ncali12 Posted January 14, 2012 Share #1 Posted January 14, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) I going on a long 500 mile trek in May and am trying to decide on a smallish digital camera to take a long. Generally, I like to do street photography, people, architectural shots. I'm wondering what would be best for the trek: D-Lux 5, V-Lux 30, X1. Outside the Leica family I find the Fuji X100, X10 and the new X Pro 1 all look interesting. But I need something smallish and before the end of March when I leave. Any suggestions for me? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 14, 2012 Posted January 14, 2012 Hi ncali12, Take a look here selecting a travel camera. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
250swb Posted January 14, 2012 Share #2 Posted January 14, 2012 I would cross off all those with a fixed focal length lens if I were you. Superb as the lens may be (Leica X1 etc) I don't think it is a good idea for an extended trip. Choose a good all rounder, the X10 is available now, but the new Canon G1 X looks like a very much stronger contender to me, so long as it is on sale before March. You need to consider spare batteries and re-charging them so look into the battery life and ease of supply for any camera you are considering. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dugby Posted January 14, 2012 Share #3 Posted January 14, 2012 We just returned from trekking in the Thailand hill tribes and found this to be a must have for my daughter's DL2. I even tried it on my D2 a few times..... is so good, I just bought 2 more, one for my son's VLux2 and I'll keep one on my D2 Manfrotto 797 Modo Pocket Tabletop Tripod 797 B&H Photo Video Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
algrove Posted January 15, 2012 Share #4 Posted January 15, 2012 I going on a long 500 mile trek in May and am trying to decide on a smallish digital camera to take a long. Generally, I like to do street photography, people, architectural shots. I'm wondering what would be best for the trek: D-Lux 5, V-Lux 30, X1. Outside the Leica family I find the Fuji X100, X10 and the new X Pro 1 all look interesting. But I need something smallish and before the end of March when I leave. Any suggestions for me? Take the D-Lux-5. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted January 15, 2012 Share #5 Posted January 15, 2012 I think the X1Pro would not be as suitable as the rest because of size - otherwise it depends on your preference. All of these cameras will allow you to take good images and are easy to carry. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted January 15, 2012 Share #6 Posted January 15, 2012 D-Lux 5 is an ideal travel camera. Consider getting a 24mm optical finder. Make sure to take the right adapter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted January 15, 2012 Share #7 Posted January 15, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) I would cross off all those with a fixed focal length lens if I were you. It's a personal thing. I'd be more than happy to spend the rest of my life with a full format camera and a Leica 35mm lens. For me everything else is just tinkering around the edges. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncali12 Posted January 15, 2012 Author Share #8 Posted January 15, 2012 Thanks for all of the suggestions and advice. I am kind of an old fashion film person (M6) so I'm not used to zooms and maybe not as aware of their value on small point and shoots since I never use them. I guess I have always thought that if I used a zoom on a point and shoot I would be compromising the clarity or the photo. anyway I see the point of staying away from fixed focal lengths. The DL2 looks too big plus I have a little bias towards Leica and the new Fuji. I'm going to be trekking 500 miles so I definitely want to keep the extra weight down. The D-Lux 5 is a nice size but I'm wondering if I would prefer the big sensor on the X1 inspite of its limited lens capability. The other thing is that I may be at risk for slipping down the M9 hole and in that case, I would rather not put $ into a X1. But I do need something that will tide me over until I can get the M9. If the X1 is great maybe that would satisfy. If the D-Lux 5 is adequate, that would get me through the trip/trek and I could then think about something else when I return. I've used (borrowed) a G 9 and G10--thought them okay but not overly impressive. I would never want to buy either. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted January 15, 2012 Share #9 Posted January 15, 2012 Where will you be trekking, exactly? I have used all the Leica cameras you mention. Of course, the M6 and slide film, plus a couple of lenses, say 24 and 50, or 35, would work well. I absolutely agree you need to keep it light. The M9 is a superb camera but a big investment. The X1 is very well made, with excellent IQ, especially at high ISOs. AF is slow and you are limited to just one focal length. The D-Lux is surprisingly capable. The 24mm comes in handy, and zooming closer good for details or portraits. High ISO (1600) is usable for gritty night markets, but I'd keep it on ISO 100 for best quality. It is super light to carry. Below, Kaikoura Wilderness Walk with the D-Lux 5. Many more from this camera used for publication. Best of luck! David David Killick | Freelance Journalist and Photographer Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/170548-selecting-a-travel-camera/?do=findComment&comment=1898999'>More sharing options...
ncali12 Posted January 15, 2012 Author Share #10 Posted January 15, 2012 Hi David, Thanks for your feedback. So, it sounds like if you were only going to take one camera with you on a long trek and you needed it to be light, you would take the D Lux 5. Would that be your pick? The picture that you sent looks great. Just out of curiousity have you ever tried any of the little Canons? Like the G 8,9 or 10? Is the D Lux 5 comparable, a better quality or is that like comparing apples to oranges? Thanks again, AL Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncali12 Posted January 15, 2012 Author Share #11 Posted January 15, 2012 PS As for where I will be trekking, I'll be doing the Camino to Santiago (across northern Spain) and then some traveling in Morocco and Switzerland. AL Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted January 15, 2012 Share #12 Posted January 15, 2012 Yes, I think the D-Lux 5 is a great compact camera for lightweight travel. Sorry, I can't compare the Canons. Another option to consider might be a Panasonic GX-1. It takes interchangeable lenses, including some Leica ones. It would be great to see a similar model from Leica. Non photographically, I'd also make sure to take the best possible footwear, well-worn in, and a top-quality pack. I got custom-made boots (well worth while) and use a RedOxx C-Ruck pack (Red Oxx - Quality Soft Sided Luggage for your Spirit of Adventure). Merino tops and Goretex or similar jacket are also handy. Sounds like a brilliant trip! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncali12 Posted January 15, 2012 Author Share #13 Posted January 15, 2012 Thanks again. I am kind of leaning towards the D Lux 5. Sounds like it would be a good, small size for minimizing weight and also a good compliment for the M9 if I can ever get one--or even X1 if I go that route. I hear that the Fuji XPro-1 will take Leica lenses when it comes out. But I totally agree with what you say about Leica. It would be really nice if they would come out with an X1 type body that would take Leica lenses. Who wants to pay 7-8K for a body that is going to be obsolete next year? ...those little fujis--X100, X10 XPro 1 look pretty sweet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted January 15, 2012 Share #14 Posted January 15, 2012 Yeah, the Fujis look nice -- but I haven't used them so can't judge results. I did get to handle a X-100. I wasn't so keen on the built-in finder; I found the accessory 24 finder for the Leica much clearer. At less than half the price of the X1, and eight times less than the M9, the D-Lux 5 is good value. LX-5 version even more so. I don't think the M9 will be obsolete -- if it continues producing great pictures you are happy with, that is the main thing -- but technology is certainly evolving fast. For example, compare an older digital compact, even one made a few years earlier, and the D-Lux 5 is way ahead in terms of image quality. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramosa Posted January 15, 2012 Share #15 Posted January 15, 2012 Lots of good options suggested. I think I would go with the Fuji X100. If you want even smaller, you may want to ponder the Ricoh GRD IV. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phancj Posted January 16, 2012 Share #16 Posted January 16, 2012 I would just use an X1, as I indeed have for 2 satisfying years. Good low light files, great IQ, really small. The DL5 (which I got for my wife) is also excellent and more versatile but it doesnt produce files that make you go "WoW"! But if you just want to "document" the trip for memories the DL5 will do just fine. The x100 is comparatively too big. My two cents. CJ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncali12 Posted January 16, 2012 Author Share #17 Posted January 16, 2012 Thanks. For size I've been leaning toward the D-Lux 5. But I hate sacrificing quality--one thing I love about the M6. All this feedback has really helped. I think I have atleast narrowed things down. Next I'll just have to get to a Leica store and try them out for the immediate trip. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Constable Posted January 16, 2012 Share #18 Posted January 16, 2012 Don't forget the Nikon V1 Ed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncali12 Posted January 16, 2012 Author Share #19 Posted January 16, 2012 Humm, haven't looked at that one. Thanks, will check it out. AL Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted January 16, 2012 Share #20 Posted January 16, 2012 It's a good idea to go hands-on. Try them out if you can, even if you borrow them for an hour, have a wander, and download pics so you can check them later at your leisure. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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