selecting a travel camera

[MGCast]

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If you already have an M-Leica, why not select your favourite M-lens (a 35mm or wider if you plan on taking only one lens), and get one of the mirror less cameras available - eg NEX-7 (reports are very good, and it has a fabulous built in EVF), NEX-5n (smaller than the NEX-7, cheaper, but you need to add the EVF), or the Ricoh GXR with A12 module (the best sensor with Leica M lenses).

 

These options are all slightly bigger and more awkward than the smaller cameras you have been considering, but it pays off in IQ, and if you're considering taking an M6, smaller and lighter than that option.

 

If it were me, I'd take my 35/1.4 ASPH (FLE) and I'd smuggle in my AA 75/2, with my NEX-5n. Not too,heavy or bulky, and lots of fun.

 

 

I second this suggestion.

 

I own or have owned Ms both digital and film, the X100, the X1 and the Panasonic LX5. My current walkabout kit is a Sony Nex5n with a 35 summicron, occasionally changed to a 24. If I need more flexibility, I carry the stock zoom with me. The advantage is being able to use m lenses and the camera is still quite compact. The accessory EVF is excellent, as those things go. Also high iso image quality is excellent.

 

The LX5 (low budget Dlux5 equivalent) is an excellent little camera, but unless you really need a pocket camera you risk being disappointed in low light situations. The accessory EVF is essential for outdoor work, and it's not very good in my opinion.

 

I have not tried the Ricoh GXR but I have read very good things about it.

 

Ultimately it's a very personal choice but it makes sense to look into M-lens compatible bodies

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[Archiver]

I've used all manner of compact cameras for travel, from film compacts like the Contax T3 and Fuji Natura Black to small sensor zooms like the Canon G7 and G10, through to large sensor compacts like the Sigma DP cameras and the Ricoh GXR.

 

A small sensor zoom camera like the Panasonic LX5 would be a good choice, and comes well recommended on the Leica forum as it is the D-Lux 5 in disguise. Or is that the other way around? Wide angle on the short end with a relatively fast aperture, some zoom, and decent video quality all make for a versatile travel camera. But as small sensor cameras tend to be lesser in image quality than their large sensor counterparts, I would also suggest complementing it with a large sensor camera. Even a Sony NEX with M-adapter, along with one or two of your M-lenses, would be very good.

 

I use the Ricoh GXR-M and I love it. As a standalone camera I use it with the Voigtlander 15/4.5, which gives an equivalent focal length of 22.5mm. I find this more than adequate for general wide angle shooting, and the relatively long depth of field makes focusing very easy. For a longer general purpose lens I use the Elmarit 28/2.8, which becomes a 42.5mm lens on the GXR. The image quality is stunning and way better than any small sensor camera I have seen.

 

The Ricoh aps-c modules are certainly up there with the best in their class, too. The 50mm is extremely sharp and has excellent colour and bokeh, and the 28mm is great, too.

 

If I was doing a lot of trekking, I would use the Voigtlander 15/4.5 on the GXR in general, and as light goes down I would swap to a 35/1.4. If you have a Summilux, use it. Otherwise, the Voigtlander 35/1.4 works very well on this camera.

[ncali12]

Hi, thanks for your feedback. I will look up the cameras that you mention and see how they look. I think that if Leica had an X2 out (with certain improvements to the X1) that is probably the way I would go. As it is they don't, so I am a bit stuck. With a 500 mile trek my carrying weight is SEVERELY limited. No chance that I will be taking any extra lenses and certainly not my M6 which I love. Plus I need a digital. I don't use much digital and don't know much about digital. My only digital is an old Nikon Coolpix P1. It's old and I don't use it much. To get going with digital, I am due for an upgrade. I am partial to Leica which is not particularly practical. So I am mostly considering the DLux 4, DLux 5 and X1. I also like the look and picture quality of the Fuji x100 but it is too big and still has a few kinks to be worked out. Ideally, I should probably wait and get the next generation--particularly if things are going mirrorless. But, unfortunately I will leaving for the trek in April so I do need to get something. Lately, I have been wondering if I should just use the P1 one more time. Hate to do that if the image quality on these other digitals will be that much better. Wonder how much better image quality will be....

[algrove]

Hi, thanks for your feedback. I will look up the cameras that you mention and see how they look. I think that if Leica had an X2 out (with certain improvements to the X1) that is probably the way I would go. As it is they don't, so I am a bit stuck. With a 500 mile trek my carrying weight is SEVERELY limited. No chance that I will be taking any extra lenses and certainly not my M6 which I love. Plus I need a digital. I don't use much digital and don't know much about digital. My only digital is an old Nikon Coolpix P1. It's old and I don't use it much. To get going with digital, I am due for an upgrade. I am partial to Leica which is not particularly practical. So I am mostly considering the DLux 4, DLux 5 and X1. I also like the look and picture quality of the Fuji x100 but it is too big and still has a few kinks to be worked out. Ideally, I should probably wait and get the next generation--particularly if things are going mirrorless. But, unfortunately I will leaving for the trek in April so I do need to get something. Lately, I have been wondering if I should just use the P1 one more time. Hate to do that if the image quality on these other digitals will be that much better. Wonder how much better image quality will be....

 

Keep in mind the Panasonic LX-5 versus the Leica DLux-5 is half the price for the same P&S camera. Same type of savings with the EVF too. If you're just getting back into digital why spend a lot right now. Later you can use that as a sort of emergency backup to the M9 we all know you want.

[stefano60]

hello,

you have got so many replies already that you must be even more confused than when you started; i will throw my 2 cents in, hoping not to make it even more difficult!

 

from what you said, i think you want a camera that has: these features:

 

- small, light, ideally pocket size

- high image quality

 

that would rule out all the fujis (too big), the small sensor ones (d-lux, panasonic, canon, etc), and all the ones with interchangeable lenses (v1, ricoh, m4/3,, etc.).

 

i think you would be happy with a large sensor, great optics, small size, a 35-40 lens.

 

if you want/like leica, you cannot go wrong with the x1, it will give you impressive images (do get a viewfinder though!),and it is not too big to carry.

another option that i (highly) recommend (the one i am using now for traveling, and which has replaced my x1 and the v1 after that), is a sigma dp2.

outstanding image quality (look it up), large sensor, great lens, small size (an external viewfinder is highly recommended with this one too). much cheaper as well.

 

either one of these two will allow you to capture wonderful images from your trip!

[prk60091]

Hi, thanks for your feedback. I will look up the cameras that you mention and see how they look. I think that if Leica had an X2 out (with certain improvements to the X1) that is probably the way I would go. As it is they don't, so I am a bit stuck. With a 500 mile trek my carrying weight is SEVERELY limited. No chance that I will be taking any extra lenses and certainly not my M6 which I love. Plus I need a digital. I don't use much digital and don't know much about digital. My only digital is an old Nikon Coolpix P1. It's old and I don't use it much. To get going with digital, I am due for an upgrade. I am partial to Leica which is not particularly practical. So I am mostly considering the DLux 4, DLux 5 and X1. I also like the look and picture quality of the Fuji x100 but it is too big and still has a few kinks to be worked out. Ideally, I should probably wait and get the next generation--particularly if things are going mirrorless. But, unfortunately I will leaving for the trek in April so I do need to get something. Lately, I have been wondering if I should just use the P1 one more time. Hate to do that if the image quality on these other digitals will be that much better. Wonder how much better image quality will be....

 

adding my 2cents

 

i have owned and used teh DLux4 and I currently own and use teh X1.

 

With a 500 mile hike - i don't think I would rely solely on a digital camera, especially if you won't be near population centers with repair facilities and/or camera shops.

 

You mention you must use a digital.

 

In that case the combo DL4 (or 5) and X1 should cover pretty much any type of shooting you take. The DL4/5 for macro shots and for the telephoto and the X1 for everything else.

 

When I go on vacation I now only take the X1 and my iphone 4s (for snapshots)

 

it goes without saying-ymmv

 

Enjoy your trek

[fotoism]

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You already got a lot of suggestions as what camera is good for you as far as size, weight, choice of lenses, and image quality are concerned. And you mentioned you need a digital camera.

 

Then one more thing you should consider in making your final choice: how do you plan on supplying juice for your digital camera in all 500 miles? Would you be totally away from civilization where you have no chance to recharge your batteries? How many charged-up batteries will you then bring? Or would you be carrying enough supply of disposable batteries (AA or AAA or buttoncells...etc - of course you are not to throw them out as you trek but dispose of them when appropriate)? your choice of camera may be limited to those that meets your power supply planning.

 

Even the best digital camera will be useless if it does not have power.

 

Just a thought.

[jankap]

hello,

 

if you want/like leica, you cannot go wrong with the x1, it will give you impressive images (do get a viewfinder though!),and it is not too big to carry.

 

another option is a sigma dp2.

outstanding image quality (look it up), large sensor, great lens, small size (an external viewfinder is highly recommended with this one too). much cheaper as well.

And lighter. I have the DP1s as a carry-around camera.

A new series of DPs is coming, with an outstanding sensor.

Jan

[algrove]

You already got a lot of suggestions as what camera is good for you as far as size, weight, choice of lenses, and image quality are concerned. And you mentioned you need a digital camera.

 

Then one more thing you should consider in making your final choice: how do you plan on supplying juice for your digital camera in all 500 miles? Would you be totally away from civilization where you have no chance to recharge your batteries? How many charged-up batteries will you then bring? Or would you be carrying enough supply of disposable batteries (AA or AAA or buttoncells...etc - of course you are not to throw them out as you trek but dispose of them when appropriate)? your choice of camera may be limited to those that meets your power supply planning.

 

Even the best digital camera will be useless if it does not have power.

 

Just a thought.

 

Perhaps one of those butterfly solar chargers would suffice which could be attached to your backpack during the day. Maybe that sounds ridiculous, but without electricity you could be in trouble.

I must say though that my LX-5 seems to last forever on one charge and the batteries are light weight and small weighing in at just under 1 oz each. This is the battery # DMW-BCJ13PP.

 

Now that I consider the small amount of weight for each battery combined with the lightness of the LX-5, this camera makes more sense than ever.

[slowalker]

Pack lightly and Bon Camino!