NatureScapes.net Forums

Getting older.  I am finding it necessary to reduce weight when possible, but I always like to have a camera with me, especially when exploring outside. The phone camera just doesn't cut it.  I am looking for inputs from anyone who has used something like the Canon R plus the small RF 50mm f/1.8 carried in a small belt pack.  I have considered the yet smaller Sony RX100 and the Canon G1 X camera, but I already have a Canon R as a backup and I know the Canon system.  It seems to me that the little 50mm f/1.8 is pretty compact and costs only $199.  I think back to the first SLR I began with.  That Olympus had a 50mm f/1.8 and it gave some reasonable results.   Is it worth a try?

Paul Schmitt

EOS RP with RF50/1.8 STM would be a small package ...

EOS R and EOS RP are nearly identical in exterior dimensions.

I'd go with something like a Fuji X-T30 and their compact 35mm lens for approximately the same field of view in a smaller package with exceptional image quality.

EJ,

Thanks for the idea. Let me add a little more about my uses. I often hike areas scouting for ideas of wildflowers/fungi, and like to travel light. Small pack, no tripod, hiking stick and water. I also bike on rail trails and like to have a camera for simple images. The bike has a small handlebar pack that can hold a camera of the size I propose. The sensor on the R is adequate for these outings.

I just don't see spending $1400 for the x-T30 with the 35mm .lens if the Canon R plus 50mm will come close for $200. The Fuji is not a smaller camera than the R plus 50mm. If I am unhappy with the 50mm setup, I can return ihe lens and look at smaller Sony RX100 and the Canon G1 X. Those are actually under the cost of the Fuji option.

Again, I am hoping some readers have some field experience with either what I suggested, or something similar.

Paul

pablo wrote:EOS R and EOS RP are nearly identical in exterior dimensions.

Not quite ...
RP :  485g. 133 x 85 x 70 mm
R :   660g. 136 x 98 x 84 mm

A used Sony RX 100 is great bang for the buck. My wife used her unit regularly until she got her iPhone 11 Pro which has amazing photo capabilities, etc. I plan to get the iPhone 14 later this year for the camera. Nice for people photography. We still use Canon 7DII and 100-400II for birds. We are 70 and 75.

MPB is a great used gear site. Here is a link to the Sony RX 100 for under $200: https://www.mpb.com/en-us/used-equipmen ... a141b7d6f7

I use an RX100 for similar purposes. Buying used, most any model with the pop-up viewfinder (all but the earliest versions) would be fine.

For bike trails, I would suggest just getting panniers and using whatever you currently have. You can carry quite a bit of camera equipment in them without feeling too weighed down. You do need to make sure your lenses, especially, are well padded from any bumps.