BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

Just curious to know if any/many of you are considering ridding yourselves of the DSLR gear and other InterChangable Lens cameras, in favor of the lighter P&S gear? This thought seems to come on me every now and again, and is currently in one of it's "on" waves. I'm thinking that a good superzoom (there are a few to consider), and a good smaller camera, might be a bit more fun than hauling the bigger stuff around.
Just wondered if this feeling was mine alone or others have at least thought about it, OR had actually done it.
If so, care to share your thoughts, and/or your specific gear now in use?
Like I said....just curious.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

Well, I imagine it depends on what you are trying to achieve.

If image quality is not an issue, the super zoom ZSLRs (non-interchangeable 20x or 50x zoom lens) might be worthwhile - certainly one of those would reduce the "schlep" factor in carrying around gear. But the smaller imaging chip means greater DOF at a give aperture/focal length, and lower quality at high ISOs. On the other hand, if your outputting to screens (websites, e-frames, etc., then these might not be noticeable.

Another consideration to "lose weight" is a kit of "EVIL" gear (Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens) like the Fuji XE-2, Nikon J3 or J3 or offerings from the other major manufacturers. These have larger CCDs which can offer more control over DOF as well as better low light image quality (well, high ISO anyway).

In fact, I'm currently renting the XE-2 and a few lenses in hopes that I will like it enough to get a setup for travel - the D600 and lenses are weighing me down, as it were (especially combined with the ginormous laptop I have to use for work). Sadly, so far I am not finding it appealing - nothing wrong at all with the image quality and all, but the ergonomics are just not right for me. Perhaps that will change with a little time, but my first impression is that it's just too small (I've been shooting Nikon for 40 years) and as nice as the 2MP EVF is, it's still not the same as actual photons going through the lens and getting reflected to my eye.

And this latter issue is something to consider - if you get a camera that "looks good on paper" but turns out to be less enjoyable to use, you will likely use it less over time.

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

All my photos are taken with a Canon S90 which fits in the palm of my hand and in all my pockets. You can look at my photos and see what you think. It is not exactly a P&S, it is more properly called an "enthusiast's compact camera." It has its limitations, but I have been happily using it for four years. There are newer ones I'd like to find room for in my budget, but it is still going strong.

My Nikon SLR and all its lenses and filters from film days are sitting in the camera bag in the closet. I will probably stick with compact cameras because they are easy for arthritic hands to carry and use, and even more importantly, always with me!

amehta Loc: Boston

Not for me, as long as I can carry my big gear. If a lens manufacturer puts the same effort and technology in making a prime lens, a "narrow" zoom, and a superzoom, the prime will have better IQ every time, with the narrow zoom second, simply because fewer engineering trade-offs are needed. And the prime lenses will often be faster, which helps the exposure, autofocus, and smaller DoF when I want it.

I also don't think we need *every* focal length covered. I will often only have 3: 85mm, 300mm, and 24/35mm. I rarely regret a shot I "missed" because I didn't have the right focal length, or the right lens on the camera. When I was zooming, I often missed more shots because I was too busy zooming to take the shot.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

I'll stick with my D90 and my D7100 thanks...all the little stuff is too small for my hands to be comfortable...as for having to cart "all" that gear around, I only take what I need and when I'm walking, my camera sits very comfortably on my hip hanging on a Black Rapid strap so it's not an issue...

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

amehta,

Missing shots while zooming. How about missing shots while changing lenses? Now that where shots will be missed. Just sayin'.

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

I have an SLT that i use with a tamron 18/270 I miss no shots because of changing lens (I dont change)Neither do i "lug" heavy gear around, I shoot birds and nature in general and when i dont use a SLT i wont use anything.

amehta Loc: Boston

The lens gets changed very infrequently during a particular set of shots, so that hasn't been much of a problem. And I've taken enough pictures this year that there are enough "gotten" shots. :-)

Haydon

Just can't see myself ridding my gear to go smaller as long as I'm working with long lenses regardless of the weight. Besides, I'm unwilling to sacrifice image quality for convenience.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

amehta Loc: Boston

If I want to go small, I'll go with a good compact P&S with a 3x - 5x zoom. For the middle ground, I'd look at a 4/3rds with 2 zooms.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Another second. ;)

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

i would be happy with 36mpx fullframe, big bright electronic view finder and no mirror..

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

Or how about all the shots missed not having your BIG camera with you?? ;)

amehta Loc: Boston

I don't worry about getting a shot all the time. If something amazing happens and I don't have a camera with me, I just enjoy what is happening. :-)