Sub £500 Family Camera Setup

redlion

redlion

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Afternoon all,

I am looking for a camera mainly for taking pictures of our young kids and the family.

I was hoping for a setup under £500 or thereabouts be it new or second hand.

I do have a D750 but that isn't portable when out with both kids or even around the house. It also scares the kids when the 'big' kit comes out!

I also got a RX100 MK1 for the wife to use but the picture quality degrades at higher ISO or when zooming in. As majority of the shots are indoors during playtime or family visits this is more obvious than outdoors.

I don't mind having a prime setup or a fixed lens. Having decent video would be a bonus to capture some 'first' moments though did look into getting a Go Pro 5 to potentially cover video.

Any suggestions for a small and nimble setup that can capture the family action indoors?

What quick and small setup are you guys using?

Thanks.
 
redlion said:
Any suggestions for a small and nimble setup that can capture the family action indoors?
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The holy grail of cameras. The problem is shooting indoors, you need to up the ISO and then have quick enough AF to get the shot. I have a 2 year old and the speed she moves at means half the time I won't even get a chance to compose and focus in time, I have to anticiapte when she will stay still or move.

I did have a D750 as well but needed to go smaller. I have a GX80 and G80 with a bunch of fast primes, composing on the LCD is sometimes much quicker than bringing the EVF to your eye, also face and eye detect is a god send! High ISO isn't bad but I don't go above 3200, the big issue is keeping shutter speed high enough.

Every system will have compromises, just depends on which you can live with.
 
I use an A6000 (I have the 55-210 and 50 f/1.8 in addition to the 16-50pz kit lens, and a Neewer NW320 flash) - pack into a small shoulder bag for travel, very flexible combination (a bit over your budget with the full set I have, but the basic A6000 is under £500).
 
Thanks for you input @Willo.

My first born is of a similar age so understand where you are coming from on the anticipation. The RX100 at 1/100 1/125 1/160 tries it's best with quick AF but quality suffers massively as ISO ramps up.

I used to have a Lumix G3 in the past with the 20mm 1.7 but haven't gone back to the system since. What primes do you have with the GX80 which seems smaller than the G80. There was a double cashback deal going but probably have missed out on it as wasn't sure.

I simply want to take a shot of the action that is sharp with minimal noise, edit via Snapseed and then send to friends and family. The good ones would go in a yearly Photobook of some sort.

Thanks.
 
Willo said:
The holy grail of cameras. The problem is shooting indoors, you need to up the ISO and then have quick enough AF to get the shot. I have a 2 year old and the speed she moves at means half the time I won't even get a chance to compose and focus in time, I have to anticiapte when she will stay still or move.

I did have a D750 as well but needed to go smaller. I have a GX80 and G80 with a bunch of fast primes, composing on the LCD is sometimes much quicker than bringing the EVF to your eye, also face and eye detect is a god send! High ISO isn't bad but I don't go above 3200, the big issue is keeping shutter speed high enough.

Every system will have compromises, just depends on which you can live with.
Click to expand...

GX80 also has 4K photo allowing easy extraction of an 8MP image from a video sequence.
 
Willo said:
I did have a D750 as well but needed to go smaller. I have a GX80 and G80 with a bunch of fast primes, composing on the LCD is sometimes much quicker than bringing the EVF to your eye, also face and eye detect is a god send! High ISO isn't bad but I don't go above 3200, the big issue is keeping shutter speed high enough.
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With the newer MFT cameras single shot (non tracking) focusing and shooting can very fast although I don't bother with face detect. One thing I've tried hard to do is not hesitate and to in fact press the shutter as soon as the focus point is on the subject as by the time the press command has reached my finger the camera will have acquired focus and as long as you have the camera set up to only fire when focus is acquired the chances are you'll get an in focus shot :D
 
@Faldrax I did have the A5100 last Christmas but stupidly returned it as the wife didn't use it post X-mas! It has gone up in price now which is similar to the A6000. The 16-50pz was so so in that it was a bit soft or would ramp ISO. Don't you find the 50 f/1.8 a bit long for indoors? The Sigma 30mm or Sony 35mm could be an option but the kit then gets bigger and wife would find an excuse to just snap on her awful camera phone!
 
redlion said:
I used to have a Lumix G3 in the past with the 20mm 1.7...
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I have a 20mm f1.7 and I'd be amazed if it could cope with a moving subject as the focusing is rather leisurely :D and nowhere near as fast the Oly 17 and 25mm f1.8's I have. I'd expect the equivalent Panny lenses to be much faster than the 20mm too.
 
@Mr Perceptive the 4k image extraction is intriguing for things like birthdays. Leave on tripod and then extract afterwards leaving it dummy proof for the operator. The smaller lenses are also appealing and legacy glass. I still have a Helios 44 58mm f2 somewhere in the attic which could work well with the stabilisation. The Olympus is another option such as the EM10 MK2.
 
@woof woof the 20mm 1.7 used to drive me crazy. I shot more in manual focus in the end before got rid of it and the G3. Funds would only allow for one prime in addition to any kit lens. The prime would ideally have to be jack of all trades so group shots and single environmental shots of the kids or family. 17 or 25 would be the max I guess indoors and the 42.5/45 outdoors once funds allow.
 
redlion said:
@Faldrax I did have the A5100 last Christmas but stupidly returned it as the wife didn't use it post X-mas! It has gone up in price now which is similar to the A6000. The 16-50pz was so so in that it was a bit soft or would ramp ISO. Don't you find the 50 f/1.8 a bit long for indoors? The Sigma 30mm or Sony 35mm could be an option but the kit then gets bigger and wife would find an excuse to just snap on her awful camera phone!
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I find the A6000 is OK up to ISO 1600, with ISO 3200 is getting a bit noisy for me, but it depends on priorities, sometimes I'll use it if I have to and need the shutter speed.

I've not found a big issue with softness on my 16-50, but then I tend to use the A6000 for my more 'casual' photography, where I am perhaps less concerned with pixel peeping, and more with getting something my wife will be happy with as a 6x4 (or on the annual family calendar). It's certainly more than a match for a phone camera.

The Neewer (Meilke also do the same Flash, as the MK-320) is a great little unit, takes 2AA, and is ~ 1/2 the size of a standard flash, but still does tilt & swivel, TTL, and can be used as a manual slave off-camera triggered by the pop up - solves a lot of low light indoor issues!
 
redlion said:
Thanks for you input @Willo.

My first born is of a similar age so understand where you are coming from on the anticipation. The RX100 at 1/100 1/125 1/160 tries it's best with quick AF but quality suffers massively as ISO ramps up.

I used to have a Lumix G3 in the past with the 20mm 1.7 but haven't gone back to the system since. What primes do you have with the GX80 which seems smaller than the G80. There was a double cashback deal going but probably have missed out on it as wasn't sure.

I simply want to take a shot of the action that is sharp with minimal noise, edit via Snapseed and then send to friends and family. The good ones would go in a yearly Photobook of some sort.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I have the 15mm 1.7, 25mm 1.4 and the Oly 45mm. The 25mm gets the most use, I tend to use the G80 the most but the GX80 when I'm out and about, slap on the 15mm and its portable and can easily put in the nappy bag, optically it's superb. I was never crazy about the 20mm, gets rave reviews but it slightly hessitates before locking on.

Size wise, there's not much in it, the G80 is bigger because of the grip. Focus is very fast, SAF is faster than the D750. Have a look at my Instagram link, most of of them are taken with the GX80 or G80.
 
From what I've seen the Sonys are so much faster in terms of caf than the m43 cameras especially in video.

Should've kept the a5100 and bought the 35mm ;) and it's better than the a6k for video.
 
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Have a look at the Panasonic LX 100. Double the sensor size of the Sony and less resolution (12 v 20 Mpx) means a huge amount less noise. Plus it's a lovely camera to work with.
 
redlion said:
What quick and small setup are you guys using?.
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I use Olympus e-pL7 with 20mm F1.7 prime lens. In addition to F1.7 and alright high-ISO you can really dial down the shutterspeed as the stabilisation is excellent.
At retail prices it's too expensive but this pair cost me literally £270. Refurb body, used lens.
 
If you don't mind fixed focal length the fuji x70 should do the trick. Perfect focal length for indoors. Will fit in your pocket and usable shots at ISO 6400. The ricoh gr and coolpix A are the same size, sensor size and focal length.
 
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I'm an M4/3 fan for light portable gear, but for your requirements and budget Is suggest the A6000 and a prime.
 
Willo said:
I have the 15mm 1.7, 25mm 1.4 and the Oly 45mm. The 25mm gets the most use, I tend to use the G80 the most but the GX80 when I'm out and about, slap on the 15mm and its portable and can easily put in the nappy bag, optically it's superb. I was never crazy about the 20mm, gets rave reviews but it slightly hessitates before locking on.

Size wise, there's not much in it, the G80 is bigger because of the grip. Focus is very fast, SAF is faster than the D750. Have a look at my Instagram link, most of of them are taken with the GX80 or G80.
Click to expand...

Your documentation of your young daughter is brilliant. It's given me some inspiration to just capture more moments that you would't think about. Loving the retro snaps you created. I wanted to do something similar rather than just snapping and archiving to the NAS.

As for the equipment it seems you jumped from Nikon D750 to Fuji and then Panasonic? I take it was more due to size and then scratching the Fuji itch?

@twist it was you who convinced me to get the Sony but the Mrs just let it gather dust. Now that we have our hands full with two I wanted a smaller setup for myself and then give to her on days out.

@DemiLion the LX100 certainly makes a strong case for just have one simple setup and no lenses to worry about. This chap certainly put it to good use for family time.

@rjbell the X70 did cross my mind as did the X100T but haven't pursued the thoughts and have missed out on some bargains in the process.

@snerkler the A6000 and sigma primes could be an option along with the small flash mentioned. The only thing about Sony is the colour science can be a bit weird with skintones and white balance sometimes.
 
redlion said:
Your documentation of your young daughter is brilliant. It's given me some inspiration to just capture more moments that you would't think about. Loving the retro snaps you created. I wanted to do something similar rather than just snapping and archiving to the NAS.

As for the equipment it seems you jumped from Nikon D750 to Fuji and then Panasonic? I take it was more due to size and then scratching the Fuji itch?
Click to expand...

Have you been looking at my tags! Yes I’ve a number of cameras. The D750 which was brilliant when she was baby, but in the summer we were going out more and more so it came a problem having a camera bag, nappy bay and fold up chairs etc.

The X-Pro2 was going to be my main system but the focus never filled me with confidence, this was on the latest firmware. It wasn’t as snappy and decisive as the GX80. Lovely image quality though.

So I decided to stick with m4/3, yes it has limitations but I’m willing to live with them. Check out this page, some really good tips for photographing kids.

http://shotkit.com/how-to-photograph-children/
 
redlion said:
Your documentation of your young daughter is brilliant. It's given me some inspiration to just capture more moments that you would't think about. Loving the retro snaps you created. I wanted to do something similar rather than just snapping and archiving to the NAS.

As for the equipment it seems you jumped from Nikon D750 to Fuji and then Panasonic? I take it was more due to size and then scratching the Fuji itch?

@twist it was you who convinced me to get the Sony but the Mrs just let it gather dust. Now that we have our hands full with two I wanted a smaller setup for myself and then give to her on days out.

@DemiLion the LX100 certainly makes a strong case for just have one simple setup and no lenses to worry about. This chap certainly put it to good use for family time.

@rjbell the X70 did cross my mind as did the X100T but haven't pursued the thoughts and have missed out on some bargains in the process.

@snerkler the A6000 and sigma primes could be an option along with the small flash mentioned. The only thing about Sony is the colour science can be a bit weird with skintones and white balance sometimes.
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I've just got back from my local camera store in my constant quest to find a light travel setup that I'm happy with. Tried the A7-II, A6300, EM1 and EM5-II. A7-II with 24-70mm f4 getting heavy again (although lighter than my D750 with 24-120mm f4)). A6300 felt OK, but I"m a left eye shooter and as such the viewfinder is awkward as it doesn't stick out from the back of the camera meaning that my nose presses up against the screen and I can't get my eye up against the viewfinder properly. Not a good design for lefties, and I'd have to see if I could get an eyepiece extender, I imagine the A6000 is the same as it's pretty much the same design. AF-S was very fast though, and it was the lightest of the combos I tried (tried it with the 16-70mm f4). Control wise and ergonomically it's not great though. EM1 with 12-40mm f2.8 felt pretty much perfect, much better than the Em5-II with 12-40mm (that I have had previously incidentally). The balance was perfect and the control dials were perfectly positioned. AF was fast (possibly a touch slower than A6300) and the viewfinder was much more accessible for a leftie.

After this 'revelation' I'd now recommend the EM1 and a prime. Whilst IQ might not be as good as the crop body Sony (if you take away Sony's WB and skin tone issues) the user experience will be much nicer imo.
 
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snerkler said:
I've just got back from my local camera store in my constant quest to find a light travel setup that I'm happy with. Tried the A7-II, A6300, EM1 and EM5-II. A7-II with 24-70mm f4 getting heavy again (although lighter than my D750 with 24-120mm f4)). A6300 felt OK, but I"m a left eye shooter and as such the viewfinder is awkward as it doesn't stick out from the back of the camera meaning that my nose presses up against the screen and I can't get my eye up against the viewfinder properly. Not a good design for lefties, and I'd have to see if I could get an eyepiece extender, I imagine the A6000 is the same as it's pretty much the same design. AF-S was very fast though, and it was the lightest of the combos I tried (tried it with the 16-70mm f4). Control wise and ergonomically it's not great though. EM1 with 12-40mm f2.8 felt pretty much perfect, much better than the Em5-II with 12-40mm (that I have had previously incidentally). The balance was perfect and the control dials were perfectly positioned. AF was fast (possibly a touch slower than A6300) and the viewfinder was much more accessible for a leftie.

After this 'revelation' I'd now recommend the EM1 and a prime. Whilst IQ might not be as good as the crop body Sony (if you take away Sony's WB and skin tone issues) the user experience will be much nicer imo.
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What about the canon m5? Looks a nice camera.
 
snerkler said:
I've just got back from my local camera store in my constant quest to find a light travel setup that I'm happy with. Tried the A7-II, A6300, EM1 and EM5-II. A7-II with 24-70mm f4 getting heavy again (although lighter than my D750 with 24-120mm f4)). A6300 felt OK, but I"m a left eye shooter and as such the viewfinder is awkward as it doesn't stick out from the back of the camera meaning that my nose presses up against the screen and I can't get my eye up against the viewfinder properly. Not a good design for lefties, and I'd have to see if I could get an eyepiece extender, I imagine the A6000 is the same as it's pretty much the same design. AF-S was very fast though, and it was the lightest of the combos I tried (tried it with the 16-70mm f4). Control wise and ergonomically it's not great though. EM1 with 12-40mm f2.8 felt pretty much perfect, much better than the Em5-II with 12-40mm (that I have had previously incidentally). The balance was perfect and the control dials were perfectly positioned. AF was fast (possibly a touch slower than A6300) and the viewfinder was much more accessible for a leftie.

After this 'revelation' I'd now recommend the EM1 and a prime. Whilst IQ might not be as good as the crop body Sony (if you take away Sony's WB and skin tone issues) the user experience will be much nicer imo.
Click to expand...

I'd bet the a6300 is way faster at tracking than the em1, Oly is generally fast in afs.
 
rjbell said:
What about the canon m5? Looks a nice camera.
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Had a quick look but the battery wasn't charged. Looked a bit like a toy but felt solid enough. Kit lens felt very cheap though.

twist said:
I'd bet the a6300 is way faster at tracking than the em1, Oly is generally fast in afs.
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Probably is as I think the A6000 is better than the EM1 and the A6300 is supposed to be much better than the A6000. It's a shame that Sony can't sort functions and ergonomics out as the insides or their cameras are great. If it wasn't for that I'd have bought an A7 or a6xxx ages ago and not gone round the houses with the other mirrorless cameras.
 
Redlion, there is a lovely A6000 in the classifieds if your thinking of that option, I had it with the 35mm 95% of the time and made a nice compact setup.
 
@Willo I only looked at the tags as found the greens different in the images then noticed had Nikon > Fuji > Panasonic! Thanks for an insight into why you went for smaller kit. The link you sent has also been bookmarked and hopefully put into action to document more family time. As always any camera will have its limitations and will have to live with those compromises.

@snerkler thanks for the feedback on your latest camera shop visit. Interesting to hear about the EM1. I had looked into the EM-10 II/17mm 1.8 also and the article @Willo posted also mentions it along with the A6000/35 1.8.

@JRJ thanks for the heads up.

With there being no camera store nearby it gets difficult to test size, handling and general quality.
 
Any updates on a choice? I'm sort of in the same boat, looking for a small pocketable camera.. I have a D750 and also a GX7 with both the 20mm and 14mm.. it is small with the 14mm, but was thinking of the coolpix A as a pocketable replacement..
 
technics100 said:
Any updates on a choice? I'm sort of in the same boat, looking for a small pocketable camera.. I have a D750 and also a GX7 with both the 20mm and 14mm.. it is small with the 14mm, but was thinking of the coolpix A as a pocketable replacement..
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I haven't purchased anything but in the last week or so saw a deal on the GX80 or LX15 on Panasonic eBay.

The GX80 IBIS sounds interesting for video and for photos could attach a small flash to overcome any low light issues and still be small and compact. I would then need to add a 25/42.5 primes once funds allow.

The Fuji X-T20 and X100F do look interesting but the M4/3 setup would allow a lot of flexibility and remain smaller.
 
The GX80 has a built in flash which you can tilt to bounce.

I'd recommend the 14-42mm Mega OIS. It's the size of a prime lens and sharp enough wide open.
 
redlion said:
I haven't purchased anything but in the last week or so saw a deal on the GX80 or LX15 on Panasonic eBay.

The GX80 IBIS sounds interesting for video and for photos could attach a small flash to overcome any low light issues and still be small and compact. I would then need to add a 25/42.5 primes once funds allow.

The Fuji X-T20 and X100F do look interesting but the M4/3 setup would allow a lot of flexibility and remain smaller.
Click to expand...

I ended up buying a Collpix A, it seems great and very pocket-able.
 
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