Seeking advice for travel camera

It is very easy to import iPhone photos to Lightroom, either directly from the phone to a computer or from iCloud. If you live on Apple Island there is the drop et al.

There is also the Adobe LR app for iPhone that, if I recall from my iPhone days, even allows raw capture (it does on that other platform, or it did the last time I thought about it).

Its impossible to beat a cell phone for availability and convenience. And "they" all say, including Apple, that photos from the iPhone are better than anything Cansonikofuj could ever produce.

So why even bother with the Canon?

How do you want to view and share your photos? I ask because if staying with on line or on screen, "fitting " the images to the smaller screen resolution some of the "IQ" concerns are reduced. Sensor size for low light or depth of field is still a consideration but a convenient smaller camera may still be a good choice.

I would suggest looking at aps-c first. I prefer zooms over primes, less or no swapping of lenses. I've been using an 18-135 on aps-c and 28-200 for ff. I think the aps-c is a good balance of performance, size and price.

I've used an A6400 and now A6700 in aps-c from Sony and ff,too. A family member uses an RX100

My wife likes her phone, many of which have good photography features so there are a lot of choices.

MSS123 said:

My main GoTo camera is a Canon R5, which works well for me. I am looking for a smaller, lighter solution that would be pocketable (ok, perhaps in a coat or small carry on versus my jeans) and considering the following solutions. Would love the advice of others.

Additional details:

Not super price sensitive, although Leica is completely out of my price range. Want the best possible quality, but with the caveat that if the primary reason for my trip were photography, I would have my R5. So this is best quality for the size.

1. Canon R100 with pancake lens - a tad on the large side, but I am used to the R system. Also, one of less expensive options.

2. FUJIFILM X100V - getting rave reviews as a pocketable, walk around camera. Fixed wide angle lens might be limiting.

3. Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera - similar arguments as above.

4. Sony RX100VII - small and versatile, but reviews are a bit mixed, notably on IQ. Not sure it is worth it.

Two other options not requiring new purchase:

1. iPhone 15 Pro - which I do use if I have no camera with me - but no process for bringing in to LR and editing like my other pix

2. I have an old SL-2 - although that is less pocketable than I would like.

Thank you!

Click to expand...

There are significant differencies in size/weight. I would first decide if you want compact or really compact camera. Other next decision should me made prime/zoom.


520g VS 480g VS 280g VS 300g

MSS123 said:

My main GoTo camera is a Canon R5, which works well for me. I am looking for a smaller, lighter solution that would be pocketable (ok, perhaps in a coat or small carry on versus my jeans) and considering the following solutions. Would love the advice of others.

Additional details:

Not super price sensitive, although Leica is completely out of my price range. Want the best possible quality, but with the caveat that if the primary reason for my trip were photography, I would have my R5. So this is best quality for the size.

1. Canon R100 with pancake lens - a tad on the large side, but I am used to the R system. Also, one of less expensive options.

2. FUJIFILM X100V - getting rave reviews as a pocketable, walk around camera. Fixed wide angle lens might be limiting.

3. Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera - similar arguments as above.

4. Sony RX100VII - small and versatile, but reviews are a bit mixed, notably on IQ. Not sure it is worth it.

Two other options not requiring new purchase:

1. iPhone 15 Pro - which I do use if I have no camera with me - but no process for bringing in to LR and editing like my other pix

2. I have an old SL-2 - although that is less pocketable than I would like.

Thank you!

Click to expand...

Well, I have many cameras and IMHO the Sony RX100 vii (with an added grip and Elliott Newcoms set up list) is the best of the bunch (IQ-wise) of the small "pocketable" cameras. But, don't forget the added grip. I use the Case Logic ERA case and a Small Rig grip on a belt for a case.

John

I recommend the Sony RX100 VII. I carry it when I don't want to carry an ILC. I find the image quality to be excellent.

Also maybe consider a small Micro Four Thirds camera, there are very small pancake primes that you can use that are very sharp like the Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F/2.5 II.


Panasonic G100 + Lumix G 14mm F/2.5 II

Here another vote for the Sony RX100VII. It is a very powerful tool and yet so small.

Yes, the optional grip is a must have!

The standard advice around here is to get the Sony RX100VII, and it is a fine camera. But in practice, I find myself agreeing with the comments in this article linked to below from dpreview. The ergonomics of my RX100VII make it no fun to use. So I don't use mine anymore. Instead, I use a Canon G7XIII. I find the exposure compensation dial hugely useful. Doing the same thing on the Sony is awkward so I don't do it. In fact, I just ended up doing everything on Auto on my Sony, just like dpreview says they do too. And I think the Canon takes just as good of pictures as the Sony and it cost a lot less. AF speed and reliability is not as good as the Sony, but for how I use it, that does not matter. The Sony popup viewfinder is clever, but too small for me to use it. And the Canon screen can made bright enough to use in direct sunshine, so the lack of viewfinder does not matter.

In the link below, dpreview calls the G7XIII "the enthusiast choice." And as a benefit, it costs a lot less than the Sony RX100VII.

New: Best cameras under $1000: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

MSS123 said:

My main GoTo camera is a Canon R5, which works well for me. I am looking for a smaller, lighter solution that would be pocketable (ok, perhaps in a coat or small carry on versus my jeans) and considering the following solutions. Would love the advice of others.

Additional details:

Not super price sensitive, although Leica is completely out of my price range. Want the best possible quality, but with the caveat that if the primary reason for my trip were photography, I would have my R5. So this is best quality for the size.

1. Canon R100 with pancake lens - a tad on the large side, but I am used to the R system. Also, one of less expensive options.

Click to expand...

I would skip the R100, or grab an M50 with an EF-M 22mm f/2. There is currently no "real" pancake lens on the RF side of things that are made for APS-C cameras. On top of that, the M50 is actually a better camera than teh R100 in my mind (better lenses made for smaller cameras available, as well as Sigma and Viltrox lenses present on the EF-M mount, fully articulable touch screen while the R100 has a non touch sensitive fixed back screen. Otherwise both cameras are the exact same (same CPU, same processor, same AF, same video specs, same everything)

If you really want the RF mount, go for the R50. Sensor is the same but autofocus is dramatically improved, same as video and maybe most importantly, the screen in the back is fully articulated and with touch functions


R100 with the RF-S 18-45, currently the smallest RF-S lens, M50II with the 22mm f/2

MSS123 said:

2. FUJIFILM X100V - getting rave reviews as a pocketable, walk around camera. Fixed wide angle lens might be limiting.

Click to expand...

35mm equivalent is not as limiting as it sounds, it's a very versatile focal length, and the sensor allows cropping. You can also carry conversion lenses to get 28 and 50mm equivalents if you want. It's a good camera, the viewfinder is a very nice feature, but it's also extremely expensive for what it is currently and I wouldn't advise to get one.

MSS123 said:

3. Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera - similar arguments as above.

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The Ricoh is MUCH, and I mean MUCH smaller than the X100V. When the X100 is just small enough to fit in a coat pocket, the GR III can fit in your jeans pocket. That clearly isn't the same kind of portability. And it seems that it comes at no obvious cost on image quality too, the Ricoh has an APS-C 24MP sensor with IBIS (when the X100V offers not stabilization whatsoever).

It's a 28mm equivalent which I prefer over 35mm personally, but there is also the GRIIIx with a 40mm equivalent if that's more your thing. Both lenses are collapsable, and super sharp (Fuji 23mm lens on the X100V is very sharp as well, but not collapsable)

MSS123 said:

4. Sony RX100VII - small and versatile, but reviews are a bit mixed, notably on IQ. Not sure it is worth it.

Click to expand...

It's a very good camera, image quality is not as good as the X100V or the GRIII, but it's overall pretty close. The lens is good, the body is full of features (super good autofocus, good video, integrated viewfinder, zoom lens, tilt screen and full manual controls even though they're not super prectical).

It's definitely small but it's not the most ergonomically pleasing camera to hold in that super compact segment (that to me goes to the GR)

MSS123 said:

Two other options not requiring new purchase:

1. iPhone 15 Pro - which I do use if I have no camera with me - but no process for bringing in to LR and editing like my other pix

2. I have an old SL-2 - although that is less pocketable than I would like.

Thank you!

Click to expand...

MSS123 said:

My main GoTo camera is a Canon R5, which works well for me. I am looking for a smaller, lighter solution that would be pocketable (ok, perhaps in a coat or small carry on versus my jeans) and considering the following solutions. Would love the advice of others.

Additional details:

Not super price sensitive, although Leica is completely out of my price range. Want the best possible quality, but with the caveat that if the primary reason for my trip were photography, I would have my R5. So this is best quality for the size.

1. Canon R100 with pancake lens - a tad on the large side, but I am used to the R system. Also, one of less expensive options.

2. FUJIFILM X100V - getting rave reviews as a pocketable, walk around camera. Fixed wide angle lens might be limiting.

3. Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera - similar arguments as above.

4. Sony RX100VII - small and versatile, but reviews are a bit mixed, notably on IQ. Not sure it is worth it.

Two other options not requiring new purchase:

1. iPhone 15 Pro - which I do use if I have no camera with me - but no process for bringing in to LR and editing like my other pix

2. I have an old SL-2 - although that is less pocketable than I would like.

Thank you!

Click to expand...

my lightweight travel kit is a Canon M6ii and 22/2 "pancake" and EFS 55-250

The Sony RX10 mk4 really cant be beat! It will do 20fps, covers 24 to 600, light weight. I own the MK3 and MK4 and have taken thousands of images. The menu is easy to understand and there are several publications which can help one explore the full potential of this camera. Battery life is good and Amazon carries battery and charger kits at a very reasonable cost. The nicest thing is that the lens is fixed to the camera so one NEVER has to edit out dust spots! Any changeable lens camera despite anyone's best efforts will get a dust spot!

I chose the Nikon Z30 for my travel camera for the reasons you gave, but I have been a life long Nikon user and that influenced my decision. I tried a Fujifilm X100 once but it was only a very brief flirtation. I use the small Nikkor Z DX 24mm f/1.7 primarily, but the more expensive Nikkor Z 26mm f/2.8 pancake lens would be super compact. For me, I just felt more comfortable using a camera with a familiar menu system and controls. Safe travels!

Bill

--
Nikon since 1969

...I'd get the GR III and the GR IIIx. But, since it is, I generally bring my LX10 (pocketable) or FZ1000II (not, but easy to carry in a small top-load zoom pouch) on trips where photography is secondary. Both capable of yielding crisp 24" prints. If photography is more important, I suck it up and bring a7RV with 28-60 and 70-300.

a7CR with Sony 28-60/4.0-5.6 could be good, too.

MSS123 said:

My main GoTo camera is a Canon R5, which works well for me. I am looking for a smaller, lighter solution that would be pocketable (ok, perhaps in a coat or small carry on versus my jeans) and considering the following solutions. Would love the advice of others.

Additional details:

Not super price sensitive, although Leica is completely out of my price range. Want the best possible quality, but with the caveat that if the primary reason for my trip were photography, I would have my R5. So this is best quality for the size.

1. Canon R100 with pancake lens - a tad on the large side, but I am used to the R system. Also, one of less expensive options.

2. FUJIFILM X100V - getting rave reviews as a pocketable, walk around camera. Fixed wide angle lens might be limiting.

3. Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera - similar arguments as above.

4. Sony RX100VII - small and versatile, but reviews are a bit mixed, notably on IQ. Not sure it is worth it.

Two other options not requiring new purchase:

1. iPhone 15 Pro - which I do use if I have no camera with me - but no process for bringing in to LR and editing like my other pix

2. I have an old SL-2 - although that is less pocketable than I would like.

Thank you!

Click to expand...

--
Event professional for 20+ years, travel & landscape enthusiast for 30+.
http://jacquescornell.photography
http://happening.photos

Thanks . I did Nikon 1969 to 1987. Was going to keep with Nikon however their auto focus came too late to do my brother-in-law's wedding. switched to Canon. Kinda got sick of their camera of the month approach. In 2916 ma Wife suggested I not take two bodies and 5-7 lenses on our travels. I said there was no camera that could fit the bill until I came across the Sony RX10. I finally made my way to A7mk lll.

I settled on employing only three lenses coverage from 16mm to 600mm. My brand loyalty is to myself and not to any camera manufacturer. The switch to Sony has been very favorable with a steep learning curve snd well worth it.

I hope your choice serves you well. All the major brands make great cameras!

I believe many if not most hobby photographers are in this same Delima. I have purchased numerous "this may be it" choices through the years, but can't say I have ever hit upon the perfect example for me. I most times choose my Olympus Stylus 1 for the task, but it still requires a small pouch of some form to carry all day "almost" unnoticed. I have several 1" sensor cameras, but none have excelled over my Stylus 1so far.

I have many times decided that unfortunately, the camera manufacturers may never offer this solution, and that the cell phone manufacturers have come much closer to meeting my wants here than the camera guys. If Nikon or Canon had offered me a camera that fit in my pocket as well, and produced images as good as my iphone 13pro, even if it could not make phone calls I would have owned it in a heartbeat. I can always have a neat little clamshell cell phone for making phone calls.

So most recent vacations or get aways for our family, has found me with only my cell phone camera in my pocket.

MSS123 said:

My main GoTo camera is a Canon R5, which works well for me. I am looking for a smaller, lighter solution that would be pocketable (ok, perhaps in a coat or small carry on versus my jeans) and considering the following solutions. Would love the advice of others.

Additional details:

Not super price sensitive, although Leica is completely out of my price range. Want the best possible quality, but with the caveat that if the primary reason for my trip were photography, I would have my R5. So this is best quality for the size.

1. Canon R100 with pancake lens - a tad on the large side, but I am used to the R system. Also, one of less expensive options.

2. FUJIFILM X100V - getting rave reviews as a pocketable, walk around camera. Fixed wide angle lens might be limiting.

3. Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera - similar arguments as above.

4. Sony RX100VII - small and versatile, but reviews are a bit mixed, notably on IQ. Not sure it is worth it.

Two other options not requiring new purchase:

1. iPhone 15 Pro - which I do use if I have no camera with me - but no process for bringing in to LR and editing like my other pix

2. I have an old SL-2 - although that is less pocketable than I would like.

Thank you!

Click to expand...

I've gone round and round with this. I don't llike short fixed lens cameras - too limiting. As a result, I have not used either the Ricoh nor the Fuji 100. I do like small "travel zooms" on a belt and pouch, and even the smaller m4/3 cameras with a zoom lens. Check my list below. Of the small, belt - type "travel zooms," IMHO the Sony RX100 vii or for a shorter, but faster lens the Sony RX100 VA are the best for IQ, but they MUST have an added grip. I use the Small Rig grip with them. The Olympus Stylus 1 with a longer 300mm f2.8 lens is not far behind. The others each have some "issue, or issues," but I have not used the Canon G7X iii (CDAF only) yet as I do have the Olympus ZX 2 with a similar fast lens and similar focusing system - Excellent colors, but not so hot in low light.

For low light, I suggest you choose something with PDAF focusing rather the CDAF. Both are fine in "good," bright light, but there is a significant difference in low light situations. PDAF is better - faster and more accurate.

In M4/3 I like the GM5 and use it with either the 12-32 and 35-100 (the small, slower one) or the 14-140 Panny lens. I also have and use the Em5 mark iii and the EM10 mark iv with a suitable zoom lens (or no more then two - small ones). I get excellent results from these cameras.

Best wishes, and good luck. Choose one or two, but not the whole lot of them.

John

i'd vote for a Micro Four Third camera. There are small options, about the size af a Sony RX100, and you can get hold of affordable and good lenses, from tiny pancakes to long telezooms, that still are tiny compared to FF or APS-C options. As a bonus the output is pretty damn good.

Fundamentally, I agree however, if you are taking images for further processing or print a cell phone aint gona cut it!

My argument for a device like the RX10 is it gets as close to having a plethora of lenses without all the baggage. The cell phone is certainly a great tool and often I find its ability to handle difficult lighting superior to traditional cameras.The flexibility of the cell is undeniable however, it all depends on purpose and not just convenience.

kcdogger said:

MSS123 said:

My main GoTo camera is a Canon R5, which works well for me. I am looking for a smaller, lighter solution that would be pocketable (ok, perhaps in a coat or small carry on versus my jeans) and considering the following solutions. Would love the advice of others.

Additional details:

Not super price sensitive, although Leica is completely out of my price range. Want the best possible quality, but with the caveat that if the primary reason for my trip were photography, I would have my R5. So this is best quality for the size.

1. Canon R100 with pancake lens - a tad on the large side, but I am used to the R system. Also, one of less expensive options.

2. FUJIFILM X100V - getting rave reviews as a pocketable, walk around camera. Fixed wide angle lens might be limiting.

3. Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera - similar arguments as above.

4. Sony RX100VII - small and versatile, but reviews are a bit mixed, notably on IQ. Not sure it is worth it.

Two other options not requiring new purchase:

1. iPhone 15 Pro - which I do use if I have no camera with me - but no process for bringing in to LR and editing like my other pix

2. I have an old SL-2 - although that is less pocketable than I would like.

Thank you!

Click to expand...

I've gone round and round with this. I don't llike short fixed lens cameras - too limiting. As a result, I have not used either the Ricoh nor the Fuji 100. I do like small "travel zooms" on a belt and pouch, and even the smaller m4/3 cameras with a zoom lens. Check my list below. Of the small, belt - type "travel zooms," IMHO the Sony RX100 vii or for a shorter, but faster lens the Sony RX100 VA are the best for IQ, but they MUST have an added grip. I use the Small Rig grip with them. The Olympus Stylus 1 with a longer 300mm f2.8 lens is not far behind. The others each have some "issue, or issues," but I have not used the Canon G7X iii (CDAF only) yet as I do have the Olympus ZX 2 with a similar fast lens and similar focusing system - Excellent colors, but not so hot in low light.

For low light, I suggest you choose something with PDAF focusing rather the CDAF. Both are fine in "good," bright light, but there is a significant difference in low light situations. PDAF is better - faster and more accurate.

Click to expand...

For S-AF, Panasonic MFT cameras have been the fastest-focusing cameras I've ever used, and they've all been CDAF-only. Until very recently, they also did S-AF in lower light than any others. See my gear list to understand what I'm comparing to.

Hope1943 said:

In M4/3 I like the GM5 and use it with either the 12-32 and 35-100 (the small, slower one) or the 14-140 Panny lens. I also have and use the Em5 mark iii and the EM10 mark iv with a suitable zoom lens (or no more then two - small ones). I get excellent results from these cameras.

Best wishes, and good luck. Choose one or two, but not the whole lot of them.

John

Click to expand...

Thank you for all of the advice. Interesting that for a not unusual question, there are not a lot of clearcut answers.

I was leaning towards the RX 100 but decided not to get that because of all of the negative comments about the user interface. Instead, I went with the Canon G7 Mark iii. It is a perfect size, and for still photography use, the pictures are recently high-quality. I particularly like the fact that the interface is simple and that I can just pull it out of my pocket and start taking pictures.