Perfect Hip Shot Camera?

dazedgonebye

dazedgonebye

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The recent W/NW hip shot thread has me thinking. What is the "perfect" hip shot camera? Ok, I don't really mean "perfect," but you know...

I'm thinking these qualities:

Small
Unobtrusive (black?)
Quiet
35mm or wider lens
Aperture priority AE

Sounds like I may be describing an Olympus XA_.

Any thoughts on my prefered qualities or cameras that make the grade?
 
for hip shooting I usually take out my GSN, set it on f16 with my TRiX rated at 800 or 1000 for maximum depth of field.
 
The upcoming Sigma DP1 could become the perfect hip shooter, and save us a lot of money in film.
 
Another requirement, at least for me, is a neckstrap, so I can make sure it hangs horizontally, at least when that's what I want.
 
I see two problems with the XA for this. The first (more minor) is the lack of full focus/DOF markings and the second is the "flightiness" of the shutter release. I like my Hexar RF for this (and most other things) - but I'm biased :D , and that's probably over-engineering your requirements.

...Mike
 
35mm or wider lens, so you excluded the Canonet QIII. But it is nice. Actually, I used to use by Yashica TL Super and Fujica ST 901 (small for an SLR) SLR's as hip shooters when needed and they were quite good. Especially the Fujica as it was small, black, and auto-exposure. However, this is RFF, isn't it? I guess I don't have one then. sigh
 
SLR with mirror lock up to make it quieter,? You aren't looking through the viewfinder if you're shooting from the hip.
 
Ricoh GR-Digital set to snap focus mode with screen and shutter noise switched off, unless you are shooting fast ISOs (and if you are, its still fine as long as you decide that everything over ISO400 is a B&W shot...)

Have used this camera a fair bit this week (bought for my parents) and I'm amazed by the quality and ease of use...

Or if you want film as mentioned above its film predecessor will do the job admirably...
 
Possibly blasphemous, but Canon A series PowerShot digital with a swiveling LCD. I've been using an A620 as my walking around camera for about a year and it's so much fun it should probably be illegal. It fits comfortably in the side pocket of my leather jacket, yet still has an actual, real camera grip. Shutter lag is not a problem under most conditions and the swiveling screen is just the ticket for stealth shots of the unwary. It also makes gorgeous images (this one is actually from the previous generation A95): http://www.flickr.com/photos/69948861@N00/406128979/
 
The 35mm lens requirement kills off so many fixed lens cameras. It's a shame.
I've always wondered why there weren't more WA fixed lens cameras made. Must just be my general dislike for 50mm.
If I change my requirements to 40mm, that should open up more possibilities.
 
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