of Midstate Meats, cleaning one of the cattle just after it is drained of blood.

Please click on the image to view full size.

I’m debating a new small digital camera, and so far the two contenders are a Canon G1X or a Lumix GF1. The G1x is $799, the Lumix is discontinued, new units can still be found, but for a price.

The G1X is a sealed point-and-shoot with full manual controls and manual focus through live view. The lens has a 4x zoom, and operable aperture from 2.8-5.6. The biggest advantage of the  G1X is the large, almost APS-C sized sensor, allowing noise-free pictures at ever higher ISO. The sealed body also means you will never get dust on the sensor.

The Lumix uses a slightly smaller Micro Four-Thirds sensor which will mean more noise (the digital equivalent of grain) at a higher ISO. On the flip side it has an interchangeable lens with an aperture opening to 1.7 allowing more light in. Both cameras cater to the higher end user, with near-digital SLR capabilities. When it comes down to it I find myself debating what I want in a lens.