Best Compact/CSC For ~£400

Pookie Bear · 8 May 2014 at 09:48

Size is a big factor for me - my current camera is not huge, but it is bigger than nearly all of the mirrorless options. I want to be able to take my camera on holiday, with a spare lense or two and not have to take a huge bag to carry them in.

I suppose there is an element of paying extra to have them so much smaller. The GX7 I mentioned above looks perfect - apart from the fact it would cost £750 (but I would get a free extra lense with that). For that money you can get a really nice DSLR, but the size is prohibitive.

I also have to be careful not to drag myself above my budget - I do it every time - my laptop started off with a budget of £500 and I ended up spending £1200

Still at square one

Phate · 8 May 2014 at 09:57

Pookie Bear said:
Still at square one

I agree on the size, it's quite liberating to hold the Olympus and think, this is all I need to take away with me now. I actually didn't take my DSLR last time I went away because I purely couldn't be bothered to lug it around. The fact that minus a lens this thing will fit in my back pocket is a big big plus.

King4aDay · 8 May 2014 at 10:22

Phate said:
I agree on the size, it's quite liberating to hold the Olympus and think, this is all I need to take away with me now. I actually didn't take my DSLR last time I went away because I purely couldn't be bothered to lug it around. The fact that minus a lens this thing will fit in my back pocket is a big big plus.

Hehe I knew this would happen. Another convert for the microgods.

Phate · 8 May 2014 at 10:32

King4aDay said:
Hehe I knew this would happen. Another convert for the microgods.

I'm fully on the really dark side band wagon now

I was eyeing up lenses the other night

Columbo · 8 May 2014 at 10:50

King4aDay said:
Hehe I knew this would happen. Another convert for the microgods.

Have to say I'm another convert. While out at the weekend carrying the G5 + 3 lenses was a doddle. It never got in the way once and I didnt know I'd got it for most of the time, its all very refreshing when for so many years I've had to lug around a large and cumbersome backpack dedicated to the task.

I just can't see myself going back the APS-C kit I've still got.

King4aDay · 8 May 2014 at 11:25

Phate said:
I'm fully on the really dark side band wagon now

I was eyeing up lenses the other night

I forsee an upgrade to the E-M10 in 5,4,3,2...

http://www.nauticamusa.com/news/2014/5/6/housing-for-olympus-om-d-e-m10

Phate · 8 May 2014 at 11:33

King4aDay said:
I forsee an upgrade to the E-M10 in 5,4,3,2...

http://www.nauticamusa.com/news/2014/5/6/housing-for-olympus-om-d-e-m10

Nope! Won't get any real world benefits!

King4aDay · 8 May 2014 at 13:34

Just let the idea ferment a while

Phate · 8 May 2014 at 13:35

If anything I'd only buy another identical body to convert into an IR only camera. Google IR Underwater Photography, it's amazing!

Pookie Bear · 8 May 2014 at 13:41

So today's position is that I'm looking at the OMD EM-10 and the GX7 (but since it's so far over-budget I haven't mentioned this to the other half yet).

Phate · 8 May 2014 at 13:43

Tell her you got it on a 'special deal' and fake the invoice?

Pookie Bear · 8 May 2014 at 14:22

It would never work. She can smell me spending my money from 300 yards away.

Phate · 8 May 2014 at 14:24

Pookie Bear said:
It would never work. She can smell me spending my money from 300 yards away.

When I bought my TV I got a lot of grief from my family (not that it's anything to do with them) so as far as they're concerned it was a mint condition ex-demo unit and I have a 'friend' who works at John Lewis so I got it for about half price

Pookie Bear · 8 May 2014 at 15:09

Hah!

I would love to have my new camera before next weekend, but it's not looking good! I might try the sad face tonight when I get in..... but since I'm cooking curry I don't know how long I can look unhappy

Phate · 8 May 2014 at 15:12

I'd be amazed if the E-PL5 didn't meet your requirements, which is in budget

THC_SsSsSnake · 8 May 2014 at 17:18

With my 1st wife I used to hide my new guitars in the loft and play them when she was out

Columbo · 8 May 2014 at 18:43

THC_SsSsSnake said:
With my 1st wife I used to hide my new guitars in the loft and play them when she was out

Indeed, if you need to stash something away from the wife stick it with the spiders. I do the same with the xmas presents.

Pookie Bear · 8 May 2014 at 22:20

Phate said:
I'd be amazed if the E-PL5 didn't meet your requirements, which is in budget

I went into Currys today and had a good chat with the salesman, who used to work at one of the proper camera shops in town before it shut down. I felt a little sorry for him, to be honest. He was really passionate and knowledgeable about cameras, but I imagine that passion was sorely underused at Currys. I got the impression he was also pleased to have an in-depth conversation about most of the CSCs on the shelf!

Anyway, I found the E-PL5 to be a little on the small side for me. The GX7 on the other hand, was a perfect fit for my mitts. Great features, good specs and I can get the Panasonic 20mm for free by redemption. I think I have some coercing to do with the other half. I am confident I can convince her it's for the best - and will make me happy - so that might be enough!

Wish me luck!

THC_SsSsSnake · 8 May 2014 at 23:16

good luck and theres always the Loft

Columbo · 9 May 2014 at 08:23

Pookie Bear said:
I went into Currys today and had a good chat with the salesman, who used to work at one of the proper camera shops in town before it shut down. I felt a little sorry for him, to be honest. He was really passionate and knowledgeable about cameras, but I imagine that passion was sorely underused at Currys. I got the impression he was also pleased to have an in-depth conversation about most of the CSCs on the shelf!

Anyway, I found the E-PL5 to be a little on the small side for me. The GX7 on the other hand, was a perfect fit for my mitts. Great features, good specs and I can get the Panasonic 20mm for free by redemption. I think I have some coercing to do with the other half. I am confident I can convince her it's for the best - and will make me happy - so that might be enough!

Wish me luck!

The Panny 20mm f1.7 is truly a thing of wonder, you'll love it!