Looking for travel camera recommendations: My daughter won a trip for 2 to Rome. This has turned into a trip for 4.....my two daughters, my wife and I. Taking my 6D and an assortment...

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

My daughter won a trip for 2 to Rome. This has turned into a trip for 4.....my two daughters, my wife and I.
Taking my 6D and an assortment of lenses would not promote family harmony and enjoyment so....

I am looking to purchase a good travel camera. Something smaller, lighter and probably without interchangeable lens capability.

I'm considering looking at something like the Fuji X100T or the Canon SX60. (I'm not saying these are my two choices.....I'm just using these as examples).

I think these represent two widely different approaches (and prices).

Does anyone have experience traveling with these two types of cameras? If so....were you satisfied with the fixed focal lenght of the Fuji type?

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

Psergel wrote:

My daughter won a trip for 2 to Rome. This has tu... (show quote)

Last year I purchased the Olympus OMD-5 specifically for the times that I didn't want to haul the big DSLR around. Have not regretted it. Very good photo quality besides smaller and lighter.

DVJ

As long as you have feet, a fixed focal length is not always a problem, but it is nice not to be burdened with extra weight and lenses and bodies. Are you going on a trip to have fun or to produce pictures (so you can see if you had a good time after you get home)?

DVJ

As long as you have feet, a fixed focal length is not always a problem, but it is nice not to be burdened with extra weight and lenses and bodies. Are you going on a trip to have fun or to produce pictures (so you can see if you had a good time after you get home)?

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

banjonut wrote:

Last year I purchased the Olympus OMD-5 specifically for the times that I didn't want to haul the big DSLR around. Have not regretted it. Very good photo quality besides smaller and lighter.

Of the even smaller em10

Lenses could include the 20mm 1.7, the kit 14-42 and the inexpensive 40-150. It sounds like a lot, but the overal kit is actually more compact than you think. It'll all fit inside a small bag.

Another option would be the new panasonic lx100. It had 4k capabilities making it easy to pull 8meg stills from its video. It has a 4/3 sensor and a very nice lens.

VietVet Loc: Brooklyn, NY

I've been looking for that same thing. In my research I've decided to go with the canon G7X. A perfect fit in my situation.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Psergel wrote:

My daughter won a trip for 2 to Rome. This has tu... (show quote)

If you are not wanting to take your "real" equipment, but something to get quality results without changing lenses, I would suggest something in the "Bridge" category like the SX50/SX60 or one of the other similar cameras. My criteria would be a fully articulating screen like the SX60, plus a Hot Shoe so that you could add an external flash, and then depending on your shooting preference you may want to make sure it will capture in RAW. The SX50/60 fit these requirements, but I think there are a few others that may also meet those specs.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

DVJ wrote:

As long as you have feet, a fixed focal length is not always a problem, but it is nice not to be burdened with extra weight and lenses and bodies. Are you going on a trip to have fun or to produce pictures (so you can see if you had a good time after you get home)?

This is great advice, something I considered when we went to Europe this past summer. I could have taken the Nikon D800, but I wasn't there to make it a photo expedition. I bought a Fuji X-E1 and the excellent 18-55mm lens. (I had it for a few months to get used to it).
I would so it again in a heartbeat, but it isn't really a camera for fast action. I found the X-E1 so intuitive, I didn't read the manual for two weeks. The X-E2 is supposed to be even better.

Another to consider is Panasonic's LX 100. It just came out recently, but on paper, it looks to be a winner: micro 4/3 sensor, 24-70 equivalent lens, electronic eye-level viewfinder.. read about it HERE I would NOT take anything smaller than a micro 4/3 sensored camera.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Do you have a budget? If not, a Leica M and a couple lenses! Small, compact, full frame 24MP, best pictures!

Of course it is expensive.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Psergel wrote:

My daughter won a trip for 2 to Rome. This has tu... (show quote)

Ricoh GR or Fuji X100T. (or a used X100S)

And watch this very short video about travel and photography:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMpwhHnZs3E

ottopj Loc: Annapolis, MD USA

Why not pick up a used Canon SX-50 You can get one on Amazon for $300-400.

They even have new SX 40s (about $300) used (about $175-200) and several refurbished by Canon w/90 day warranty SX-40s f$175-200.

The Oly is an interchangeable lens camera and are $1000 new with no lenses.

So, if you are going for a week, or two, to Rome, you probably won't need a very large zoom capability.

You could always rent one. If you buy an older model and you don't like it, you can always sell it and get much of your money back.

In any event, go to Amazon and check out the used cameras and also at Ebay. Although, I'd go to amazon first.

Consider signing up for one or several tours given through the American Express office. They are worth the cost.

Also go to Ostia Harbor City of Rome: http://www.ostia-antica.org/

It used to be a harbor town and is now two miles from the sea. Great ruins to wander through. 5 minute walk from a metro stop.

Also go to Lobardo's Gelato ner the parthenon. IMHO the best gelato in the world!

Good luck and have a great time.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Main problem I see with the G7X is it has no viewfinder. You'll get tired real fast trying to frame your picture holding the camera out in front of you. In addition to the SX-50/SX-60, consider the Sony H400X. B&H offers it for $458.00 including a 32gb SD card and free expedited shipping.

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

DVJ wrote:

As long as you have feet, a fixed focal length is not always a problem, but it is nice not to be burdened with extra weight and lenses and bodies. Are you going on a trip to have fun or to produce pictures (so you can see if you had a good time after you get home)?

Exactly why I'm not going to take the heavy artillery. Also.....I don't want to get in the way of my family having a good time.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

nicksr1125 wrote:

Main problem I see with the G7X is it has no viewfinder.

easy fix...switch the x and the 7 around and you'll have a camera that does. ;-)

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

love this camera

for less then 500 you can get a lot of camera from Olympus
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/point-shoot/sp-100.html

banjonut wrote:

Last year I purchased the Olympus OMD-5 specifically for the times that I didn't want to haul the big DSLR around. Have not regretted it. Very good photo quality besides smaller and lighter.