Need to replace smartphone

[MimiLu]

In an attempt to simplify my brain space, I have recently decided to give up my smart phone in favor of a slightly lower tech life. I switched from a Google Pixel 6 Pro to a Light Phone II. I love my little Light Phone (a dumb smart phone) and feel like I'm already reaping benefits from making my phone just a phone.
I have a laptop to cover the computer part of my smart phone, a Garmin to cover maps, and now I need a camera to replace my Pixel camera. I'm going to party like it's 1999. ;-)
In my pre-smart-phone days I used the Canon G series. I think my first was a G7 or a G9 and I loved it. My second was a G11 and I didn't love it as much. My last was a G15, and it was okay. I loved my Pixel smartphone camera for every day life.
I am not a professional photographer, and I don't plan on becoming one, but I *love* photography and it's more than a casual hobby. I am an artist, and I like to use my camera to capture more than just an image. My dad was semi pro, and has had his work published in magazines in the past. He goes big with his hobbies and I have inherited that trait. I like nice things. :-D
In this stage of life, I have adult kids who are grown and doing life, but we also have a 10 year old left at home. I want to continue to capture memories for her. I recently became a certified Master Naturalist, and I love taking pics on my nature walks. When we have family events, I'm the family photographer.
I think I want two cameras - something small and compact that I can fit in my bag and pull out quickly to capture every day life. And then I think I might want a DSLR for my nature walks and when I want to do more.
I've been looking at the Fujifilm x100v and Ricoh GR IIIx for the every day, and the Canon R7 for nature. I think I would get a Canon R5 if I had the cash lying around and wouldn't feel guilty spending that much on a hobby. But my dad has the Nikon line so if I go with a Nikon I could borrow a lot of really cool lenses. I just don't know much about the Nikon line, and my dad is unfortunately suffering from chemo brain in this season of life so I can't really ask him about it like I could have in the past. Hopefully the chemo will do it's job, he will regain his health, and we can enjoy this hobby together again.
Thanks in advance for all of your help!

 

[Rodrigo Pasiani]

I would suggest the following two-camera system:

Sony RX100 VII as your compact, take-everywhere camera (also as a backup camera);

Sony RX10 IV as your main camera, great for hiking and wildlife.

Expect this level of image quality:

Sony RX10 IV

Sony RX10 (I, similar IQ to the IV), tripod.

Don't forget reliable memory cards, extra battery charger and extra batteries (OEM brand).

I also like CPL filter for landscapes (I recommend Zeiss).

--
Gear list: eyes, brain, hands and a couple of cameras.
Instagram: @rodrigo_pasiani
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodrigo_pc/albums/72157697391983321

 

[BBbuilder467]

When replacing my phone, I have to consider the bulk and weight. If a camera takes up space or weighs over 500 grams, I might as well use the ILC system and still have a hard time duplicating the focal length equivalent.

I think it's easier to replace the ILC with a premium compact, than replace the high end phone. You take the wide apertures and dof for granted with the phone.

 

[Mark S Abeln]

You won’t find DSLRs anymore except for Pentax and low-end Canons. The current technology is called “Mirrorless”, so I’d advise updating your terminology a bit to avoid confusion. Your choices look very good.

 

[MimiLu]

I guess this falls under "I don't know what I don't know." I need to update more than my terminology, I don't even know what the terminology means.

I am helping my dad navigate a uncurable cancer diagnosis, on top of life that is already demanding. I am in a season of life where I have had to release the illusion that I can be an expert in everything. While I love taking photos, I don't have the brain space to learn everything about it. Which is why I'm here - to ask the experts for advice. Right now navigating the terminology of bone marrow cancer is about all I can handle.

I just need to replace my cell phone camera with a compact camera. If it could be something a little more than I'm used to... something fun that I could grow into... that would be great. I have no idea what's out there.

I hope that once my youngest graduates and I get to "retire" a little bit, I will be able to give more focus to my hobby and I can become a real photographer. I'm sure by then "mirrorless" will be hopelessly outdated. Until then, I have a lot of life that I want to record (and I would like to record it beautifully.)

So If you know of any compact cameras that would fit the bill, I would greatly appreciate any advice you can offer! Thanks in advance!

 

[Mark S Abeln]

You’re going through a difficult situation, I hope things go as well as they can for your father and you.



I may be shooting from the hip here, but perhaps you can be happy with a Fujifilm camera. They seem to be more popular among artistically-minded people.

 

[BBbuilder467]

To expect better results than an advanced smartphone, I need at least a premium, 1" sensor compact. The Panasonic LX, Sony RX, Canon G models would be the minimum.

My hiking would be similar to your naturalist interests, where you're carrying it in rough, awkward terrain for long distances. I don't need long focal lengths.

I have a micro 4/3 system, but I'm tempted to give it up for the convenience of a compact that I could carry in a belt pouch rather than dedicated photo bags to protect it from the weather.

The "Master Naturalist" caught my attention. I live in a national forest and can hike every day.

 

[MJ_Photo38]

In an attempt to simplify my brain space, I have recently decided to give up my smart phone in favor of a slightly lower tech life. I switched from a Google Pixel 6 Pro to a Light Phone II. I love my little Light Phone (a dumb smart phone) and feel like I'm already reaping benefits from making my phone just a phone.
I have a laptop to cover the computer part of my smart phone, a Garmin to cover maps, and now I need a camera to replace my Pixel camera. I'm going to party like it's 1999. ;-)

That might be a little foolish, but have you thought about film, or an old, used camera? If you want to simplify your life, getting a camera that is simple and not filled to the brim with specifications and options could be a nice thing.

Something like a Nikon D80 with some old lenses... no live view, no video. Only an optical viewfinder, a lens and a sensor. Still produces quality images even if it was released in 2006. There is eons of examples like that, even more modern ones.

I think I want two cameras - something small and compact that I can fit in my bag and pull out quickly to capture every day life. And then I think I might want a DSLR for my nature walks and when I want to do more.
I've been looking at the Fujifilm x100v and Ricoh GR IIIx for the every day, and the Canon R7 for nature. I think I would get a Canon R5 if I had the cash lying around and wouldn't feel guilty spending that much on a hobby.

The way I see it, what you need is a simple system that isn't too complicated and leaves you brain space. If I was in your position, I'd try one of two things : either get one camera that can do both of those things, or two cameras from the same brand that have the same menu system (nothing worse than confusion when you're in the field and you don't remember where THAT option is).

Both Fujifilm APS-C cameras and Olympus/OM-System - Panasonic Lumix have cameras that will fit that description, as they have small lenses made for crop sensor cameras (when other brands like Canon, Sony and Nikon mostly use full frame lenses which are bigger and bulkier on their APS-C cameras)

For example, you could get something like an Olympus OMD EM-1 mk II, (or mk III or even an OM System OM-1 if you have the money) for all the things that require a larger camera with good autofocus and good reach for nature, and a smaller camera like an OMD EM-10 mk III or IV, or an Olympus Pen E-P7 or E-PL8/9.

You could get some short, small wide angle lenses and some bigger, longer telephoto lenses and you'd be able to mix and match them (realistically, it's using the smaller lenses on the larger body that is interesting here, not the opposite. It would be funny though)

The biggest problem with the X100V and the Ricoh GR3 is that they are absolutely overpriced right now. People are buying them left and right and it's a miracle to be able to find one at MSRP. Most of them get bought, then sold for a higher price on the used market.

That being said, I don't think that there is a lot of better options when it comes to everyday carry cameras. They are both exceptionally good, with large APS-C sensors delivering very good image quality. In the case of the X100V< the presence of an optical viewfinder is also a very good thing to get a little more immersed in your photography.

You could try to shop used with "acceptable prices" with older versions of those two cameras. The original 2013 Ricoh GR can be found for much cheaper and is still very good. The previous X100 series cameras are also good, just make sure not to get the original X100 and X100S. Those are still fine, but a bit harder to use and less reliable than the X100T and X100F that followed.

But my dad has the Nikon line so if I go with a Nikon I could borrow a lot of really cool lenses.

If you have F-Mount glass available, especially old, film era lenses then I can only encourage you to take advantage of that and either get a Nikon DSLR that will be compatible with those lenses natively (dpending of course of the lens type and the camera model) or a mirrorless camera that will be able to use them through an adapter.

I just don't know much about the Nikon line, and my dad is unfortunately suffering from chemo brain in this season of life so I can't really ask him about it like I could have in the past.

If you have access to Nikon F mount glass, providing it's AI glass that means that you could get a cheap old DSLR like a D200 and use those lenses with full compatibility for cheap. Those cameras are pretty big though, really depends what you are after.

Hopefully the chemo will do it's job, he will regain his health, and we can enjoy this hobby together again.
Thanks in advance for all of your help!

I hope your dad will get through this and that you'll be able to share some quality time together, both as photographers enjoysing their craft !

I wish I could have done the same when I had the chance.