What small digital would you get today for street/travel?

[nightfly]

I haven't been closely following all the changes in the digital world but noticed all the cameras with "X" in the name (Fuji, Sony) and the cheap as chips price of last generation m4/3 (EPM1 kit for $299) and end of life GXR deals, it might be a good time to jump into a small digital for street and travel.

I primarily shoot film with either a GR1 or an M4-P. Also have a GRDIII which I use mostly for travel. Just wondering if there is anything among the new Fujis, Sonys or M4/3s that might be compelling enough to make me use digital more. Something small, useable, not too pricey and that makes files that don't take too much massaging in post. Been doing more color lately.

Usually shoot wide with the Leica prefocused or the GR1 in Snap mode and aperture priority so looking for something that can be set and forgotten and just adjust aperture quickly as needed. The GRD III is pretty good but wouldn't mind bigger sensor and maybe a zoom or option for other focal lengths.

 

[Austerby]

I bought the Fuji XF-1. It's early days yet and I like it but the manual rotation of the lens to turn on and zoom is a little clumsy.

I bought it to replace an ancient Lumix FX-01 which gave many years of good service and while the Fuji' files and functionality are superior I miss the simplicity of that little Lumix.

 

[burancap]

I love my little RX100 with the Franiec grip.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I used to think this way. Then I decided: I've got a good camera. Why don't I use it? What are the objections to carrying on with your Leica? Surely it would be cheaper to insure it than to buy another, inferior camera.

Cheers,

R.

 

[CliveC]

I'm very happy with the quality I get with the Ricoh GXR and the M mount (and ecstatic with what I paid for it.) Now I just need more lenses!

 

[jsrockit]

For me it's the Fuji X100s. However, the GXR and M mount module might be what you'd find attractive.

 

[swoop]

Fuji X10 or Canon G15

 

[Pioneer]

If it is digital I already own a beautiful little Pentax Q that takes wonderful pictures.

But most of the time I am just packing my ZI as usual.

 

[canetsbe]

Nikon V1 is a good and cheap snapshot cam. Or Fuji X system.

 

[kxl]

I use a Sony NEX6 for street and for my non-DSLR travels (i.e., when I do not need long teles or macros).

 

[mgilbuena]

I would pocket a RX100 for those moments where I'd like to capture a video, or for reach beyond what I am carrying as a prime lens on the primary shooter.

 

[thegman]

For travel, I'd probably get one of the waterproof ones available, as that's pretty much the only thing I would not use my other cameras for, going underwater.

 

[Charles S]

I would take a Canon S - point and shoot size with raw capability.

 

[jsrockit]

The Nikon Coolpix A is also a seemingly good option, though it costs crazy loot.

 

[GaryLH]

Fuji x100 - apsc sensor, cheaper now that the x100s is out, 35f2 equiv and built I flash, iso up to 1660 no,problem..even ok at 3200.

Sony rx100 - new 1 inch sensor (20mp), fairly fast zoom at wide end 1.8. First in your jean pocket

Ricoh gxr - a12 28 module (I don't have it) or a12 50. Snap focus for street work. Or a12 m module for street or vacation. A16 zoom for vacation. But be warned Ricoh has discontinued this model. Henerys in Canada had a clearance sale a while back. They still have customers pending orders from that...

Panasonic lx3/5/7, Fuji xf1, canon s100/s110 are some of the other well respected p&s.

Maybe the Nikon Coolpix A.

I have actually used x100 and the rx100 on vacations several times. I don't do much in the way of street photography. More of take a shot if I c the opportunity mainly.

Good luck with your quest...

Gary

 

[cz23]

It sounds like you need to investigate compacts with largish sensors that allow setting focus distance. There aren't many. Of course you could use one of your Leica wides on several systems, but it will no longer be so wide and there may be other issues. Adding a zoom would compromise your size requirement.

Honestly, I think you will have a hard time doing better than your GRD III. BTW, the GRD V is rumored to have an APS-C sensor. It might be worth waiting for.

John

 

[nightfly]

Thanks for the responses.

Not a lot of love m4/3 even at todays bargain prices.

I do think given my pickiness on interface, ie one that gets out of my way, the GRD III is tough to beat.

If I found the GXR with the 28 module and the Leica Module pretty cheap (these might be gone now) that would be another option. My 35mm Summicron would then be my long lens.

Might be a GRD III and either the film GR or the Leica for special shots on my next trip in May (thing that prompted my question). If the GRD V materializes before that trip perhaps that might be the way to go. Or the Sony RX100 if I get GAS.

Feel like you guys gave me a good lay of the land that I needed and maybe helped alleviate my GAS. Thanks.

 

[David_Manning]

Another vote for the RX100. Terrific image quality, good zoom range, shoots great Sony video, fits in a pocket so I don't look like (more of) a dork at dinner or while out 😀

 

[nightfly]

David your work with the RX100 was one of the things that originally put this in my head.

I love the Moriyama-eque stuff you posted elsewhere. Generally don't like the look of digital (not to start a dig vs analog war) but loved the grit you are getting.

Another vote for the RX100. Terrific image quality, good zoom range, shoots great Sony video, fits in a pocket so I don't look like (more of a dork) at dinner or while out 😀

 

[David_Manning]

That's the nicest compliment I've gotten in a while, and I appreciate it. I'm on a Daido Moriyama/Anders Petersen kick lately, and I feel I'm finding my personal voice.

I was shooting my X-Pro 1 earlier today (I'm in Rio de Janeiro until Saturday), but I'm really looking forward to getting out tonight into Ipanema with the RX100. I love it's size, flexibility and image quality. My Daido-esque 20x30 prints are phenomenal. I hate to say, it's successfully replaced my Contax T3 for personal compact work.

Thank you again.