p.1 #1 · Olympus OM-D EM5 III and other "small" weatherproof cameras
I'm in the market for a small camera primarily for alpine climbing. I currently drag my Sony A7R III up with me with a 16-35 f4 lens or my Sigma 24-70 DG DN Art (heavy but I like the extra range).
Ideally the camera and lens are small and lightweight. Point and shoots are an option though the prices on a lot of these seem to be blown up from social media trends, nor are many of these very weather tolerant (e.g. the Ricoh GR series). The main option I am considering is the Olympus EM5 III with the M. Zuiko 9-18 lens, though I would like a little more range on this. Jon Griffith has a nice write-up of the Mark II on his site: https://alpineexposures.com/phototips/tips-from-the-pros-which-camera-gear
Other options I have heard of from other (alpine) climbers are:
Canon g5x (not ideal)
A7C II with the 16-35mm f/4 pz or 16-25mm f2.8 or Tamron 16-30mm f2.8 (kind of expensive for me)
I've also thought about the Canon G1X III, but seems like the autofocus is less than ideal and the price is a lot for what it is.
Not sure that there are many climbers on this site, but I'm interested to hear of any small, durable/weatherproof cameras that are sub-$1k.
p.1 #2 · Olympus OM-D EM5 III and other "small" weatherproof cameras
You probably have demanding image quality requirements, given the Sony gear. However, if you have good light at value absolute ruggedness, then the Olympus Tough series might be an option? I think the latest / last is the TG-7. --- I think that the lens is 4.5–18 mm (35 mm equivalent: 25–100 mm), f/2.0–f/4.9 (at least that;s what it says on Wikipedia)
p.1 #3 · Olympus OM-D EM5 III and other "small" weatherproof cameras
Hmm I think the Olympus Tough series would not be quite as good of IQ as I'm looking for. It certainly is a robust camera but I'm willing to compromise on some robustness for IQ.
I forgot to mention in the original post, that good low-light performance is essential as I tend to climb during fairly dark hours.
p.1 #5 · Olympus OM-D EM5 III and other "small" weatherproof cameras
I have the Pentax WG5 which has the same sensor as the "sister" Olympus Tough series but a slightly slower lens. It's the camera I bring when the fam is at the waterpark. Usable and worry-free? Absolutely? Does it produce great pics? It makes acceptable pics but nothing I'd show off to photog enthusiast friends.
The EM5 Mk3 is very well regarded. (You may want to look at the OM5, which is the modern successor for about the same $. The OM5 Mk2 was just released so the Mk1 is going for cheap.) Not to mention it has fantastic IBIS, which I'd assume is a plus given where you're using it.
p.1 #6 · Olympus OM-D EM5 III and other "small" weatherproof cameras
I have a TG7, its great when I go mountain biking, bikepacking, etc and I just don't want to worry about it. The raw files have a surprising amount of latitude in adjustment. That said, I wouldn't want to print anything bigger than 8x10 from it at most. The photos are fun, but not great if that makes sense (it is terrible at low light, but it does have a built in flash that is fun). The Ricoh GR is what I take when I am biking somewhere I know I want to make some great photos, but I am mindful to be much more careful with it. I keep it in a Pelican 1010 case when not in use, which is obviously then weatherproof so that might be an option for you?
I agree with an OM series camera too. Depending how you plan to carry it, I would avoid the OM5 myself because of the baseplate issues it has when pairing with something like the Peak Design capture clips, instead maybe look for a used EM5 mark ii which still had the metal body? I used mine on a peak design clip for years with no issues. Paired with something like the 12-45 you would get a really nice sealed body, great range, and good IQ. If you aren't going to carry it like that then the OM5 or OM5ii would be a good option too!
