p.1 #1 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
What's the most portable camera you can recommend that still has very good image quality and pretty good high-ISO performance? Right now my only choices are either my D850 and pro gear, or my phone. I'm hoping to find something I can take everywhere, so then hopefully I'll at least end up taking it somewhere.
I'm thinking that very nice P&S/integrated cameras, or a very small Micro Four-Thirds or mirrorless setup, might all work. Not likely to find a DX/FX sensor in something that small, or am I? Any ideas, opinions? Maybe a single solution won't work, and I need to get a P&S to use instead of the phone, and something m4/3 or mirrorless for "everyday carry"?
No particular budget... what's the best way, in your opinion, to fill this particular need? One-camera solutions, or P&S plus another solution, are both viable. I'm still keeping my D850 and phone, too.
p.1 #2 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
If you are willing to carry a m4/3, have a good look at the Nikon Z50 which is similar in size and weight, with a great sensor. I fit it in my jacket pocket and bike handlebar bag with ease. Canon M200 is another choice, but I find the ability to single handedly operate and securely grip the z50 makes it ideal. I've also looked at many of the 1 inch sensors, but they just seem to be too close to cell phone photos to be worth it. I have the Rx100, and have had others. Raw on the z50 is very maliable.
p.1 #3 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
Thanks, Malcolm. Agreed on the 1-inch sensors, and a Z50 (DX, but get me started on Z lenses too) is an option I need to consider. I guess I should really make it two clear questions:
1. What's the smallest, most portable P&S which still feels like it has great image quality, good lens flexibility (let's say at least 16-80mm equivalent, more always being better), and good high-ISO performance? The idea is to tuck this in a jacket pocket, briefcase pocket, fanny pack, or something... but try to nearly always have it on me just like I always have my phone and wallet. Substantially better than the phone, and intended to replace the phone for most daily photos.
2. In addition to the P&S above, What's the setup you'd recommend for those many days each year when the photographer in you wants great photos, but your primary job is to be Dad that day, or you're on a consulting business trip, or something? This is where a larger P&S with a great lens and large sensor might work, or a Nikon Z50, or an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk3 might all work pretty well. Same ideals: great image quality, great lens flexibility, great high-ISO performance, of course bigger than the P&S but of course much smaller/lighter than the D850 setup.
p.1 #4 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
I have a FF Nikon for heavy work, like yourself (D800).
For something portable, I've loved using the A6000 series cameras. 24MP, Sony sensor, decent high ISO performance. It's not pocketable, especially with some of the longer lenses (24mm prime, ultrawide, etc), but it's very little weight.
The m4/3 cameras are even more compact, but the high ISO performance isn't up to par. Daytime it's fine. The Olympus cameras often only have 12-16mpx to work with though, but for me it's enough. The m4/3 lenses are tiny. You can carry 3-6 lenses on you, and it's very little weight. 3-6 lenses on Sony or full frame, and you're definitely weighed down.
I've never been happy with the 1" compact cameras. The sensors produce gritty images that don't seem all that much better than just a regular compact camera.
p.1 #5 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
The Z50 double lens kit.
It may not be apparent at first sight, but when you hold it in your hands, you'll find out while it is incredibly small it also fit your hands really well.
p.1 #7 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
I have D850 and a Leica Q. The IQ I get with the Leica Q is comparable with D850 plus Zeiss lenses; the Q is full frame, has an excellent 28/1.7 lens and weighs about one pound The original Q with 24MP sensor should be slightly more affordable by now.
p.1 #8 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
RX1, it’s not flexible but it’s a good focal length with great IQ.
Rodolfo Paiz wrote:
Thanks, Malcolm. Agreed on the 1-inch sensors, and a Z50 (DX, but get me started on Z lenses too) is an option I need to consider. I guess I should really make it two clear questions:
1. What's the smallest, most portable P&S which still feels like it has great image quality, good lens flexibility (let's say at least 16-80mm equivalent, more always being better), and good high-ISO performance? The idea is to tuck this in a jacket pocket, briefcase pocket, fanny pack, or something... but try to nearly always have it on me just like I always have my phone and wallet. Substantially better than the phone, and intended to replace the phone for most daily photos.
2. In addition to the P&S above, What's the setup you'd recommend for those many days each year when the photographer in you wants great photos, but your primary job is to be Dad that day, or you're on a consulting business trip, or something? This is where a larger P&S with a great lens and large sensor might work, or a Nikon Z50, or an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk3 might all work pretty well. Same ideals: great image quality, great lens flexibility, great high-ISO performance, of course bigger than the P&S but of course much smaller/lighter than the D850 setup....Show more →
p.1 #9 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
My gear these days consists of a D850 with several F mount lenses and a Z50 with the 16-50 and 50-250 Z's and a small godox flash. The Z50 rig all fits in a small bag about the size of a smaller women's purse. As far as IQ goes, it is outstanding and is as good or better that what you would get with a D500. I also have a FTZ adaptor that I've used the Z50 with my 105 micro and R1 macro flash. Again, it works like a charm.
p.1 #10 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
1bwana1 wrote:
Are you only interested in a Nikon solution? What budget?
I don't have a specific budget, but generally I'm blessed with more flexibility in budget than most people. My favorite brands are Nikon and Olympus, with Panasonic and Canon in second place. I'm open to other brands as well, except Sony: however good the specs, I've had too many bad experiences with Sony gear going toes-up on me and my family.
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My first priority is the P&S, the "phone replacement" camera. There, the only non-starter is a fixed-focal-length camera: at a minimum, I'd like 4x or 5x optical zoom (say, 16-80 equiv) because I'm looking for better image quality but with high convenience: it's a daily driver, not a sports car. (To those who've suggest FFL cameras, thank you for taking the time to make a suggestion.)
As for the "very portable mirrorless" kit, it's a second priority but I'll probably get it too. I loved my old Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk1: good size, great controls, and great ergonomics. Right now, the two front-runners are the Nikon Z50 and the latest Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk3... but any other suggestions are still welcome.
p.1 #12 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
Panasonic GX9. 20MP. IBIS. Small. Nice ergonomics, plenty of controls, very usable and intuitive menu, button and dial interface. 12-60 (24-120mm full frame) kit lens or upgrade to the Leica 12-60 or Olympus 12-100. GX9 plus the Olympus 17/2 is a sweet walk-around and vacation camera. If you are worried about low light, shoot primes or bring a small Godox flash.
p.1 #15 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
Rodolfo Paiz wrote:
What's the most portable camera you can recommend that still has very good image quality and pretty good high-ISO performance? Right now my only choices are either my D850 and pro gear, or my phone. I'm hoping to find something I can take everywhere, so then hopefully I'll at least end up taking it somewhere.
I'm thinking that very nice P&S/integrated cameras, or a very small Micro Four-Thirds or mirrorless setup, might all work. Not likely to find a DX/FX sensor in something that small, or am I? Any ideas, opinions? Maybe a single solution won't work, and I need to get a P&S to use instead of the phone, and something m4/3 or mirrorless for "everyday carry"?
No particular budget... what's the best way, in your opinion, to fill this particular need? One-camera solutions, or P&S plus another solution, are both viable. I'm still keeping my D850 and phone, too. ...Show more →
I have been down this path (had a D800 as my main camera) and I can share what I have found so far . As for 1" cameras, I have owned Sony Rx100 and Canon G7 Mark II, and as amazing as they are, the combination of 1" sensor and the lens doesn't quite give you large sensor image quality. Moreover these cameras don't have the sophisticated image processing of a high end smartphone, so using them in a pure "point and shoot" manner doesn't give you the results. So you kind of have to use them like a 'proper camera' to get best results but the results you get are not quite that quality. For me I much prefer using my pixel phone over the 1" sensors cameras.
One step up from that I have tried a few different "fixed focal length" solutions. This include EOS-M + 22mm f2, NX500 + 30mm f2 and RX1RII. Each of them has a definite edge in quality over 1" cameras. Rx1RII specially is in a class of its own. However they obviously have the limitation of being a single FL. For example as much as Rx1RII is a great camera, I find that the 33mm or so FL that it has is not something I shoot very often. Plus it is not really pocketable. NX500 + 30 mm f2 is for me the best combination of FL and form factor, though with an older sensor.
So beyond that would be the option of a mirrorless camera with a smallish zoom. I am currently using Fuji X-t3 with 18-55mm. I have played with a Z50 at a store and really like the body but lens selection is non-existent. I would personally suggest a Fuji X-S10 over it. Plus Fuji film simulation modes are often useful in getting well processed images right out of camera in many cases enabling a more 'P&S' experience when you want.
p.1 #16 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
Rodolfo Paiz wrote:
I don't have a specific budget, but generally I'm blessed with more flexibility in budget than most people. My favorite brands are Nikon and Olympus, with Panasonic and Canon in second place. I'm open to other brands as well, except Sony: however good the specs, I've had too many bad experiences with Sony gear going toes-up on me and my family.
---
My first priority is the P&S, the "phone replacement" camera. There, the only non-starter is a fixed-focal-length camera: at a minimum, I'd like 4x or 5x optical zoom (say, 16-80 equiv) because I'm looking for better image quality but with high convenience: it's a daily driver, not a sports car. (To those who've suggest FFL cameras, thank you for taking the time to make a suggestion.)
As for the "very portable mirrorless" kit, it's a second priority but I'll probably get it too. I loved my old Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk1: good size, great controls, and great ergonomics. Right now, the two front-runners are the Nikon Z50 and the latest Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk3... but any other suggestions are still welcome....Show more →
The RX100 series is really the only 'pocketable' camera that's been mentioned. I've had two. And sold two. With modern PP software, and measured expectations about the limits of a 1" sensor, it's as capable a camera as you can put in your pocket. I find the UI 'fiddly' as one review put it. Love the portability, hate the user experience.
M43 excels when you match it with small sharp primes like the Sigma 56, Panaleica 15, Oly 25 or 17. I've moved to a Pen-F with the PL 15, Sigma 56 and the Oly 12-45 (which is a stop slower than the 12-40 but more compact). I'll live with the 20Mpx resolution. The Z50 is slightly larger and produces better files (DR and noise) but is a non-starter if you want to shoot with primes and still stay compact.
I really enjoyed the EM1-II as a solid, reliable camera with a great selection of lenses. Despite the equivalency police, my experience is that the Z6/7 produce cleaner files with more DR and detail. The body sizes/weights are near identical between the Z6/7 and EM1-II/III. Unless you use many of the neat EM1 features (pro-capture, live composite, exposure blinkies etc), for me the Z7 was a better choice for how I use a camera.
There really is no perfect answer but there is a wide choice of viable options.
p.1 #17 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
curious80 wrote:
For me I much prefer using my pixel phone over the 1" sensors cameras.
My experience as well, with my Pixel 4 and priors. Hence, looking first for a P&S that'll beat the phone but still be totally pocketable and then also looking for a really-really-portable "proper camera" to use your term. Z50, Oly E-M1 Mk3, maybe the Fuji you mentioned.
For the P&S, the most appealing option I've found so far (meaning, whose compromises bother me the least) is the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II: m4/3 sensor, 24-75 lens (f/1.7 to f/2.8), max ISO 25600 (so, useful to about 6400), small and light. 17MP seems just fine for this use case, given the size/weight constraints.
Any thoughts on that, or any other P&S options that would seem comparable or a better fit for my needs?
p.1 #18 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
glassartist wrote:
The Z50 is slightly larger and produces better files (DR and noise) but is a non-starter if you want to shoot with primes and still stay compact.
I don't... I much prefer zooms!
glassartist wrote:
The body sizes/weights are near identical between the Z6/7 and EM1-II/III. Unless you use many of the neat EM1 features (pro-capture, live composite, exposure blinkies etc), for me the Z7 was a better choice for how I use a camera.
Really? Do tell. I had assumed that the Z6/Z7 would be "somewhat smaller" than my D850 but that they wouldn't be close to the E-M1 in size/weight. I'll have to carefully compare those options then, and thank you for that comment!
glassartist wrote:
There really is no perfect answer but there is a wide choice of viable options.
Yes, you're right. That's why I wanted to get a few opinions and pointers and why threads like these are so valuable: for finding a "best" or at least "great" choice for my particular use case. Never a universal right answer, but I nearly always find that one ends up with a great choice if one is willing to do the work on thinking about the needs and looking at the available options.
p.1 #19 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
My opinions would be:
Small>larger
(Skip 1” sensor)
Panasonic lx100ii
Sony a6xxx with the 16-50 or fixed prime of choice (like sigma 30/1.4 or Sony 35oss), nex7 is also 24mp and even smaller
Fuji X-Pro2/3 and 18-55 or 35/1.4. That’s my Fuji pref, but an x100 or xe4 would be smaller. Xpro3 is larger but it and the 35 is still pretty lightweight compared to the d850 (my pro cam too)
p.1 #20 · Help: Most-portable camera recommendations?
Rodolfo Paiz wrote:
I don't... I much prefer zooms!
Really? Do tell. I had assumed that the Z6/Z7 would be "somewhat smaller" than my D850 but that they wouldn't be close to the E-M1 in size/weight. I'll have to carefully compare those options then, and thank you for that comment!
Yes, you're right. That's why I wanted to get a few opinions and pointers and why threads like these are so valuable: for finding a "best" or at least "great" choice for my particular use case. Never a universal right answer, but I nearly always find that one ends up with a great choice if one is willing to do the work on thinking about the needs and looking at the available options....Show more →
The Z7II is a bit heavier than the Z7 though I believe the dimensions match.
If you prefer zooms (I usually do as well hence the 12-45 on the Pen) then that helps narrow things down. The 24-70 f4 is considerably heavier than the Oly 12-40 (and the 1.8 M43 primes are petite!), but in other respects the Nikon zooms are comparable until you get to the long lenses.
