jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

We often hear that the best camera is the one you have with you. This was proven true recently.

I went to a semi-annual dinner with people from my high school class. At the last minute, I decided to bring my tiny Sony WX9, which easily fits into a pocket. Usually, a friend with a D810 takes lots of beautiful pictures, but I figured I'd get a few shots, too.

As it turned out, the "pro" guy had problems with his D810/flash combo, so he got only four pics, while I got over a dozen. Low tech is better than high tech when the high tech isn't working.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I fully agree Jerry, high-quality pocket camera especially those with 1" sensors can be there holstered like the six-shooter in western movies. My Panasonic TZ/ZS-100 is an example [modified to take 58mm filters].. with the long-range zoom, it is like having a DSLR with a bag of lenses. My small camera is there 24/7 while my DSLR [Sony A65] and all those lenses are at home.

Admittedly, the small camera HQ is not on par with a DSLR, does the difference make a great deal of perceivable difference after iA post processing ... the answer is "depends".

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Not very well prepared if he was a "pro" guy.

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

I get flustered with my big Pro rig sometimes and then pull out my IPhone X and get a great shot without thinking about it. These small cameras are great for what there meant for which is sharing on SM. I still love my Canon 5D4 though.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

He's not a pro, but he does very good work. Not sure what the problem was with his flash, but it wasn't a paid gig.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Yeah, but Jerry, now everyone knows that your friend has cool stuff to show people, and you've got... well... memorable pictures. I made the mistake of bringing "lotsa stuff" to a similar event and struggled because I hadn't used a flash setup enough to make it mentally automatic. Now, instead, I grab my trusty Canon S100 or if feeling froggy, a G16. Makes for a better evening (and some cool candid shots).

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Spot on. I recently got a very nice image because my Canon S95 was in my day bag.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

Interesting topic Jerry. Their are different occasions when people ask for
visuals for possible video if it would work for something happening.
At the local school luncheon awards for the kids (great place to be)
The head of the chamber in Hallandale FL said she didnt have the expected
PR shooter. I had my Sony 6300 and 16 X 70 lens Luckly shots looked good.
A couple of award video clips looked good. Worked out.

I am working for a new client Chamber biz for all of Southern FL.
It started the relationship with at a health expo with my partner shoot
it for Robert. I had my RX100 mark 4 always in my bag. the video
and still images were great. I use good mics for video. I thought the
RX100 in camera mic would be just adequate to see comments for a demo.
It was awful. I didnt know that. I should have known that. So why these stories.

Lighting: Have a built in flash that is OK. Most are mediocre. But more reliable that flashes off camera.
Lens:should be wide so it can get at least a small group shot. 24 nah 18 good 16 big difference.
Make sure your small carry camera takes great images that is always a winner.
Improvising requires being able to cover anything. Dark luncheon with disabled kids (I have done that)

The Expo guy got what I was doing. They have hired me to do creative videos
for a good price of more then 10 events. Just finished first. I lucked out he got it.
Honestly I could really use the income.

One amazing camera that can handle all of this is the Sony RX10 III bridge camera.
I have had it for quite a while now. And other then a focus issue in darker long shots it is great.
It's widest is only 24mm by other then that if do a seminar in a auditorium and a soccer
game with its 24-600. It is bigger and you need a sling bag for it.
Good luck.

Bill 45

I have a Samsung Digimax 530 camera ,was giving to me back in 2004. It still working great. Nice bang round camera for everyday use.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

I take my little Fuji to family parties. It is generally handed around for all to use. The results are rarely 'great Art', but are often a cause for hilarity. Different people 'see' different things 'photographic'. From shoes, to wine bottles 'Still life', full mouth's to facial expressions.
To take the DSLR's would lose the spontaneity of the occasion and fewer people would be involved.
I think family pictures should be about 'us having fun' neither posed nor 'clever'. A 'snapshot' of us at a particular time.
Phones have become private property since we took them off the wall. We never get to see all the shots. A simple point and shoot becomes a shared resource.

have fun

Almostageezer Loc: USA

The original version Sony RX100 for this kind of stuff works great for me.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

So does this Crosby, Stills and Nash song apply to cameras, too?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLTdRqYwzXQ

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Yes, Steve "Crosby, Stills & Nash applies to the camera in your pocket - Love The One You're With"

The Sony RX100 original 1" sensor camera, that Almostageezer mentioned, is down to $270 New... discounted about $1000 because it has been replaced many times by updated models. The RX100 VI is the latest update @ $1200.

billt1970 Loc: Gambrills, Maryland

Excellent Point, Jerry.

"The Camera You Have with You" for me is my DJI Osmo Pocket. This amazing little camera not only fits in your pocket so that it can always be with you, it shoots 12MP stills and 4K 60fps video to boot!!

I actually carry it inconspicuously in a small fanny pack with ALL of its accessories so that I am really prepared for almost any situation that might arise wherever I go.

Thanks for bringing this up, Jerry.

Best Regards,

Bill Taylor
Gambrills, MD