All Change - Recommendations Please

DumfriesDik

DumfriesDik

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Richard Toulson
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I have a fair bit of Fujifilm kit (X-T30) but I don't use it so much these days and it breaks my heart. My iPhone is in constant use so it has got me thinking about getting one camera to replace the Fuji system, well, three lenses.

I like snapping landscapes mostly and the camera would have to be as convenient as getting the mobile phone out.

There is one other thing, I am a wheelchair user so find it, er, challenging, to change my perspective. I like the look of the Fuji X100V and the Ricoh GR IIIx, but can I live with a fixed prime lens? Would a bit of zoom be helpful, maybe the Canon G7 X mkIII?

I am used to the Fuji and Canon set ups, but am I missing something by not considering another brand?

I would appreciate any thoughts, cheers.
 
The X100V is the same field of view as most phone cameras, however, I find myself using mine more than my phone camera, as both the quality of the images and the enjoyment of taking the photo are higher. I still do have a main Fuji kit for occasional use though.
 
Just looking at the XT-30 and the X100V there is not a great deal of difference apart from the fixed FL on the 100V.
I recently bought a 35mm f2 to go on my XE-2 and while its very good sometimes I find the fixed FL a bit restricting. Have you thought about hiring say a Fuji 23 /27 /35mm lens to see you go on with a prime lens ( possibly the 23mm as that equates to the 100V lens-the f1.4 is £48 for 7days from https://lensesforhire.co.uk/search) before you spend lots of cash.
Another option is to look at a gimbal for your iPhone.
 
One almost phobia I have is spending a lot on a fixed lens camera and then at some point finding it has sensor contamination. So far I've had that problem with several compact cameras I've bought and they're all gone back and a recently bought Panasonic LX100 is boxed up to go back too with the same issue, a blizzard on the sensor. All that's reinforced my phobia a little more. Some people may buy fixed lens cameras and never have an issue with them but I have to say that my experience has been off putting.

So, my recommendation is for a compact removeable lens camera then at least cleaning the sensor is relatively easy if it gets contamination on it. I have a Panasonic GX80 which is a RF style MFT camera and these do crop up at good prices sometime. The very compact 14mm f2.5 has been on it for quite some time and IMO it makes a nice combination. There's also the teeny tiny prime sized 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 which I have and can recommend. There seem to be a lot of these lenses with very similar names and descriptions so here's a link to one just so anyone interested can see it. The 14mm f2.5 can crop up at a reasonable price as can this zoom.

Panasonic 14-42 mm/F 3.5-5.6 II G VARIO ASPH OIS H-FS1442A 14 mm-42 mm lens (micro four thirds connection, true): Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Shop Panasonic 14-42 mm/F 3.5-5.6 II G VARIO ASPH OIS H-FS1442A 14 mm-42 mm lens (micro four thirds connection, true). Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.
www.amazon.co.uk

If you do go for a fixed lens camera all I can say is I hope you have better luck than me :D

Good luck choosing.
 
Your X-T30 and an 18-135 will cover most eventualities, especially on the landscape front. You might even get away with the 18-55 if you never need anything longer.
 
What model is your iPhone? If you're due for an upgrade, would the new iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max fit the bill? Whilst still not quite at the image quality level of a dedicated camera, now Apple have caught up with the Android competition and put a relatively large, high resolution sensor in the top of the line iPhone you'd be surprised at the image quality you can get from a smartphone these days. I'm always amazed at the quality from my Pixel 6, which shares a sensor size and resolution with the new iPhone. You also get a 16mm ultrawide and 77mm equivalent telephoto lens, alongside the main 23mm sensor. Unlike my Pixel, the iPhone also lets you shoot full resolution 48MP Raw files if that's something you're interested in. Just an alternative take given portability and convenience are your main criteria.
 
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woof woof said:
One almost phobia I have is spending a lot on a fixed lens camera and then at some point finding it has sensor contamination. So far I've had that problem with several compact cameras I've bought and they're all gone back and a recently bought Panasonic LX100 is boxed up to go back too with the same issue, a blizzard on the sensor. All that's reinforced my phobia a little more. Some people may buy fixed lens cameras and never have an issue with them but I have to say that my experience has been off putting.

So, my recommendation is for a compact removeable lens camera then at least cleaning the sensor is relatively easy if it gets contamination on it. I have a Panasonic GX80 which is a RF style MFT camera and these do crop up at good prices sometime. The very compact 14mm f2.5 has been on it for quite some time and IMO it makes a nice combination. There's also the teeny tiny prime sized 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 which I have and can recommend. There seem to be a lot of these lenses with very similar names and descriptions so here's a link to one just so anyone interested can see it. The 14mm f2.5 can crop up at a reasonable price as can this zoom.

Panasonic 14-42 mm/F 3.5-5.6 II G VARIO ASPH OIS H-FS1442A 14 mm-42 mm lens (micro four thirds connection, true): Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Shop Panasonic 14-42 mm/F 3.5-5.6 II G VARIO ASPH OIS H-FS1442A 14 mm-42 mm lens (micro four thirds connection, true). Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.
www.amazon.co.uk

If you do go for a fixed lens camera all I can say is I hope you have better luck than me :D

Good luck choosing.
Click to expand...
Did the lenses on your affected cameras extend? I had the problem (fixed under warranty) on a Nikon A which has a fixed focal length lens that 'pops out' when the camera is switched on. I didn't have it with two Fuji 100T on which the lens is fixed.
 
All depends on you requirements I guess.
I have been through a number of compacts and these are the ones I've personally bought/used and liked

FF sensor:
Sony RX1rii - fixed 35mm f2 lens. Best fixed lens of the lot.

APS-C sensor:
Canon G1Xiii - currently own this, I find canon compacts generally best ones to use ergonomically. Slower lens and zoom range somewhat limited (24-72mm). it's also the only body I know that's weathersealed (you can make X100V weathersealed with a filter apparently!)
AF is very decent but not the best.
Fuji X100V - fixed 35mm f2 lens. Basically nicer to use than the Sony RX1RII above with less pixels, less shallow DoF, and slightly less good optics. But you can use TCs on the lens which I haven't tried personally.
AF once again pretty decent.

M43 sensor
LX100ii - limited 24-75mm zoom range but with a faster f1.7-2.8 lens. IQ is actually on the level of 1" sensor compact bodies especially due to the added cropping to support multi aspect ratios in body. But it's nicer to use than most 1" sensor compacts I have used.
AF isn't the best.

1" sensor compacts
Sony RX100iii - limited 24-70mm zoom range but with a faster f1.8-2.8 lens. Also optically the sharpest compared to other compacts with zooms. I found these a bit fiddly to use. Also lacks a touch interface.
Sony RX100iv - same as RX100iii with improved video features inc. 4k and slow mo options.
Sony Rx100VA - same as rx100iv with improved AF. Also has best AF of the lot.
Sony Rx100vi - a nice 24-200mm zoom but with a slower lens (f2.8-4.5). The lens is optically excellent across the zoom range.
Sony rx100vii - same as rx100vi but with improved AF. Has best AF compared to all the compacts.
Panasonic LX10/15 - limited 24-70mm zoom range but with a faster f1.8-2.8 lens. Also has a nice touch screen interface. No EVF though. The lens optically not as good as rx100iii.
Canon G5xii - I own one currently. Good zoom range with a fast lens i.e. 24-120mm f1.8-2.8. the compromise here is the image quality, it's not as sharp as Sonys above especially in the corners. AF isn't great either. But ergonomically very nice to use.

There are others like Panasonic TZ100 or the canon G7x or Leica Q etc but the compromises on these were not worth it for me personally.
 
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Ed Sutton said:
Did the lenses on your affected cameras extend? I had the problem (fixed under warranty) on a Nikon A which has a fixed focal length lens that 'pops out' when the camera is switched on. I didn't have it with two Fuji 100T on which the lens is fixed.
Click to expand...

Yes, they were all zoom cameras. They were all bought off ebay and went straight back or in the case of this LX100 it's boxed up and ready to go. I've had such bad experiences buying these used that I think that's it for me and that's also very possibly it for me with new ones too as all those used ones with a blizzard on their sensors were new once.
 
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Living with a fixed prime lens- set your zoom at 35mm? mm and leave it there for a few days, could use a rubber band or similar to fix it.
 
Just a thought but as your wheelchair bound and you have limited perspective how about using your phone/tablet as a camera monitor and a monopod to raise or lower the camera angle? It's not too difficult to link them up, ok you'd have to use live view and a camera remote to fire the shutter but it will give you more angles and height.
 
Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I have a small confession, I have a Fuji X-T3 not 30! Ouch!!

I think size and weight are a driving force for me at the moment. Dexterity isn't what it once used to be. My iPhone 8 plus could be upgraded to the latest incarnation and it is what I use 'every day', mainly because of the convenience factor.

I am going to make more of an effort as @nog suggests to use the current camera at 35mm.
 
DumfriesDik said:
Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I have a small confession, I have a Fuji X-T3 not 30! Ouch!!

I think size and weight are a driving force for me at the moment. Dexterity isn't what it once used to be. My iPhone 8 plus could be upgraded to the latest incarnation and it is what I use 'every day', mainly because of the convenience factor.

I am going to make more of an effort as @nog suggests to use the current camera at 35mm.
Click to expand...
Looking at the time is this stopping you sleeping, it seems to be so with me too lol
 
SsSsSsSsSnake said:
Looking at the time is this stopping you sleeping, it seems to be so with me too lol
Click to expand...
I'm a bit of an insomniac. I can call asleep at the drop of a hat, I just can not stay asleep. My day usually starts around 3am.

On the plus side, I have told my wife that I 'need' a new camera. I am liking the look of the Canon G5x mkII.
 
I bought a Sony RX10 mk4 this summer having for years dismissed superzooms. I'll put that down to arrogance and an ill informed view point!

As an all in one package I have been very impressed with its flexibility, image quality etc. Like you I have Fuji kit (XT4 and X100V). Love the X100V and probably use it the most but even with the optional converter lenses you are ultimately limited to certain focal lengths. It does encourage a different approach to photography that I quite enjoy though.

I would take a look at the RX10 range if you are looking for a one camera solution as it might offer something to cover all your bases.
 
troutfisher said:
Just looking at the XT-30 and the X100V there is not a great deal of difference apart from the fixed FL on the 100V.
I recently bought a 35mm f2 to go on my XE-2 and while its very good sometimes I find the fixed FL a bit restricting. Have you thought about hiring say a Fuji 23 /27 /35mm lens to see you go on with a prime lens ( possibly the 23mm as that equates to the 100V lens-the f1.4 is £48 for 7days from https://lensesforhire.co.uk/search) before you spend lots of cash.
Another option is to look at a gimbal for your iPhone.
Click to expand...
Or even better - the free Fuji 48-hour loans. Which could also be used to try out an X100V - I did that over the easter weekend and the "free loan" proved to be quite expensive in the long run...
 
Craikeybaby said:
Or even better - the free Fuji 48-hour loans. Which could also be used to try out an X100V - I did that over the easter weekend and the "free loan" proved to be quite expensive in the long run...
Click to expand...
I tried this with the X100v myself over a weekend. Very nice body up use.
Also managed to try it with gfx100s. That was even better :D
 
A few years ago I "did" Hong Kong and Australia with just a Fuji X100F and wide-angle convertor, and I honestly didn't miss a larger camera. Not even at my son's wedding. The V version supposedly has a better resolution lens.
 
DumfriesDik said:
Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I have a small confession, I have a Fuji X-T3 not 30! Ouch!!

I think size and weight are a driving force for me at the moment. Dexterity isn't what it once used to be. My iPhone 8 plus could be upgraded to the latest incarnation and it is what I use 'every day', mainly because of the convenience factor.

I am going to make more of an effort as @nog suggests to use the current camera at 35mm.
Click to expand...
You would see a massive improvement in photo quality going from an iPhone 8 to something current. A night and day difference.
 
There are also 1" sensor mobile phones by the way. Might be hard to source in UK, you may have to import them.

The current one is sharp aquos r6
 
woof woof said:
One almost phobia I have is spending a lot on a fixed lens camera and then at some point finding it has sensor contamination. So far I've had that problem with several compact cameras I've bought and they're all gone back and a recently bought Panasonic LX100 is boxed up to go back too with the same issue, a blizzard on the sensor. All that's reinforced my phobia a little more. Some people may buy fixed lens cameras and never have an issue with them but I have to say that my experience has been off putting.

So, my recommendation is for a compact removeable lens camera then at least cleaning the sensor is relatively easy if it gets contamination on it. I have a Panasonic GX80 which is a RF style MFT camera and these do crop up at good prices sometime. The very compact 14mm f2.5 has been on it for quite some time and IMO it makes a nice combination. There's also the teeny tiny prime sized 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 which I have and can recommend. There seem to be a lot of these lenses with very similar names and descriptions so here's a link to one just so anyone interested can see it. The 14mm f2.5 can crop up at a reasonable price as can this zoom.

Panasonic 14-42 mm/F 3.5-5.6 II G VARIO ASPH OIS H-FS1442A 14 mm-42 mm lens (micro four thirds connection, true): Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Shop Panasonic 14-42 mm/F 3.5-5.6 II G VARIO ASPH OIS H-FS1442A 14 mm-42 mm lens (micro four thirds connection, true). Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.
www.amazon.co.uk

If you do go for a fixed lens camera all I can say is I hope you have better luck than me :D

Good luck choosing.
Click to expand...
Just checked out that GX80 Alan and it looks like a nice travel/do it all camera. If I didn't have a Leica D-Lux Typ 109 (sister to Lumix L100) I'd go for one myself. They can still be got new for £449 with the 12-32 lens. Shame it isn't weather sealed that would be icing on the cake.
 
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Topsy said:
Just checked out that GX80 Alan and it looks like a nice travel/do it all camera. If I didn't have a Leica D-Lux Typ 109 (sister to Lumix L100) I'd go for one myself. They can still be got new for $449 with the 12-32 lens. Shame it isn't weather sealed that would be icing on the cake.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking of selling my GM5 with 12-32mm (and 35-100mm) lens. Same sensor as GX80 but smaller and more expensive because its become bit of a collectors item.
you should also consider the G100 which is also a nice body for traveling with. has a newer 20mp sensor
 
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Topsy said:
Just checked out that GX80 Alan and it looks like a nice travel/do it all camera. If I didn't have a Leica D-Lux Typ 109 (sister to Lumix L100) I'd go for one myself. They can still be got new for £449 with the 12-32 lens. Shame it isn't weather sealed that would be icing on the cake.
Click to expand...

I keep trying to use my GX80 more. I also have the GX9 but the GX80 is a teeny tiny bit smaller and lighter and cheaper so I probably prefer it as it kicks in my inverse snobbery :D

I think people looking at the 12-32mm need to realise that there's no focus ring which is fine I suppose if you can rely on AF all the time or are happy with focusing on a scale on the back screen. I do MF at times with AF lenses for example when taking pictures through glass foliage, fences etc, there are for me occasions when AF can be expected to give issues. Personally I'd much prefer a conventional lens with a focus ring and the 14-42mm mega OIS I linked to above is very small, not 12-32mm small but still small.

I did finally give int temptation and bought a used LX100 and this was the one and only picture I took with it, a test shot to check the sensor.

bbLi31e.jpg


Fear of this and seeing it with multiple cameras I've bought off ebay and sent back has convinced me that I really don't want to spend any significant amount of money on a fixed lens camera, just in case.

PS.
I'm still trying to acclimatise to the G100 handling and I'm still constantly dialling in exposure compensation. This camera really does suffer on two grounds, IMO. The lack of a second near top of camera control wheel and the vertical back dial being IMO way to easy to move accidentally, with no way to disable it completely. It is IMO such as shame.
 
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DumfriesDik said:
I'm a bit of an insomniac. I can call asleep at the drop of a hat, I just can not stay asleep. My day usually starts around 3am.

On the plus side, I have told my wife that I 'need' a new camera. I am liking the look of the Canon G5x mkII.
Click to expand...
im a bit like that myself, soon as I wake I grab the iPad and do some reading etc
I always fancied one of those canons too
 
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