Compact cameras (Page 2): I'm in the same boat as you, Meadowbuilder. I lugged my d750 and big zoom lens around on my last trip to the UK. It was so heavy and burdensome that I took it...

John Battle Loc: Tacoma, WA, USA

I'm in the same boat as you, Meadowbuilder. I lugged my d750 and big zoom lens around on my last trip to the UK. It was so heavy and burdensome that I took it out only a few days during my trip, using my iPhone the rest of the time. So I'm looking at the LX-100 ii as well. It seems from what I've seen that it has some limitations, but on the other hand, is so fun to use with the manual controls and its versatility and its relatively large sensor and lens, that those people who have it really love it.
So I'm planning to get one soon. It's now a bit cheaper, with the price drop from $1,000 to $900.

Beenthere

I agree with the two Olympus cameras mentioned, Em5 MkII and PenF, with the PenF being a little easier to navigate, more versatile and has a 20mp sensor to boot.

Meadowbuilder

thank you. I'll check out these sites.

Meadowbuilder

I have been reading in some of the reader reviews that the LX 100ii tends to collect dust from the retractable lens. Have you heard anything about that?

Meadowbuilder

Wow. Thank you for that advice.

Meadowbuilder

thank you for these sites.

Meadowbuilder

How would you keep the backups? On my computer? So an external drive plus save on the computer??
thanks

John Battle Loc: Tacoma, WA, USA

Meadowbuilder wrote:

I have been reading in some of the reader reviews that the LX 100ii tends to collect dust from the retractable lens. Have you heard anything about that?

Yes, I have read that as well. I've also seen later posts that Panasonic was working on that problem, and that it has been corrected. But it probably would be good for you to check with a retailer or someone who really knows for sure.

Beenthere

You might also look into the Olympus EM10 MkII and MkIII. Both are less expensive than the EM5 MkII and PenF, but take the same interchangeable lenses and are slightly smaller than either. They are listed as entry-level, but are really entry level to Olympus' top cameras. They are also capable of great photos while providing lessons in using more advanced models. Either of the 10s with the pan cake kit lens (14-42mm EZ) will fit in your pocket, loaded with advanced capabilities.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Meadowbuilder wrote:

For many years I have used A
a Canon20 D. It is now too heavy for me to carry that camera and a tripod to shoot in the field. I would like to buy a compact camera. My main interests are shooting macro and taking good videos. I am looking seriously at the Panasonic Lumix X 100 I I Any suggestions?

Maybe a Micro 4/3 camera instead? Lenses are up to 2/3 LIGHTER and smaller than comparable full frame, and about half the size of APS-C dedicated lenses.

I'd look at the Panasonic Lumix G85, and GX85. The Olympus Pen F and OM-D E-M5 II are also worth a look. All of those cameras can use the same 100 or so lenses (http://hazeghi.org/mft-lenses.html), so you maintain the ability to change lenses. The LX100 II is a great little camera, but you can't change the lens.

I'd stick with Panasonic if you want LIGHT WEIGHT and VIDEO to appear in the same sentence. The menus are far easier to navigate, and the video features are better. A used Lumix GH4 would be nice if you need really good in-camera audio features, including headphone monitoring.

Plenty of in-depth camera reviews, tests, and analyses can be found at http://www.dpreview.com and other sites, and, of course, all over YouTube.

https://www.dpreview.com/videos/5159623737/dpreview-tv-panasonic-lx100-ii-review

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-dc-lx100-ii

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g85-g80

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-gx85-gx80

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympus-pen-f

https://www.dpreview.com/articles/3358714351/rock-steady-olympus-om-d-e-m5-ii-reviewed

cochese

Canon GX 5. My partner has one. It is small, light, has a 1" sensor and takes excellent photos.

Bunko.T Loc: Western Australia.

Meadowbuilder wrote:

For many years I have used A
a Canon20 D. It is now too heavy for me to carry that camera and a tripod to shoot in the field. I would like to buy a compact camera. My main interests are shooting macro and taking good videos. I am looking seriously at the Panasonic Lumix X 100 I I Any suggestions?

I had great success with Sony, not sure of recent models, but still have my DSC-T300.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Meadowbuilder wrote:

For many years I have used A
a Canon20 D. It is now too heavy for me to carry that camera and a tripod to shoot in the field. I would like to buy a compact camera. My main interests are shooting macro and taking good videos. I am looking seriously at the Panasonic Lumix X 100 I I Any suggestions?

I owned a Panasonic Lumix P&S Camera and it was very good. Had a quality "Leica" lens. From my personal experience, I would highly suggest you investigate this Brand and Line of Compact Cameras. They offer many different levels of Cameras. They have a variety of "Bridge" cameras that provide you with a extended Zoom capability without having a variety of different lens. Check them out, I think you may find one that will fit your circumstances.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

burkphoto wrote:

Maybe a Micro 4/3 camera instead? Lenses are up to... (show quote)

I second this! I picked up a Lumix G85 recently to use in situations where I don’t want to lug my Nikons and assorted lenses and I’ve been very impressed so far. Even though the menu system is extensive, once you get it set up it’s so easy to operate with the external controls. It also does fantastic 4K video.

Shot in a moderately dark club

(Download)

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

That is an exceptional sunset image, James. Great color rendition.