As a photographer, it's very easy to get mired in G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) until suddenly, you're taking a full frame camera and a full complement of f/2.8 lenses out on even the simplest of day trips. It's probably time to start thinking about purchasing an "everyday carry."
I've run the gamut of cameras that I end up carrying every day, from the Fuji X100 series to very competent Canon APS-C mirrorless models such as the EOS M50 Mark II and, of course, my all-time favorite everyday camera, the increasingly rare Panasonic Lumix GM1.
If you're like me and a fan of the Micro Four Thirds system, then this latest video from Emily Lowrey at Micro Four Nerds will walk you through all of the options in the lineup that are cameras that are easy on the back and easy on the wallet.
One of the things that I loved about Micro Four Thirds was that it truly captured the essence of mirrorless, which is, to me, big sensor quality in a small package. You just don't see small cameras like the Panasonic GM1 or GM5, and paired with a small pancake style lens, such as the Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH. lens, you can put it in a purse or a large pocket. To an extent, I can do that with my Canons as well, not so much the Fuji X100 series.
However, lately I've switched to using a Sony ZV-1. It sounds a bit counterintuitive to step back from the larger sensors of the cameras I mentioned above, but 1-inch sensors these days have gotten so good that aside from depth of field, the difference isn't all that bad. The biggest plus is that the 24-70mm equivalent lens folds flat into the body so it can truly fit into a regular-sized pocket. Here's a night shot I took at Niagara Falls with it:
Lowrey shares a lot more reasons to carry around such a camera every day, so check out the video if you're interested in jumping into the options. If you have your own favorite everyday camera, share your thoughts on it below.
Nikon Zfc in a lovely orange/brown. Good conversation starter, pocketable with kit lens (if you have baggy-ish pants or a jacket), 4k video, usable image quality up to ISO 3200, and roughly $1k. While needing to get away from a family stress crisis while in Orlando, did some walk-around photography at Disney Springs and got tons of comments/compliments about it.
These are great! What lenses do you use for a streetable setup with it?
Typically I carry the kit lens and the Nikon 40mm f/2. One on camera, other in pocket. I did pick up the Viltrox 56 f/1.7 and I have been enjoying it and it may replace the 40 - although a bit longer (physically), so will be slightly more difficult to pocket.
Fuji X-S10 with Fuji 16-80mm f4 lens..fits nicely in a tiny bag with 2 spare batteries and a spare SD card...just in case! Shoots good quality stills in JPEG or RAW and shoots nice 4K video with Eterna simulation to give some leeway in the edit.
Nikon Zf is with me all the time now. Z9's for work -- Zf for fun.
After buying smaller and smaller EDC cameras, I still found that I wasn't carrying my FZ1000II, LX100, or even the eminently pocketable LX10, because, once all my pockets were filled with my daily necessities, I didn't want to stuff one more thing into them and I didn't want to carry a pouch everywhere. So, I upgraded my phone and made that my EDC camera.
The same here. My "main" camera is an EOS M5 with several lenses and accessories. The wife and I went on a short break early last year, and I decided to leave the camera at home as it wasn't intended to be a photographic trip. I decided to rely on my then iPhone 11 (non-pro). I realised two things.
1, I missed having a camera, and
2, I forgot to take pictures with my phone
If I carry a camera, then I'll use it. Not so much my phone that lives in my pocket - my subconscious forgets it's also a camera.
So I bought an LX100 as well. It's proven a decent tool with remarkable quality and a fantastic zoom range. But like you, it's not an everyday carry, I have enough to lug around daily. And coming from canon, I'm not in love with the menu system and GUI - it's almost too clever and complex.
Towards the end of last year, I upgraded my phone to the 15 Pro. What a revelation. I use it more as a camera than any phone I've had before. The action button alone makes me consider using it more often, and I think my subconscious realises it's a significant investment and reminds me to use it!
Interesting observation! I have the 14 Pro so I haven't been tempted to upgrade yet. I can see that the iPhone can come close to my 1" camera setups, but not close enough just yet for me.
I should clarify, ithe quality is not as good as a dedicated camera - there’s only so much you can do with a tiny sensor and tiny lens, but it is very good nonetheless. I’ve used iPhones since the first gen and this is the first one that I consider using as a proper camera for travel and days out etc.
I won’t part with the ZS100 just yet (sorry, I put LX100 in my last reply by accident) due to the zoom range, but I’m sure it won’t be long until Apple matches this in the Pro range. And I will always want a “real” camera for purposeful photography.
For me, a smartphone is not a camera. It's everything and nothing.
Because now, again, I have a photo camera I am back to taking pictures.
The Olympus TG6...I never leave home without it...€429.00 was not really cheap, but it is worth every cent...this great compact camera is really incognito...the 25-100mm lens does not extend, the picture quality is excellent...IMO the best small compact on the market...and tough as a brick...these samples from the TG6 are out of camera JPEGs...
When I think to bring a pocketable camera it's an old nikon coolpix s6200, but it's rare I take anything other than my phone. Kind of a bummer, but my passion is in film photography and the cost of buying and developing rolls is prohibitive to just go shoot for a day. So, iPhone it is. Still not bad I don't think...
Canon 5D mark II, 50mm prime. Not pocketable but still pretty light and discreet
lol I've had this setup. It's great but discreet it ain't! Glad it works for you though.
Sony a6700 with a Tamron 18-300 zoom. Light, capable, and great range.
I'm a hobbyist and traveler. For the last 12 years, a Nikon D800 with a 50mm prime and a 85mm in the bag. Decided after a few international trips that it was too much. Now I carry a Fuji X100VI around everywhere and keep the D800 for local planned photoshoots.
I bring my Ricoh GRIII wherever I go! Love it! Power of a dslr in my pocket.
My main camera is a 5d mark III.
I use a Canon Rebel EOS SL-2 with a 24 mm 2.8 pancake lens. Work camera Canon EOS 6d
I always forget about the SL series. Those were fun.
Last week I bought a second hand ZV-1. Because an iPhone isn’t a camera. After one day my daughter, 16, take the camera with here. See also has an iPhone..
So, for now I have to practice a lot, I like it.
Hello, fellow ZV-1 shooter!
I understand why you like the ZV-1.
The Sony RX100mk1 I bought in 2013 is still the camera with the best value for money I'd ever had. (Although the Fuji X70 comes close.)
I've used many pocketable cameras over the years. My fave for the past 5 or so has been the Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III. I didn't use it for about a year and sold it. I soon missed it and repurchased it. Here is one of mine on FAA:
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/wrigley-field-marquee-at-clark-and-a...