Suggestions on gear

jor23 wrote:

Thanks for being honest.

You are not wrong. However, I am trying to figure out what to do with these 5 cameras on my desk. Not sure if I should keep them all.

I've always done best eliminating the distractions and using just a camera or two (with a lens or two), while focusing on the vision of what I'm set out to do. This is a subjective perspective, granted, but you may try just shooting with one camera/lens for a year and see what happens.

You already have enough gear. Because DPR is a GAS forum, I am not surprised although a bit dismayed that some are suggesting you buy even more gear. It's always easy and fun to spend other people's money

Based on your photos you still have room for improvement so I suggest attending photography workshops including post-processing skills workshops. You can combine these with travel for even more fun and personal growth. The gear you have are actually compact enough that you can even bring all of them in one travel bag. People with dslrs would not be able to accomplish the same feat. So to keep GAS going you might want to post a question asking about people's bag recommendations!

Austin Beahm wrote:

jor23 wrote:

Thanks for being honest.

You are not wrong. However, I am trying to figure out what to do with these 5 cameras on my desk. Not sure if I should keep them all.

I've always done best eliminating the distractions and using just a camera or two (with a lens or two), while focusing on the vision of what I'm set out to do. This is a subjective perspective, granted, but you may try just shooting with one camera/lens for a year and see what happens.

I'm doing something similar with a recently purchased, lightly used Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95. My old Panasonic 20mm pancake went away with my E-PL1 kit, and I wanted something in the normal FL range that would take its place. Having more DOF/low light flexibility and mandatory manual focus leads me in the direction you suggested when I want to purposefully wander about.

fedway wrote:

You already have enough gear. Because DPR is a GAS forum, I am not surprised although a bit dismayed that some are suggesting you buy even more gear. It's always easy and fun to spend other people's money

Very true.

Based on your photos you still have room for improvement so I suggest attending photography workshops including post-processing skills workshops. You can combine these with travel for even more fun and personal growth. The gear you have are actually compact enough that you can even bring all of them in one travel bag. People with dslrs would not be able to accomplish the same feat. So to keep GAS going you might want to post a question asking about people's bag recommendations!

To that end, I like using a Think Tank Digital Holster for hiking or going light, and a TT Retrospective 7 if I decide on more gear. Toploading bags are quick to access, and help with manipulating gear. If I ever felt the need to carry more than what the Retrospective 7 can hold, I'd use a non-photo backpack with the Digital Holster at my side. Photo-specific backpacks don't make sense for me, especially when I already have better options.

I am not sure what to recommend to you, other than keep the RX1.  I have an RX1 (while limited to a 35mm lens),  its IQ is great. My prime gear is an GX8, but based on what you write, I think you will find that too large of a camera. The GX8 with my lenses works fine when I need either a wider or longer lens than the fixed 35mm lens of the RX1.

Good luck with your decision.

Thank you!

I will give some thinking to it. It's all fun, isn't it?

also found some online courses. will spend more time learning the techniques.

I want to be better that this. my family enjoys my pictures, but none of us knows much about photography.

merijnwijnen wrote:

I wonder what is wrong with the RX100 video quality. OK, it is not 4K and sometimes (seldom) misfocusses. I use one for family videos all the time. Got a magnetic ND filter on it. Currently it is my only camera, now my canon 10D (yes, a dinosaur) is breaking down. I love the pocket ability.

Do you need 4K video? Do you have the computing power to handle the files? Do you have a 4k television? If not, then 4k is spoiled on you and you can make really nice stuff with the RX100 I to III

I am looking into an M43 addition myself, but not because of video quality. It is the handling (especially switching settings) that is the problem, together with lack of proper IS, EVF and a bit of tele-range. Properly setup custom settings will help a lot to avoid menu diving and partially compensate the poor handling.

I would get rid of most of your stuff and focus on using what you have. You could sell everything except the M1 and the 12-40 and may be a prime or two, and use the funds to upgrade the RX100 to a later version. That gives you a great dual cam setup that you can learn to use.

Less is more, sometimes.

Regards, Merijn

Nothing wrong with the videos from RX100 mark I. As you mentioned, handling is the biggest problem that I have with the camera. Newer models haven't improved in this regard. The IS is not very effective either.

4k is definitely better. The LX100 also allows 4k video in macro scene. Very impressive. I've got some nice screens and computers to process it. But I haven't really done anything with video so far.

The E-M1+12-40 zoom are to stay. My other lenses are great and cheap. I don't think I'd get much selling them - 17, 25, 45 f1.8. So I'll likely keep them as well. I'll definitely keep the RX1.

The LX100 is sold on eBay over the weekend. So one less thing to worry about.

A newer RX100 is not attractive to me at all. I might let go this one I have as well. Looking at the lightroom library. I shot it 90% at 28mm. The GM1 with a 14mm or 17mm might be a better choice after all.