'Best' small cameras? - resolved, thanks

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dancook

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Ok so biggest camera I'm thinking whatever the new A6XXX is, I could look at small/pancake lenses and also use my Sony fe-mount line up.

However I think I Want something smaller, just for the fun of it - something with 35mm lens equiv preferably with a wide aperture.

So I understand there's Olympus, Panasonic err.. I don't know who else..

What are the (absolute) best cameras to start looking at?

I don't think price is a consideration, just quality in a small body

- I will also compare it to the RX1RII for size, I still have my Leica Q (not sold just yet) - but it's still a bit bigger than what I was looking for..
 
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I have a Panny GX80 and Olympus 17mm f1.8 which may be worth a look.

The camera seems well made and is IMO a bargain at about £450. The only real criticisms I have of it are that the EVF is relatively poor, there's no exposure comp in manual exposure mode and there's no full time DoF preview in aperture or shutter priority but it is available in manual mode. If you're not bothered about paying more the Panny GX9 is probably worth a look (and I may buy one soon) but again it has the relatively poor field sequential EVF but does have the tilting EVF that I loved on the GX7 that the GX80 sadly doesn't have.

The Oly 17mm f1.8 is a good lens with a very nice metal build and a lovely snap manual focus feature with end stops and markings :D There's also the Panny 15mm f1.7 which gets good review.
 
Fuji X-E3 + XF-27mm 2.8?

Small, good quality photos, interchangeable lenses (if you can put up with not quite so small).
 
The GX9 does look like an excellent starting point .. no GX10 yet then, or GXX! :)

Also that Panny 15mm f1.7 is the 'Leica DG' one which I was in the process of being sold on - need to take a look at the size on the camera.
 
So I have the Sony A9, and if I wanted to I could just keep my Leica Q - however what really intrigues me is the tiny bodies..


sizes.png
 
The GX9 has just come out and if you buy the body only you get a free 25mm f1.7 which you can use or sell on.

I forgot another nice thing about the GX9 and another about these later MFT cameras... the GX9 has the additional physical focus select switch which is missing from the GX80 and generally these cameras AF like lightening. There's no need to half press the shutter to acquire focus, you just put your focus point on the subject and press the shutter button and by the time your finger has passed the focus point the camera has acquired focus and fires.
 
The GX800 is small but not having an EVF would kill it for me as I can't live with back screen shooting.

If I wanted something that small I may try and hunt out a used EVF equipped GM5, sadly they don't make them any more.
 
Ricoh GR/GRII if you want to transfer images over via WiFi.

Fast enough AF, very sharp lens, easy to scale focus, about the size of an iPhone SE but twice as thick. Never leave the house without mine.
 
FruitFlakes said:
Ricoh GR/GRII if you want to transfer images over via WiFi.

Fast enough AF, very sharp lens, easy to scale focus, about the size of an iPhone SE but twice as thick. Never leave the house without mine.
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Thanks, I had the Ricoh GR, I'm going to look at some other options.

twist said:
RX100V if you want small.
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OK it's a good base to start from

RX100V for size, then how much compromise on size i'm willing to make for better IQ

also IBIS, AF speed, Possibly tilt screen capable.
 
dancook said:
RX100V for size, then how much compromise on size i'm willing to make for better IQ
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Exactly. TBH, knowing your standards I can't see anything under APSC/FF lasting... problem is... thats where your size savings are as the lenses are smaller (M43).
 
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Sony APS-C e-mount doesn't have any good pancake lenses.

How about canon m6+canon 22mm f/2 STM? (or some other small canon eos-m body)

Otherwise RX100v is great also, it has a flippy screen (you can even take selfies with it :D )

TBH just get the RX1rII and be happy :p (I don't think there is anything better in terms of size to quality ratio)
 
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nandbytes said:
RX1RII is same size :)
AF is quite a lot better too and it has eye-AF :D



I would, 24mp is soooo... pedestrian and 28mm is meh (well Dan prefers 35mm according to OP)
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Sony looks like a portable DVD player. Everyone knows the Q is the best.
 
I think once you have had FF or DX, its very, very hard to go below that. I am finding myself using the Fuji X100F more and more, and if I was not doing paid work I would seriously consider getting an XT2 and just using Fuji. IQ is excellent and the AF much better.
 
twist said:
The Leica will still be worth something in 5 years because it's a great camera. Sony about as much as a portable DVD player from cex.
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Are you saying Sony is not a great camera because it won't be worth much in 5 years time? Then everyone should be buying leica for everything by that silly logic.

I don't think OP is concerned about this and Sony RX1R is worth a fair amount even today.
 
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nandbytes said:
Are you saying Sony is not a great camera because it won't be worth much in 5 years time?

I don't think OP is concerned about this and Sony RX1R is worth a fair amount even today.
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I'm saying imo the q is better and in more demand. It's a very good Leica.

Lets see... Dan I'll give you £500 for your Q.
 
twist said:
I'm saying imo the q is better and in more demand. It's a very good Leica.

Lets see... Dan I'll give you £500 for your Q.
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And if you bought it we'd still never see a picture you'd taken with it on this forum, you'd talk a lot about it though :D
 
woof woof said:
And if you bought it we'd still never see a picture you'd taken with it on this forum, you'd talk a lot about it though :D
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I'd post one and it'd be better than anything you've ever posted :D

You really get upset by Sony comments dont you.
 
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@dancook is it your mate that wants to trade the rx? Why don't you try it for a day if you can.
 
dancook said:
Some one on ebay, I've asked where they live to see if it's easy enough to try
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Best if you can, nandbytes and I are having a joke, both are very good cameras. I wonder if the size saving is enough or if you'll just grab the a9 though.
 
twist said:
Best if you can, nandbytes and I are having a joke, both are very good cameras. I wonder if the size saving is enough or if you'll just grab the a9 though.
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Yes I know - i'm wondering when Q vs A9 currently??

got 35mm 2.8 arriving today i think


could stick with plan. A9 for life (6 months)
 
dancook said:
Yes I know - i'm wondering when Q vs A9 currently??

got 35mm 2.8 arriving today i think


could stick with plan. A9 for life (6 months)
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Perhaps instead of jumping into a decision you may regret keep the Q for another month. It won't devalue. If you find it' staying at home then sell it.
 
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