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Which camera for lightweight travel kit?

Started Oct 19, 2018 | Questions thread
OP averacpa Regular Member • Posts: 219
Re: Everyone’s idea of a travel kit is different

Thanks for all who have replied.

As for zoom like the 14-140 or the 12-40, I normally shoot in the 12-45 range on city trips, so I could live with just the Oly 12-40 and the Pany 45-150 for the occasional reach, but as much as I love the 12-40, I find it large and heavy compared with the Oly 9-18.  Its best suited when I bring the EM-1.  I like shooting inside museums so the f1.7/8 lenses really help there.

For that matter, if I had to choose just 3 travel lenses, I would probably take the 9-18, 15 and the 45-150 as the absolute minimum plus the GX-7 in size and weight over the EM1 and the 12-40.

I guess as I am getting older, the weight issue is becoming more apparent.  My last trip to Antarctica, I carried a lot of m4/3 equipment plus a MB pro 13" laptop in a Think Tank backpack.  Although I used most of the gear, I found it way too heavy.

A later trip to Spain, I carried only the GX7, Oly 9-18, Pany 15 and the Pany 45-150 in a small Domke F-5XB bag.  This was more of a walking, train, bus trip and weight was everything.  Learned to appreciate the original intent of m4/3.

A small body with a small lens is not noticed by anyone, especially thieves and authority figures.  Probably no different than shooting with a phone in terms of being obvious and intrusive that comes with large size gear.

My focus is on upgrading to a body that is light, offers good body stabilization and has a higher dynamic range.  Better video is good, but not a deal breaker.  The only two cameras that I think currently are in the running are the GX9 and Oly EM 5 MkII.  Both are around the same price and differ a bit on specs.

Since I am in no rush, I can probably hold out to see what next year brings.  Just wanted your experiences on those bodies.  I even looked at the EM10 Mk III, but I find it below either of those two.

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