Your experiences moving to a pocketable cam for travelling vs. a fuller and heavier kit.

[Sean]

If things go as planned, soon we'll be digital nomads for a few years of travel, working online and grabbing short IT contracts.

Current kit is a Fujifilm X-T3 + 16-55mm lens. I am primarily a street photographer. I could not be happier with this combo, I find it quite incredible and a "why would I ever need anything more" kind of kit. I know the market is saturated with fans of all brands and models, but the Fujifilm xtrans sensor is the only one I seem to gel with. Something about it feels more organic and less digital. That being said, I only use it for brief outings of maybe a couple of hours at a time. I have done everything I can to condense it into an easy-to-carry setup:

I've packed the whole kit into a small Bellroy sling bag and added a custom padded shoulder strap.

All in all, it is not too bad, but it is still weighing in at around 2kg.

I'm unsure how my shoulder will feel after an all-day outing walking the streets or trails for 8hrs+. By the end of the day, the 2kg might feel like 10kg. I am on the fence as to whether this will become a thorn in my side.

Compare this to the new Fujifilm X100VI, weighing in at 1/2 kg and would likely fit in my cargo pants pocket or jacket pocket (worst case a sling strap).

Pros and Cons

X-T3
pros:
-the 16-55 lens is addictive (my precious)
-I know this setup quite good now
-image quality has yet to disappoint
-extremely versatile
cons:
-on the heavy side
-not really a shoot from the hip setup
-no IBIS
-probably need to carry my 700gm travel tripod around for quality interior shots
-poor battery life but I can live with it

X100VI
pros:
-super light in comparison
-40mp sensor reminiscent of the older xtrans sensors that many preferred
-a 7 stop IBIS is a bit amazing and could remove the need for a tripod. Think hand holding at 1 second maybe a bit more
-internal ND filter (interesting)
-better battery life

cons:
-fixed lens
-less versatile

A side by side comparison:

In conclusion/dilemma:

Either system could result in regrets. The beastie kit covers all the bases, but becomes cumbersome at times. The compact fixed lens could miss some opportunities, but so compact it does not interfere with travel experience.

First world problems I know...

Open to your suggestions!

 

[wiltw]

I choose to often carry a small Canon P&S, the Canon Powershot Snnn series, when I do not want to be burdened with a dSLR kit. Since it has a zoom with equivalent to 24-120mm, I do not give up a lot in its use.

1. Its lens is slower aperture and the real FL is very shortn(and all the ramifications of those two characteristics)
2. Its FL range is limited to a 'medium telephoto' (but I seldom want long telephoto if not shooting grandkids in field sports)

And in spite of the fact that is is 'only 12Mpixel' and a very small sensor, I have two canvas prints in my home which are 20" x 60" and no one has ever commented on lacking detail or pixel count, including other photographers with considerable experience. IOW, it has proven to be plenty good enough!

I do acknowledge that there ARE circumstances that the Canon S110 simply is not 'enough' camera, but for those situations I would never have considered anything but a full kit, and not a pocketable. And the smartphone camera simply has too many shortcomings to rely upon its use; it simply is for 'when there is no dedicated camera' for me.

 

[Melvin J Bramley]

Had to lighten my kit for a long hike.
Finally went with a Olympus EM5 with a Panasonic 12-32mm.
Almost pocketable.

 

[aw614]

If I am taking digital and am traveling, I just take my Olympus EPM2 with one of the m43 pancake lenses.

 

[mshchem]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1223211-REG/canon_1066c001_powershot_g7_x_mark.html

 

[madNbad]

In 2004 my wife and I spent almost a month wandering around Europe. We took a couple of carry on bags and for a camera, I brought an Olympus Stylus Zoom 38-105. At the time there were still plenty of one hour photos kiosk, so developing the film along the way wasn’t a problem. The camera fit in a pocket, was fast and easy to use, plus I never felt anything was lacking from the images. If I was to do a similar trip, the choice would either be my phone or a Fuji X100. The trip is about memories and not fiddling with gear. Enjoy the trip, take something light for those times you want to remember.

 

[jeffreyg]

I have a Panasonic ZS100 that has a Leica lens and more features than I will ever use. It has a good amount of optical zoom and fits in a pocket also auto and manual focus and as I recall even wifi. I travel with it along with my film camera since there are times when I can’t carry the other camera (2 1/4). I have printed 11x14 quite sharp from the ZS. Even well enough on cotton paper for exhibition. I’m not sure if they are still made as mine is several years old. I also use my phone camera to record the locations with its GPS I keep the instruction pdf on my iPhone since it’s close to 400 pages long.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

If you are worried about the bulk/weight of the XT3 at some point, then get the 100 VI. You'll be happy with the experience of using it as it will be very close to the XT series in ergonomics and image quality. To me, the XT5 with a fistful of prime lenses is the compact, lightweight solution relative to say my Rolleiflex kit (a 2.8E, a Tele, and either a Lomo LCA 120 or Lomo Belair X6/12 in the bag, plus 15-ish rolls of film at any one time). And I can hand-hold a Rolleiflex 2.8 down to 1/4 of a second on any given day, and 1 second if I'm trying and a little lucky, so I may not be the best person to ask. But go with the X100VI.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I now have three ways that I travel with a camera(s). The latest and first is closest to your needs:

1. Nikon Z7 II body and Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter for Nikon F-Mount Lens to Nikon Z-Mount, Nikon MB-N11 Multi Battery Power Pack and a Nikon Z mount 24mm to 200mm AF VC lens.
2. Nikon AF body for C-41 and Nikon AF body for black & white film with shared 28mm to 300mm AF zoom lens and 20mm to 35mm AF zoom lens
3. Hasselblad 503 CX with prism, 50mm and 80mm lenses, Hasselblad 903 SWC

 

[Paul Howell]

I carried Sigma SD9, 10 or Sony A900 with a 3 lens kit and flash. As I have gotten older and the images usually wound up the web, I dusted off my Pentax K2000 and bought a first generation Samsung which is Pentax clone. 3 lens, 17 to 55 kit lens, 50mm 1.4 and 70 to 200 4.5 KA which of course is all manual focus. I keep the K2000 in mono mode, the Samsung remains in color. Both cameras use AA batteries, total cost is under $400, no big deal lost or stolen. Pentax uses Sony sensors, both of course are CCD, color is good, ISO is good up to 400, in low light I use the 50 1.4. I can lighten the load by taking just the K2000. Thinking about getting a later consumer body like the K100 or 200. Now if I do decide to a trip that is worth taking a more advanced gear, then it is A77II and A900 3 lens kit.

 

[MurrayMinchin]

When traveling by plane for holiday destinations (not backcountry wandering) my kit fits in a Tenba DNA 10 Messenger sling bag.

Have a Fujifilm X-T2 with the 16-80 as well as 70-300 with 1.4TC added. The long lens + TC + lens hood just barely fits...had to snip the top stitching to the inner side compartment.

A tad heavy at about 2.7 kg, but I'm more of a landscape/bird/wildlife kind of guy.

Easier to carry a bit of weight compared to a lifetime of regrets if opportunities are missed!

 

[Sean]

Thanks for the replies all.

In reality, we're still several months away from making the leap, so I'll have plenty of time to mull it over. The local camera dealer says they might have the VI in stock next week. They are on our 'main street' which is a visually interesting street, so I will take my own SD card, walk around the street for a few minutes and grab a variety of snaps, then see how I feel about them when I have a look at home. In the past, they have been fine with me going for a short walk to test.

 

[Prest_400]

About pocketable, and more properly so, containing X and 100 as well... the Sony RX100 series. I bought a second hand IV that is showing signs of being well used and the finder died. But that is due it being EDC and doing a lot of photography. Honestly, it is a compromise but for me a X100, or the EM5 I have would just stay home in many events where the Sony has come along and done quite good photography.
Phones close the gap, and my Pixel 6 is quite good but for many subjects, the 1" P&S still has the edge.

Interestingly a decade ago I looked up to having a RX100 as a compliment to the Fuji 6x9. I am planning to travel with it all, with of course a photography oriented reason to drag the medium format. That developed into procuring a Super Ikonta IV, which is the equivalent to Pocketable in Medium format. For that same reason of fitting in coat pockets, it has been carried around taken more photos than the Fuji.

As of carrying, I use backpack and stop in many spots. A bit equivalent to artillery and relatively agile, as I am thoughtful with the frames to expose in the 6x9. I never warmed to sling/messenger bags.

 

[Mal Paso]

Under 2.9 pounds the Nikon Z7ii with the 24-200. With the 40mm it's under a kilo.

 

[David Brown]

When I went on a photo overseas trip 11 years ago, I took a full frame A-mount Sony (heavy), and a Minolta Maxxum 7, so that they could share the 4 or 5 lenses also in the bag. Plus, a Fuji645! And many rolls of film, of course! All this in a bag only slightly smaller and lighter than a Toyota Corolla. Oh, and a tripod, or course.

By the time I went on a similar trip in 2018, I took one Lumix micro 4/3 and two light-weight lenses plus an iPhone. (no film). Same tripod.

Next time I travel by air, it may be the same m4/3 (but with one lens), but possibly only my very pocketable Lumix LX7*. Barely larger than bar of soap, shoots 10MP (enough) raw and has a 24-90mme lens that folds back into the body. (And the latest iPhone, but no tripod.). One evolves (and grows older ...)

*The current LX10 is 20MP!

 

[GaryBfoto]

@70 yrs old now i can offer some insight. I was a working professional for over 50 years and traveled to 29 countries in that time span, in the U.S. early career carried an 8x10 and associated gear. Had many systems over the years, enjoyed them all but gear was job dependent. Now I only carry one camera and use one lens a Fuji x pro 2 and a standard lens. So my advice get the fuji and use your feet to adjust your vision, don't worry about interchangeable lenses and don't give up your XT keep it for when you need it.

 

[grain elevator]

I've traveled with only a Ricoh GR digital. I think the current models are still the single smallest package for most image quality and enjoyment, and there's even a 40 mme version now if that suits you better than 28. I personally don't want to go smaller in sensor and body/ui size. It really depends on how compact you need to go though. If you can carry a bit more, there are infinite possibilities and it all depends in your preferences for focal lengths and body.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

I use digital when traveling. Sony RX100iv that fits in my pocket with a 1-inch sensor. It has a built-in flash and eye viewfinder as well as a back screen for viewing. It shoots 4K videos as well as 19mb photos. Always with me and light, never notice I have it. The wife complains less too.

 

[runswithsizzers]

Unless you are willing to give up your APS-C size sensor for a tiny one smaller than your pinky fingernail, there is only so much weight you can save on a camera body. That Fuji XF16-55mm f/2.8 lens, however...

My solution for a month-long walking tour (living out of a 30 liter backpack) was a Fuji XC16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II lens mounted on my Fuji X-E2. Fuji's website is not showing the XC16-50 as a current model, but if you can find one on the second hand market, it will save you about 460 grams compared to your XF16-55. The XC16-50mm includes OIS (optical image stabilization) which your XF16-55mm does not have, so it might save a lot more bulk and weight if it allows you to leave your tripod at home. (Personally, I would never do an extended trip with a tripod unless traveling by automobile, but YMMV.)

Fuji XC 16-50 f/3.5-5.6 lens PROS
- very good image quality* (I would say excellent)
- very compact and light (195 g)
- very affordable, especially second hand
- adds OIS image stabilization to the X-T3 you already own

Fuji XC 16-50 f/3.5-5.6 lens CONS
- variable maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6
- no aperture ring (aperture is controlled by camera's control dial)
- plastic lens mount
- definitely not as beautiful and sexy as your 16-55mm

* I have never used Fuji's XF16-55 f/2.8 lens, but I do own their XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS zoom which is priced between my XC16-50 and your XF16-55mm. I cannot see any difference in image quality between my XC16-50 and my XF18-55.

If you want to see examples, almost all of the photos in this album were taken with the Fuji XC16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II lens:

Oct. 22 - Home from France - garywright

We are back in the USSA! This album includes some selected photos from our walking tour of France. To see the entire set: https://garywright.smugmug.com/Travel/France-2017

garywright.smugmug.com

 

[Eric Rose]

For pocketable I use a Panasonic GX1 with 40mm lens.

 

[Sean]

Ok, I got a chance to see the X100VI at the local shop. I threw in my own SD card and grabbed a few shots on the street.

It is a lovely camera, many things I like about it and the results are very good. But I felt they were lacking compared to my x-t3 and it's beasty 16-55mm Fujinon. I'll be keeping my current kit for now, and probably until it dies. It is hard for me to fault it other than a little on the heavy side, but now I know it is worth it.

 

[Sanug]

When I go for a photo walk, I like the bigger equipment, but not more than a SLR with 3 lenses. For a holiday trip or a longer walk I prefer something smaller and lightweight. Some of my best images I took in with a Rollei 35. Reduction to a single camera, film and lens may improve the shooting in some situation.

 

[guangong]

I second the always reliable Rollei 35. I also use Contax T3, but extra battery is a must.