Do folk use a compact or CSC with their DSLR?

The DSLR is my camera of choice when heading off for photography, the compact is something to carry always as photo opportunities are always around. It's not always appropriate to carry the Hadley Pro.

However, I don't carry a mass of lenses and I think many people actually carry far too much, which may be why they sometimes yearn for smaller kit.

I'm not keen on the idea of running two systems, and don't see CSCs as an addition to dSLR - more of a replacement if they happen to be better suited for what you need. When I use the SLR, it's unlikely that I will venture out with more than one lens on the front and two in my pockets (or bag). For other occasions I have the MX-1, which is a great compact solution which offers decent image quality and plenty of flexibility, and a Fuji X100, which offers a very different experience than either of the other two - and is actually my camera of choice unless I need to use one of the others.

When I go out with the intention to take pictures I'll take the K-5. All other times I take either the Panasonic LX7 or TZ7 compact.

I've had a Sony RX100 for several months now and it is excellent for when I'm out with the family etc. and want to be able to take high quality photos. It only covers about 50% of the shooting capability of the K5 (mainly FL and dof limitations), but I can - literally - put it in my jeans pocket.

Tony

DSLR for work, Q for holidays

I carry and use the K5 if I have the space and time.

If not I carry a Canon S95. Marginally better images than a P&S camera.

And in between I borrow the wife's Sony Nex5.

The Nex5 is not up to the K5 but has excellent AF. Might get a 30mm macro lens for it. The Nex in its bag is about 1/4 of the bulk of the K kit I carry.

Best pics come out if the K5.

About half a dozen Ricoh Gr film and digital compacts, fujifilm x100s and Pentax MX-1 but not all at the same time I must add
My wife has taken over my Q system I am afraid and I am in now in the process myself of down sizing my Dslr kit so it all fits in one billingham bag.

My micro four thirds cam sees barely any use.. to the point I have occasionally pondered selling it. If I want to travel fairly light I'll take My canon 500D with kit lens - it's pretty light and quite small and the difference between it and the Panasonic, whilst noticeable, isn't massive.

If I want to travel lighter still I have the Fuji XF-1.

Otherwise it's the K5 11 and sometimes supplemented by the K5

Likewise, except that in my case it's the K-r or the Canon S90.

Having said that, since it is so small and light (and takes superb photos !) the S90 usually goes along as well as the K-r !

Peter

Would agree . I have the Sony rx100-2 , a great pocket take around camera .

A couple of years ago I went looking for a CSC. I'd been away from photography for several years and went looking for a small, feature packed and versatile camera. After looking at various CSC options (and additional/expensive EVFs) I ended up with a K-5. It's hardy much bigger than a CSC and suits me much better.

I have an MX-1 which covers all my needs when I want a small camera, and I use with the K-5 if I have a long lens attached to it (airshows etc.).

Although CSCs are slightly smaller cameras than Pentax DSLRs(the lenses are often similar sizes), they only really better a compact if you carry more than one lens. In which case they still need to go into the same bag that my K-5 (or 35mm film) kit has to go into so there's not much point (for me) in a slightly smaller and less capable camera.