Reading mode: Light Dark

What is the best "Mini-DSLR" ?

Go to last post
Joe186

Joe186

Forum Enthusiast
Messages
469
Solutions
1
Reaction score
784
Location
Gilligan's Island, UM
  • All aspects: IQ, Durability, Portability, Will you actually always carry it, Are you going to actually buy and carry around a very expensive unit, Can you just pull it out anytime and snap great shots with minimum fuss, etc.????
  • Discontinued or current, doesn't matter, there's plenty of used cameras, some old-new/new-old stock, etc...
  • Only compact or rangefinder styles, bridges are too big to be considered "mini" and obviously no DSLRs...
  • Anything pocketable / very easily carriable / very fast to use, etc. is fair game. Consider that even though an F31fd had amazing IQ, the DSC-W300 might edge it out with it's IS and OFV, the PENs are fantastic (especially the new ones and some with factory acc.), but the all-in-one lenses are very bulky in comparison and they can get exPENnsive when you start adding those factory acc., same for the GFs, Ricohs and the NEXs, (Leicas are in the running, but are they worth 10X+ the price), etc...
  • A Sigma is a Sigma, "damn the torpedoes" and make your case.
  • Consider all aspects, a Leica rangefinder might be the ultimate, but are you really going to buy and carry around a $7K M9? Or... a is a good, clean, used DSC-W300, wrapped in a bit of chamois and popped into an Altoids tin a better candidate for something that would be your constant companion. Everyone's different, some people might like having an LX5 w/ the EVF, in a case/neckstrap hanging from their neck, etc...
  • All due respect for any unmentioned candidates, but with possibilities ranging from the new Pentax Q to the ultra exotic Epson R-D1x... and the standbys Canon S and G series, etc., there's obviously far too many for me to list.
 
What's the real question? The post title says "...best mini dslr". One of the points within the post says "...obviously no dslr's". My probably limited knowledge says there is no such thing as a "mini dslr". Perhaps the question is..."what is the best point and shoot?"
 
I think I have a grasp of what you're trying to ask (but I'm not totally sure)

It sounds like the question you are asking is way too broad. You're asking a question like "What is the best non-sportscar car?" There are hundreds.
--
Visit my Flickr!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/argonalex/

I own two lenses which are older than I am.
 
I know what he means - "which small camera do you use as a replacement when you don't have your big guns with you?"

I've gone through a number of models and right now I use a Canon G12. Perfect in every way? No, but still very satisfying in most respects. Ergonomically, I prefer the Ricoh GR-D III, but the G12 has some advantages that the Ricoh doesn't.

One "complaint" about your question though - it's silly to assume that because a camera is expensive that people will be less likely to carry it. Sure, some maybe, but ALL cameras are expensive and the M9 owners I know bought their's to use and they do quite often. I know I have no qualms using my D3 and related gear for everything from work to the pioneer festival we went to last year. Price isn't the issue as much as size, weight, convenience in various situations I'd say.

--
http://www.emasterphoto.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/emasterphoto/
 
...but the LX5 and S95 seem like excellent candidates as well. For me it has to have RAW, decent base ISO, and a lens that goes reasonably wide angle - less concerned about the telephoto end of things.
Joe186 said:
  • Consider all aspects, a Leica rangefinder might be the ultimate, but are you really going to buy and carry around a $7K M9?
Click to expand...
Get it insured. A "valuable personal property" (goes by many names) plan for a camera is about $15 per $1000 per year and covers all perils, including being an idiot and dropping it with no deductible. Only restriction is that you not be using your equipment professionally (to generate income). If you insure your equipment you can actually take your gear with you wherever you want and not fret. Insure it through a different company than your other plans if you are concerned about making claims increasing your other policy premiums.
--
Ken W
See plan in profile for equipment list
 
There is no such thing as a "mini DSLR".

Well . . . except maybe this:



:P

For me, however, the closest it gets is the Panasonic FZ50!

I call it my "DSLR without all of the hassle".



--
J. D.
Colorado
  • "If your insurance company tells you that you don't need a lawyer . . . hire a lawyer!"
 
Joe186 said:
  • All aspects: IQ, Durability, Portability, Will you actually always carry it, Are you going to actually buy and carry around a very expensive unit, Can you just pull it out anytime and snap great shots with minimum fuss, etc.????
  • Discontinued or current, doesn't matter, there's plenty of used cameras, some old-new/new-old stock, etc...
  • Only compact or rangefinder styles, bridges are too big to be considered "mini" and obviously no DSLRs...
Click to expand...
Ok, so what you are asking is nonsense.
You want to know what is the best mini DSLR, but you are excluding DSLRs.
There is no answer, since the question precludes one.
 
--

The greatest of mankind's criminals are those who delude themselves into thinking they have done 'the right thing.'
  • Rayna Butler
 
I have my friend perfected the science of the mini-DSLR that you will never be without and having IQ that is both wonderful and essential to exploring super hobby.

Please, it is certain, and Sigma have case made yet are no true bodies without mirrors having the attributes? Without expensive money the lenses are not fabled.

Indeed, it is so with GF2 lobbing onto visual epics without delay my own sense of how with viewfinders we can enjoy picture taking!!

It has answered your inquiry with utmost, hopefully.
 
I'd have to say that the closest all around contender for me would a Sony DSC-W300:
  • Zoom linked optical viewfinder
  • Optically stabilized lens
  • Quality lens and sensor
  • Very discrete and easy to carry (hence "mini")
  • Good solid IQ (a little noisy, easily PPed)
  • Decent battery life
  • Good amount of advanced settings, including some manual
...all in all, it can get close IQ to an older, lower end DSLR (w/PP), can be carried in a pocketable, even waterproof (hard or soft) case with an extra battery... mint condition, used, everything for under $300.

http://www.minidslr.com

http://www.google.com/#q=%22Mini-DSLR%22

http://www.bing.com/search?q=%22Mini-DSLR%22

http://www.ask.com/web?q=%22Mini-DSLR%22
 
p.s. check out a used Sammy NX10
--

 
facepalm
Joe186 said:
I'd have to say that the closest all around contender for me would a Sony DSC-W300:
  • Zoom linked optical viewfinder
  • Optically stabilized lens
  • Quality lens and sensor
  • Very discrete and easy to carry (hence "mini")
  • Good solid IQ (a little noisy, easily PPed)
  • Decent battery life
  • Good amount of advanced settings, including some manual
...all in all, it can get close IQ to an older, lower end DSLR (w/PP), can be carried in a pocketable, even waterproof (hard or soft) case with an extra battery... mint condition, used, everything for under $300.

http://www.minidslr.com

http://www.google.com/#q=%22Mini-DSLR%22

http://www.bing.com/search?q=%22Mini-DSLR%22

http://www.ask.com/web?q=%22Mini-DSLR%22
Click to expand...
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28498283@N00/
 
The Sony NEX-5N received the Gold award from dpreview. I'd check it out if I wanted DSLR without the bulk of a DSLR.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top