Camera to capture my toddler growing up

redlion

redlion

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Evening TP Members,

I am looking to have a simplified set-up for capturing family moments and I am basically after some advice on what kit to get to capture photos and videos of my toddler growing up.

Getting out the FF DSLR kit is far too cumbersome and a pain when going out with all the paraphernalia a toddler needs.

My Fuji XF1 and Lumix G3 with the P20 are not returning the results I would like even though they are small and not too intrusive.

The shots can blurry, full of noise and generally lacking in detail when in low light situations such as a restaurant or indoors at home. When the available light is good I am left feeling the P20 is just too slow to focus and capture whilst the XF1 can miss the action and or cause motion blur when trying to balance a fast enough shutter speed with available light.

I know there is no such thing as the perfect camera but was hoping anyone can shed light on what they use or can advise on a set-up away from the FF DSLR type cameras.

My short-list includes the following but am up for any other suggestions:

1) Sony RX100 M3
2) Panasonic LX100
3) Fuji X100S
4) Get a better lens combo to use with the Lumix G3 such as the Olympus 25mm, Panasonic 15mm or 25mm along with the Olympus 45mm.
5) Panasonic GM5
6) Olympus EM10 or EM5 MK2

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Red
 
As a Father of 2 boys ( 4 and 2 years old)
I have gone through lots of different cameras trying to find the best to capture them. You always have to comprise one feature against another as no camera is perfect. After a lot of trial and error I came to the conclusion that smaller form factor was the main thing to consider because if I can fit my camera in my coat pocket then I will miss less opportunities of shots with my kids because I am fiddling about with a camera bag.
Also capturing kids uses many different angles - dslr in live view just no good for this kind of shooting (you can of course fire blind if you prefer)
I find my Em5 with 25mm olympus fits in my pocket. Is easy to shoot one handed from various angles because of the ibis. It's also discreet so I can get shots without them even noticing. And quality is more than enough for normal use.
I used to have a d610 but it was just to big for taking when loaded up with 2 kids and all that entails.
I go out these days and don't even notice I have a camera on me and a couple of other lenses in the other jacket pocket because they are so small and light.
I would recommend m43 as the latest cameras iq has improved so much. Also the lenses are so much smaller than apsc mirror less.
 
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How about the Fuji XE2 with the 27mm lens? Nice and small to fit in the pocket, great image quality from a bigger APS-C sensor.
The X100T is very good, but it wouldn't give you the flexibility to change lenses.

The Sony RX100 M3 is a very good camera and the lens has a good focal length too.
I guess it depends how much control you want to have at your finger tips. With the Fuji XE2 and X100 it's all there for you. With the Sony RX100 M3 it's not so easy to access.

Have you looked at the Sony a6000 ? It's meant to be brilliant. Great in low light and an incredible burst rate for capturing the kids jumping in puddles, etc.
 
I'm finding the Fuji X-T1 to be perfect to capture my already very active 6 month old. The feature set seems just right, 'proper' full AF through the tilting LCD, which means low angles and crucially I don't have to hide my face behind the camera. The electronic shutter gives me completely silent shooting during the quiet moments, burst rate is very good, AF is plenty quick enough and it's small enough to take everywhere.

I had a D750 but just wasn't using it, too cumbersome. I ditched my FF set up for a full Fuji kit and I couldn't be happier.
 
You can still buy the original RX100 brand new if you shop around, can be had for about £250, IQ is the same as it's newer sisters/brothers
 
I went through loads of system cameras (A series/NEX/M43/Fuji X/compacts), came full circle and am now back to FF DSLR. No compromise in performance and decent size when used with Nikon G primes. Ill put up with the extra few grams.
 
@Photopaque thanks for your input. The Olympus m43 kit with IBIS and smaller lenses does sound appealing. Do you find the O25 covers most of needs if was sole lens? I could initially only afford the body and 1 lens.

@ABTog thanks for your input. The Fuji XE2 is a good price on the Fuji refurb store but would find myself wanting the 23mm and 56mm which are quite pricey. I have also read the focusing system can be a tad slow. The RX100 M3 in auto mode would be fine most of time as it literally to 'snap' when out and when time allows to compose more better portraits. The X100 at 35mm would have to cover all my needs and sometimes feel may miss other focal lengths. I have read about the A6000 but the kit lens is a bit awful apparently and the other lens defeat the body being so small.

@ukaskew thanks for your input. The X-T1 is on the radar but again the 23mm and 56mm bumps up the price considerably. What lenses are you using with yours?

@TVRTim thanks for your input. The RX100 M1 is definitely at a great price point but like some of the M3 features such as tilt scree, better video codec and brighter lens through the range.

@twist thanks for your input. It seems a lot of people have done a full circle and end up back to a DSLR and then have a smaller set-up for other times. I have no issue putting up with the extra grams but when out with the toddler I don't want to have to worry about the kit bag or plonking the bigger set-up on a cafe table etc hence wanted a smaller set-up.

So many options :nailbiting:
 
redlion said:
@Photopaque@twist thanks for your input. It seems a lot of people have done a full circle and end up back to a DSLR and then have a smaller set-up for other times. I have no issue putting up with the extra grams but when out with the toddler I don't want to have to worry about the kit bag or plonking the bigger set-up on a cafe table etc hence wanted a smaller set-up.

So many options :nailbiting:
Click to expand...

I got on well running two systems alongside, its ideal, but Im trying to restrict my spending (its not going well). The problem when you have 2 system cameras is you tend to spend as much on the second system as you do the main system! Im a portrait photographer so fast CSC lenses cost a lot, especially if you want to achieve FF equiv shallow DOF.

My advice, try the D750 and a 50mm 1.8g, I found it felt much smaller and lighter than my D7/800, it does make a difference. What focal length do you use? Do you mostly want environmental shots of the kids or do you tend to shoot waste up and tight head crops?
 
@twist I see your point about wanting the best for both systems. I would probably want to equally do the same hence hesitant about splashing so much and therefore also looked at the RX100 M3, LX100 or maybe just get a better lens for my current CSC to avoid excessive GAS.

The D750 is certainly lighter than my current D800 which I am trying to sell. I have the N24-70 and N1.4 50mm but would like to switch to 35/50/85 1.8's if I managed to swap out for the D750. At home it is usually a waist up and tight shots playing but the 50 can be tight. When outside it environmental stuff on days out.

The whole second system was to make it a grab and snap type set-up.
 
redlion said:
@twist I see your point about wanting the best for both systems. I would probably want to equally do the same hence hesitant about splashing so much and therefore also looked at the RX100 M3, LX100 or maybe just get a better lens for my current CSC to avoid excessive GAS.

The D750 is certainly lighter than my current D800 which I am trying to sell. I have the N24-70 and N1.4 50mm but would like to switch to 35/50/85 1.8's if I managed to swap out for the D750. At home it is usually a waist up and tight shots playing but the 50 can be tight. When outside it environmental stuff on days out.

The whole second system was to make it a grab and snap type set-up.
Click to expand...

I haven't tried the LX100 but am quite keen on it from what Ive seen, fast lens, decent sensor, good range, EVF, 4K. Adds up nicely and because its not interchangeable the temptation isn't really there.

Now based on you saying its for outside stuff and more likely environmental, the camera I have had experience with and thoroughly enjoyed was the Fuji X100s, it not obtrusive, big sensor performance, built in ND, leaf shutter and ridiculous flash synchs, good fast (35mm) lens, crap video. Depends on wether you prefer a zoom or prime. Myself, primes.

Ive had a lot of experience with Fuji cameras and I really like them, couple of annoying things but overall a great grab n go, especially the X100s/t. The S can also be had for a very good price now.
 
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The 25mm is pretty much glued on my Em5. It allows me to get close in the lounge but also sharp and spot on from several feet away.
Even with just a low watt energy saving bulb lighting our room the results are great. Then take it outside and it is stellar.
 
@twist the LX100 is £499 on Panasonic eBay refurbished so looked appealing and the X100S which you mention could be a good solution is around £450 via Fuji refurb and could prevent the temptation to grab lenses.

@Photopaque thanks for the further info on the 25mm. It certainly does sound appealing when paired with an EM10/5.
 
I am in a very similar boat and currently own a Fuji X100.
I won't be going down the fixed lens route as something with a zoom would be handy.
Considering giving up the X100 for either a A6000 or RX100 II/III.
 
why not try a dedicated video recorder ? you get them that fit into the palm of your hand
 
I'm using a Pentax K3 for predominantly the same thing that the OP wants. Minus a battery grip, it's not much bigger (although quite a bit heavier) than a 700d. Add in some of the superb Pentax limited primes, and you have a superb system (IMHO) that doesn't take up too much real estate.

Cheers,

Simon.
 
A GX7 with a 20mm f1.7, or a Panasonic 25mm 1.4 do the trick for me when I don't want a DSLR. High ISO is pretty amazing, really, and the 25mm Panny-Leica is a sweet lens.
 
I used a Nikon 1 to capture my kids growing up, small, light portable and v.fast. Coupled with the 18.5mm captures some good images with reasonable IQ.
 
We have a Nikon 1 J2, which is alright, but it's really fiddly to access functions or even to change aperture. I've not been blown away by the images either. Mind you, I've not tried any decent lenses on it as it's more the wife's camera.
 
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The V2 makes that a bit easier and the 18.5mm gives some cracking results. It's not perfect but it's fast and small. I have found most CSC to miss the moment on the fast fun bits but not the V1. The compromise is small sensor but if your not printing big then not an issue really.
 
I used to have v1 and j2 over time and the af is fast but if your shooting inside in low light even with the 18.5 i think you may be a little disappointed with image quality.
The fact you can pick up a body and 18.5 F1.8 for around £150 on ebay means you could at least try one out and not loose much of you sold on.
I think the v3 and J4 sensors ae a little better but obviously more expensive.

On a plus note the video that these things pump out is amazing looking.

Just to push m4/3 more.....hehe
Just had family day out at the zoo and so easy carting Em5 with 12-40, 45, and 75-300 in a little camera bag (fuji X system bag..hehe)
I also had backpack loaded with the kids essentials.
Spent 3 hours walking round and didn't even notice the extra weight.

Imagine carrying FF or Aps-c equivalent lenses all day with 2 kids in tow.
( I know it's possible, I just mean m43 was so easy)
 
Rizvan said:
I am in a very similar boat and currently own a Fuji X100.
I won't be going down the fixed lens route as something with a zoom would be handy.
Considering giving up the X100 for either a A6000 or RX100 II/III.
Click to expand...
You could add the wide/tele converters.
 
Thanks everyone for their continued input.

@holty I am looking into a dedicated video recorder also as it came evident a couple of types if want run and gun type shots it's a faff when doing stylised DOF shots for family stuff and you end up missing the most important thing which was the funny face or the random movement for the 1st time etc....

As for camera wise it also came evident at a 1st Birthday yesterday that the XF1 and G3 were just poor in low light and continued toddler movement. Need to explore the options mentioned.
 
I am leaning towards either the LX100 or the EM5 MK2 with the O25/O45 combo and a Nissin i40.

Looking at a simple Panasonic camcorder for any video stuff for times when don't want or need the cinematic footage and endless focus pulling for an active toddler.

I just need to convince myself to part with the £!
 
Why not buy a used Em5 for around £300 rather than the mk2? Unless it gives you features that you need?
Also see if there are any olympus test drive days near you as these usually end up with you being given a £50 off voucher to spend on products.
 
Over the last few years I've been shooting with fuji, that's the x100s/xpro 1 35mm.
Although great cameras I fancied a change.
My advice to you is Google the ricoh GR. I just purchased one myself, and all I can say is wow what a fun camera.
This is a compact aps-c size sensor with a fixed 18mm (28mm ff) f2.8 lens.
And the thing I found excellent with my kids is the snap focus mode :).
This will have the camera already focused at distance you select at either 1.5m, 2.5m, or 5m. You then just point n shoot. It really is fantastic.
At at the moment it's retailing at £400.
If you already have a set up then you need to have a look.

First snap focus pic :)
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@Photopaque The MK2 features that stood out were the video IBIS, articulated screen, better video codec support and minor things like the WiFi support but maybe should do a bit more looking into the MK1 as those savings sound good.

@Nick Coe thanks for letting me know about the Ricoh GR. Have done a quick read up and look totally different to what had been looking at. A few LX100 vs GR debates so will read some more.
 
I originally bought a DSLR when I found my bridge camera was rubbish at capturing the moment with my little kids. Even the basic Sony A100 that I picked up second hand was better.
And as for a dedicated video camera; we went down that route too. Bought a JVC video camera, a decent small one, but you have to remember to get it out and use it, so it just got left at home. We couldn't be bothered to take it with us and then to get it out and remember to use it. Too much hassle. Then out comes the iPhone, which does decent video of moments. It's not going to make arty shots, but it will be able to capture the 30 seconds when the toddler first peddles a tricycle.
Besides, if you are holding a stills camera and your other half is holding the child, who's going to hold the video camera?
But this was about 6 years ago before CSCs were so good.
 
The A6000 with the Sony 50mm 1.8 is a great combination and still very portable, I can fit the camera, kit lens and the 50mm in a Lowepro Format 100 bag (you can see how small it is here: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DWVqkskBG08/hqdefault.jpg) It also produces 1080p videos with great stability and the stepping motor autofocus system in the lenses are great for video.

Low light performance is great, here's one I grabbed at ISO3200:

View attachment 33380

There's only two real negative points I have with it, the first being the eye sensor range is quite far so it automatically switches from the monitor to the viewfinder by accident if you hold the camera too close to your body, although this can be solved with a little piece of tape and covering half of the sensor. You can turn off the auto switch in the menu as well and select from there although a dedicated button would have been nice.

Secondly, I have found that the autofocus system on the camera appears to be too good, so much so that the lenses can't keep up. This only seems to happen when my dog is running towards me at full speed which is a challenge for most cameras - even in the past my D3 with the Nikon AFS 80-200mm struggled sometimes. The Sony 70-200mm 2.8 has dual autofocus motors so it's probably more capable but I don't think there are any e-mount SSM lenses which would probably be perfect for this.

Here's some shots of my dog, it was my first time trying to shoot fast moving stuff with this camera. I miss having a 200mm focal length though but the 50mm worked out for me:

View attachment 33381

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Yea there's plenty of blogs and YouTube videos about the ricoh GR.
If you can get to the shop and have a play. Don't get put off by its looks lol.
I never did have a play before buying as I really wanted the spec's from a camera like this so just ordered it, was the cheapest of the bunch of what I was looking at.
Oh I have a link which I find pretty good.
https://jonnenaarala.wordpress.com/tag/ricoh-gr/
There's plenty more.
The Ricoh GR has a strong following too which I like. And Ricoh have release firmware updates too.
The only thing that put me off was the dust issue people talk about, but if I do I'll send it in for cleaning, no probs.
I looked into the Sony A6000 for quiet a while but finally gave up because I did want to get into lenses.
Good luck with your search buddy.
 
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