Once again, before the discussion thread goes into our usual chatroom talk, here is my view about the TS question.
I believe your question comes from your concern about the E-300's usually very warm auto WB colours and noise (due to the sensor being the Kodak CCD) when you shoot in the night, but if you are shooting in RAW, usually that is not a major issue really. Something that you have to learn to handle. But again, the E-300 produces very nice warm skin tones and is one of the most collected "outdated models" of Olympus E-System cameras. That I believe is the reason why you are still hanging on to it. It is a very capable camera in day light shooting.
If you are looking at a good performing high ISO camera with good noise suppression for handheld night shooting with fast shutter speed, then I am afraid you should be looking at the new Nikon D700 camera. But this means you will have to end up getting 2 systems to satisfy your shooting requirements.
For me, I get by with the E-3 and I love noise and love what I can do to manipulate noise to get the images that I want, and controling light properly (do not under expose your shots in low light), disruptive noise is kept under control and images can turn out to be very nice with a certain amount of controlled noise, but this is subjective. People these days like 3D-animation like noise free images. I don't know why, but well, everyone have their preferences.
But if you are looking at a spare/standby camera and something that helps you shoot at higher ISO, (but compromising on handling), then the LX-3 maybe for you. remember one thing, the LX-3 is a compact camera and the handling might not be what you think. Why not meet up with a LX-3 user and have a chance to handle the camera in low light and make up your decision after handling one?
For me, I am very blown away by the Panasonic G1 after handling it both using LV and the EVF. Though the EVF feels a little weird (too much contrast) but it is something that I can get used to, and with the (quite expensive) adapter, you can still use your 4/3 lens from your E-300.
I believe another solution is buying faster lenses (like those Sigma 30mm f1.4) or discipline yourself to use a tripod or master the handling of a cheaper but well made monopod.
If you are looking at "a lazy way out in low light" like I did, then save up like me, to buy a D700 and some Nikon F mount lenses.
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Summary :
- Use a tripod/monopod
- Try out LX-3 first before buying
- Consider also the Panasonic G1 or wait for Olympus m43 system
- Buy a fast lens for low light photography
- Consider moving to Nikon D700 for high ISO performance
- Don't shoot at night? :sticktong
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Hope this helps you. Maybe join us for our kopi session where we can all discuss in depth about this subject. This is something that we should all think about carefully. Don't discount your E-300 because there are more to it than you think it can do. Shooting in RAw and tweak later is a lazy but fast way, or you can carry a white card and do white balancing before you shoot, and things like that. If you are only using the kit lens with the E-300, then maybe you might want to consider a faster 14-54mm f2.8mm lens. The one light stop does make a difference. And of course, there are the Sigma 30mm f1.4...
happy shooting and hope this helps you with your thoughts about buying a LX-3. The only good thing I feel with buying the LX-3 is that its small size means you have another option when you are feeling like taking photos but not in the mood to lug a DSLR out with you, or in some cases, DLSRs are not allowed at some places.
