RLight wrote:
As crazy as it may sound, I've made a decision to dial all my photographic gear down. Only the G5X II will remain.
Why?
One part is where I am in life, timing of things and location. The other part is gear and what's appropriate and available.
The other is the realization that accumulating camera gear is much like many other obsessions, as Proverbs 27:20 says, the eyes of man are never satisfied. It took me having everything I wanted, or thought I wanted, to realize having an R3, RF 28-70 f/2L, and I could've bought whatever RF lenses I desired, to figure out that really I just needed something capable of documenting my family and I'd achieved that perhaps long ago without knowing it. The accumulation of stuff, big stuff, expensive stuff, actually gets in the way of life.
Over time, it's true, gear has evolved to meet my needs too. The G5X II itself didn't exist prior to 2019 I believe. And the only point and shoot that I can say would do the job, is the G1X Mark III which didn't exist before late 2017, but the G5X II does it a touch better at the moment, I think. Before the G1X Mark III and G5X Mark II, yes, I would say perhaps the M50 (original) with say a 22mm f/2 and 18-150 was the best bet. But before that? Perhaps a Rebel SL1 with a 24mm f/2.8 and stock 18-55 lens, telephoto lens (55-250 IS STM). Before that the options were still evolving to meet the needs correctly that is, and the high bar I have of image quality and autofocus.
Regarding the M platform. Although capable, I wasn't using the glass, or wanting to carry it frankly. The system also had a couple hiccups, namely AF misses / shutter shock. AF misses before the M6 Mark II, including the M50 Mark II, and shutter shock of the M6 II. The G5X II just hits the target, consistently. Step down in IQ, but step up in simplicity, and repeatability / consistency of output. It's also a fast zoom, something Canon kept away from the M, sadly, and where I live (fast zooms).
I do hope Canon does update the G5X Mark II or G1X Mark III, or both in the same platform, and maybe they will, maybe they won't. I'm going to focus on the simple things in life. Maybe even refine my photographic skills for a while in this season.
I might do a review on the R3, and process the RAWs I have in my archive from the M6 II, but otherwise, the season of accumulating for me is over. I hope this blurb helps other people realize that having what you want, may not be the answer. I say this on a forum that is centered on accumulating camera gear ironically... Ask yourself what do you (really) need?