Crazy for Compact Cameras

09/22/2025

If Nikon had a crystal ball...
..They'd see these cameras through design and into production.

Earlier, I mentioned the Nikon Coolpix A - a camera too far ahead of its time, but harder than a snowball in hell to find today. The Coolpix A is highly coveted and far more desired than it was when it was released. But Nikon totally missed out by not building its DL line of compacts. These fixed lens models made it as far as exhibits in 2016 and were highly praised by users of their prototypes. They were intended to compete with Sony's RX100 line as well as some offerings from Lumix, which all had sensors larger than the 1/two-thirds ones found on nearly all other compacts.

I had my eye and heart set on buying the 24-85 (equivalent) model. I thought the 18-50 was too wide and already had the Lumix 24-600 bridge camera. Unfortunately, Nikon was still reeling in 2016 and recovering from the Sendai plant that was destroyed in the Fukushima earthquake a few years earlier. Nikon did not have the capacity to build.

Today, my Sony RX100 MkVII stands in the place where the DL camera would have occupied. Granted, the Sony RX is a lot more capable and most likely offers better image quality, but it sells for more than twice what the DL would have cost. Still, the DL 24-85 would have been upgraded by now and competed squarely with the Canon G7X and its progeny. I have the second version of that camera as well. But competition is always good.

Do you have any regrets of cameras that never came to pass? Or a camera you should have purchased?

09/22/2025

It's tiny - about the size of a golf ball - and at $44, it's affordable for a camera. But is it worth it? Would you buy it?

This Instax wants to be your best Pal, but probably should just remain an acquaintance

09/16/2025

I posted this 11 years ago today. I bought the second version of it for less than $500. Today, the camera on the used market can sell for way more than $1,000...
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Here's some unsolicited advice for those who might be looking for excellent features and picture quality in a camera capable of handling low-light but want something pocketable.
Folks often ask for a "step up" camera that is more capable than their phone or point-and-shoot but adamantly want to avoid a bulky SLR and prefer something that can be carried in a pocket. While it ain't cheap, this new model from Canon hits hard on all cylinders and is spec'd remarkably. It very well might be my next compact cam.
The $700 G7 X is the no excuse camera that you'll never outgrow.

We sent Time Lapse and Hyperlapse photographer Matthew Vandeputte to Queenstown, NZ to explore the creative potential of the PowerShot G7X - a new generation...

09/13/2025

Let's hope Canon is only beginning to re-enter the compact camera market again.

There's strong indication that Canon has finally noticed that users, especially potential users, want their little cameras back. It's no longer a secret that its G7X line continues to sell like crazy in the used market. Canon has announced it's bring back the HS360, a 12X point-and-shoot, and now it strongly suggests a new compact in its "G" line.

I'd skip the 360 as used Canon models with similar specs are available for far less than its $360 new price. I sold my better HS330 for $50. While the new compacts are only a baby step back into offering a broad range of small cameras like it had a few years ago, I'm hoping for wholly new compacts with the latest tech.

Trusted sources report that a new Canon "G" series PowerShot is in the works – a promising photography-first compact?

09/07/2025

The One That Got Away

Street photography pioneer Henri Cartier-Bresson said, "Timing is everything in photography." Of course, he was talking about capturing the decisive moment and, most likely, not talking about buying the right camera at the right time. It was ten years ago that I missed a great shot. That is, a great shot at a deal.

I was still shooting with my Nikon D7000 DSLR as my walkaround camera. I appreciated many aspects of it, except that it was a large kit when I had desired something more compact. I considered point-and-shoot mostly for novices. But then, Nikon released the Coolpix A. it had the same sensor as my D7000, a fast lens, and could fit in my jacket pocket. At just over $1,000, it was way too much for a compact. I still envied its fast lens, and it shot RAW! I suppose that if the camera had an electronic viewfinder, it would be in my stable. A few years later, digital cameras were in a steep decline, and point-and-shoots were fading even more quickly. Prices dropped precipitously on all cameras in the used market. You could find the Coolpix A for between $60 and $100 in like-new condition. I was on the verge of pulling the trigger on one, but was distracted by gear for my DSLR.

Today, with the emergence of the "creative" and the kids' focus on large sensor compacts, you're lucky to find one of these Nikons for less than $600. I saw one recently listed for over $800. Incredible for a 13-year-old camera.

Perhaps one day the trend for these types of cameras will have waned and these cameras will be more available. Do you have any regretful moments when you didn't buy something when you should have?

Review of the Nikon Coolpix A camera

09/02/2025

When most photographers hear "Olympus," they think "compact cameras". Despite its history of innovation and legendary build quality, Olympus cameras remain underrated. The cameras had superior weather-proofing, image stabilization, and other advanced features that took years for other makers to match.

The Olympus PM line was and is known for its compact size and light weight while featuring a comprehensive list of features. The PM-2 is 12 years old yet boasts a 16-megapixel sensor, sensor-shift stabilization, and the ability to shoot in RAW.

Of course, the model is long-since been discontinued, but is available used for less than $280. Add a pancake lens, and you may find this is a truly pocketable camera/lens combo. With far more capability than any smartphone available today, you shouldn't ignore this as your next travel, street, or daily knockaround camera.

Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjUwaonD9QVeDzEdSqwrGmA/joinI just simply love the Olympus PEN Mini, especially for...

08/17/2025

Compact hybrid cameras and Fujifilm are nearly synonymous with young “creatives” these days, and the Fujifilm X-M5 seems to be the perfect model for them. “Almost perfect: is the better phrase. I’ll never poo-poo Fujifilm rangefinder-style cameras. The camera maker earned its reputation for handling, image quality, and style. Its X-M5 model is the smallest in its X line family, uses an APS-C sensor, shoots open-gate video, and is fitted with the XF mount. Good so far. And it offers far more and better capabilities than any smartphone camera. I can see the draw for new, proper camera users. But is it worth the hype?

The short answer is “yes” if you aim to elevate your image proposition beyond that of your smartphone-using competitors, but you can’t afford to spend more than a grand. I won’t say that the images and video from the X-M5 are anything less than what we expect from Fuji. What you don’t get in the model is a viewfinder, In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), and auto-focus on par with other cameras. You must ask, is your money better spent elsewhere?

For the same cost, you can get a used, nicely spec’d Sony a6600. It has a similar sensor size and nearly the same resolution, IBIS, and superior auto-focusing, plus access to a far greater number of lenses. Also, for a bit less, you can get a used Olympus OM-D EM1 MkIII, with much more stills capability, a high resolution electronic viewfinder, superior IBIS, in a smaller body, albeit with a smaller sensor and slightly less resolution. The Olympus also accepts dozens of Micro Four-Thirds (MFT) lenses. There are several more similarly priced or cheaper alternatives. My point is that while the X-M5 makes a solid case for the new hybrid shooting creative. I know the Fujifilm branding is compelling. But there are many alternatives vying for your dollars. It’s not an easy choice. Educate yourself and study the field. Don’t let hype be the first priority in your decision.

The Fujifilm X-M5 is just one choice in a highly competitive field. Choose wisely.

08/04/2025

Instant print photography made a modest comeback when the curious and creatives discovered the little Polaroid and Fujifilm cameras, which appeared a while back. Now, the reincarnation of the most famous instant print camera is underway.

I used to sell cameras in the early 1980s. The Polaroid SX-70 was always a big seller and one that folks just wanted to handle. I shot hundreds of photos with our demo model. As a budding photographer back then, I never had a desire for one. And back in those days, the instant print cameras were regarded as we regard them today - a novelty with little real practicality.

I don't see much of a future for this model but it would be fun to see one again. Would you consider getting one?

One of the most famous cameras ever made, the Polaroid SX-70, is coming back from the grave

07/09/2025

When is a full-frame camera considered "compact"?

When we think of small cameras, we envision devices with limited capabilities and small sensors, but they're wonderful to bring along on hikes, bike rides, and during extended travel.

Yet, I recall schlepping my big boy, full-frame DSLR on more than a few hikes, bike rides, and, especially, when I've been on long travel trips. As a photo tour operator, I carried several pounds of gear, including at least two full-frame bodies. With all of that, I could demonstrate techniques that my smaller kits wouldn't allow. Also, I had no excuse not to bring back technically perfect, if not heart-stopping, images.

Today, I no longer require the ultimate in camera capability that full-frame cameras can deliver. That doesn't mean I don't squeeze out the last bit of image quality from my other cameras. Heck, the last award-winning photo I shot was with a point-and-shoot. Despite all the articles that you can do with a smaller sensor, everything you can do with a larger sensor, when it comes to ultimate performance, big is better. There I said it. I submit to the car-lover adage: There's no replacement for displacement. And there's no substitute for a full-frame sensor. It's optical physics. Technology can do a lot to mimic the ability of a full-frame sensor but the result is manipulative legerdemain.

One thing that technology CAN do is help reduce the package size around the sensor. No company has done more to put small form in their camera design imperative than Sony has. For example, when comparing the size of Sony's APS-C a6### camera bodies to those produced by Olympus and Panasonic, which feature smaller micro four-thirds sensor bodies, Sony's models are often smaller.

A few years ago, Sony introduced the A7C, a full-frame model in a compact, rangefinder-style form, which quickly gained fans. Today the camera has evolved into two branches whose most significant difference is resolution and image processor. The least expensive of which boasts a 33-megapixel sensor - not too shabby. It's the one I would buy if I were to buy one. But I won't. Not because my level of lust for it has waned in any way, but because I don't *need* it. Perhaps if I were to do photo tours full-time, I'd have one or two, but I couldn't justify the cost and the expense of the lenses I'd have to buy.

However, if you get the full-frame bug and truly NEED to move into that realm, I recommend the less expensive Sony 7CII over the 7CR. And remember, if you choose to go that route, don't cheap out on lenses.

And when you need heart-stopping images, you might have to consider heart-stopping prices. Even as both models are on sale.

Sony's compact full-frame twins shake up the company's lineup. Where do they fit, what do they add and which might be right for you?

07/04/2025

Recently, I posted about a camera being "fun." If you've been shooting for a while and have had a bunch of cameras in your hand, you know what I'm talking about. For me, and I'm sure for some of you, smaller cameras are in your "fun camera" list.

In the case of Chris here. It doesn't have the best resolution, its EVF is stinky, and it doesn't have IBIS. But what it does have is what folks look for in all cameras: great image quality, and it is fun to use.

Every time I see a Lumix GM5 for sale, which is rare, I stop to check its price. I'll buy one one day. The model carries a high price because user love them and don't want to give them up. Is the GM5 a camera I would recommend for a novice as their first choice? No. I recommend a simpler camera with an IBIS.

In the past three years, I've culled my camera collection from 19 models to a few, limiting my choices to two formats: APS-C and one-inch. Yet, I still have three Micro-Four-Thirds, MFT, models that I just can't sell. Like the Lumix GM-5, my MFT cameras are highly performing, fit nicely, and never seem to let me down. Yet, my APS-C cameras have a few more features that are worth the slightly larger size. My two one-inch cameras are point-and-shoots, the Canon GX7 Mk II and the Sony RX100 MkVII (mentioned in this video). Those tiny models shoot images far above their competitors and both make great grab-and-go cameras that continue to amaze me with their competence.

If you've already use a point-and-shoot but want a bit more performance, more features, and the ability to interchange lenses, make a small but powerful step up to MFT. Avoid the newer models from Panasonic Lumix and Olympus because, frankly, they've become bloated in size and weight and consider the older DLSR or rangefinder styles. Don't fret going to the 16 megapixel sensors. I've found that it was impossible to tell the difference between the images shot with them and those shot with 24-megapixel cameras.

In fact, I'll trade you my Olympus EM1 MkII for a GM5.

For the best deals on pre-owned camera gear, check out KEH! They're PetaPixel's Official Pre-owned Camera Gear Partner: https://bit.ly/3JubxUP—While many gre...

07/01/2025

Honey, I shrunk the DSLR.

Some cameras are just plain fun and this is one of them. Resembling a full-size DSLR that spent too much time in the dryer, the Olympus Stylus 1 was a pleasure to carry and shoot. If the style and size didn't suit you, the specs did. A long zoom, constant aperture, and a decent sensor resolution meant the camera served as a top choice for travel, and adventures on the trail.

Check out the size comparison of the Stylus 1 and other cameras models.

The zoom and compact size of the Olympus Stylus 1 are still the modern brand's best features

06/30/2025

It looks retro, small, and fun. But is it worthwhile?

Fuji is doing what at least one film camera maker did back in the 1960s and 1970s: Make a camera with a half-frame sensor (film plane) size. Of COURSE I owned one back then. The half-frame Olympus Pen-F was s small, fixed-lens, half-frame camera with a fixed prime lens. It could shoot 72 images on a 36-frame roll. Instead of the long side parallel to the roll, to squeeze in all those images, it shot the images "sideways." Of course, you simply rotated the camera to get the format you wanted, portrait or landscape. While I shot with mostly print film, I also photographed a bunch on slide film. The processed slides were set in standard size cards but with much smaller frames.

To be fair, half frame digital cameras already exist as APS-C cams. Not truly half, but a bit smaller in total sensor area. Regardless, just as cropped sensor cameras are disparaged by some today, so were the smaller-framed cameras of yore criticized.

Still, APS-C cameras are my choice today for most of my shooting as I have completely dismissed full-frame cameras. I'm not all saying smaller sensors can replace a full-frame one, but I no longer demand the ultimate quality of full-frame like I did when I shot professionally.

Thank you Fujifilm for being bold enough to introduce a novel (for the day) camera but with so many other choices that can do the same if not more and are far more supported, I'm not recommending this.

I think the X Half might be the most playful camera Fujifilm has ever made