Travelling In SE Asia for 6 months, what Camera?

Ok so I wasn't sure which section to post this thread is as I think it belongs in 2 but here goes.

I will be going traveling for 6 months this year to SE Asia and plan on using this opportunity to take as many pics as possible, save some memories and develop my photography skills a little in the process. However, I don't want photography to be the focus of the trip or to detract from the traveling experience itself.

As I will be backpacking and want to be as mobile as possible I have to leave my 60D, Lenses and tripods at home .

Which do you chaps think would be the better option, a S110 or a G1X.

As far as I can see imagine quality seems to be fairly similar for both, however obv the G1X allows for a much easyier manual control but at the cost of being pocket able and a point and click for those busy street markets and night clubs,

Thoughts anyone?

How about the G15? I have one and it sounds like it would fit your needs perfectly, both in terms of portability and manual controls.
The lens is superior to both the S110 and the G1X. The larger sensor on the G1X is nice, but comes at a cost of portability. The G15 doesn't necessarily fit in a jeans pocket, but it certainly fits fine in a jacket or vest pocket.

My take on travel photography is: I'm travelling to places I might never see again, I'll have photographic opportunities I won't get at thome, photos are the best souveneir you'll ever bring home from a holiday, and the photos I take in some exotic, faraway location will likely be the ones that I want to print out large and hang on the wall. Based on all that, I don't believe (within reason) in skimping on equipment. I have previously travelled with a few kilograms of DSLR equipment which consisted of only one body and four lenses and would do it again, although now if I wanted to I could take my G1X, two Micro 4/3 bodies and seven lenses for the same total weight. I would say take the best camera/s that you are prepared to carry.

You'll miss your DSLR gear believe me. But if you can't you can't, I too understand the value of travelling light.

A G1X will probably see you right, pick up a lightweight tripod when you get here. You will want to do some night shots I assure you. Where are you heading to first? If it's Bangkok there are a couple of decent shops in MBK. Go to the National Stadium skytrain station. You'll see MBK, it's an adventure in itself.

am backpacking this winter in SE-Asia. using G1X only. I'd still reconsider dSLR, depending of course what type of photography you want to do here. fast moving situations are totally hopeless with point and shoots. small size is priceless in backpacking. previous winter I lugged 1D series body (+2 zooms) all around India, and after that experience, went with G1X this trip!
get a good air&water tight bag regardless which camera you choose, roads are either muddy or dusty in many places. rain season sets challenges too.

Just got back from backpacking in SE Asia and definitely would have regretted it If I decided not to take my DSLR. It's an amasing place and could be a trip of a lifetime. I carried a 5D Mark II with the 24-105, 50 1.8 and a 550EX. I found this was pretty much all I needed and never found myself wanting more reach.

I travel extensively. Mostly backpacking for 3+ months at a time. I used to take my 5D Mark III and only 2 lenses 16-35 and 70-300 L but even that was HEAVY.
I now switched to Micro four thirds 2 bodies and a assortment of lenses. You can find them in my signature blog.
I also Scuba Dive and want to take Underwater photos, so I house my OM-D E-M5 in a Nauticam, something that would be IMPOSSIBLE with any DSLR for backpacking. Just my 2 cents. Enjoy the trip!

WW,

I am surprised no one is asking 'why' you are taking the photographs, and what your interest & skill/style in photography is. In other words, if you have a more than casual purpose and/or you want real artistic control -- that might make a difference in equipment choice. What type of captures do you like... close-up street, or landscape/scene, etc?? Any planned use to sell/commercialize?

There have been some great reviews of the S1xx, including low-light situations. Of course its main advantage is the shirt-pocket, it is always ready at hand.

Since WW's initial post was in March, I suspect he is already on his six month trip...? The horse is out of the barn already.

Dennis

What did you choose wwcern?
How did it go?

For travel, EOS-M for sure. The EF-M 11-22 IS STM, 18-55 IS STM lenses are tack sharp. The pancake EF-M 22 lens is almost perfect for most travel shots.

Despite what people say about this camera, it is a wonderful little gem to use.

If you want to travel light and not go for an interchangeable lens system, I'd consider a Canon G1X, Sony RX100 II, or a Panasonic LX7, depending on your tastes and who else might use the camera.

If you go IC mirrorless, ask yourself how much you are willing to invest. If it is $1000 or less, the EOS-M looks really good. $1500 to $2000 range, i'd be considering a Fuji setup, or M43.

One thing to look out for: are your eyes getting too old? If you are having problems focusing on close objects, you might want a camera that has a view finder option. I am not too crazy about a lot of cameras that I have to hold at arms length to compose and get critical focusing down. So personally I'm attracted to a M43 or Fuji setup.

The other nice thing with a G series is not having to worry about trying to change lenses and missing a shot while you wait for it to defog. SE asia is so darn humid! I brought a ton of gear to a trip to Malaysia and could have easily had a great time with a more mobile camera/gear.