[Leica] Canon G7; viable choice for a Leica M user?

[rangefinder at screengang.com (Didier Ludwig)]

The A640 is a consumer point&shoot so expecting low noise at ISO 1600 and a 
bright & clear viewfinder might be too asking much. This is a point&shoot, 
point. It's finder has to be considered as emergency viewfinder in the case 
the sun or other lighning conditions makes the usage of the LCD impossible. 
The sensor is smaller and cheaper than in a DSLR so the camera and the price 
are smaller and cheaper, too. 

Unlike with DSLR's, where the EOS bodies have an advantage in sensor/noise 
handling, the Canon point&shooters are not superior to their competitors in 
this term.

More important for point&shooters is, IMO, fast startup, image stabilization 
(a must for 200g cameras with 200mm teles), anti-red eye flash function, 
long battery life.

Didier