What compact camera for quality travel shots?
Discussion
Evening chaps,
I'm off to Cuba in a few months and am keen to capture some good travel shots. In the past I've always lugged my Nikon D200, SB800 and a selection of lenses everywhere with me, but it's a real pain and gets very heavy by the end of the day by the end of the trip I end up leaving it behind in the hotel. Ill be taking this kit with me (and a GoPro HD) but I'm after a small compact to pop in my pocket when I can't be arsed carrying the proper kit.
I'm hoping not to have to sacrifice too much in the way of quality but have no idea what's achievable these days? Can you get decent compacts that shoot in RAW?
I had a look at the Nikon 1 and it looked good, but what's good at the moment? What should I be expecting to spend?
Dave
I'm off to Cuba in a few months and am keen to capture some good travel shots. In the past I've always lugged my Nikon D200, SB800 and a selection of lenses everywhere with me, but it's a real pain and gets very heavy by the end of the day by the end of the trip I end up leaving it behind in the hotel. Ill be taking this kit with me (and a GoPro HD) but I'm after a small compact to pop in my pocket when I can't be arsed carrying the proper kit.
I'm hoping not to have to sacrifice too much in the way of quality but have no idea what's achievable these days? Can you get decent compacts that shoot in RAW?
I had a look at the Nikon 1 and it looked good, but what's good at the moment? What should I be expecting to spend?
Dave
Love my G9 as a travel and general do-anything camera. Small enough to tuck away when you don't want to advertise that you've got an expensive camera, but takes great shots.
S100 looks superb though, and felt very well build on a brief play - plus if it's to accompany an SLR then going small makes sense. There are some cracking deals on the outgoing S95 too which is much the same but no GPS tagging.
S100 looks superb though, and felt very well build on a brief play - plus if it's to accompany an SLR then going small makes sense. There are some cracking deals on the outgoing S95 too which is much the same but no GPS tagging.
sjg said:
Love my G9 as a travel and general do-anything camera. Small enough to tuck away when you don't want to advertise that you've got an expensive camera, but takes great shots.
S100 looks superb though, and felt very well build on a brief play - plus if it's to accompany an SLR then going small makes sense. There are some cracking deals on the outgoing S95 too which is much the same but no GPS tagging.
You are right, the smaller the better given I'll also have the SLR for those more important planned shots. I'm not fussed about GPS tagging either so the S95 may be an idea S100 looks superb though, and felt very well build on a brief play - plus if it's to accompany an SLR then going small makes sense. There are some cracking deals on the outgoing S95 too which is much the same but no GPS tagging.
Mad Dave said:
Oh dear. I just stumbled across the Leica M9. I may need a private moment to myself.
I shouldn't do that if I were you, and certainly don't accidentally click on any sample imagesIf you want something a bit more compact then the system cameras are great. I ditched all my SLR stuff and bought a Sony NEX 5. It takes up hardly any space and gives you all the options.
As always there are new developments and I've not really looked into whats avaialalbe. If I do that I end up wanting to upgrade.
I have also got an S100. I'm very impressed with the quality of the images it produces and its very compact. I'm not interested in the GPS nonsense so I leave that switched off.
I was tempted to go for the S95 but I managed to get the S100 for 335 from Jacobs plus another 3% from quidco. So I thought I may as well go for the latest version.
As always there are new developments and I've not really looked into whats avaialalbe. If I do that I end up wanting to upgrade.
I have also got an S100. I'm very impressed with the quality of the images it produces and its very compact. I'm not interested in the GPS nonsense so I leave that switched off.
I was tempted to go for the S95 but I managed to get the S100 for 335 from Jacobs plus another 3% from quidco. So I thought I may as well go for the latest version.
Gad-Westy said:
Fuji X10 seems to be getting a serious following. Worth a look.
I bought an X-10 a couple of months back and have been nothing but impresed by what it can do. Granted you can't swap lenses but the focus speed, size of sensor and lens its equipped with have been fabulous. willyjc said:
I bought an X-10 a couple of months back and have been nothing but impresed by what it can do. Granted you can't swap lenses but the focus speed, size of sensor and lens its equipped with have been fabulous.
same got one at the start of this year, brilliant little camera. looks pretty nice too!Stevorocket said:
Read the full spec sheet and be gobsmacked.
Its funny because the OP is lusting after an M9 which frankly doesnt even have a spec sheet 
Theres a cool Digital rev video of an M9 vs the fuji xpro1, you get the distinct impression the fuji is mostly a waste of space in comparison.
The Leica m9 though has a lot of limitations, few if any zooms, hugely expensive lenses, poor ala 2002 levels of higher iso noise. As a Nat geo/street travel cam it probably cant be beaten, as a beach / landscape cam I think I would look elsewhere.
I have the s95 also, its a great camera for the budget if your short on pennies vs the other options (ep3, nex5, G1x etc)
Some great suggestions here, I'll check the spec sheets / reviews etc. Re the M9; I've always wanted a Leica since my b&w film days, the simple design appeals to the ex- designer in me! I accept that it's essentially a rehashed Panasonic though so if I were to buy one I'd get a proper old film Leica.
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