I know, I know, another camera question 😳
I at least seem to be narrowing down the field though. Sorry for the repeated camera questions, but I genuinely no nothing about them other than reading reviews, which don't really answer the stuff I want to know.
Down to what I think is my final two options, but they are obviously quite different so looking for opinions from those who have used either and how they will compliment/hinder what I want a camera for.
I like the idea of being able to have more than one lens choice, so the 5N is great in that regard (although, how much I'd use more than one lens remains to be seen).
The G1X looks more robust, pocketable and better for just point and shoot, but lacks some of the versatility of the 5N?
I'd also like good video, which the 5N seems to have.
So....I can get a used NEX 5N with warranty for £259, or a G1X for about £350.
The camera is going to be strapped in or to a backpack until I want to take a picture. I take some photos while walking up things and lots when i'm stopped for wild camps etc. Is the 5N more easy to "grab" than the Canon DSLR i've been using, or am I going to wish I'd bought the G1X? I don't want to be worried about either camera, but it's not going to be ragged about.
If the 5N is as much faff in the field as an SLR, then I'll go for the G1X. If it's less faff, but retains the ability to change the lens occasionally (i don't envisage carrying around bags full of lenses, but I would like to pick up one or two to play around with), then it's a winner I think.
Anyone got experiences with either (or both?)
I haven't got direct experience of the g1x but I have had a play with the NEX 5. A bloke I used to work with has one.
How do you envisage storing the camera? This will be a big decider I think. And do you think you will be walking to a location & stopping to take pics or will it be used more when you are walking along, see something you like & take a pic? Planned or spontaneous?
How easy will the case/bag allow you to get the camera out & ready if you will be taking more spontaneous types of shots?
Have you played with either of these cameras?
Can you get a case for the nex5 that allows it to strap to the outside of your pack, or to a chest harness?
If it were me, I would want to make sure I could get to the camera quickly. They are both great cameras, so I doubt you would regret buying one over the other in performance terms, but you might find that the g1x comes to hand more often than the nex5 as it is probably easier to find a case for it that will clip onto your bag.
If I could find a case that made the nex5 easily accessible, I would probably go for that. Otherwise the g1x.
You are aware that the nex5 has a clip on flash? Looks like something that could be easily lost or snapped off, although perhaps not an issue for outdoors/landscape type pics.
Thanks, Stumpy.
I had planned on 2 types of cases if buying the 5N - one of those leather fold over type things which i can have strapped to me when on the move in reasonable weather, and something more robust/sealable for when climbing/storing/bad weather.
I don't take [i]too[/i] many pictures on the move. In fact, it would be better if I took fewer. I have a tendency at the moment of taking a photo every time the view opens up as we progress, rather than actively thinking about where I would prefer to shoot from.
I've held both cameras, and although this is probably daft, the 5N just feels like a more serious bit of kit, whereas the G1X feels more bombproof but less "professional" (probably because the 5N is more like the DSLR i'm using and the G1X is more like my compact!).
My sensible head is screaming at me to buy the G1X because I can just pull it out and shoot - but like you said, that's possible with the 5N too, provided I have an appropriate case...but with the added benefit of being able to take a 16mm lens etc.
Most, if not all of my photos at the moment are of landscape. Flash isn't an issue.
I'd click the buy button right now if it wasn't for the niggling feeling at the back of my mind that the 5N might not be appropriate for days in the hills or climbing etc. The G1X definitely feels like it's in the adventure category.
That said, I've been using a DSLR since April and no harm has come to it, it's just quite bulky for what I use it for.
I'd go for the Sony.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong1x/19
Not used the Sony but I've played with one and it seems decent, plus I'm a big fan of Compact System Cameras.
I've got a nex5 & 7. Not seen a G1X.
The 5 isn't pocketable with the 18-55 on it, not even a big jacket pocket (not mine at least), so I've ended up with a holster type bag. The 16mm makes it pocketable if you can live without a zoom. It sounds like you can live with a holster, so I guess that's not such an issue.
The sigma 19 & 30 f2.8s are cheap, compact and about as good as lenses get at any price.
The only thing they lose to dslrs is continuous autofocus. Image quality is up there with the best.
If I were buying a camera for walking or outdoor use I'd make damn sure it was weather sealed.
Thanks guys, just placed an order for the 5N about 30 seconds ago.
Managed to pick one up from MPB in Mint- condition with all the original packaging etc for £289. Not bad 🙂
I have a funny feeling that if I only learned HOW to take pictures, I'd still be better shooting with my iphone than i am with a DSLR now, but I'm now spoiled by a good quality camera so the 5N seems like a great balance of portability, versatility, price and image quality.
I'll take some pics at the weekend and see how I get on!
If I were buying a camera for walking or outdoor use I'd make damn sure it was weather sealed.
I used to think the same, but i've been fine with a DSLR and 3 lenses for the last 6 months.
If the weather is bad, or it's being put down on the ground or in the tent etc, then it's stored in its bag.
If I were buying a camera for walking or outdoor use I'd make damn sure it was weather sealed.
Only an issue if you plan on holding a camera open in the rain for protracted periods - event photography etc. Which is why it's generally only a feature on pro-bodies.
You don't think 5 mins taking photos in the rain with a normal camera is a problem?
Plenty of times I have not taken pictures on days out when it's been wet.