Being a former event photographer this is a challenge for me but I've discovered a fairly new option: mirror-less 4/3 sensor cameras. I replaced our little backup camera with a 4/3 model and it has since put my larger heavier Nikon into semi-retirement. Advantages: MUCH smaller, MUCH lighter, and significantly less touristy looking while having the largest sensor short of a D-SLR. Lenses are also much cheaper while still high quality. I recently did a comparison in the Adirondacks and the picture quality is very much on par with a D-SLR for regular use. Disadvantages are few; mainly too many function buttons easily touched by large fingers, and the sensor, while much larger than compact cameras is still smaller than a typical D-SLR. I'd also advise that this is far better than a phone with similar mega-pixel ratings, and the pixels on a camera sensor are much smaller, so they can't do nearly as much. 16MP does not always equal 16MP. If you want more than a few snapshots and selfies then this may be worth looking into.
Posted by
Boise, Idaho
1258 posts
Retired industrial photographer. Have not looked thru a viewfinder in five years. Rely on the iphone for everyday stuff but travel with a tiny p’n’p because i don’t like waiving the iphone around which , of course, is mission and life critical. Hate to drop it in the Rhine.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7054 posts
Can you recommend a few models so I can do some research? Feel free to provide links as well. Thanks!
Posted by
Westland, MI
796 posts
The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is my travel camera. It's the size of a pack of cigarettes and fits nicely in pockets yet is surprising capable. The Mark II allows you to turn off the beeping which is an improvement over the Mark I which only allowed me to turn it down. Even the muted sound once irritated someone at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. The camera isn't easy to find lately but I definitely prefer not to risk losing my cell phone. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9MCH0E/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=&psc=1
Posted by
OP
11 posts
to Agnes, I personally have a Panasonic (Lumix) GX85. When I bought it the other main option was a Sony. I understand Olympus also makes these. Another nice feature is that the lenses for this type of camera are interchangeable even from one line to the next, but you have to be careful when changing lenses as there is no mirror, the sensor is right in your face, so keep it open for a minimum of time. I should mention the other disadvantage to mirrorless, your viewfinder is strictly LED; even the little viewfinder. Then again I forgot about that because I never notice it.
Here's one link, but they have a ton of options...
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1398407-REG/panasonic_dmc_gx85wk_lumix_dmc_gx85_mirrorless_micro.html
Posted by
Birmingham, AL, USA
226 posts
I highly recommend the Sony RX 100 VII. Excellent image quality, compact, no need to change lenses. 24-200 mm. Fits in a pocket. Excellent choice but pricey. I used one for closer shots while in Tanzania on safari and was extremely pleased when viewing photos for processing. Good battery life.
Posted by
Utah via SF Bay Area
363 posts
I recently took up underwater photography. The camera store I worked with recommended the Sony RX 100 VA. It's amazing. I'm hardly a pro, and still trying to figure out the ISO, Fstop, and Shutter speed triangle, but my pictures were amazing. I agree with Lynda here. Check out these Sony's. I think you will love the functionality, but at 10 oz, can appreciate their portability. The Sony sensor is amazing, far more powerful than a smart phone. My iphone takes great pics, but I can shoot in Raw and Jpeg at same time with the Sony and be able to crop really well and not lose pixels.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thanks for the info on the RX100 VII. It looks really great an in a compact package. I just saw one problem, in that I'm clumsy. I need a camera that takes a front filter to absorb the blow. I've lost two pocket cameras to dings or scratches to the front element with that style of lens opening, and another one with a shutter-like cover; I was able to bend the leaves to the lens wouldn't open until I bent them back out a little. A lens cap isn't enough with my luck. Those were all small Canons and excellent cameras. I'll probably stick with what I've got.
Posted by
New Haven, CT, USA
33 posts
I have a canon m50 mirrorless and I like it a lot more than my 18 MP Canon T5i. I also have that Sony RX100 VII. When I go on my next tour I'll be brining the canon and only 4 lenses. They all fit neatly in my carry on camera bag. I don't care about looking touristy. If I'm visiting a country that has hundreds of years of history, I'm going to take pictures. I might use my cell for a few as well. Once the group members see me with my big camera, they of course want me to take their picture, which I very much don't mind.
Can't wait till September.
Posted by
Denver
29 posts
As someone who knows nothing about photography, I use the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Black. The pictures are incredible and it requires no effort, experience, or knowledge. Most of the time I can't even believe I was the person that took the pictures when I'm enjoying the pictures at home.