Thread: Camera for vacation

I'm actually leaning towards one of the top-tier P&S zoom, like the XZ-1 or LX5, and then take one Ricoh GXR "back" with the two A12 primes. As a test this past weekend I took along my E5 and 12-60mm lens to the merry go round with the kids. Very performant and very flexible, but big and heavy. I tried to imagine this on vacation and I could not help but think how tiresome it would become. The m4/3 cameras are lighter, but still not pocketable, and I think having at least one pocketable camera will be a good idea. I can then use the GXR when I have a few moments for "serious" photography or need higher ISO performance. I'd rather not allow my photography to be a distraction on the family vacation. A small sensor zoom will easily capture life's moments well enough. I just need to allow it to be and not get fixated on absolute IQ. Hard for me to do since in many ways I'm a perfectionist with a critical eye!

The LX5 and GXR kit will be light and compact and offer the best sum of tradeoffs. I can throw the LX5 and compact binoculars and notebooks into the backpack and not be burdened yet still be able to take pictures and view wildlife while out with the family.

I assume by vacation you mean vacation and not a photographic safari.

Along time ago I was given some really good advice by an excellent photographer about vacations. First he said a vacation is not the time to learn now to use a camera so take one you know how to use. Then he said travel lightly and only be concerned about taking pictures to record you and your wife as it is you vacation. If you want to get really great pictures buy a book from a local photographer as they live there 365 days a year and know when and where to shoot as you will never be able to compete with them.

I have followed his advice, enjoyed my vacation, have great memories of place we have been to and supported local artist.

Originally Posted by Grant

I assume by vacation you mean vacation and not a photographic safari.

Along time ago I was given some really good advice by an excellent photographer about vacations. First he said a vacation is not the time to learn now to use a camera so take one you know how to use. Then he said travel lightly and only be concerned about taking pictures to record you and your wife as it is you vacation. If you want to get really great pictures buy a book from a local photographer as they live there 365 days a year and know when and where to shoot as you will never be able to compete with them.

I have followed his advice, enjoyed my vacation, have great memories of place we have been to and supported local artist.

Hear Hear!!!!

I already know my Ricoh inside and out and I'm buying the compact zoom this week and will have plenty of time to learn it.

The local photography book is a great idea, but often their style is not your own. I'm more interested in recording what I see rather than what someone else sees. But I do plan as time permits to browse for local books and art.

This is pure family vacation, but sometimes Dad needs a few moments away from the family

Hmm, I know a nice slightly used LX5 with a Leica case that I might consider selling. Do you already have a camera on order?

To be brutally honest; my own experience is that one is distracted enough with all the new sights and sounds.
Have several cameras/lenses, some brand new, lead my to miss shots and fun.
Now I take one camera, one lens, and my phone.
Less to keep track of, less stress and more fun.

Thanks BB, good to know. Not quite sure what I want though yet.

Lili, very sage advice. But I already know these areas pretty well and photography is a way to dig deeper. I came back two years ago with some ideas for my next trip. Photography is a way for me to see and open up to the details of place, to get to know the nuances. Though you are right that less of a focus on gear would help with that goal. I'll ponder it between now and then!

I completely understand Lili.

Right now I have two cameras but I only use one. Well, I do have my little control less Canon Elph from yesteryear...and it's quite handy in bad weather because I'm not worried about the snow falling on it, etc.

Oops, missed your post Andrew. I have great faith in you. Just promise to show us some of the pictures - wherever you go!

We recently returned from our (great) summer vacation on the East Coast, and I finally completed editing and processing of the numerous pictures.

As planned I took the Olympus XZ-1 as my everyday camera and the Sigma DP2s for detailed shots and work for wide dynamic range B&W. I also had my iPhone. My goal was to travel light and not make photography the point, but still capture great family images and some landscapes.

I was really happy with the XZ-1 which turned out better than expected. It was always close at hand day and night. I shot RAW+JPG and I processed the pictures in RAW Developer; I did not perform distortion correction. In RAW the images were fantastic. I also shot a number of panoramics using the built-in panoramic function, but the way they are captured creates some odd images at times with people missing half their bodies. I took the VF-2 but never used it just because. I also took the new FL300r flash and did use that. Things I would improve are the start up speed, which immediately shows the image on the LCD, yet the camera still takes a second or two to be responsive. The built-in panoramic function takes a long time to process the files so you are locked out from using the camera for about 30+ seconds. And finally, I still do not understand why Olympus does not allow you to turn off JPG noise reduction!!!

The Sigma DP2s was expected - capable of outstanding imagery yet finicky. The camera is slow to focus and at times it was off. But it accomplished what I wanted it to do. I'm torn as I keep wanting to sell my DP series cameras yet just cannot come to do it. But I may do that soon.

Overall, the XZ-1 was my favorite camera. I'm extremely pleased with it and would be perfectly happy taking it as my only camera on travels.

Here are a few pictures in no particular order...

Andrew, these are perfect!