Leaving DSLR What Compacts?

james_death

james_death

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James
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OK Folks,

I think my posts and amount of years on here will show im simply not doing anywhere near what i hoped to do.

Having used the Panny Bridge a good deal i then Purchased the Nikon D50.

Purchased bags tripods spent about £380 on Hitech Filters and the Lee Foundation kit ring and the glass lee starter something or other and never used them.

Always intended landscape long exposure yadda yadda... never really managed it.

Had dust issues and lugging kit around and having purchased the D300 my dream camera for me since launch i went away family holiday to the scilly isles images looked great in viewfinder and once viewed when back i have dust issues.

Sick of packing gear and not getting the results i want, wifes compact has gotten some nice shots and simply points and shoots.

So once i find my swabs and fluid and get the D300 cleaned ill be parting with it and the 16-105 vr i think it is, plus the unused filters.

I have always fancied a good compact that will sit in the pocket and can be carried everyday really.

May well take more shots then knowing i have the camera on me all the time.

Really like the look of the fx1 but only just started looking into the compacts and abilities may even go bridge again but will still fancy a pocket compact.

Low light ability would be good speed is important as ever for not missing something and wide angle would be good also.

I do fancy Raw ability even though i have not done anything really in Raw i want minimal additional processing but appreciate having the ability to do so and it seams to be more a feature of a lot of compacts now rather than a few years ago.

So what are peoples findings and recommends on bridge and compacts please?

Tall order im sure...

Please feel free to post as much as you wish.

Thanks again and all the best...:thumbs:
 
Sony RX100 gets great feedback on here and would appear to tick all of your boxes. There is a large thread on here about it with many example photos
 
Compacts won't come close, especially for low light.

You've got some reasonable kit, so why not buy lightroom, learn to tweak the pics you've taken (editing out dust bunnies is a 2 minute job), clean your sensor and keep it clean with a rocket blower and *then* think about getting a compact after another month.
 
Its crossed my mind too, and come to the conclusion i can't live without a viewfinder or a lens that's about 24mm wide which rights off every compact i know of. To cut a long story short i decided i would go with a nex6 with its collapsible kit lens if i decided to down size. Not truly pocket sized like a rx100 but just as pocket sized a the G series or x10, but with a decent viewfinder and wider lens, not to mention aps-c sensor. It will fit in a jacket pocket.
 
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If you can live with 100mm at the long end (35mm eq), the Fuji XF-1 might be what you're after - fits in a shirt pocket, 25-100mm zoom (f/1.8-f/4.9 IIRC), not too horrendous high ISO performance. Younger brother to the X-10 - same guts behind a different lens.

If you want something longer (but not nearly as compact!), the Fuji HS30 might be more suitable - 24mm at the wide end and a whopping 720mm tele! Can't remember the lens's speeds but easy enough to Google them up!
 
Thanks folks and all valid points.

The RX100 im seeing a lot on the past few hours of reading online reviews etc.

A lot out there have the max of 100mm and its certainly something im thinking about just how much magnification i would like.

When starting out with the bridge i was into airshows and Birding so very handy but slipped away from that so dont think the big magnification is such an issue nice to have but means bigger camera and still a consideration.

Even when into the slr i still fancied a pocket camera for as i say the ability to be able to take a shot anytime.

I do have a rocket blower as concerns dust issues.

I wanted the D300 for depth of field and more shutter control for long exposures but didnt think much to my pics when in Edinburgh for New year the year before.

May have a look at the Pen but still the lens interchanging issues and expense.

I have Aperture 2 for my imac but i got that on release and still had not used it when version 3 came out.

Have elements also. Still dont use that even.

There seam to be the Compact cameras with no hot shoe or viewfinder etc, then slightly larger with hotshoe and viewfinder also on some, then the such as Pen's the bridge and the SLR.

Still lots to look into love the slr but mainly reach for the D50 as so simple rather than the D300.

Keep em coming folks open to all views.
 
I say dump it, if your chosen subject mater is landscape and family holiday snaps, you won't miss the DSLR, the RX100 is great compact so to the LX7
 
If you like the user interface of nikon have a look at the p7700...gets great reviews and goes to 200mm.Not quite sony size but still not huge.
 
I have an X100 and when I get the wide angle add on lens it will be perfect for times when I don't/can't lug my 5D around. I ride a motorbike, hike and ski once a year and find the Fuji is perfect as a traveling companion. I rarely miss the zoom and longer reach you get with say a G12. Anyway the lens is so good and the sensor size so forgiving that when I crop I get what I want by alternative routes. It's good as you need up to 3200 iso and apart from the (well documented) occasional slow focus lock on it has been a joy to use for over a year now. I couldn't be without a view finder and the one on the X100 is excellent. Of couse it will also video too so for family holidays it is very versatile. If of course your pockets are deeper there is always the X pro 1, but then that perhaps (with added lenses) drifts back towards a dslr a little too much?
 
Something I have been thinking about recently too, about dumping my dSLR and lenses and switching to something like a Canon Powershot G or similar. It would be nice to have something smaller and compact but with my camera and one lens popped into a shoulder bag it doesn't weigh much so can carry it around all day without much fuss. The thing is to stick at it for a little while longer specially if you have invested a reasonable amount of money into bodies and lenses and the extra bits and pieces.

I have decided to keep my slr because I don't think I would be happy with the results from a compact or 4/3rds system due to things like lower ISO performance and slower AF speeds.
 
mike_6480 said:
Sony RX100 gets great feedback on here and would appear to tick all of your boxes. There is a large thread on here about it with many example photos
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We have that camera here, it's a pretty good performer in general, but I wouldn't like it to be my only camera. Good enough for general use, casual street and landscape maybe, and it isn't bad with ISO performance. But it's not amazing either, certainly a lot grainier than say, a Full frame sensor. Though it might stand up well to the OP's DX cam.

One thing I find when using it is it is just soooo small. I like a good grip [bought a little rubber one for it which helps a little] and the RX100 feels like it will just slip out of your grasp at any moment.
 
ian-83 said:
I have decided to keep my slr because I don't think I would be happy with the results from a compact or 4/3rds system due to things like lower ISO performance and slower AF speeds.
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I agree about the compacts and bridge cameras but I'm guessing you have not used one of the Pens then.:)
 
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I think probably the best thing is to post some of your images that your not happy about. Unlike a P&S that does everything for your, your really need to think about the settings on a DSLR, so understanding your camera is important, but whether its a P&S or DSLR you can still take a bad photo if you haven't got the conditions or haven't set the camera up right.

Not being over critical but it sounds like you have the gear with no idea on how or what \ when to use it.

Purchased bags tripods spent about £380 on Hitech Filters and the Lee Foundation kit ring and the glass lee starter something or other and never used them.
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WHY NOT

It take time to learn the camera, what setting to use and how to achieve great shots through the right composition, and its still a continuing learning process which which I can admit I'm still traveling the path, there's masses of stuff I don't know about :thinking:, you could probably teach me a few things about taking landscape :thumbs:, as my main interests are action photography, but personally read the articles in the magazines (there's also a magazine lauched by some TP members in the landscape forum, that may have some good insiight), but actually go out and take images, take the knocks, learn from your mistakes and your images should improve :clap:.

Choosing the right lenses is also very important and remembering that light makes the image. You don't have the light, you ain't going to get a decent image :(

Personally I think you need to give it another go before throwing in the towel :naughty:
 
craftysnapper said:
I agree about the compacts and bridge cameras but I'm guessing you have not used one of the Pens then.:)
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I'll admit I have only looked online and read a few reviews and some people say the AF is a bit slower on 4/3rds stuff compared to an SLR but not actually tried one out to see what there like. I do like the look of the Panasonic stuff like the GF bodies.
 
ian-83 said:
I'll admit I have only looked online and read a few reviews and some people say the AF is a bit slower on 4/3rds stuff compared to an SLR but not actually tried one out to see what there like. I do like the look of the Panasonic stuff like the GF bodies.
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M4/3 have very fast AF in my experience. All my pannys lock on very quickly, even in dim light with a kit lens.
 
I use the Samsung WB500 24-240mm (35eq). It has some great features, fastto focus and snap. It also has a manual mode. I presume the newer models are even better.
 
twist said:
M4/3 have very fast AF in my experience. All my pannys lock on very quickly, even in dim light with a kit lens.
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Indeed and although it's only with a specific body and lens combination I'm think I'm right in saying that the fastest focusing interchangeable lens camera you can get is a CSC not a DSLR. Moving subjects are another argument.

OP. Any chance of adding a CSC (compact system camera) to you list of possibilities? You don't have to change the lens. My sister and her hubby are both happy holiday snappers with Sony Nex cameras, Nex 3 and 5 I think. They shoot straight out of the camera JPEG's with just the kit lens and probably leave the cameras on auto and they seem to get good results even when shooting night time scenes.
 
Phil Young said:
You can't not like the LX7!

What draws you to it?
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I am mostly an aperture priority guy and sometimes I'd like something smaller than my D7000 to lug around that is fast. At various times of the year we have evening processions and a fast lens is a great advantage.
 
I bought the canon G1-X as a second camera & i love it,also it does video very happy with the images from it.:thumbs:
 
Ricardodaforce said:
I am mostly an aperture priority guy and sometimes I'd like something smaller than my D7000 to lug around that is fast. At various times of the year we have evening processions and a fast lens is a great advantage.
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Well I can't bang on enough about it. It really is an amazing revolutionary camera.

- ±3 stop ev bracketing.
- Fast, SHARP lens (not joking when I said it's the sharpest I have).
-more than enough manual controls
-f1.4
-Great zoom range with 16mm equivalent.
-small, compact.
-11fps.
-4minute long exposure time.
-3 stop ND filter (I bought a 10 stop as well for a total of 13).
-Great video with full manual controls.
-100fps in 720HD

....like I said. Nothing not to like.
 
Phil Young said:
Well I can't bang on enough about it. It really is an amazing revolutionary camera.

- ±3 stop ev bracketing.
- Fast, SHARP lens (not joking when I said it's the sharpest I have).
-more than enough manual controls
-f1.4
-Great zoom range with 16mm equivalent.
-small, compact.
-11fps.
-4minute long exposure time.
-3 stop ND filter (I bought a 10 stop as well for a total of 13).
-Great video with full manual controls.
-100fps in 720HD

....like I said. Nothing not to like.
Click to expand...

Has this replaced your x10?
 
Lots of great info there folks and do appreciate its taking the time to experiment but im not in a position to put in the time to wander off experimenting.

I really do appreciate you need to put the hours in.

If i went bridge the csc could be an option since bridge is a bit bulky.

No matter what happens with the slr im set on i want a darn good compact always left wishing i had a camera on me all the time i always come back to that ill have to look into the Lumix as it was a lumix bridge i had before and the lens was excellent.
 
Anyone that says a compact can't compare to a DSLR in low light, hasn't used an RX100.
 
mid_gen said:
Anyone that says a compact can't compare to a DSLR in low light, hasn't used an RX100.
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The tele end of the RX100 is f4.9, so no it won't compare in low light, unless all of your low light shots happen to be at the wide end...
 
There will always be some issues with light and DOF on compacts its just getting the balance as there is always a compromise somewhere.

However considering the immense selection of lenses and prices for SLR lenses.

The compacts have a heck of a job achieving a balance and for most people a simple £50 compacts is even more than they would ever need.

Its when your into photography rather than snap shot that we all become more discerning...:lol:
 
Phil Young said:
Well I can't bang on enough about it. It really is an amazing revolutionary camera.

- ±3 stop ev bracketing.
- Fast, SHARP lens (not joking when I said it's the sharpest I have).
-more than enough manual controls
-f1.4
-Great zoom range with 16mm equivalent.
-small, compact.
-11fps.
-4minute long exposure time.
-3 stop ND filter (I bought a 10 stop as well for a total of 13).
-Great video with full manual controls.
-100fps in 720HD

....like I said. Nothing not to like.
Click to expand...


Just ordered it :thumbs:
 
Phil Young said:
Welcome to the club.

Digital review sells them for £250. Absolute steal...
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Thanks for that! I ordered it from Amazon. Cancelled then re-ordered from them. The euro price was less than Amazon's pound price. That's a bargain!
 
Sony RX1?

RX1.jpg


icon10.gif
 
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I have no intention of leaving my SLR, but since I bought the RX100 I've hardly used it. To the point in fact, that I'm tempted to sell the 18-70 and just keep the SLR for the 300mm end.

The RX100 is a beast in low light. Not only do I trust ISO levels as much as I do the SLR, the Sony multi-shot modes are superb. We're all effectively packing a computer with a glass eye, and Sony do the computer bit better than anyone else. In fact, the multi frame shots even work well for moving subjects.

Nor only that, but for me a compact truly has to be compact. The LX7 is noticeably larger than the RX, in that it takes planning to fit it into a pocket whereas the RX doesn't. Having owned the D-Lux 4 I like the panasonic approach and the lens is great, but in reality the Sony gets me the better shots. Depth of field can still be tricky at close focus distances at the wide end.

The more I 'downgrade' in forum kudos the more I enjoy my photography. Two years ago I owned a D700 and a few four-figure primes. Nowadays it's the RX and a D3100 with one of Nikon's cheapest 300mm zooms.

The only possible alternative I might have considered is the iPhone 5. The camera is very decent and again the computing power behind the scenes is the key.

It depends on your endpoint. Let's face it, if your ultimate goal is pats on the back from Flickr or here on TP, a D40 would get you more resolution than you need. I've printed A4 from iPhones and we've framed the results.
 
That RX1 picture is Pure Porn...:lol:

The RX100 seams a popular choice especially its slim build.

Whats all this LX7 ND filter talk and a 10 Stop?
 
What does seam to keep coming up on reviews over compacts is the fact so many can only charge a battery in camera.

Also difficulty of getting spare batteries.
 
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