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Do pros use "walkabout" non-dslrs?

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loparm

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When not using DSLRs do any of you have a SLR-type or compact model you use with pleasure? I realize there's no way they can compete with the IQ, speed, etc of a DSLR, but for a lightweight companion to your DSLRs, is there some camera you would recommend?
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Lo Park
 
A few years ago, I picked up a Sony DSC-P52 as a go-everywhere digital camera. I usually have it with me whenever I'm out, whether or not I have my "big" cameras with me. ;) It is a whoooooping 3 MP, and manual nothing (well, I still gotta press the release button) but it is great for "everyday" shots, grab shots, and the occasional don't-want-to-take-the-expensive-camera-there shots.

I also use it to capture people off guard when I have the big camera. For example, the big camera on a tripod gets their attention, then I sneak a shot with the little camera while the subject is looking at the big camera.

I'm probably going to get the Pentax W30 due to it being water and dust proof.

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Jim B. :> )
 
..do pros use non-DSLRs for walkabouts, they use them as their camera of choice for demanding professional work with excellent results. See Alex Majolis use of Olympus compact cameras, for instance.
Sophie.
 
I am not a portrait or studio guy. I shoot cars for magazines (and web sites, on occasion), which is almost always sunlight or available artificial light.

I am often searching for new locations and will drive around with the Powershot to take quick, non obtrusive snaps when needed, especially if it is private property such as industrial sites I am shooting because later I will need to go back and ask for permission. If I show up outside the fence with a big rig, I might get booted before I get a chance to say "Pretty please and I will take pictures of your heavy equipment for your use, too!"

I had a Powershot S1 IS for a couple of years before the S3. We also use it around the house with our young soon (soon to be joined by another midget).

But when scouting, I keep it handy in the car and it gives me enough manual control should I want it.

Cheers,
Terry
 
For pleasure? Yes of course. There is no way when I am not working. I'm going to carry around all that heavy equipment.

and yes, the usuabilty and image quality doesn't even comes close to my pro gear, and I wouldn't even consider using them for pro work.

But they are snapshot cameras for snapshots. And for that they are perfectly adequate, and in this senerio is snapshots are all you require just buy the smallest lightest camera you can find. Forget all the other rubbish, for snapshot purposes family, friends etc. Most of your digitial compacts these days are much the same.

Buying the smallest and lightest is simply the most comfortable way to go.
 
Not exactly a compact, but I still use my old Oly UZi. It's amazing what you can do with only 2 Megapixels, when the IQ is as high as it is with this camera. Although the shutter lag can be maddening, the IR capabilities are fantastic.

For a true compact, my wife's old Canon A80 has been everything we've hoped for in a compact. What a great little camera.

Further proof it's not the camera, but the photographer. Ansel Adams made terrific polaroids! :-)

--
  • Arved
'Take only pictures. Leave only footprints.' - Photographer's creed
 
I use a Minolta A1 for my digital "walkabout" camera as well as a huge percentage of my professional work. Remember, not all professional applications need 22mp.

Until a year or so ago, I used an old Olympus XA as my go-everywhere camera.
 
Although this camera is too bulky to slip in my pocket, it has several irresistible features:

1) Long zoom-- it goes from something like 28mm - 400mm equiv. The 400mm really comes in handy in many situations-- sometimes I'll choose this camera over my 1dsmk2 when I need the reach.

2) Image Stabilization. What good would 400mm be if all the shots were blurry? The IS works great.

3) High-Quality movie mode. The zoom works in movie mode, as do most of the auto exposure modes, auto-focus & auto-ISO. The files are recorded in AVI and not MPG, so they're bulky but look great.

-john
 
I always carry a Canon Powershot S80 (uses an SD card). This camera serves my needs well. Since I ride a motorcycle for leisure, it allows me to have something on hand when I see an interesting scene.
 
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