Compact manual recommendations

Because sometimes an SLR is just too big.

Would like something cheaper and smaller than the admittedly lustworthy Olympus EP-1.

Brief research leads me towards the Panasonic Lumix, Leica D-Lux and Samsung WB something or other. Anyone used any of 'em?

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmclx3/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Leica/leica_dlux4.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09022303samsungtl320hz15.asp

The LX3 should be great if you can find one. I had the LX1 (precursor) and sold it a while ago. My big quibble was that it was a little 'big' for a compact, since the lens sticks out. Also having to manually remove and reattach the lens cap every single time was a huge drawback when you you consider that most compacts automatically cover the lens when retracted. Of course, this was before I got into the habit of carrying around a bag so YMMV. It's also pretty heavy.

The Leica D-Lux is just a rebadged version of the Panasonic. It looks much cleaner/cooler but you also pay a premium for it.

Dunno too much about Samsung cams. Supposedly they have a competitor coming out soon against Micro Four Thirds.

Also if you want something with 'manual' controls then obviously take a look at the Canon G10 - it's got dedicated ISO and exposure wheels, which is something you don't even get on a lot of entry level DSLRs!

My feeling is though that the LX3 is at the upper limits of a 'compact manual' - the G10 is pretty large and by that point and in that price range you could get a very small DSLR or M4/3rds camera. Panasonic G1s, the original micro 4/3rds camera (compatible with Olympus E-P1 lenses) go for $4-500 on eBay. Olympus E-410s and E-420s (smallest DSLR ever made) go for even less, new. Pair a E-420 with a 25mm pancake (50mm 'normal' FOV) and it's pretty small, IMO, for what it is.