Choosing a small backup camera

I bought my Canon EOS 550D about a year ago now, and I've been carrying it and several lenses around with me everywhere ever since. I couldn't be happier with the camera in general, but I've decided that my shoulder needs a break now and again, so I want to buy something that's pocketable without sacrificing too much in the way of quality.

I've been waiting around for the NEX-7 announcement, but now it's here two things are putting me off. The main factor is the price, which I don't think I can justify for a second camera. Also holding me back is the lens selection - while some of the newly announced NEX lenses look beautiful, I'm after something rather more compact.

Looking around at what's available, I'm tempted by the Samsung NX100, especially when paired with the 30mm f2 pancake. While the lack of a viewfinder is a big drawback, and the lack of any form of image stabilisation also worries me, this camera seems like the best compromise between price, features and quality that's available at the moment - especially given how cheaply they can be had, with everyone getting excited over the new NX200.

I'm just after some opinions of whether this would be a good choice, or whether anyone has any counter-suggestions. I'd consider any of the mirrorless system cameras, or maybe even a compact camera if it seems more suited to my needs. I just need something that's as compact as possible, but without giving up too much of the IQ, low-light performance and control of depth of field that I've become used to with my DSLR.

I really like the Canon G12, but I'm even more tempted by the S95 for it's true portability.

Depends how much you want more than one lens, I suppose, vs. how much you want to be able to fit it in a pocket.

BobSC said:

I really like the Canon G12, but I'm even more tempted by the S95 for it's true portability.

Depends how much you want more than one lens, I suppose, vs. how much you want to be able to fit it in a pocket.

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Thanks for the reply. I was quite tempted by the S95 for its extreme portability, but I do a fair bit of wide-angle shooting, so I'm not sure the lens would suit me. I'm also unsure about the trade-off between quality and sensor size.

I should mention that "pocketable" to me means only that it will fit in a coat pocket, it doesn't necessarily have to slip into a pair of jeans. Still, the smaller the better!

I bet the G12 with the Nikkor WC-E68 (0.68x adapter) would make a nice pair.

The WC-E68, when used on my (ancient) Coolpix 5000 yields a nifty 19mm effective field of view, with a very easily correctable little bit of barrel distortion.

BobSC said:

I bet the G12 with the Nikkor WC-E68 (0.68x adapter) would make a nice pair.

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Nice idea, I'll look into that - thanks!

The Panasonic LX5 has an equivalent 24mm lens, no adapter necessary. But they do make a wide and converter and adapter also, bringing it down to 18mm(!)

I have a Nex3. I put it, with a body cap, in one (Jacket) pocket, and any lens(es) of choice in another pocket. Works great. Camera is flattish without a lens attached. It is a very good little camera, beats a S95 for sure.

Also, Nex 5s and 3s are going now for not a lot of cash since the new ones have arrived.

Might possibly be an answer..........maybe.

Good luck,
Bob

bobmandwendyv said:

I have a Nex3. I put it, with a body cap, in one (Jacket) pocket, and any lens(es) of choice in another pocket. Works great. Camera is flattish without a lens attached. It is a very good little camera, beats a S95 for sure.

Also, Nex 5s and 3s are going now for not a lot of cash since the new ones have arrived.

Might possibly be an answer..........maybe.

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Thanks Bob. I certainly like the looks of the NEX cameras, I just wish there were some decent pancake lenses available for them. I like your solution of storing body and lens separately, but I'd much prefer to be able to slip the camera in a pocket with lens attached, ready to shoot.

If there was an equivalent of Samsung's 30mm f2 pancake lens available for the Nex system, I'd buy one without a moment's hesitation. I'd even consider shelling out for a NEX-7 if there was a decent quality pancake prime available, to make it a truly pocketable solution.

I thought about this for a while, and the best but pricy answer has been the fuji x100; all other ones are either not all that small or not as practical (i.e. looking at an lcd as opposed to through a viewfinder).

I suggest a look at the Samsung TL500 (EX1 outside the US) compact camera. It has a very fast f/1.8 l(24-72 mm) lens wonderful articulating Amoled screen, easy to access external controls, etc.. It has controls for Full Auto, AP, SP, and Manual - and can shoot in RAW. And, it is built like a tank. See some great pictures in the Gallery. Prices range from ~$330 to $400. I have a DSLR, but I carry this everywhere while my DSLR sits in my closet. Quality & convenience.

Note: this is not a an interchangeable lens camera. Video is VGA quality.

If you're interested, follow this link to read the Pros & Cons posted by actual users:

http://www.dpreview.com/products/samsung/compacts/samsung_tl500/user-reviews/list

Good luck in your search.
--
All the best,
Jim

Photographers take pictures, not cameras.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. The problem with the fixed-lens cameras that have been mentioned is that, while I'd like the convenience of a standard-length lens that's ready to shoot at a moments notice, I also want the flexibility of being able to swap it out for more specialised lenses when circumstances dictate. So I think it's going to have to be an interchangeable lens system for me. Having said that, the Samsung TL500 looks like a flexible little beast, so I'll certainly give that some thought.

After careful consideration, I've gone for the Samsung NX100. Ideally I'd have liked something a bit smaller, preferably with an EVF and integrated flash. But the only camera that satisfied all those criteria was the NEX-7, and I wasn't going to shell out over £1,000 for something that wouldn't even be pocketable, thanks to the size of the lenses.

In the end I picked up an NX100 for a bargain £100 on Ebay without its kit lens, and a 30mm f2 pancake to go with it for another £150. Here's hoping this gives me the quality I need when my DSLR kit isn't on my back.

JWest said:

In the end I picked up an NX100 for a bargain £100 on Ebay without its kit lens, and a 30mm f2 pancake to go with it for another £150. Here's hoping this gives me the quality I need when my DSLR kit isn't on my back.

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Sounds like a good setup for you.

I just got a Canon s95. Remarkable quality for something that fits in the pocket of a dress shirt.

BobSC said:

Sounds like a good setup for you.

I just got a Canon s95. Remarkable quality for something that fits in the pocket of a dress shirt.

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Cool, I hope you enjoy it! It's certainly a more portable solution than mine. The NX100 pushes the limits of "pocketable", but luckily I have big pockets.