Help with a final disision: I have a D800 but find it to big to pack around on our cold winter days and I am going to buy a pocket camera for hiking in the winter Must shoot jpeg and...

Flipper2012 Loc: Alberta, Canada

I have a D800 but find it to big to pack around on our cold winter days and I am going to buy a pocket camera for hiking in the winter Must shoot jpeg and raw , have a good telephoto,at least 2.8 lens would like a view finer,and not a cannon sx50 as it is to big Any ideas Thank you I also have a Nikon D300 for sale complete with a 24-70mm macro lens 2nd battery and lots of other accessories Asking 550 you pay shipping. MT Shooter maybe your interested in trading.

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bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Not sure what you consider a good telephoto but my go to camera when not carrying a T4i or T1i is my G15, upgraded from G7, viewfinder, a must in my book, jpg and RAW , good results, small enough for a large pocket, also small enough to carry under the coat so as not to get to cold and wet in the winter weather, Bob.

Flipper2012 Loc: Alberta, Canada

Thank you

bobmcculloch wrote:

Not sure what you consider a good telephoto but my go to camera when not carrying a T4i or T1i is my G15, upgraded from G7, viewfinder, a must in my book, jpg and RAW , good results, small enough for a large pocket, also small enough to carry under the coat so as not to get to cold and wet in the winter weather, Bob.

hdg Loc: Boston

I'd suggest getting one of the mirrorless. One of my wedding photographer buddies just went with the Fujifilm xT1 because they are coming out (or already have come out - I haven't kept up) with a line of weather resistant lenses. I believe the xT1 is a half frame sensor. Another friend just got the Panasonic 4/3 camera and lenses. These cameras are TINY, but the images are amazing. I literally couldn't tell a quality difference between the Fuji pics and the Nikon 810 pics from a professional.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

bobmcculloch wrote:

Not sure what you consider a good telephoto but my go to camera when not carrying a T4i or T1i is my G15, upgraded from G7, viewfinder, a must in my book, jpg and RAW , good results, small enough for a large pocket, also small enough to carry under the coat so as not to get to cold and wet in the winter weather, Bob.

Don't know how big the G15 is, but I had a G2 and it was not that much smaller than my SX 50; which you can't really get anymore since the SX 60 came out.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Indi wrote:

Don't know how big the G15 is, but I had a G2 and it was not that much smaller than my SX 50; which you can't really get anymore since the SX 60 came out.

Weight: 352 g (0.78 lb / 12.42 oz)
Dimensions: 107 x 76 x 40 mm (4.21 x 2.99 x 1.57″)
(Source: DPReview)

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Indi wrote:

Don't know how big the G15 is, but I had a G2 and it was not that much smaller than my SX 50; which you can't really get anymore since the SX 60 came out.

G15 lens retracts, I'm not sure about the SX50 as when I look at it its the size of my T1i, of at least not enough smaller and more portable than the old T1i, rough measurements on G15, happens to be on my desk right now, 3x4x1.5 closed up, easily fits in a jacket pocket or cargo pants pocket. Bob.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

I picked up a Canon SX-510 recently on closeout when the Canon SX-520 was released. It's small and does a good job with a 30X optical zoom, even have done handheld moon shots with it. No viewfinder, though. You need to bump up to an SX-50 or SX-60 for that. Nikon P5xx or P600 might fit the bill. The usual advice from the Hog applies, go to the store and hold a few cameras in your hands. You know what feels right. Then, see if it has all of your make or break features at a price you can afford.

MarkD Loc: NYC

I have two pocket cameras, a Nikon P7800 and a Panasonic LF-1. Both have a 28-200 mm equivalent lens, a 1/1.7 inch sensor, and an EVF. The P7800 lens is f/2-4. The LF-1 is f/2-5.9. The P7800 has a hot shoe. I have a tiny Nikon sb-300 flash that I use for bounce flash with it. The LF-1 does not have a hot shoe. The P7800 is a little big for a compact. It fits in a jacket pocket and in the leg pockets of my cargo pants. It will not fit in most pants pockets. I have a belt case for when I'm not wearing a jacket or cargo pants. The LF-1 is much smaller. It will fit in a shirt pocket and most pants pockets.

The P7800 is the better camera, but the LF-1 is smaller and lighter.

Grnway Loc: Manchester, NH

I, too, do a lot of winter hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I had a Lumix mirrorless and used the kit lens 14-42mm which was very compact. The only problem is that you'll need to go with a different lens to get the 2.8 speed you're looking for. There are some zoom options that will fit your bill. I also had a 20mm, f1.7 "pancake" lens that almost made it the size of big pocket cameras with outstanding low light capability.
My problem was that I only used it hiking and, since I have Canon cameras, had to re-learn every time. I also have big hands and found the Lumix to be too small, especially in cold weather when dexterity becomes a problem. So now I carry a Canon SL1 for hiking with the ultra lightweight, f3.5-5.6, 18-55mm lens. Bigger than the Lumix, but actually lighter. Also has the same features, in the same places, that I'm used to.
I know this doesn't help a Nikon guy, but I think you'll be happiest exploring small, interchangeable lens options rather than fixed lens.

Redron Loc: Fairfield. California

canon g16 is excellent 12mp $450 Amazon 1.8 to 2.8 has a nice zoom also
raw and jpeg CR 2 raw
look at pictures at flickster
great HDR Small and sturdy
Nex 5tl Sony at amazon $399 with 16/50 3.5 lens
outstanding pictures on flickster
just ordered it and you can buy adapters for this camera to use your existing camera lenses But manual focus only if you use your lenses

Flipper2012 Loc: Alberta, Canada

Thank you all fpr your recommendations I appreciate them all I am considering the G16 Looks close to what I won't Also like the panasonic Lumix Will get one of those two when I get to a camera store to look and feel them.

HughB Loc: Minneapolis MN

I bought myself a birthday present last July: a Panasonic LUMIX GX7. I have used my Canon6D twice since then! With the GX7 I have the kit 14-42 zoom, a LUMIX 45-200, and a Prime Olympus 25mm f1.8. The camera is mirroless and therefore the lenses are equal to 35mm: 28-84, 90-400, and 50mm. Go to dpreview and read their review and user comments and also Amazon user reviews. The latter is where I bought my equipment.
I also purchased a shoulder camera bag measuring 9" long, 6" high, 5" wide.it carries all of the above plus 2 extra batteries, a small flash and extra cards.
Important, the camera has an EVF that tilts upward and also a touch screen LCD that tilts up and down. It shoots JPEG and Raw which I use always.
Lastly, I have 2 20" x 30" prints already hanging on my walls amongst other taken by my Canon 6D which I will never let go. However, the GX7 is so easy to use and light to carry compared to the backpack for the Canon. I plan to use the small one for all hiking and general walking around. Lastly it has more adjustments on it in its software that my Canon has!

paulrph1 Loc: Washington, Utah

If you have a Nikon stick with Nikon unless it is a point and shoot. Then your options increase.

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

I have the Canon G-15 and I carry it on my belt in a Pearstone soft case. It takes wonderful photos and is great for hiking and or just walking around. It is very handy for indoors shots when a flash is not permitted. I've carried it through many parts of the world even while toting my D7100 and 18-300 lens. The 5X IS lens is perfect. Put a wrist leash on it and carry it all day. I use it to make sure I have a good backup shot. The viewfinder is a big plus. I'm certain the G16 is even better.