D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

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graham_martin
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p.1 #1 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

I am taking a couple of trips later this year and would like to have a camera that is not as bulky as my D3 or D300 with grip. I have been looking at the Nikon V1 and a Fuji X100. However, it has been suggested to me that since I already own a 28-70 AF-S and 80-200 AF-S that perhaps I should buy a D5100. Needless to say I would buy a couple of less conspicuous lenses when going walk-about.

My question is whether or not D5100 users felt that their camera was discreet enough as to not draw undue attention. The V1 and X100 definitely fall into that category. I'll probably run by a BestBuy or Ritz to compare the two.

Thanks

Jul 24, 2012 at 12:35 AM

DontShoot
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p.1 #2 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

The D5100 is a tiny camera... yes it's very discreet. Although you'd lose that advantage if you pair it up with the 28-70 or 80-200

Slap a 35 1.8 or a 50 1.8G on it and it will fit in your pocket.

Jul 24, 2012 at 12:43 AM

graham_martin
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p.1 #3 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

That's good to hear. Right now I more or less use my D300 as a backup to my D3 (unless I need the 1.5 crop). Would the D5100 be an able replacement to the D300?

Edited on Jul 29, 2012 at 01:56 AM · View previous versions

Jul 24, 2012 at 12:46 AM

Jammy Straub
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p.1 #4 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

If you want discreet get a Sony RX100. If you want a DSLR... get a D5100

DSLR lenses only get so discreet. Maybe an OM-D 12mm f/2 and 45mm f/1.8

Jul 24, 2012 at 12:50 AM

M635_Guy
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p.1 #5 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

graham_martin wrote:
That's good to here. Right now I more or less use my D300 as a backup to my D3 (unless I need the 1.5 crop). Would the D5100 be an able replacement to the D300?

Sensor-wise, sure. It really depends more on your tolerance for the consumer handling. I'd definitely try before buying.

I just chose a D300s over a D7000 to replace my D90, and I'm in love with the handling with no regrets at all (and I just finished traveling four out of five weeks in Asia and Europe).

Jul 24, 2012 at 01:59 AM

RRRoger
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p.1 #6 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

I used to travel with a D200 and 18-200 lens.
It was not discreet at all.
Nearly every vagabond in Europe was attracted to it.

I suggest the V1 and CX lens for travel,
although I successfully used a D5100 in Costa Rica with a 10-24 and 28-300.

Edited on Jul 24, 2012 at 05:00 AM · View previous versions

Jul 24, 2012 at 03:06 AM

graham_martin
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p.1 #7 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

Wow a two thousand millimeter lens! No wonder you drew attention!

The V1 is also one that I am considering.

Jul 24, 2012 at 03:13 AM

cebseb
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p.1 #8 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

I've had the x100 and it's a great camera capable of producing beautiful images, but it definitely has a learning curve to it. The autofocus can be quite frustratingly slow at times as well especially in low-light situations.

I've also shot the V1 before and it handles very well and the autofocus is snappy and accurate. The images are definitely not up to d5100 standards but that's to be expected with the difference in sensor size.

The v1 with the pancake lens is a bit more "pocketable" than the x100.

I don't know what your budget is, but have you thought about purchasing a v1 kit along with the FT-1 adapter?

Jul 24, 2012 at 03:14 AM

graham_martin
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p.1 #9 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

I have looked at the V1/FT1 and that is certainly an option. I don't want to spend more than $1K. In any event I would probably sell my D300 to fund the new camera which I don't mind doing so long as the new camera could serve as an acceptable (but nowhere near equivalent) backup to the D3. The D5100 would be more versatile than the X100 in terms of lens options, but the V1/FT1 combo might give me more flexibility. Just imagine a 200mm lens becoming a 540mm on the V1! Gadzooks!

Jul 24, 2012 at 03:22 AM

cebseb
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p.1 #10 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

There is a thread here dedicated to the v1 + FT-1 adapter. It's quite entertaining and informative. Check it out.

Jul 24, 2012 at 03:25 AM

graham_martin
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p.1 #11 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

I searched for the thread but couldn't find it. Was it under Nikon SLR or Alternative Gear?

Jul 24, 2012 at 03:36 AM

nigelleetc
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p.1 #12 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

a G3 or GX1 and some sort of lens will easily be under $1k. Heck, if you purchase at the right time or look into used stuff, you can quite easily bring in a GX1 + 14mm 2.5 +20mm 1.7 + 45mm 1.8 for $1.2k or less. And that whole setup is about as heavy, if not slightly lighter than an AIS 105 2.5. Oh, and for an extra $25 you can pick up a Nikon to m43 adapter, and manual focusing wasn't as difficult as I was expecting it to be.

be aware though, that the GX1 does not offer Auto-ISO while in M mode, much to my chagrin.

Jul 24, 2012 at 03:51 AM

cebseb
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p.1 #13 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

graham_martin wrote:
I searched for the thread but couldn't find it. Was it under Nikon SLR or Alternative Gear?

Took me a bit to find it. Here you go.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1071542

Jul 24, 2012 at 04:26 AM

cebseb
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p.1 #14 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

I have a Panasonic gf-1 plus 20mm 1.7 pancake lens. My favorite for comfort street and candid photography. It has stayed in my camera bag for the past 3 years and is still proving itself worthy even up against the big boys (canon 7d, 5d mark 2, nikon d7000, and d3s).

Definitely consider the GX1 plus pancake combo, but your purposes I would lean towards the V1 kit.

Jul 24, 2012 at 04:31 AM

ytwong
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p.1 #15 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

GF-1 + 20 1.7 is a very good combo, I still think so even though I now have NEX-7 + Zeiss 24 1.8. I think pairing it with newer Olympus body (with IS) would be great (although I'm not quite happy with EPL-1)

I would pick 1 zoom + 1 fast prime over multiple primes. It isn't quite fun nor convenient to switch lens when you are travel, esp in place where you want to be discreet /unobtrusive.

RX-100 would be a great companion but I would hesitate to travel with just that single camera... but it depends on what kind of trip... a weekend escape, perhaps... a once in a life time kind of place? no way!

I have a D5000, I won't say it can fit in my pocket even if my pair it with a VC 20mm 3.5 lens cap.

Jul 24, 2012 at 08:01 AM

Red Rover
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p.1 #16 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

graham_martin wrote:
I am taking a couple of trips later this year and would like to have a camera that is not as bulky as my D3 or D300 with grip. I have been looking at the Nikon V1 and a Fuji X100. However, it has been suggested to me that since I already own a 28-70 AF-S and 80-200 AF-S that perhaps I should buy a D5100. Needless to say I would buy a couple of less conspicuous lenses when going walk-about.

My question is whether or not D5100 users felt that their camera was discreet enough as to not draw undue attention. The V1 and X100 definitely fall into that category. I'll probably run by a BestBuy or Ritz to compare the two.

Thanks

I don't see the D5100 meeting the need you stated of an "onubtrusive travel camera". The V1 will certainly meet that need, plus it is quiet. Look at the first photo in the thread below to get an idea of how small it really is. For me, in most instances, it is actually too small.

You can also buy the adapter to use your other Nikon lenses on it.

http://nikonites.com/mirrorless/6364-v1-first-impressions.html

Oh, and hello all, I think this was my first post. This is a very informative forum.

David

Jul 24, 2012 at 10:21 AM

nick53097
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p.1 #17 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

D5100 with 18-70 or 16-85 VR lens is a great travel combo, small (after D300 and D3) and very capable

Jul 24, 2012 at 11:13 AM

Frank_Maiello
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p.1 #18 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

RRRoger wrote:
I used to travel with a D200 and 18-200 lens.
It was not discreet at all.
Nearly every vagabond in Europe was attracted to it.

Are you sure “every vagabond in Europe” was attracted to your camera, or was it more like a few homeless Albanian kids approaching an out-of-place looking American? Contrary to your experience, and contrary to my own experience back in New York City, I enjoy an almost total absence of hassles while taking photographs in western and southern Europe. There’s nowhere I’d rather take my best equipment!

Jul 24, 2012 at 01:44 PM

VinnieJ
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p.1 #19 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

I just got one because I haven't had a second body in the last few months. I'm going out of town in a couple of weeks and plan on bringing both my cameras.

Jul 24, 2012 at 02:22 PM

Chestnut
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p.1 #20 · D5100 as an unobtrusive travel camera?

I think if you need to be discreet, a DSLR doesn't really cut it...

Think about it - with a desirable zoom lens attached, would the D5100 body make much of a difference compared with your D300 w/o grip? Not really. (yes, it will weigh less, but not any less discreet)

If you don't want zoom, the same thing still applies... the difference between the D5100 and D300 widens, but still doesn't compare to something in the mirrorless category.

I'd say either stick with your D300 w/o grip (easy enough to remove), or as Red Rover said, explore the Nikon 1 series, or other smaller-than-DSLR alternative.

(of course, do what feels best for you!)

Jul 24, 2012 at 02:26 PM

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