This topic seems to come up regularly. With my 4/3 body now in deep infrared configuration, I have no small cameras on hand. My smallest body is Sony A7R, and it’s hefty once 55mm lens is attached. It also lacks close focus.
Olympus Pen F is stabilized and can take small lenses. The size and weight saving seems not all that great, and I am not really eager to drop $1500 for it and 20/1.7 or similar.
Nikon 1 V3 is likewise a small gain in weight and size, a big loss in sensor detail and about $60 with 18.5mm (50e) lens.
I don’t like using my cell phone for photos. It’s very hard to hold steady, and the image quality isn’t great. I looked at the available options, Fuji X100T might work, again with minimal dimensional weight. I am open to suggestions. The must have features are:
- 1″ or larger sensor
- 35e or longer lens
- Fast lens (1.8 for 1″ sensor or 4/3, 2.8 for APS-C)
- Close focus (at least 1:5 magnification)
- Ideally, a protected viewfinder
- Ideally, would fit a pocket of my slacks or a small belt pouch
Am I seeking a unicorn, or such items actually exist?
Olympus P5 and Lumix GX85 is stabilized, for example. It’s two times cheaper than Pen F. Lumix GM1 or GM5 is pocketable, but no IBIS.
Since you already have m4/3s lenses, have you considered other Olympus cameras.
Olympus has reconditioned Em-5 Mark II cameras for $800. For a little less you can get the Em-10 Mark II.
Since you have a Sony e-mount and lenses, you could also look at the a6000 or a6300. I love my a6000.
All of the above can offer most, if not all, of the features you want.
1″ Sensor? 35mm Full Frame for the k-buck price range?
I must have gone the wrong way with sticking with the Canon system. Nothing full frame is even twice that.
I am willing to buy used/not the most recent. You can get older full frame Canons for not much.
One of my Olympus cameras failed after a year. I returned it to Olympus who said that it wasn’t worth fixing because there was corrosion on contacts. Corrosion shouldn’t be a problem and I’ll Paso Texas. I am really disappointed
I like my Sony.