50mm f/1.4 is a great little lens. Even the 50mm f/1.8 is pretty decent for something so cheap. That’d get you some great close-up/detailed shots. Then if you want something a little wider, the sigma 30mm might do the trick, otherwise you can lash out for a Canon L prime, like the 24mm f1.4. I’ve got this lens (didn’t have to pay for it thankfully), and it’s pretty amazing.
I’ve also got the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, which is great of you want something wider. Takes great photos, but quality control with Tamron and Sigma lenses can be an issue (as ko was pointing out), I had another Tamron before this one that I sold because I wasn’t happy with the image quality.
Just re-read your first post, not sure any of the above will fix your pain-in-the-arse-to-get-the-camera-out problem, but you’ll get some good photos.
Panasonic GF1 (cheap), or GX1 (not as cheap), Olympus E-P2 (cheap) or E-P3 (not as cheap). EM5 is really lovely but as it has the built in viewfinder it’s not jersey pocket friendly (imo) + not cheap right now.
Any of the above camera’s with a f2.5 14mm Panasonic (28mm equiv.) and a f1.7 20mm Panasonic lens (prime - 40mm equiv.) makes for a perfect pocketable small camera. The Olympus f1.8 45mm prime (portrait - equiv. 90mm) is an awesome addition to the above to pancake lenses to make a so called all round kit on a budget. Olympus do an excellent 12mm (24mm equiv.) but it’s $750 compared to the 14mm Panasonic which can be about $200 new.
Brakefree, holla at me if you wanna toy with my GF1 and 20mm (not code).
Even smaller (truly pocketable) I’d suggest a Panasonic LX3 or LX5, stunning lens on a small camera. I wouldn’t consider any other camera if I was going for a ride. The latter has a slightly longer zoom which is better for detail portrait work. Simple, yet easily adapted to tricky shots/conditions if you want to stretch it’s capabilities.
The best camera is one you’re likely to have with you more of the time. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Sony NEX series but I don’t have any experience with them so can’t advise.
I recently bought an x100 and am very happy with the image quality and the portability. I fit in in my jersey when I ride sometimes.
I’m a noob, but I love it. Coming from an slr you may get the shits with af sometimes, but the images are awesome for the portability.
I bought my gf a Sony NEX 5 and can’t rate it highly enough.
My experience with proper camera’s is extremely limited, but after using a couple of my mates NEX 5 I was suitably impressed with it’s ease of use, and quality of image that it can produce. It can shoot in RAW etc, and even my GF, with the aid of a book, was able to produce some great images (she is new to photography).
Small, easy to use, wide range of lenses available, two thumbs up from me!
Even cheaper, the new/current LX5’s are $350 odd, so the LX3’s have sold for as little as $200, plenty of good used one’s as people upgrade. Same goes for GF1’s and Olympus E-P2’s.
After selling off all my Leica and Hasselbad gear I’m having a ball with cheap used camera’s that are still excellent but without the drama’s of it it gets dropped, lost, soiled etc. I look after my gear but I’ not gonna sweat taking the LX3 out on a rainy day like I would a Leica M9. Means more shots as I usually have a camera at hand.
I mostly used the GF1 in Melbz. and also carried an LX3 (via Mrs. Spirito). Holla at me via email and I can send the GF1 down to you so you can try it out. As I was mentioning to Rooster it’s a tool, it’s gotta feel right in your hands and intuitive. Features, megapixles etc don’t count for shit if it doesn’t become an extension of you and unless you are able to capture what you see/envision without overthinking things. For some people too small is no good, too big is no good either. Find the right tool.
Re: LX3 vs. LX5 … I forgot to add that the LX5 can take an additional electronic viewfinder (same as the GF1) which makes things easier in some tricky light situations. Makes for a very versatile, very small camera. DMC-LX5 Shots-4 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Mighty tempted by the Lx5 after reading some reviews. Cheap enough that I can keep my DSLR with the 24-70mm L series for product shots, and still have a very small camera in my pocket when I am brazing up a storm.
Will shoot off an email Ben, you are a rad gentleman
I just got the Nikon J1 and it’s great so far. It has dropped a lot in price recently which put it ahead of the competitors for me.
I’m no camera nerd so the AF makes it all too easy.
Spirito is rad, as I am sure you are all aware!
He sent me down his Panasonic LX3 and GF1, I have been having a play with them today in the workshop, these are all shots from the GF1, found I had less control with the LX3 and wasn’t getting very good images. This is probably user error.
I like it, intuitive interface, nice images; but still feel that I lack the control and speed that I get from my SLR
Took a day off, and went to Sydney with Spirito’s camera’s today.
Here are a few shots with the GF1 on Cockatoo island, camera choice is still hard, keep coming back to this camera though!
Cool. Mrs. Spirito went to the Biennale opening and loved it it so much she wants to go again and take me … who’s a little dejected at not being listed as a +1 the first time round.
Do it, and when you do, please go to the southern-most part of the turbine workshop and take a picture of the whole of the boring machine that is in the southwest corner for me. forgot to get a whole shot.
Thread dig: I just bought a Lumix GF3, with the 14mm lens. It’s a great little camera, so compact it’s not funny. After using it over the weekend, IMHO the picture quality is probably better than my D40 dslr.
The video quality is fantastic, this is going to be my go-to for baby videos etc. One snazzy little feature is that it has a separate video record button next to the shutter release, so you don’t have to go changing modes or whatever to shoot video.
I’m already in the habit of taking it everywhere with me. I just never know when the young fella is going to do something cute ore repulsive.
