Perfect 2018 family travel combo setup

[Ian_B]

Hi all,

I'd love to hear from people on their go to family travel photo/video setup for holidays abroad.

I'd a long time Canon user with FF bodies and lenses but I'm trying to get an excuse to leave them at home from now on and travel lighter.

I had my eyes set on a few options and it would be great to get some opinions.

1. Canon G7Xmkii

2. Fuji XT20

3. Canon SL2

4. Panasonic G85

Each of the above has its pros and cons in my mind, if I go down the G7Xmkii route I might still bring my 6d.

Thoughts?

 

[Lan]

Given that you already have Canon lenses, a way to reduce weight somewhat, whilst increasing image quality would be a Sony A7R2 or an A7R3 with the Sigma MC-11 (EF) adapter.

I pulled the trigger on an A7R2 back in December, and I'm very happy with the performance of the new system overall. All my Canon lenses are working well, with AF and IS both functioning on all my Canon lenses.

Image noise is improved, image resolution is improved, dynamic range is improved, and I get excellent 4K video too. All in a smaller package. I wouldn't use the AF for sports/BIF, but for landscape/macro use AF performance is comparable to the 5D2 when using Canon lenses on the adapter.

If you manage to narrow down your choices, consider renting your top choices, and see whether you're happy with them. It's a reasonably economic choice, given the prices of kit these days.

 

[gavin]

I use the Sony RX100 series for light weight. The 1in sensor is pretty good.

 

[Val Bueno]

It is small enough to carry all day without a bag or a strap and still take great pictures. And it has full manual control and shoots raw so if you are in the mood for more serious stuff, it can handle it too, Not the quality of a Full Frame, but not bad for something I carry in my front jeans pocket.

So while I walk around with my Girlfriend and her Godmother in Hong Kong:











and then out later with my tripod

View attachment efb266cd842c4558be56d29fab4f17b5.jpg

and in Europe 2016









The RX100 is a small but powerful camera once you get used to it.

Aloha,
Val

 

[KCook]

Of course each of those has its fans. I have not experienced any of the newer compacts like the G7 Xii. You may or may not end up with issues with RAW files from the Fuji X-T20. Very attractive camera though. At least there are lots of budget lenses for the Canon SL2, thanks to the EF-S mount. The Panny G85 is pretty much state of the art for M4/3, and more expensive than most. Compact plus ILC could work. I would include the SL2 as a ILC option for this game plan. At least the compact would give you one camera with a quiet shutter. Also leave you free to weld your favorite prime to the SL2.

Links for lots of opinions -

Fuji to Micro 4/3?

G7X MK2 (thinking about replacing my Sony RX100 M3)

From Canon EOS 400D to Mirrorless - Help needed

Entry level mirrorless or high end compact? Help??

Kelly Cook

 

[Ian_B]

Of course each of those has its fans. I have not experienced any of the newer compacts like the G7 Xii. You may or may not end up with issues with RAW files from the Fuji X-T20. Very attractive camera though. At least there are lots of budget lenses for the Canon SL2, thanks to the EF-S mount. The Panny G85 is pretty much state of the art for M4/3, and more expensive than most. Compact plus ILC could work. I would include the SL2 as a ILC option for this game plan. At least the compact would give you one camera with a quiet shutter. Also leave you free to weld your favorite prime to the SL2.

Links for lots of opinions -

Fuji to Micro 4/3?

G7X MK2 (thinking about replacing my Sony RX100 M3)

From Canon EOS 400D to Mirrorless - Help needed

Entry level mirrorless or high end compact? Help??

Kelly Cook

Brilliant thanks for the links!

 

[KCook]

Anudder link -

Fujifilm X-T20 AE and JPGs for Landscapes

Kelly

 

[Acrill]

I'm a big fan of the X-T20 + 18-55mm zoom for a photo/video combo.

The lens has a conveinent OIS switch on the barrel, easy to turn it on for video and off for still. Also, the T20 has a video mode on the drive dial.

For a prime lens, I love the 35mm 1.4 but the newer Fuji f/2.0 prime lenses also have a good reputation.

 

[skyseeker]

I think "family travel photo/video setup for holidays abroad" is quite general, so sth more modern (4k video) than your 6D with a zoom lens may be your choice of course.

However, maybe you will miss the beautiful rendering of FF + fast lens. So your 6D + EF 35mm f/2 IS USM may also be an option that is not too heavy. 35mm is perfect for street and people.

 

[Eric Nepean]

For this purpose I have the Panasonic GM5, the precursor to the the 850.I can fit the camera and a small lens in a coat pocket, the camera and 2 or 3 small lenses fit inside a small camera bag.

 

[maltmoose]

For family holidays and travel the rx100 has worked well and can take it out in the evening for meal and drinks no problem. (i have the mk1) I dont actually like the camera much but takes good pics.

I have traveled with the ricoh gr and the gm5 which was a killer combo.

I really want to take a fuji xt20 or similar on my next trip to see how that works out, think ill still take an rx100 or GR though.

 

[Ian_B]

I think "family travel photo/video setup for holidays abroad" is quite general, so sth more modern (4k video) than your 6D with a zoom lens may be your choice of course.

However, maybe you will miss the beautiful rendering of FF + fast lens. So your 6D + EF 35mm f/2 IS USM may also be an option that is not too heavy. 35mm is perfect for street and people.

You are bang on, the 6D/35f2IS gets me such good photos, that lens its such good value for FF.

 

[larsbc]

Hi all,

I'd love to hear from people on their go to family travel photo/video setup for holidays abroad.

I'd a long time Canon user with FF bodies and lenses but I'm trying to get an excuse to leave them at home from now on and travel lighter.

I had my eyes set on a few options and it would be great to get some opinions.

1. Canon G7Xmkii

2. Fuji XT20

3. Canon SL2

4. Panasonic G85

Each of the above has its pros and cons in my mind, if I go down the G7Xmkii route I might still bring my 6d.

Thoughts?

I have downsized to micro four thirds cameras. My current travel system is a G85 with 12-35/2.8, 35-100/2.8, 15/1.7 and maybe a 9-18. I can fit the body, two 2.8 zooms and a third lens, and a Sony X3000 action cam into a Pacsafe waist pack (https://www.pacsafe.com/camsafe-v5-anti-theft-camera-cross-body-and-hip-pack/15140100.html).

The extremely effective stabilization and tiny 15/1.7 prime allow me to shoot in fairly low light despite the camera's small sensor. Being able to carry my lenses in a waist pack makes it very easy to quickly change lenses, too.

Because planes frequently limit you to two carry ons (and I never check-in my luggage), I usually put the waist pack inside a collapsible backpack. That way I can carry other stuff like a jacket, hat, charging cables, etc. The backpack also comes in handy for those times when I need to carry more than just camera gear.

I've tried various compact cameras, my most recent being an RX100 II and LX100. But I find that the M43 bodies seem to be more enjoyable and faster to use. The size is passably small for me, too. BTW I'll sometimes bring a GX7 as a spare body, too, and its fantastic for street photography.