Travel camera
Jan 12, 2015 16:10:25 #
We are traveling to Italy for 3 weeks in May. I'm looking for a smaller camera to take that would be easier to carry and use. I have a Nikon Super-zoom and a Canon 3i but I want something smaller. Something that I would just slip into a jacket pocket. I realize that I would be giving up some picture quality and reach possibly. Maybe in the price range of $300-$500. I was hoping that I could get some suggestions from this knowledgeable group.
Jan 12, 2015 16:24:32 #
I bought a Nikon Coolpix A on closeout just for that reason--has APS-C sensor and a fixed 28mm equivalent lens. B&H still has them at $449 (original price was $1100).
Another alternative is the Sony RX-100 which has a 1" sensor. You may be able get some deals on the II version, but the III version is $800--a little pricey in my opinion. It is "pocketable" however.
I want as large a sensor as possible for low light and also wide angle for the close streets in Venice. The Coolpix A fits in my jeans pocket.
Another alternative is the Sony RX-100 which has a 1" sensor. You may be able get some deals on the II version, but the III version is $800--a little pricey in my opinion. It is "pocketable" however.
I want as large a sensor as possible for low light and also wide angle for the close streets in Venice. The Coolpix A fits in my jeans pocket.
Jan 12, 2015 16:34:02 #
On my trip to Italy a few years ago I took my Nikon D7000 with with a Tamron 17-50 2.8 and was very pleased with the images I got. However, walking in Italy, I wished that I had something smaller and lighter. Today, I use an Olympus EM-10 and a Sony RX100II. For your purposes, and price range, I would recommend either the Sony RX100 version 1 or 2, and adding a Clearviewer. This is an extremely pocketable camera that will produce excellent photos and videos, and if you use a Clearviewer, you will not be affected by bright sunshine or glare on the LCD.
Jan 12, 2015 16:34:55 #
Jan 12, 2015 17:08:01 #
One other point. I have a Fuji X20 and have found it not to my liking. Reasons:
--Noise (2/3 sensor is just too small)
--RAW conversion not supported by my primary RAW converter, DxO Optics Pro--which has awesome noise reduction
--Noise reduction in camera JPEGs not all that great (actually pretty poor)
--1/3 of my shots are out of focus (a common Fuji problem)
--The shots that are in focus are mostly point and shoot quality (well, it IS a point & shoot!!!)
I know a lot of people love this camera, but my main body is a Nikon D810 and my expectations are too high for this little thing. It does look cool and have good ergonomics--but its the images that count.
I am putting the X20 on eBay next week!
--Noise (2/3 sensor is just too small)
--RAW conversion not supported by my primary RAW converter, DxO Optics Pro--which has awesome noise reduction
--Noise reduction in camera JPEGs not all that great (actually pretty poor)
--1/3 of my shots are out of focus (a common Fuji problem)
--The shots that are in focus are mostly point and shoot quality (well, it IS a point & shoot!!!)
I know a lot of people love this camera, but my main body is a Nikon D810 and my expectations are too high for this little thing. It does look cool and have good ergonomics--but its the images that count.
I am putting the X20 on eBay next week!
Jan 12, 2015 17:19:24 #
Jan 12, 2015 17:36:23 #
The PowerShot G16 has a 1/1.7in 12.1 Megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor which is going to struggle in low light. In Italy there are lots of churches and other buildings with awful light. To me, that sensor is just too small to deliver in those situations.
Jan 12, 2015 17:50:13 #
Jan 12, 2015 18:04:36 #
pismojimbo wrote:
We are traveling to Italy for 3 weeks in May. I'm looking for a smaller camera to take that would be easier to carry and use. I have a Nikon Super-zoom and a Canon 3i but I want something smaller. Something that I would just slip into a jacket pocket. I realize that I would be giving up some picture quality and reach possibly. Maybe in the price range of $300-$500. I was hoping that I could get some suggestions from this knowledgeable group.
Nikon guru Thom Hogan just wrote this about the Nikon Coolpix A ...... sounds just right for your needs !
http://www.dslrbodies.com/newsviews/did-you-get-the-bargain-of.html
Jan 12, 2015 18:26:43 #
Jan 12, 2015 18:59:37 #
Jan 12, 2015 19:17:16 #
Two choices I can think of are the Nikon P7800 or Canon G16. Both around $500.00. They are a little bigger than your average pocket camera but much smaller than a DSLR.
Jan 12, 2015 19:29:00 #
The Nikon P7800 also has a 1/1.7in sensor (I have a P7100, an earlier version). Low light is not it's strong point.
In Italy you need low light performance.
In Italy you need low light performance.
Jan 12, 2015 19:58:02 #
pismojimbo wrote:
We are traveling to Italy for 3 weeks in May. I'm looking for a smaller camera to take that would be easier to carry and use. I have a Nikon Super-zoom and a Canon 3i but I want something smaller. Something that I would just slip into a jacket pocket. I realize that I would be giving up some picture quality and reach possibly. Maybe in the price range of $300-$500. I was hoping that I could get some suggestions from this knowledgeable group.
The Nikon Coolpix series is fantastic.
Several years ago I switched to Nikon, purchased an S8100 in an effort to learn digital. It is now my travel camera.
It is under 1" x 4" x 2 1/4", will fit in shirt pocket. It came with a good leather case with pocket for extra SD card / magnet close flap and belt loop. It rides about 1/3 around my right side for quick draw. It is on by belt when I shoot pro, just in case.
I have dropped it, banged it, stepped on it and otherwise abused it and it is still fine. The built in flash is very good. It is 10x zoom and reasonable in low light.
It does not have priority settings but has several fixed settings including, continuous and is user friendly.
It is easy to edit in camera and saves the original. Has lots of other advantages for a cheepie. Was $379 retail back then.
If I ever break this thing I will seek seriously to replace it as close as is possible.
I highly recommend the S8100 for travel or introduction to digital photography if you are looking for price, ease of carrying, reasonable IQ, reach and basic features.
Also it takes excellent video. Vinny
Jan 12, 2015 20:26:45 #
Sony RX100 i or ii, Coolpix A, or a used Fuji X100. If you can swing another $100, the Ricoh GR would be a great choice as well.
If you want a zoom, RX100 i or ii is probably your best bet.
A Sony a5000 or Fuji X-A1 would be good choices as well if you want some lens options.
If you want a zoom, RX100 i or ii is probably your best bet.
A Sony a5000 or Fuji X-A1 would be good choices as well if you want some lens options.
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