Best walking around camera

Long story short, I shoot a 6D and have a few Canon lenses. I want something smaller for Photo walks and family trips. The Sony a 6000 is what I have my eyes on right now I just don't want a kit lens and the adapter is 300 bucks to use my Canon lenses. I guess in the long run that might be the better option? With my wife's discount I get the a6000 and the kit lens for $562 brand-new


No matter what, I wanna be at the 35-50mm focal range. Crop sensor or full

I thought about a 5D classic with no grip since it is full frame and just a phenomenal camera for about 350 bucks but I know technology advances so much that crop sensor's probably give me a better image nowadays?

Heya,

Honestly, it's whatever camera is with you.

"Better" image is something you really need to pin down, do you mean technically at a measureable pixel level? Or at the subjective level of simply looking at the files and enjoying the color rendition, tones, overall properties, as you look at your family and your memories?

Personally I far more favor the later, the subjective "I like these files" type. And because of this weirdness, I actually use two 5D classics, despite shooting 1D, etc. I still would rather take a 5D classic in most cases because I just enjoy how the files look. I don't find my 5dc + 35 F2 IS to be too big or heavy. I was carrying around a 1D series for the same thing, and that got old real fast. I sometimes also use manual lenses with the 5D, like an old Helios. For trips and when we're a family, I just slap a 17-40 on it and I'm good to go, unless it's for portraits, then I use my 35mm or 90mm. I'm good with three lenses, no matter what, on trips with the family.

I use an EOS-M & 22mm F2 pancake for the compact approach when we're out. But more and more, my Galaxy S7 actually does so well at the spontaneous shots and stuff, that I use it more often for going out for just fun, than a compact camera.

Another thing you could consider is a small format APS-C or Micro 4/3rds. You could look at a little Fuji or you could look at a small Lumix or Olympus. They have crazy good image quality, really sharp little lenses, interchangeable systems, etc. Less bulk. If I were buying again right now, I'd probably get a little Fuji, or one of the small Olympus M43's, with a fast wide prime attached to them.

More importantly to me these days, is having a flash, than worrying what camera or lens combo I have when we go out. Flash makes the biggest difference in my book. An ETTL capable flash is just so useful when we go out or when we're inside.

Maybe just try whatever cameras are pleasing to you.

I would have zero problem rolling a Sony right now, with an adapter to use Canon lenses so that I'm not investing in a whole other system. But I also don't need a lot of lenses, I'm often happy with 2 lenses (35mm & 90mm, or a single 17-40).

For me, I'd be reaching towards a Sony A7S or A7S II, for the mega-ISO advantage and dynamic range, making it a really great option for the worst case lighting scenarios when you want a great image of your family or a trip. I'm accustomed to 12MP files (5D is the same), so I'm all good on this. I used to want a 6D until the A7S came out, now I'm lusting for an A7S for my family/travel because I can snap and know that I have tons of recovery and range in the RAWs, and usable ISO that is just unworldly.

Recently went on a little trip to Cocoa Beach with my little family, and the 5D stayed with us, dirt, ocean and all. I love these old cameras. I do everything with them. And if they give up a ghost, it's a $300 camera that outputs awesome little files. There wasn't a better image to be made, because all that matters is what camera you have when the moment is happening. And frankly, it wouldn't have mattered if I captured the days with them with my Galaxy S7, my EOS-M, a 5D, my 1D, or a Rebel. It's about capturing the moment and enjoying the memory again and again. The last thing I would want to do on a family day is worry about the image quality or technicals of it. It's not a studio session. It's your day!

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/FzPh​AV

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/GsQq​pW

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/G61g​nJ

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/GpjC​UP

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/FzQe​UR

MalVeauX wrote in post #18048321
Heya,

Honestly, it's whatever camera is with you.

"Better" image is something you really need to pin down, do you mean technically at a measureable pixel level? Or at the subjective level of simply looking at the files and enjoying the color rendition, tones, overall properties, as you look at your family and your memories?

Personally I far more favor the later, the subjective "I like these files" type. And because of this weirdness, I actually use two 5D classics, despite shooting 1D, etc. I still would rather take a 5D classic in most cases because I just enjoy how the files look. I don't find my 5dc + 35 F2 IS to be too big or heavy. I was carrying around a 1D series for the same thing, and that got old real fast. I sometimes also use manual lenses with the 5D, like an old Helios. For trips and when we're a family, I just slap a 17-40 on it and I'm good to go, unless it's for portraits, then I use my 35mm or 90mm. I'm good with three lenses, no matter what, on trips with the family.

I use an EOS-M & 22mm F2 pancake for the compact approach when we're out. But more and more, my Galaxy S7 actually does so well at the spontaneous shots and stuff, that I use it more often for going out for just fun, than a compact camera.

Another thing you could consider is a small format APS-C or Micro 4/3rds. You could look at a little Fuji or you could look at a small Lumix or Olympus. They have crazy good image quality, really sharp little lenses, interchangeable systems, etc. Less bulk. If I were buying again right now, I'd probably get a little Fuji, or one of the small Olympus M43's, with a fast wide prime attached to them.

More importantly to me these days, is having a flash, than worrying what camera or lens combo I have when we go out. Flash makes the biggest difference in my book. An ETTL capable flash is just so useful when we go out or when we're inside.

Maybe just try whatever cameras are pleasing to you.

I would have zero problem rolling a Sony right now, with an adapter to use Canon lenses so that I'm not investing in a whole other system. But I also don't need a lot of lenses, I'm often happy with 2 lenses (35mm & 90mm, or a single 17-40).

For me, I'd be reaching towards a Sony A7S or A7S II, for the mega-ISO advantage and dynamic range, making it a really great option for the worst case lighting scenarios when you want a great image of your family or a trip. I'm accustomed to 12MP files (5D is the same), so I'm all good on this. I used to want a 6D until the A7S came out, now I'm lusting for an A7S for my family/travel because I can snap and know that I have tons of recovery and range in the RAWs, and usable ISO that is just unworldly.

Recently went on a little trip to Cocoa Beach with my little family, and the 5D stayed with us, dirt, ocean and all. I love these old cameras. I do everything with them. And if they give up a ghost, it's a $300 camera that outputs awesome little files. There wasn't a better image to be made, because all that matters is what camera you have when the moment is happening. And frankly, it wouldn't have mattered if I captured the days with them with my Galaxy S7, my EOS-M, a 5D, my 1D, or a Rebel. It's about capturing the moment and enjoying the memory again and again. The last thing I would want to do on a family day is worry about the image quality or technicals of it. It's not a studio session. It's your day!

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/FzPh​AV img_a1267 by Martin Wise, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/GsQq​pW IMG_2907 by Martin Wise, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/G61g​nJ IMG_2796 by Martin Wise, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/GpjC​UP IMG_2882 by Martin Wise, on Flickr

https://flic.kr/p/FzQe​URimg_a1248_proc_mark by Martin Wise, on Flickr

Very best,

Yeah like I said I've owned two of them myself but when my wife stopped wanting to shoot I got rid of all of them and I'm back to my original set up. I love the 5D classic but my issue is finding a good one that isn't going to break. Honestly the reliability is mainly what I worry about. Since they are around 10 years old A lot of them are starting to go out and it's pretty expensive to replace as opposed to just getting a brand-new crop sensor Mirrorless or something like that

Nick Aufiero wrote in post #18048342
Yeah like I said I've owned two of them myself but when my wife stopped wanting to shoot I got rid of all of them and I'm back to my original set up. I love the 5D classic but my issue is finding a good one that isn't going to break. Honestly the reliability is mainly what I worry about. Since they are around 10 years old A lot of them are starting to go out and it's pretty expensive to replace as opposed to just getting a brand-new crop sensor Mirrorless or something like that

There's some out there. You just have to dig them out.

I have a 5D that I bought brand new at end of life (last one at Future Shop in Canada) and its got less then 3K on the shutter.
Life and work cut in on my photography time. Have to retire soon to get back on my road trips.

I'm not selling but just saying ... they're out there.

BTW - I took the grip off my xTi and gave it to my wife for a trip to Australia. It works fine as our walk-around camera now.

Nick Aufiero wrote in post #18048342
Yeah like I said I've owned two of them myself but when my wife stopped wanting to shoot I got rid of all of them and I'm back to my original set up. I love the 5D classic but my issue is finding a good one that isn't going to break. Honestly the reliability is mainly what I worry about. Since they are around 10 years old A lot of them are starting to go out and it's pretty expensive to replace as opposed to just getting a brand-new crop sensor Mirrorless or something like that

The point was that it doesn't matter what camera you take. "Best" is such a relative term.

Right now, for me, the "best" camera for what I like doing when I'm out with my family would be maybe the new Hasselblad X1D-50c. Smaller system (I mean seriously look how small it is now!) medium format, all the wonderful range that size sensor provides, etc. $9k plus lenses is steep and I can't afford it. And a D810 probably compares at the dynamic range and recovery measurements, they're probably similar enough to not warrant it. But, I like the look of medium format field of view and depth of field effects, so I lean towards the more interesting, to me, looking camera system. But I actually dislike the idea of 50MP, as I prefer smaller files for faster work flow. I wouldn't want a terabyte of photos to process after a family outing. This is why I enjoy a smaller resolution, like 8~12MP. Granted, it's so new, I've not used one, but feature wise, it grabs me instantly and it will have modern quality, so that's a no brainer. But, a digital, slim size medium format camera that syncs at all it's shutter speeds with flash and has that depth of field look that medium format has? I drool at the idea. Unaffordable.

I'm not saying to go get a 5Dc, my point was that what matters is you simply have a camera, and use it. Just use it well. It's more important to capture great compositions, great expressions, your memories, rather than fuss about image quality, cost ratio analysis, etc. At least to me. I could be wrong. It's not a perspective for everyone.

Personally I just like the look of the files that come out of a 1Dc, 1D II, 1Ds II and 5Dc. It changes with the III and later cameras, in the Canon line, where they just don't have that "look" that those previous series had. That newest stuff is better, technically. But I care about the subjective side of it more than the technical side, when simply capturing and enjoying memories of the family.

You want something smaller than a 6D, you want "best" (without defining what best is for you), and you're talking about something being durable, and noting the cost of replacing a $300 camera as being expensive compared to buying a new modern crop, without really making much difference in the look of the images that come from the two devices.

Sounds to me like ultimately a Fuji with 1 or 2 lenses, tops (a fast wide prime, and a single decent wide to mid range zoom) would be a great system for the things you've described a bit.

Or heck, take a look at a Sony RX100 III if you want small with a ton of quality that is modern.

Or, if you really want to take a look at something very interesting, there's the weird, small, really strangely beautiful files that come from a Sigma DP2.

Very best,

Personally I wouldn't drop cash on a camera specifically to walk around with during family outings. If you know photos are going to be a key part of the trip, just take your 6D. During vacation (and visiting family), I used my 60D which isn't that much more compact than a 6D. Before purchasing, consider how often these situations come up. Spending $550+ on a camera is money you'll never get back. Would you rather spend money on a camera for occasional use or spend it on a vacation or trip?

I too can attest to just how useful a phone is. If you have a modern phone, it will output some really good photos for general use not to mention how quickly you can get them online and out to other people. Also, it won't get in the way as much as a dedicated camera kit will. If you're dedicated to a new camera, even a cheap camera will do wonders if it does what you need to. Skimp on the camera if you have the lenses since it's only a little box with glass, nothing more. It's all about the supporting cast. A good story told on a so-so medium is still a good story and the vast majority of people won't know/care if something came from a 5D or T2i if it's all about the content.

Edit : Reading some of the stuff since I hit the "reply" button. Starting from scratch and size being mission critical, I would personally go with the Fuji if it's all stills. For video and stills, I'd go with a Rebel series which is REALLY good these days. I just find it hard to recommend a new camera if you've already got a perfectly fine camera with lenses already.

Yeah I mean if I could find a good one that I know was well taken care of but it's just kind of difficult to find that. I've seen a few here on craigslist that looked to be in amazing condition but they want 600 for them which to me is never going to happen or I would just buy something new


I ultimately just want something with great dynamic range and excellent for portrait work(this normally falls on the lens)

Keep in mind, I also need a second body no matter what. Family and friends love using my stuff and I also like having a second body for weddings and not having to rent one

MrWho wrote in post #18048367
Personally I wouldn't drop cash on a camera specifically to walk around with during family outings. If you know photos are going to be a key part of the trip, just take your 6D. During vacation (and visiting family), I used my 60D which isn't that much more compact than a 6D. Before purchasing, consider how often these situations come up. Spending $550+ on a camera is money you'll never get back. Would you rather spend money on a camera for occasional use or spend it on a vacation or trip?

I too can attest to just how useful a phone is. If you have a modern phone, it will output some really good photos for general use not to mention how quickly you can get them online and out to other people. Also, it won't get in the way as much as a dedicated camera kit will. If you're dedicated to a new camera, even a cheap camera will do wonders if it does what you need to. Skimp on the camera if you have the lenses since it's only a little box with glass, nothing more. It's all about the supporting cast. A good story told on a so-so medium is still a good story and the vast majority of people won't know/care if something came from a 5D or T2i if it's all about the content.

It's normally just wanting something a little smaller or more compact to take around and shoot some Street photos and portraits of friends and family. I thought I put it in the original post but I guess I didn't, I need a second body no matter what. My sister is going to be learning from me and I also need a second body for when I do weddings so I don't have to swap lenses during the ceremony. But all of these come last two just wanting something a little smaller and travel friendly that isn't my main workhorse. Quite frankly I don't want my good expensive camera sitting in the sun all day or anything like that.

Nick Aufiero wrote in post #18048371
It's normally just wanting something a little smaller or more compact to take around and shoot some Street photos and portraits of friends and family. I thought I put it in the original post but I guess I didn't, I need a second body no matter what. My sister is going to be learning from me and I also need a second body for when I do weddings so I don't have to swap lenses during the ceremony. But all of these come last two just wanting something a little smaller and travel friendly that isn't my main workhorse. Quite frankly I don't want my good expensive camera sitting in the sun all day or anything like that.

I have way too many bodies, but among them is the A6000. It is by far my favorite small/compact camera to take with.
They are not that expensive anymore, the images are sharp sharp sharp and the lenses for them are very affordable. I use 2 lenses, the 50mm 1.8 oss and the 55-210 oss tele. I've looked at the A6300 but at the price range they are selling for, and the confidence and satisfaction I have with the a6000, I'm not even considering it. Take a serious look at the A6000. Get one in your hands, take some shots, you'll know pretty quick if it's what you're looking for as a second body and for all the things you're looking to do with it.

My wife works at Best Buy so I've played around with plenty of them. I normally wouldn't even consider a camera less I've held it in my hands. My thing is trying to find a Sony lens that Woodland be around the 50 mm focal length for walking around since that seems to be my favorite. I don't really like kit lenses much

Nick Aufiero wrote in post #18048448
My wife works at Best Buy so I've played around with plenty of them. I normally wouldn't even consider a camera less I've held it in my hands. My thing is trying to find a Sony lens that Woodland be around the 50 mm focal length for walking around since that seems to be my favorite. I don't really like kit lenses much

Something like THIS lens from BestBuy. I use it on my A6000, and it's sharp, light and a good performer.

jay125 wrote in post #18049102
Something like THIS lens from BestBuy. I use it on my A6000, and it's sharp, light and a good performer.

yeah I mean I liked that but its a crop sensor so isn't that around 85+mm?

I wanna be in the 40mm-50mm when all is said and done

they have a 35mm in the same brand it looks like
optical steady shot
ill keep it in mind

lol why is the 35mm twice the price -.-

love cameras....

I take my Fuji X-E2 literally everywhere, I barely even notice it's on me. You can pick up the body used for under $400 and there are several awesome prime lens options for around (or under) $300 used too. With the XF 27/2.8 on the X-E2 I can (and do) fit it into a jacket pocket comfortably. Usually though, I have the 18/2 and 35/1.4 with me, one on the body and one in a pocket.

The most expensive Fuji lens I own was $310... it's really a hard system to beat, I also enjoy using it more than my Sony gear... which is why I constantly ponder selling it

EverydayGetaway wrote in post #18049232
I take my Fuji X-E2 literally everywhere, I barely even notice it's on me. You can pick up the body used for under $400 and there are several awesome prime lens options for around (or under) $300 used too. With the XF 27/2.8 on the X-E2 I can (and do) fit it into a jacket pocket comfortably. Usually though, I have the 18/2 and 35/1.4 with me, one on the body and one in a pocket.

The most expensive Fuji lens I own was $310... it's really a hard system to beat, I also enjoy using it more than my Sony gear... which is why I constantly ponder selling it

Yeah looks interesting. I'll definitely keep it in mind when it comes time to scoop something.

Nick Aufiero wrote in post #18048371
It's normally just wanting something a little smaller or more compact to take around and shoot some Street photos and portraits of friends and family. I thought I put it in the original post but I guess I didn't, I need a second body no matter what. My sister is going to be learning from me and I also need a second body for when I do weddings so I don't have to swap lenses during the ceremony. But all of these come last two just wanting something a little smaller and travel friendly that isn't my main workhorse. Quite frankly I don't want my good expensive camera sitting in the sun all day or anything like that.

From my own research, Fuji seems to be the best combination of product quality and support/customer service. The X-E2 series and above has some nice images on Flickr and they have some nice lenses. They also feel more solidly built than their Sony counterparts.