Must be an age thing.

[Deleted]

I lugged a Nikon D100 and a couple of lenses around Europe. I hauled a Nikon D300 and big zoom to China. Now were preparing to go on another adventure and I recently decided I'm getting really tired of full-sized gear.

In the past I avoided point and shoot digitals because of slow shutter release response and image quality. While my several-years-old Nikon D50 DSLR will still produce images as good as any of today's P&Ss, the results now are much better than they were and on at least some models the shutter release lag has been eliminated.

As I'm not planning on using what I shoot commercially, I have been looking very seriously at a point and shoot that fits in a small pocket rather than taking up half my carry on bag, will produce raw images AND marks the GPS location on every photo. Now I've got to convince my mate to let me pull the trigger (with a promise that when we return home I'll sell some of my DSLR stuff to pay for the point and shoot).

The idea of walking around on tour with my hands free and no strap digging into my shoulder or neck is very appealing.

W.

[Randy]

That's why I carry a Minolta Freedom II and a Kodak CRX digital.

[olroy2044]

That's why I miss being able to use my Pentax Auto 110. The whole flippin' kit weighed less than my Spottie with a 50mm! My Oly XA2 comes closer than anything else I've found so far. Roy

[Deleted]

Yea! Got the go ahead. Think I'm gonna end up with the Fuji F600EXR which even has GPS built in. When we get back I'm gonna get rid of my 17MM Tokina in a Nikon ai mount and probably my D50. Should make the walking tours on the trip a lot more enjoyable. I'll still have my D300 for serious work (just got done shooting photos for a company doing an update of its web site).

[nikonbob]

While it is nice to have the so called good gear you really have to question it on two counts, as Wayne has said. The first being end use, commercial or self, and whether or not it is to be an enjoyable holiday with photography incidental to it or primarily a photo shoot. It may be an age thing in that you are finally getting sensible in what you really need and are willing to hump around. Wayne you have company in your thinking. I am looking at something like an Oly EP3 system, Nex 7 or similar setups for those times when that is all that is needed. Let us know what you finally decided on.

Bob

Just a little late relying. I see you have made a decision,

Bob

[photax]

Everywhere I go, I am still carrying my heavy backpack, including the D-90, 3 or 4 lenses, some filters and a tripod, but I am only 46 ;-)

Roy,
I also miss to use my Pentax 110, that`s a real fine camera, but unfortunately no more film available here.

MIK

[daveh]

I like the compactness and big zoom range but I don't like the lack of a viewfinder.

[Deleted]

Dave: Yeah, not having a viewfinder is going to take some getting used to--one of the factors that made me hold off.. At least the newer cameras have screens easier to see in sunlight.

[daveh]

I have a couple of (now) older Panasonic FZs. While not a true SLR there is a viewfinder and a screen. In the viewfinder you see an electronic screen which, while not perfect by a long chalk, I find easier than those with just a screen. They are bulkier than the Fuji you have your eye on, but the latest have a massive zoom range and certainly have less lag than my versions.

I do have a screen only AVCHD camcorder. It's compactness is great but I do prefer using my older digital tape camcorder with viewfinder. One of the problems is that I need to use my reading glasses to see the screen in focus.

[SidW]

Wayne, the Canon G series has raw format, standard zoom, and a good old-fashioned bright optical viewfinder that zooms in step with the lens. Macro. Fold-out screen. The latest in the series is G12. Price around $450. All the usual non-auto settings including manual.

[Th1nk3r]

... and I still shot my MX with its 50mils takumar...... shame on me...shame on me....