bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

"I have a friend who is petite. She is ready to buy a new camera and associated lenses."

She's been shooting Canon gear for 15 years and can't figure out what she wants on her own?

Having been through this with friends and relatives a few times, consider keeping out of what should be her business. If you pick it out, there will be too many things that may be potentially 'wrong'.

That said, everyone should get a Sony RX100IV as their petite camera for travel and backup.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Not enough information. How puny is she? Can she handle larger sized cameras? What is the type she has had for 15 years and what is her evaluation of it? Does she want interchangeable lenses or something simpler?

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

The OM-1 has more than enough speed for bird and wildlife photography. Yes, the autofocus is not leading the industry, but the autofocus is at the professional level and fast enough for any professional to use. It is just not the fastest professional focus. And the IS in both OM and Panasonic cameras is superior to full frame, APS-C, and bridge cameras such that one does not have to carry a tripod unless desired. This again allows for a smaller travel size and less weight.

Is 4/3rds for everyone? Absolutely not! And neither is full frame and APS-C for everyone. But when it comes to having a system camera that is small, light weight, less costly, and travels easier than larger systems, 4/3rds has a distinct advantage.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

Bill, do you mean a Sony RX10 IV or a Sony RX100 VII or do you actually mean a Sony RX100IV? Whichever you mean, I've got them (the first two) both and they are the best.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

I gave general thoughts in my previous answers but nothing specific. Have your petite friend rent or buy the OM-1 and 12-100 f4 Pro IS lens. This is a 24-200 angle of view in 35mm terms and capable of 1/2 lifesize imaging. This setup along with a polarizer and extra battery will cover a day's shooting and somewhere between 90% to 95% of all the shots she can find. There is nothing as small or light as this setup in full frame or APS-C. I would be surprised if she does not find it to her liking. And she can then add other lenses as she would find for her needs and wants. 4/3rds is not for everyone, but it may be her "cup of tea".

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Did I get my Roman Numerals wrong? My wife has the RX10IV and I have the RX100VII. Both are marvels of engineering. I had the first RX100 when they came out. It is now on long term loan to my Granddaughter.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

[quote=wdross]I gave general thoughts in my previous answers but nothing specific. Have your petite friend rent or buy the OM-1 and 12-100 f4 Pro IS lens. This is a 24-200 angle of view in 35mm terms and capable of 1/2 lifesize imaging. This setup along with a polarizer and extra battery will cover a day's shooting and somewhere between 90% to 95% of all the shots she can find. There is nothing as small or light as this setup in full frame or APS-C. I would be surprised if she does not find it to her liking. And she can then add other lenses as she would find for her needs and wants. 4/3rds is not for everyone, but it may be her "cup of tea".[/quote

The Sony RX100 VII has a 24-200mm equivalent F2. 8-4.5 lens.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

[quote=bsprague][quote=wdross]I gave general thoughts in my previous answers but nothing specific. Have your petite friend rent or buy the OM-1 and 12-100 f4 Pro IS lens. This is a 24-200 angle of view in 35mm terms and capable of 1/2 lifesize imaging. This setup along with a polarizer and extra battery will cover a day's shooting and somewhere between 90% to 95% of all the shots she can find. There is nothing as small or light as this setup in full frame or APS-C. I would be surprised if she does not find it to her liking. And she can then add other lenses as she would find for her needs and wants. 4/3rds is not for everyone, but it may be her "cup of tea".[/quote

The Sony RX100 VII has a 24-200mm equivalent F2. 8-4.5 lens.[/quote]


"It is not her intent to buy an all-in-one camera." Although I will agree that the Sony is good and covers the range with a similar optic as the 12-100 f4, if the OP's petite friend would rather not have an all-in-one camera, then the Sony would not meet her needs. I found the same problem when I bought the Olympus SP-500. It was a great all-in-one camera - until I wanted or needed a different lens or lens feature. As good as all-in-one cameras are and as good as they can get, I will never buy another one. An all-in-one camera will never meet my needs like a system camera. I suspect it is the same for the OP's petite friend.

jpd

Finally, a reasonable answer to a relatively simple question! As the expression says "keep it simple stupid!"

jcwall396 Loc: Roswell, GA

I have smaller (and highly arthritic) hands and purchased a Nikon Z50 with the two kit lenses and added the 18-140mm. I personally think the quality is great and it's extremely lightweight and small. It's an APS-C and the 18-140 is my "go to" lens for 85% of my shooting. it also won't break the bank.

leftj Loc: Texas

If she wants to go Canon don't try to convince her to change. Doesn't matter if it's Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji etc. They're all good. If she wants to go Canon there are good choices there. She just needs to do the research and what she thinks would make her happy.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That was my first thought. There is a woman on YouTube who deals with 4/3 cameras. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGZMTeKSsTs

Others - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=4%2F3+cameras+

leftj Loc: Texas

Which answer are you referring to?

Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

Exactly why I’m thinking of Olympus!

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

As camera stores are fewer & far between, a trip to a store like Best Buy to see what camera bodies they have, to hold, turn on, etc. Typically you wont be bothered by sales staff as like camera stores, they are few & far away, too busy texting etc. This will at least give her some idea of physically what she likes, doesnt like. From there, she can start reviewing on writeups, costs, etc.