Is There Really Such a Thing as a Pocketable Camera?
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The current manufacturers need to revisit this genre. We need cooler pocket cameras for those of us that like ergonomics (and don't want to use a phone). The GR III is great, but it is 28mm only. The Sony RX100 series is just not fun to use due to it feeling like a TV remote. Most other 1" sensor compacts are worse than the Sony in most other ways. It will be cool to see if anyone steps up in the coming years.
Oh, I know. I have one (and an XA2). But I want something closer to 40-45mm in my next pocket camera.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
I think I'd like a digital camera in a size and shape similar to the Minox B. That would be a pocketable digital! No place for an LCD screen of course, so no chimping! But I think it would be fun.
Bbsteinle
Established
Just read through this entire thread. Probably one of the most enjoyable threads on RFF!
Basil
Basil
Out to Lunch
Ventor
I've used, both the Canon Powershot S95 and S120. Both are the size of a pack of cigarettes and very capable. Some photos:
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Pál_K
Cameras. I has it.
Although I've carried my XA2 and GR-1 in my ordinary front shirt pocket, I think this digital camera is a winner:
Necono Digital Camera (the cat-shaped camera)
Necono Digital Camera (the cat-shaped camera) Review and images
www.ephotozine.com
Evergreen States
Francine Pierre Saget (they/them)
American men taking needless Ls, as usual
ChrisPlatt
Thread Killer
Wenge
Registered User
I still have Sony RX100 v2 and keep it in the car at all times the past 10+ years. The battery never dies in-camera, it goes in a coat pocket or cargo pants, takes exc photos. The thing I still can't believe is the original 2013 battery stays fully charged in winter in the car down to 10F-30F for months.
largedrink
Down Under
Glad to see the Ricoh FF-1 on the list. I just purchased one and it's on its way. I'm not usually a fan of automatic cameras but this one caught my eye and the lens has a great reputation.
JoeV
Thin Air, Bright Sun
The Ricoh GRIIIX is a 40mm equivalent angle of view lens.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I have several Minox 8x11 cameras which are quite ergonomic to hold and use and fit easily into a small pocket. The Minox 35-GTE and Rollei 35S do similarly, given a slightly larger pocket space. I like and use all of these because they all have good lenses, manual focus, and are easy to use as well as carry. I've often carried one of them as my only camera on trips. All of these cameras have nicely minimal controls because they don't need any other controls.
With respect to digital cameras, well, I've not used the Ricoh or other ultra-small cameras much... I find their necessary controls a bit small and fiddly in my hands. A body about the size of a Leica M works better for me, with buttons and such that i don't fumble finger so readily. The Light L16 is great for this because the body is about M-size and that includes a 28-150 mm range lens capability, and up to 50+ MPixel output. And of course the M itself is excellent on size, weight, and ergo, and you have your choice as to which lenses suit you best with it.
A smartphone can work very well indeed, despite its shortcomings in ergonomics:
Lancia Fulvia at the Cafe - Mountain View 2023
iPhone 11 Pro + Moment camera
ISO 20 @ f/2 @ 1/640 @ 6mm
Raw capture processed in LR Classic..And it fits handily in a pocket.
Whatever works for you is all that matters. 🙂 The true discriminator is that you have something that you will carry and that enables you to make photographs that satisfy you.
G
With respect to digital cameras, well, I've not used the Ricoh or other ultra-small cameras much... I find their necessary controls a bit small and fiddly in my hands. A body about the size of a Leica M works better for me, with buttons and such that i don't fumble finger so readily. The Light L16 is great for this because the body is about M-size and that includes a 28-150 mm range lens capability, and up to 50+ MPixel output. And of course the M itself is excellent on size, weight, and ergo, and you have your choice as to which lenses suit you best with it.
A smartphone can work very well indeed, despite its shortcomings in ergonomics:
Lancia Fulvia at the Cafe - Mountain View 2023
iPhone 11 Pro + Moment camera
ISO 20 @ f/2 @ 1/640 @ 6mm
Raw capture processed in LR Classic
Whatever works for you is all that matters. 🙂 The true discriminator is that you have something that you will carry and that enables you to make photographs that satisfy you.
G
hap
Well-known
Agree with Godfrey......smartphones are capable but ergonomics....i'm too old. So I will give a shout out to the Olympus TG-5 or 6. Shockproof, weather and water proof, built in macro light, zoom, 15MP and RAW (if you care).
And...very small and easy to carry.
And...very small and easy to carry.
Pál_K
Cameras. I has it.
Low temperatures mean less chemical activity, so battery life is longer.
That's also why it's harder to start a car in very low temperatures - the energy is lower, plus the thicker oil in a car that's been sitting overnight
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Retro-Grouch
Veteran
Something to be aware of: A short while ago, I researched whether it would be desirable to freeze Lithium rechargeables in order to keep them fully charged and to prolong their lives. Contrary to my expectations, I learned that freezing is strongly discouraged, as it can inhibit the batteries' ability to accept a new charge. If you've had no problems, great! But I would be cautious...
Muggins
Junk magnet
Funny that this thread is still around, I found an Oly XA on a tat stand on Friday. The box has lost its insert and the flash is kaput - the little perspex block stays up all the time, and the flash... well, doesn't, but the camera itself seems to work as it should. I hope so as I've loaded it!
What's rather freaky is there was an address label inside... and SWMBO's Mum used to buy goods from the person named's business back in the 1990s!
What's rather freaky is there was an address label inside... and SWMBO's Mum used to buy goods from the person named's business back in the 1990s!
The Spastic Image
Established
I keep my Canon L1, Canon 50mm/f2.8, and Luna-Pro F in my bag. Slung round my neck.
The Spastic Image
Established
Retina 1a, and 1b scale focus cameras are great pocketable street shooters. Load them up with ISO 400 film, and Sunny 16 your way to fun!
The Spastic Image
Established
Wheelchair users usually do! My Adidas bag commonly carries a camera or two (Usually my Canon RF and a Retina 1b) and my Luna-Pro F. Adaptive street rig.
