Sergey

Looking for some advice. Sorry for long post.

My main interest is landscapes, but lately it extended a little bit to the cityscapes, occasional street photography and people.

I own Canon 5D MIII (with 17-40/4L, 70-200/4L and Macro 100/2.8) and Olympus OM-D E-M1 (with 12-40/2.8 Pro and ED 40-150/4-5.6 R). I am pretty happy with both. I love the 5D more because the way it feels in hands and controls are right where I want them, but bought Olympus so I could take it to hiking and backpacking trips. I love Olympus IBIS that often allows me to leave my tripod home, but I am still struggling with controls - too small - and miss the joystick that I have on 5D (not ready to buy M3 just for the joystick though). Also back button focusing didn't work well for me (I forgot what its was but there was something that didn't work in all situations), so I had to switch back to the shutter button for the focusing.

The problem is that even though the Olympus is almost twice lighter than Canon I more than often left it in the trunk of my car at the trailhead after trying on my backpack and use my iPhone for the pictures. On a few occasions that I embraced the weight and brought it along I was very happy.

So I started thinking about getting a compact camera that I could bring to my trips. My criteria are: weight <= 1lbs, can shoot raw format, has manual controls (I don't need fully manual mode but would like to have A-priority mode, Exposure Compensation and the bulb mode for shooting stars), have some zoom range from relatively wide (at least 24mm in 35mm equivalent) to relatively long (200 mm would be great but I probably would settle on 100mm). Some weather proofing would be a huge plus (doesn't have to be submergible) and would be able to shoot in below the freezing point (winter hiking/backpacking). Video will be good but not a must, I don't shoot too many videos. If would be great if it could take some beating, but I don't expect it to survive drops. EVF would be a huge plus as well.

I saw many people here praising Sony RX100 VII and the specs look great. But I don't see any info regarding weatherproofness, the temp range doesn't go below 32F and the price is a bit stiff. The only Sony camera I tried before was a6000 (rented twice for a week at a time) and while I liked the fast focus I didn't like the menus (which I think is not critical issue for me - I can learn). I probably still could afford it if I knew it will work for me; I wish I could rent and try it out before deciding.

Another contender is Olympus TG-6 which covers a lot of checkboxes in my list. It's also much cheaper than the Sony. Cons - it doesn't have a viewfinder, the zoom range could be better.

Are there any other cameras out there that match my criteria? (Ricoh WG-70 looks not bad either but lacks raw format).

If you backpack what camera do you bring?

What is your experience with TG-6 or other lightweight cameras that you take on the trail?

Thanks,

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

I would check out the Fuji X series of cameras. They are small, light and of great quality. I have an older XE-1 with an 18-55 lens that easily fits in my backpack and does great landscapes. Has a great pano mode too, have a look!

DSCF8513 by nimbushopper, on Flickr
DSCF8509 by nimbushopper, on Flickr

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

For any situation that is somewhat risky, I bring my Olympus Tough camera. Dust, dirt, and water don't bother it.

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

You might look at the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200. 1-inch sensor, 24-360 mm zoom (35mm equivalent), 12 ounces, shoots raw, viewfinder, currently on sale at B&H for $600. It essentially is the same camera as the Leica C-Lux.

I own the Canon G9X for this purpose. It is a great camera, and really small. It fits into my shirt pocket. Two things I don't like about it is that it does not have a viewfinder--I have a hard time seeing what I am shooting if the sun shines on the rear panel. Also, at 28-84 mm, its zoom range is somewhat anemic. I have been looking around for a replacement, and the Lumix seems to check all the boxes.

david vt Loc: Vermont

Having needs quite similar to yours for hiking/backpacking, quick all around “snapshots” and as a supplement to the “big rig” when I am shooting sports and just want quick candids of athletes Between races/events

Did much of the same research you have done, and many of the same conclusions. Jacket/shorts pocket was mandatory for me. I ended up with the Sony rx100 vii, despite its price. The key kicker for me was the pop up viewfinder with diopter adjustment, so I did not need to change from my sunglasses to readers. Not weather protected, but that ended up being the compromise.

Not familiar with the size of some of the recommendations above, but I don’t think you can go wrong with the TG (if you can live without the viewfinder) or the Sony.

Good luck. Please post your final decision, and thought process.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I did 100 days / 800 miles on the AT in 2017, getting from Georgia to mid Virginia. A Canon Powershot G9X was my preferred camera. It's about the size a deck of cards and fits easily in a front pants pocket for easy access without removing my pack. It captures in 20MP RAW and shoots in manual although I preferred aperture priority. The IBIS was good to about the default 1/60 in AUTO ISO. I changed to manual and a faster shutter when I felt the IBIS slower than 1/60 sec wasn't helping me get a sharp focus. It has a pop-up flash with Flash Exposure Compensation, letting me really control the exposure and artificial light in a variety of situations. I captured in both RAW+JPEG and used the wireless to my phone to post from the motels along the way here and there. The main editing was the RAW when I got home. A neoprene pouch was good for the wet days in the pocket.

A few examples:

Inclement weather by Paul Sager, on Flickr


AT - North Carolina by Paul Sager, on Flickr


AT - NC by Paul Sager, on Flickr


Scolula Moth by Paul Sager, on Flickr

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Me too. Despite the tiny sensor, it ends up producing some very favorite photos and 4K videos!

I just spent (too much) money on the mechanical lens cap. It makes it even more "rugged".

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Sony HX99, shoots RAW, pop up view finder, Zeiss 24-750 mm lens, articulating rear screen for low angle shooting (see first image), capable of auto fill flash, and did I mention, I get beautiful 30x40 prints. Best pocket camera for the price on the market. And it can even fit into a small belt pouch (see last image)
Most folks here will give you advice like TV talking heads, I give you results.

Ksocha Loc: Bethesda, MD

Ricoh GR III results would make you very happy (plus something like a Oly Tough).

tomad Loc: North Carolina

Yes, the Powershot G9X is a good 1" sensor camera but it lacks one necessary feature for outdoor photography in my humble opinion. It does not have a viewfinder which is the main reason I would choose the Sony RX100 or the Panasonic ZS100 over the Canon. In sunlight I find it almost impossible to use a camera's LCD screen.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I have a number of compacts that I use for your purpose. All are Canons since I like consistency in my life (mostly). Included an IR converted S100, a G16, a G1x iii, a G3x w/EVF, and a SX60 HS. What I take (sometimes more than one) depends on what I plan on shooting and my mood and the one or more that’s unappreciated at the time. I think the G1x and G3x are the most weather resistant. All serve me well. However, there are a couple DSLRs in the same closet that have been looking neglected lately.

Paul J. Svetlik Loc: Colorado

The more pricewise reasonable alternative to Sony RX100 might be a Panasonic ZS1000 or later models - one inch sensor, EVF, articulating screen and a zoom fom 25mm up to 400mm.
Sony a6000 would be a more compact choice - with the advantage of larger sensor.

pquiggle Loc: Monterey Bay California

I've ben considering the Canon G5ii. It meets most of your requirements except the weather sealing and freezing temperatures.

home brewer Loc: Fort Wayne, Indiana

I am 70 years old. I have learned packing light and leaving the good stuff in the car is a bad idea. We city hike Europe and hike USA, Croatia, Italy and other places where the trails are steep and the views spectacular. That said i now carry a D850, f2.8 24 to 70mm, a f2.8 70 to 200, a carbon fiber tripod, a SB800, extra batteries and extra cards, a rain hood for the camera and water. I give you that it is heavy; but, I never wish I had the better equipment. I sometimes miss a longer zoom; but learned that I am carrying enough weight. Before the Wuhan virus I was at the gym 5 days a week lifting so I could carry the camera equipment and shoot cameras and hand guns with a steady hand. This summer I and my wife are building an addition on house; so i am still getting some exercise, doing push ups and other at home exercise and walking the neighborhood. We miss the vacations.

Maybe when I get old I will choose lighter equipment.

Nitroclimber Loc: Nebraska

I also have a Canon 5D iii which I love and use with long lens for wildlife. My go to light camera is a Sony RX10 iii and the iv is the current one. It comes with a lens that is fixed to the camera and reaches out to 600mm! If you go to my topics with photos you will note that many of them come out of my Sony RX10! I love it and keep it next to me in my truck for quick shooting.