Help choosing micro four thirds lightweight travel camera

[yakapo]

9 months ago, this forum helped me choose my first dslr. I currently have a canon t4i, sigma 30mm 1.4 and a 420 ex. Now I'm looking for a lighter camera to travel with. It will be for both outdoor and indoor use. I'd love to get a fuji x100s or a nex6 but they are a little out of my budget. I really want an evf if at all possible. I will occasionally use it for video. I'd like to spend around $500. I'm willing to buy used. If I get a mft, then ill get the 20mm 1.7 pancake and use it 95% of the time if not 100%.

edit: should I consider the rx100?

 

[brunerww]

Hi yakapo - I'm a micro 4/3 guy, but if you're willing to buy a fixed lens RX100 for $648 new (or $519 used) with a 1" sensor and give up the EVF, you might as well get an APS-C Canon EOS-M with the 22mm lens for $469 new (or $439 used) plus the EOS to M mount adapter for $159 new (or $119 used).

That way, you will get the same quality photos and video you currently get from your T4i in a much smaller package, and you'll have the option of using your T4i lenses on your travel camera when the need arises.

The challenge with the EOS-M, though, is that it doesn't have a built-in flash - so you would have to carry your 420EX for low light situations.

If that doesn't work for you, and you want a 4/3" sensor, interchangeable lens camera with an EVF and a built-in flash for less than $500, the Panasonic G5 with the 14-42 kit lens for $498 (or $415 used) is a great option. This is a great still/video camera that can produce images like these. And video like this:

[video=vimeo;64764145]http://vimeo.com/64764145[/video]

The G5 is also significantly smaller and lighter than your T4i.

The G5 was just replaced by the slightly-upgraded G6, so they're throwing the kit lens in with the G5 for free to close them out (the body only and kit lens prices are the same). This camera will sell out quickly, so if you want one, you should jump on it.

Hope this is helpful!

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

 

[yakapo]

Thanks a million. Ill take a look at the g5 and the g6. I'm not sure if I could get used to holding the camera away from me to take shots without a viewfinder.

 

[brunerww]

Thanks a million. Ill take a look at the g5 and the g6. I'm not sure if I could get used to holding the camera away from me to take shots without a viewfinder.

I agree. I guess I'm an old fogey, but a camera is supposed to be something you hold up to your eye

Good luck with your search.

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

P.S. just remembered that my Dad used to hold his TLR down at his waist and look into the top of it to take a picture, so maybe I'm not that old

 

[yakapo]

Back on topic - My wife has the sony hv9x and I'm going to replace it with the Rx100. I'll wait a few months and see what canon replaces their mirrorless camera with. Supposedly, they are going to release something with a viewfinder. If I don't like the new canon I'll probably end up with the new Ricoh GR. I'm hoping the price will go down a little bit. I know it doesn't have a viewfinder but I think I want something smaller than the G5 / G6.