Bushwalk Australia

Very odd selections, although fairly typical of these kinda nothing ARTICLES...

**edited for clarity**

"In other words, anyone shopping now can pick up a terrific, future-proof model"

later on...

"The professional’s film camera from the late 1980s remains the camera for tossing in a backpack"

What would people recommend for a budget level travel camera? I'm thinking very compact (pocket sized) with long zoom for wildlife shots.
Probably under $300. I thought I saw one or two Fujifilm models recently that seemed reasonable. I know that more expensive cameras are out there with consequent better performance but my requirement is based more on convenience for this trip. No point taking a bulky camera that I won't use. I already have an Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 which I quite like, and have Hoya filters CPL, ND8 and UV for it. Only have the standard lens kit and wouldn't want to cart around the telephoto lens that I can get for it. But even that is more bulky than I want to take this time (may reconsider that if I don't find something else soon).

the Sony RX100 isnt bulky, arguably the best all round camera out there for it's size, has a one inch sensor, a lot larger than other cameras its size.

wayno wrote:the Sony RX100 isnt bulky, arguably the best all round camera out there for it's size, has a one inch sensor, a lot larger than other cameras its size.

Thanks wayno. Sounds interesting, I'll check it out.

icefest wrote:"The professional’s film camera from the late 1980s remains the camera for tossing in a backpack"

Have to be a masochist to want to carry a F4 when traveling. Crazy recommendation mixed with all the infomercials.

wayno wrote:the Sony RX100 isnt bulky, arguably the best all round camera out there for it's size, has a one inch sensor, a lot larger than other cameras its size.

I've been using an RX100 for a few months now, mainly for when I couldn't be bothered taking my DSLR, and it's a brilliant little camera. It's nice and small and I've been pleasantly surprised by how good the IQ is, it's certainly equal to or better than my canon 40D. But it doesn't have much of a zoom, only 3.6 times (35mm equiv. of about 28-100) so it might not fit the bill, and I don't know if you'll find one for under $300?

Just to be clear, my original post was referring to 'nothing articles', not Wayno's OP.

GPSGuided wrote:

icefest wrote:"The professional’s film camera from the late 1980s remains the camera for tossing in a backpack"

Have to be a masochist to want to carry a F4 when traveling. Crazy recommendation mixed with all the infomercials.

Agree, I owned one and as much as it was an awesome camera it is a bit like carrying a cinderblock around your neck.... and that was without the flash lol

ex_reven wrote:

GPSGuided wrote:

icefest wrote:"The professional’s film camera from the late 1980s remains the camera for tossing in a backpack"

Have to be a masochist to want to carry a F4 when traveling. Crazy recommendation mixed with all the infomercials.

Agree, I owned one and as much as it was an awesome camera it is a bit like carrying a cinderblock around your neck.... and that was without the flash lol

It's not so bad. I lug around a Mamiya 6 and wouldn't give it up for anything! Of course i dont take that many photos, but enough for me! I think my pictures are better now for it - anyway, i enjoy it even if they are mostly cr@p!