I just want to settle down a little bit with the camera purchases. I want to find the system that works for me. A system I can do everything I want to do. It seems that the best thing is 2 have 2 different cameras for two different purposes.
Camera 1:
- A small camera for travel, family and street photography. Good quality and with a good selection of compact lenses to choose from.
Camera 2:
- A more "professional" camera for bigger events, but not DSLR style. More fun than the typical Sony or Canon, but still capable to shoot a family wedding (nothing super professional) or any other family and friends event. Better capable lenses than the Camera 1 for more challenging situations (low light, etc.).
I wonder which 2 cameras and from what systems (both preferable from the same ecosystem) could work for me. Of course, better if second hand and good quality than shiny, modern and full of things I won't ever use, like video i 8k etc.
Sounds like the perfect description of the Sony A7c.
I currently have an A7c, A7IV, Canon R6II, and OM System OM-5. I recently sold my R7, Ricoh GRIII. Not too long ago I sold my Nikon D750 and Canon 6dmk2. Of all the cameras I've owned, the A7c has been the most versatile.
And to round out the brands here… Fujifilm has some products that could work well for you.
One of my systems iis based on their XT5. It will do everything you include in your “more professional” (but not truly high end) category, and it works with Fujifilm’s full range of lenses. It is also a rather small camera body, and with a small prime or two (like one or two of Fujifilm’s “pancake” or so-called “Fujicron” lenses, or one of their “consumer” grade zooms) you are set for lighter stuff like travel and family events.
They make other smaller and less expensive bodies that are also quite good, many of which use the same excellent 40MP sensor found in the XT5.
In the end, there is no one “best” brand or model. All of the companies mentioned make excellent gear that can work well for you. The best approach is to carefully think through how you’ll use the gear and what lenses you’ll need, then do a comparison of the relevant offerings from each company you are considering.
Don’t rush into the two-camera approach unless you are somewhat experienced at all of this. You probably don’t need to go there, especially if your smartphone can fill in for some of the less formal stuff.
