need a second camera for travel/candid portraits

i have a 5dii, 85mm, 135mm, etc which I use for formal portraits.

im looking for something a bit smaller to bring around with me that take really good (not great) portraits or the family and others im with. i have an rx100, but the variable f-stop bugs be, especially at telephoto focal lengths i just dont get the bokeh im looking for in the portraits. is upgrading to a newer (rx100ii, iii, or iv) what i should do or is there another camera i should be looking at? i like the portability and compactness of the rx100 but im not opposed to a detachable lens system provided its portable.

TIA

Have you thought about the Fuji x100 series? It's bigger then the rx100 but a lot smaller then a 5d.

If you want an interchangeable lens camera then any of the mirrorless options (Fuji, Sony, canon, Panasonic, or Olympus) have small camera and lens options.

Personally I love the Fuji X-e2 with a 27mm f2.8 pancake lens on it. Not tiny but I can throw it in a sweatshirt or cargo pocket no problem.

I love the RX100 line, but if you're looking to take portraits with a lot of background blur I don't think you'll be happy with that type of camera

One of the Fuji MILCs with a 56mm f/1.2 would work beautifully, if you're willing to spend the money

mike_311 wrote in post #18012993
i have a 5dii, 85mm, 135mm, etc which I use for formal portraits.

im looking for something a bit smaller to bring around with me that take really good (not great) portraits or the family and others im with. i have an rx100, but the variable f-stop bugs be, especially at telephoto focal lengths i just dont get the bokeh im looking for in the portraits. is upgrading to a newer (rx100ii, iii, or iv) what i should do or is there another camera i should be looking at? i like the portability and compactness of the rx100 but im not opposed to a detachable lens system provided its portable.

TIA

Fuji has what you want. With a f1.2 prime to boot. Very small package for what you get.

Very best,

I'm astounded that someone having the ability to take great pictures would settle for less.

chauncey wrote in post #18013419
I'm astounded that someone having the ability to take great pictures would settle for less.

Well he did say "really good (not great)"

The 5D with the 85 and 135 have the "great" category covered if needed

Fuji convert here. That's all I'll say.

I'm afraid your jaw may drop if you buy a fuji You can buy an X-E2 older version with 4.0 firmware or the X-T10 for a great price with fantastic 18-55 kit lens.

The keyword you mentioned is formal portrait. This is screaming Fujifilm.

If you get a 35 f/1.4 that'll be your semi wide prime. Use a 56 f/1.2 and you'll be smiling from ear to ear. Get a 90mm f/2 and you may call it an close draw between the FF w/ 135L.

I was watching some reviews and discovered a Canadian fuji shooter. Killer skills!!

http://www.nathanelson​.com/

I'm slowly increasing my secondary system gear and fuji is meeting my needs for IQ vs using my Canon gear. I'm critical when it comes to family documentation and the fuji is meeting my demanding IQ needs. AF is "OK" but good enough for most applications. For a wedding I cannot use fuji!! However for static/slow moving subjects I think fuji is ideal.

I was hoping to stay under a grand. I'll look into the fujis

I'm not opposed to fixed focal lengths either. I shoot prime so I'm used to moving my feet.

F2 or so at 35mm on an aps-c would be fine for me.

mike_311 wrote in post #18014079
I was hoping to stay under a grand. I'll look into the fujis

I'm not opposed to fixed focal lengths either. I shoot prime so I'm used to moving my feet.

F2 or so at 35mm on an aps-c would be fine for me.

Well then I'm thinking a used X-e2 and a XF35mm f2 might be a good match up for you.

You can get a used X-e2 for under $500 and the 35f2 is about to be on instant rebate for I beleive $300, if you're in the US that is (the instant rebates should start tomorrow)

I love the Fuji X100T. It goes everywhere with me and is a joy to use. The JPGs out of the thing are so nice that I don't even have it set to save the RAW files. It has a built in 3-stop ND filter, which I use surprisingly often.

Edit: I forgot to add that I really love the dynamic range compression technology in the X100T, too.

mike_311 wrote in post #18014079
I was hoping to stay under a grand. I'll look into the fujis

I'm not opposed to fixed focal lengths either. I shoot prime so I'm used to moving my feet.

F2 or so at 35mm on an aps-c would be fine for me.

Mike,

I'll warn you that in my experience the AF just seems a tad slow but for your needs it'll rock for portraits!!

The Fuji rendition for human subjects has something special. Your obviously use to the Canon "look" but you may be surprised how a 16mpx file can look so good. You just don't have the luxury of the extra mpx of the 5dmk2.

If I had to leave my canon gear at home the Fuji would produce just as pleasing files. I just prefer my Canon for fast paced event work.

I use to underestimate the fuji system until I started to edit my personal files using LR6.

Xpro1 or xe2?

I'de consider ditching the 5Dii in favor of the 6D, along with a 40mm STM.

When it comes to portrait lenses, it's hard for mirrorless to match. Shorter focal lengths are ok. I wouldnt ever consider fuji, way too big of an investment, would do sony FF way before fuji. It stretches a little outside your budget but doesnt require reinventing the wheel.

heck even an SL1 + canon 50mm stm can get close to fuji league without a large investment.

Fuji does produce great OOC look, not even going there, dont care for it.

6d isn't that much smaller. Sl1 +50mm would be a better option.

I'm not looking for great images. If I get it, great but I just want better than what the sony is giving me.

Something capable of good shallow dof portraits an descent in low light.