Advice required

robbie_d · 2011-01-19T17:07:58+0000

Hi guys, Since selling my Pentax gear (to raise baby funds), I've been shooting with an Olympus E-P1 + 17mm pancake lens which has served me well and produced pleasing results. The one problem however is that I'm finding more and more that it falls between two (or three) stools in that: Image quality not quite up to current APS-C standard (not helped by native M4/3 glass which is good but not great). I accept that virtually any lens can be put on M4/3 via adaptor but there are compromises. Fixed focal range whilst liberating can be frustrating at times if (like me) you have one camera with one focal length. I appreciate I could buy a zoom lens, but by the time you do that the size benefit of M4/3 is largely eroded. Whilst much more compact than a DSLR kit, there are times when I yearn for something smaller. With all that in mind I'm looking to add another camera to my arsenal. I'm intending on keeping the E-P1, it's a charming camera and already a bit of a design classic, plus it's video is pretty good which will be beneficial when baby arrives (and means I won't have to rely on new camera having good video). This will also mean that my partner and I will have two cameras between us (she currently doesn't have one of her own but loves the E-P1). I've become a little trapped in the mire looking at all the various options available to me. The broad options I'm considering are as follows: 1). Enthusiast compact (e.g. G12/S95/LX5/EX-1/XZ-1 etc. You know the sort). This would provide me with a bit more pocketability (even the G12 is smaller than M4/3 with an equivalent zoom) and versatility (all have a zoom, two have tiltable screens, etc.). Ok they do have small sensors, but I've seen some great output from this class of camera, and I use LR3 which helps with the noise issues these cameras often have. 2). Another big sensor/(fairly) small body camera at a different focal length. This could be soemthing along the lines of the Sigma DP2s (at times jaw dropping photos but slightly suspect UI), Ricoh GXR with the APS-C modules (nice but costly), or another (newer) M4/3 body. Obviously better image quality than the first group with size the trade-off. 3). Wildcard. Been hearing great things for a while about the Ricoh GRD III. Compact, small sensor with a fast fixed lens (f1.9 28mm equivalent). Plenty of limitations, but great manual control & build quality, and seems capable of great images (esp. B&W). I'm just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this complete hotch-potch of ideas and ramblings. Whether anyone has found themselves in a similar situation, or has has experience of any of the cameras I've mentioned or has an option I've overlooked. Any input gratefully received (unless its calling me a troll or such like).

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robbie_d robbie_d

1569 posts
17 years
Victory Mansions

Posted 20/01/2011 - 10:17 Link

Pentaxophile wrote:
Pentax i-10?

But seriously, i would go for an LX3 if I was in your shoes. The ISO 800 looks great on that camera.

Then sell that Oly and get a K-x and a 21mm ltd

I did love the 21mm when I had it. Cracking lens.

If you can't say something nice about Pentax, you won't say anything at all.

Apparently.

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johnriley johnriley

24425 posts
24 years
Tyldesley,
Manchester

Posted 20/01/2011 - 11:07 Link

There's nothing wrong in liking these niche market cameras - there are probably more on the market now than there have been for many years. They strike a chord and appeal to people. The problem I see is that I like so many of them and it isn't practical to buy them all. No doubt some who are richer than I am will be able to indulge, but whether that helps them make images is something else.

Fortunately I get quite excited over more accessible things, and was delighted when I opened the K-r and K-5 recently. Those gelled instantly and happily fit in with what I already own. Happiness.

Best regards, John

robbie_d robbie_d

1569 posts
17 years
Victory Mansions

Posted 20/01/2011 - 12:41 Link

johnriley wrote:
There's nothing wrong in liking these niche market cameras - there are probably more on the market now than there have been for many years. They strike a chord and appeal to people. The problem I see is that I like so many of them and it isn't practical to buy them all. No doubt some who are richer than I am will be able to indulge, but whether that helps them make images is something else.

Fortunately I get quite excited over more accessible things, and was delighted when I opened the K-r and K-5 recently. Those gelled instantly and happily fit in with what I already own. Happiness.

It is great when something just feels right.

If you can't say something nice about Pentax, you won't say anything at all.

Apparently.

sorted78 sorted78

519 posts
15 years
West Country

Posted 20/01/2011 - 20:42 Link

Quote:
I'm not looking to go down the DSLR route. Baby on way and space is going to be at a premium when out and about. A bag full of camera, lenses and bits and bobs will not be feasible.

We've just had our third baby and my experience has been that in all of the gear you need to cart around initially, carrying a DSLR and a couple of lenses is not something I'd worry about in the grand scheme of things (apart from anything else, you can always fit a camera bag under the pram/pushchair when out and about).

However, I completely understand your point about wanting something small and unobtrusive to shoot with - I have a N*kon compact that fits in a pocket that I don't mind if if it gets sat on, dropped (or vomited on!).

Plus Member womble womble

7676 posts
18 years
Hertfordshire,
mostly.

Posted 20/01/2011 - 20:50 Link

Why not a second PEN with a different lens? There are so many possibilities for lenses for the PEN: Auto 110, M42s, K-mounts and so on that if you wanted to expand a little later on you have a wealth of older glass to play with.

K.

Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.

robbie_d robbie_d

1569 posts
17 years
Victory Mansions

Posted 22/01/2011 - 15:36 Link

Choice made. Camera purchased. Very happy.

Many thanks to everyone that read the thread and provided appropriate advice.

If you can't say something nice about Pentax, you won't say anything at all.

Apparently.