EVF, exactly the reason I sold my first MFT camera, GM1, and bought the GM5. And two years later my second GM5 for 100e. Bought it with with two lenses and after selling them it was very affordable! Very light combo for travelling as I can have e.g. a wide prime on one and a longer small zoom on the other. And you can fit them both in your pockets (a jacket at least)
You started me down this rabbit hole of small sensor cameras. I ended up with an em1 m2, then micro4nerds brought me further down the hole. Today, I own most of the m43 cameras, pentax Q and Nikon 1 cameras and lenses. Only the Pentax 110 lenses weren't attributed to you 2. Lol. I'm definitely trying to resist getting the Samsung cameras.
Haha! As much as I love the NX Mini, I wouldn't recommend it currently due to the high prices. If you can find one cheap with the 9mm lens, it might be worth it. The zoom lens is absolutely trash though - too big, soft and lots of fringing. Though by the sounds of it, it won't offer anything that your current collection already does! 😅
@@TomCalton The fact that none of the sony A line Apsc cameras made it onto this list tells me that maybe you dont like Sony yet so many people in the camera community has switched over to Sony simply for the fact that its better than all of the rest.
trying to find a m4/3 camera for a friend whos birthday is coming up (trying to add to their current collection that consists of a single sony handycam from 2009) and these videos on cheaper cameras in that range have been SO useful. keep it up man.
Great video. I have a bunch of M4/3 cameras, but I found the fixed lens Lumix LX10 and LX100 do all I need. The zoom lenses are essentially the same range and quality as the Lumix 12-32 I use with my M4/3 cameras. The LX100 is a bit better than the LX10, but also bigger. The LX10 is very pocketable.
@@alfredbarten4901 I have been very happy with the results I have gotten with the Lumix LF1, another of the fixed lens Panasonics. As time goes on they seem to be harder to find.
I have an LX100 and very much liked it when I got it before I got into the whole m4/3 ILC ecosystem, but I have been getting back to it lately as I like the ease of use with super quick and unique method to switch to the priority or full manual modes without having a mode dial. Plus I have an auto lens cover on it which makes it a truly one handed camera to pull out, turn on, take a shot, turn off and re-stow. And the lens is what I WISH I could find for the ILC cameras! A stabilized 24-70/f1.7 at that size would be an amazing lens for the EM1/EM5/PM2/GF7, etc. So sometimes the "f/1.7 at 24mm with the ability to zoom in" wins when I'm trying to decide what camera a lens(es) to use that day. If it was sealed, I may have stopped buying cameras right there. That would have been a tragedy, but not for my pocketbook.
Why didn't I just get a Canon G1X mk3? Never found one for less than about triple what I paid for the LX100. And now I have an Olympus E-M5 & a couple of sealed lenses to take on rainy trips.
No one else has answered you but I believe you are correct that the EOS M/ M2 is the smallest mirrorless camera canon ever made. I would recommend you trying it out. Most videos on that camera are of people interested in magic lantern modifications not the original camera. It’s not perfect but something about that camera makes me want to shoot more photos and low grade video! (Without magic lantern)
I can only agree. I own the M3 (with underwater case) and the M (with magic lantern). I used to own the M100 as well. I've shot the solar eclipse 2019 with it while traveling for a year. The M3 and M100 were a great combination when traveling. The size was just perfect for that without compromising on image quality and manual dials (on the M3).
@@JoshCameron there seems to be an interest in a small MFT camera like the GM5. Neither Olympus nor Panasonic are making one. I can only speculate they think it would replace sales of other cameras. I doubt that. MFTs cameras seem to breed like bunnies in MFTs households. There seems to be room in people's lifes for a new camera like the GM5 (or a smaller, lighter PEN-F) - just keep the viewfinder. Great comments all around.
LOVE this review - your videos reignited my interest in learning photography and Emily finished with a Spartan kick down the tiny camera well. Brilliant job.
Panay GX1 and GF2 is what I use for small size carry. I love finding used deals but battery availability is the one thing camera makers have over consumers…after market batteries never match up to the original.
I would add the Canon M100 (or M200) to the list (in the A category), this camera is a small beast and much smaller and newer than the M3. I still use an M100 to this day, its size makes it a great option for street photography. Great video btw!
I used to be obsessed with camera size when I got into digital photography with the Nex C3 and later the GM5 - eventually to switch to Ricoh compact bodies and live a happy life today with my GRIIIx 😊 love these tiny cameras.
Someone already has said Sony NEX and I still love my NEX-6. Just signed in for the Viltrox 28mm pancake to pair it with. Another love not lost is my Leica D-Lux 4. Not an interchangeable lens variety, I know, but great image quality and pocketable. For image quality this Leica probably would top your list Tom.
I really enjoy the fact that u love the fpL! turned down my volume because I trust u, Tom. I love the fpL. No one can separate me from it. They’re in my walls
I think the reason why all this lines are dead: rationality. No matter how small the body is it hard to put it into pocket due to lens thickness even though it pancake. And even if you fit it you can't really walk with it until it the large pocket of a coat. Another problem is due to body size it's hard to operate. And finally there is so many construction compromises: less features, less battery and etc. So after all the main advantage of a size doesn't really works where so many tradeoffs. Something like fuji XE, pany GX, sony a7c looks much more reasonable while stays very compact.
Are they dead, though? I mean, obviously it's something of a niche, but the fact is Tom is getting hits and subscribers, Emily is getting hits and subscribers, as is Gary W. There are clearly people out there still interested in small interchangeable lens cameras. Sure, it's squeezed at the bottom end by increasingly sophisticated mobile phone cameras, and OM systems and Panasonic are concentrating their attentions elsewhere, but that's arguably *because* the second-hand small camera segment is so vibrant. I suspect that Panasonic know we want a new GM5 mark 2 with phase-detect AF, real-time LUT, a new sensor and an EVF as good as the GX8, but I think they also know that for most of us our optimum release date and price point are "for about £400 second-hand in 4 years' time". Anyone starting out now probably *is* better off buying something like a Sony a7 if they can afford to, while m4/3 offers a lot of flexibility and value for cameras that were really very good a few years ago, and lenses that will broadly remain compatible as you trade up.
@@chrishowell5718 I think there is a small market for small cameras. Panasonic and OM Systems could release one small camera each and give a camera a four or six year life span before a new model comes out. I don't think the market will support a bunch of small cameras coming out every two years like before. But who knows maybe I'm wrong and there is a bigger interest now.
@@chrishowell5718 those numbers are still not really relevant compared to whole market especially compared to the phone market which is the main competitor
You’re hilarious with your review of the FP. I loved it when you said turn up the volume again. Fabulous camera! Epic! Thanks for the laughter. Great video and review.
I got a Nikon J5 about an year back and I love it. I got 18.5, 10-30, 30-110, 6.7 -13 and 70-300. The whole thing fits into a tiny bag and just imagine with 2.7 crop factor, I have upto 810mm at my disposal. Image quality and AF is stellar and I think Nikon 1 system is the most underrated system out there. For a casual photographer there is nothing so compact out there. P:S: I have Fuji xe3 with few lenses but haven’t clicked a single picture since November 2023.
Tom, you seem to dislike lightweight plasticy camera bodies. But when looking for a portable every day in my pocket or handbag camera for me the opposite is true. For more serious work I prefer big cameras with good ergonomics and ruggedness. Well actually ruggedness would be a good feature for a small portable as well - and I think manufacturers should investigate more in this field: Make a lightweight AND rugged camera! And let's hope that will turn out cheaper than using titanium to achieve the same weight.
If that wifi button on the Nikon serves no other important function, I would honestly just pry the button cap off with a tiny flathead and be done with it. Prevents you from accidentally pressing it ever again, and you could probably just snap it back in later if needed. If it's as good of a camera as you say - and by saying something is S tier that literally means it's like perfect, the best of the best - then I assume that means it's not something you'd ever want to part with. So popping that button off couldn't do that much harm. And eliminating the only problem that you claim to have with it, would just make it a perfect camera
Not seeing the OG Canon EOS M on the list is a crime. There’s an entire community out here making footage from that comparable to cinema cameras. People are literally selling market quality cages for it specifically, and it’s a “dead mount” APS-C camera from a decade ago.
And since you asked about smaller cameras than the M2, the M100 and M200 are slimmer and have flip screens, better firmware and the same lens family. Little better handling, but not volumetrically smaller than the M or M2.
Congratulations Tom! Great and instructional video! I think you don't know the Panasonic LX-100 or the LX-100 II. They're m43, 24-75mm equivalent and a fast F1 7-2.8 lens. Please, give them a try and I'm sure you'll love them too!!!📸📷
What about modern up to date small cameras? Fuji XM5, XE4, XT30/XT50 (a bit larger for an small camera) Sony ZVe10, ZVe10II Sigma FP / FPL And seems like there isn't more small cameras today. Is there any other one?
Excellent video! Entertaining and informative. I like the E-PM2 and I think it is a very good upgrade over the PM1. Still very small, lightweight, has the newer 16MP sensor with in-body IS (plays well with primes!), in camera a RAW processing, and looks awesome instead of ugly. Love the GM5 too, but mine has acquired a wonky dial or it would be my always EDC. The Samsung NX Mini has a lot of complaints elsewhere, so glad you got a good one. I got a Lumix GF7 as a consolation prize for not thinking the GM1 was worth the asking prices, and think it is a fantastic choice for all the reasons your excellent special guest has mentioned in another of her videos. The GF7 is way cheaper, but same guts as the GM1 and only a little bigger.
Both get and don’t get the FP entry at D class. Yeah they’re a bit quirky to use, but also leaps and bounds ahead of anything else here both in terms of image quality and video capabilities. If it’s solely on usability, maybe. Also not a lot of truly small lenses for it. But, it’s super simple and just gets out of the way of itself once set up the way you want. It doesn’t have 10 million functions etc. Also the simplicity of changing sensor size is majorly under appreciated with this camera. Tiny, incredibly flexible camera that’s built like a tank.
i was waiting for Nex-5 to make an appearance but only Nex-C3 made it 😂. btw i noticed you never made a review about NEX-5R. i reckon it's worth a look. while it seems like just a wee bit upgrade from the vanilla nex 5 but it's a vastly different sheep. while still being very affordable. would love to hear your take on it.
@@TomCalton, I guess you will do that, but please use the PMCA to download all the apps and make it more interesting, not to mention the option to edit the firmware to create a clean HDMI output, just a pure joy of a camera for tinkerers. I own a NEX 5N, 5R (used in a stereo setuo), 6 and 7. I don't see myself upgrading any time soon. Not to mention that the 5n is in my EDC...
Everyone of these is a gem. Samsung also made a NX3000 APSC which deserves a place alongside the Sony and the Canon. Very over-achieved in its short life 👏👏👏
I just picked up a Nikon 1 J5 off eBay with the 30-110mm, 18.5mm f1.8, and 6.7-13mm (hard to find that one cheap), and it's a great little travel camera. I'd really love a GM5 with a 14-140mm, since it's just about the smallest ILC with a viewfinder, but for what those cost (especially for ones that aren't Japanese language only), I could get a Sony RX100 M7.
I had a Nikon 1 J2 bought whenI was holidaying in Europe and my original camera had an accident. For the rest of my trip and while the larger Sony was in hospital, I took the J2 everywhere, as, even with the 10-30 zoom attached, it was pocketable. I didn't even rush to get alonger (30-110) zoom, as a screw on teleconverter worked pretty well. However, when the card reader died, I got a Nikon 1 V1, which gave the very useful EVF, and I used this for a couple of years, almost displacing the Sony -- until the lens died. When I was planning to go interstate for a couple of days last year, I was able to get a cheap J1 with a working 10-30 lens, and it did a great job while I was away and for a couple of weeks -- until the lens died. I did manage to get a repacement board for the J2 and swapped the unusable one out, but the flash was dead. However, it worked in sunlight. If they were a little reliable, I would probably not have gone to MFT cameras, but there you have it. It could have been an excellent camera and very relevant today had Nikon (1) focussed the range instead of throwing out J series, AW series, V series and the other ultra nobbled one, and (2) fixed some of the obvious reliability issues. Oh, and (3) a flip screen from the beginning rather than on the very last one.
Similar to the Panasonic GM1: there's the GM line, the GF line (the cheaper versions - i have the GF7 with tilt-up screen). Then there's the GX850/ or 800 or GF9 in Japan. So, lots of options
Some of these cameras were actually created to cater to Japanese buyers and their love of smaller compact products. While some of the cameras have their quirks and annoyances they are eclipsed by their size, an attractive quality in Japan.
I knew it, this video was not inspired by Emily at all...😂 Anyway, that was a great video. I wish manufacturers would build tiny cameras again. I wish Samsung would come back with a new NX Mini and above all, I wish Nikon would bring back the Nikon 1 series. I bought a Nikon 1 V1 when it came out and the only downside was the EVF, which was as useless as the screen under the sunshine, otherwise I would have kept it until the V2 came out. In my opinion, the V2 was the best, with its DSLR look and feel, and therefore practicality. In the Canon range, I would try to get an M50. I would also get a Pentax QS1, the latest one with the 1/1.7" sensor, the same sensor size as my former Nikon P7000 and the image quality was pretty good, actually. Hello manufacturers, make tiny cameras again !!
While I've never personally used the Nikon 1 J5, the thing that puts me off from buying it is that it is electronic shutter ONLY. That means no flash sync higher than 1/60, which is a shame because it actually has a decent TTL bounce flash that could be used to trigger larger external flashes for perfect product photography. My personal recommendation in the Nikon 1 line-up would be the V3. It has a physical shutter and can still be used in fully electronic shutter mode if so desired. It also has the option to attach a grip that gives an additional dial and function button, external EVF, and larger flash unit (not at the same time as the EVF though sadly). Paired with the 18.5mm f1.8, it is a shockingly, very capable camera even today. I actually use it in conjunction with a Nikon Z30 for product photography for less depth of field when it counts.
@@noobFab great. It is basically an s5 ii in an smaller Body. So less buttons and less grip to hold on, but it will make the same pictures. Fantastic Autofocus and image stabilization. Overall comparable with Sony, but for cheaper.
Well Tommy, I must tell you, I got one of those Nikon J5s after watching one of your previous videos. After 6 months of use, I have never hit that annoying Wi-Fi button a single time. 😅 Maybe you caused me to learn to avoid it. Love the camera. Gotta know the limitations, of course.
Overall, a great and fun video, Tom! Have had some of the cameras on your list....some due to your videos....only two rankings I was surprised about......fp L and Q-S1.....yes, the fp L is quirky, but takes great pics.....and not sure what Q lens you used on the Q-S1, but with my lens, I get very good pics, much better than the ones you showed.....otherwise, can understand your rankings....keep up the great work!
Put a top tier lens on the GM5 and *Wow*. I've used the 12-35mm f2.8 and the Oly 45-150 plastic fantastic on it and it really elevates the picture quality.
I don't see much relationship between the condemnation of the image quality of the Pentax Q and its position in the ranking, when it is above a 61 Mpx full format camera. But I agree that image quality is very important and I have the Pentax Q and comparing it with the Olympus EPM1 that I also have, it is evident that in many cases I have to use a noise reduction program so that the photos from the Pentax Q are more acceptable. However, for others this noise may be pleasant, especially in black and white. Many times I have thought about selling the Pentax Q but then I see that the quality is not that bad either and I have taken good photos with it and they are also one of those cameras with which no one takes you seriously.
It seems to me that all the brands didn't move forward with the technology that had in their hands between the years of 2009-2014 but are now giving us the recycled version of that technology... Beautiful cameras, I wish I could try them all out.
you might be delighted to hear that Fujifilm is planning on releasing a successor to the X-M1, in the shape of an X-M5, either later this year or early next year. I don't know if it will have IBIS, recent Fujifilm lens releases would indicate that it'd be a yes, and it will probably have the same capabilities as the X-S20 otherwise (minus maybe the RAW video)
Cool video. I have tried so many small sensor pocketable cameras and have settled on my Samsung NX500. holds its own, even against modern APS-C cameras and I can use all the lenses I gathered for my NX1. NX500 should totally be on this list of pocketable cameras, especially when paired with some of Samsung's pancake lens offerings.
I've tried to dip my toe into Fujiworld and doing it on the cheap. Contemplated the X-M1, but Fuji fans were telling me to avoid it. Then I looked at the X-E and X-A line, price considerations vs IQ/features came into play and settled with a X-A3. Despite good IQ and surprising construction quality, camera feels very sluggish so I'm not a fan. I also own the GM1 and GM5. GM1 was cool for many years, but I prefer the GM5 acquired more recently. Tiny pixelated EVF is better than none at all!
I have most of the cameras in this chart barring the Fujifilm xm1, Samsung nx mini and the gm5. I will keep GM1and Sigma fpl in s tier. And nikon j5 in d simply because of its short battery life and faulty lens. Also I feel the smallest ilec camera is the Pentax q. Also anyone looking for a good mini size camera 5100 used or even zv-e10 are great choice. For me surprise has been eos m, its auto focus is bad, i have been trying to sell it and not getting enough but when i shoot it I still get great results.
The Olympus E-PM1 is not ugly. Okay, that white version is ugly, but not the black one. And Olympus made the same sacrifice in the handling as Panasonic did with GM1/GM5 series, you can't get a great grip in those without extra grip attachment. But the idea is to have small tiny camera with you. Body in one pocket, and lens in a another pocket. And when moment of shoot appears, you put 1+1 and you have great camera with you. The great things with Olympus is that you have hotshoe (that GM1 lacks, but GM5 has) and AP2, that allows to attach a external viewfinder if wanted. That makes it so nice versatile if wanted to go "up" in size and capabilities.
XM5 is surely going to take the top spot! GM1 is great but I prefer using my GX1 for the grip and prefer the controls. Wish both had tilt screens though! And GX80 / GX9 for a viewfinder.
Surprised you didn't include the Pen-F. Its about the size of the XM-1, with heaps of features, lots if buttons and customisation, and an EVF. Definitely S tier and has looks to match.
I totally agree about pairing Olympus E-PM1 with a pancake prime, and since I got it before Oly had pancake m43, mine also wears a Lumix. With IBIS, the lower tier Lumix is fine. Mine had to go to factory service to reattach the battery door (turns out leaving door open as a reminder to put battery back from the charger is a bad idea!), and came back with updated firmware. Anyone still shooting with original firmware should consider downloading the update. Fine EDC. Not getting as much use as I got a decent deal on a TG-6 (sealed, GPS, but not MILC/EVIL) which is even more pocketable and a nice deal on the 10 mk ii refurb. (Luckily it came with newer pancake zoom instead of old plastic tube kit zoom that was original issue for mk ii, which I already had one of with the PM1. The menu options on the mk ii are more for us old SLR folk, while mk iii/iv menus cater to folks moving up from iPadography.) If I'm wearing bigger pockets, the mk10 goes, if smaller pockets or weather, the TG-6, and the PM1 is relegated to backup & second-body. It now knows how the Pentax K-10 felt when it showed up. ;-) Some folks dislike OM menus (hi Emily) but having similar menus & firmware among all 3 Oly units is simpler for me; maybe it's Stolkholm Syndrome. Or maybe because I've dealt with really bad menus (Yaesu radios; which fit wife & daughter's lady-hands better than brands whose menus and battery heft I preferred), I'm just not easily offended. (My only gripe is with the Oly Android app that forgets the TG-6 when mk 10 pairs and vice versa. At least WiFI button doesn't lock it up immediately!) [you'll note both my brands have IBIS. Why pay for IS per lens? That's maximizing Canon shareholder value not my value! I can use vintage analog K-mount glass on the K-10, K-30 with IBIS, how cool is that? I gotta check used pricing on the K-1 ...)
Hi, I have owned a Samsung EX2F and I'm sure you'd have stuck it in the S rank (though it comes with a fixed lens, but what a great lens). It's only fault is to have disappeared from Samsung's catalogue about 10 years ago and never be replaced.
Of the list of cameras, the Pentax Q is the one that I wish I had been able to try. I still have my Samsung mini and the 9mm pancake and totally agree that it’s a brilliant camera for the size and way ahead of its time. Do you have plans on adding to the tiny camera list? There probably aren’t that many more out there…
My Sony A5100 is still going strong till today. My son uses it for now, he's just starting photography & videography and that 5100 can give him enough features to explore both worlds. It's just not as good looking as Lumix or Fuji 😁
Samsung NX-M is pretty good with adapted C-mount lenses, specially the Zeiss Jena C-mount lenses. As people say, marry the lenses, date the body. Only Panny, Sony and Fuji really have good lens selection, the 1-inch cameras really lacked the good stuff, Nikon 1 system had a lot of zooms but nothing fast which was a shame.
Just ordered the nikon 1 j5! me being an intermediate photographer and having come from the oh so feature packed Sony a6xxx series of cameras (I’ve had just about all of them) I found myself with the feeling of having more than what I can control so I dialed it down and got a camera I felt would be suitable for a more simplistic style of photography. (I also love the two tone silver and black retro look) And Now having ordered the simple but seemingly mighty Nikon 1 j5 I’m now looking for a more video based budget camera… any ideas?
Fuuny thing, some years ago I bought a completely new green NX Mini 9mm f/3.5for about 150 Euros. The shop was closing and they art was on a sale.I didn't know the price was so high these days!
3:11 That's crazy price, in Norway they are cheap at 190,37 pounds, 243,902 USD. So even if I break it it won't be a massive loss. Samsung even made a camera smartphone, Galaxy S4 Zoom. Not a bad idea. Slightly improved size and ergonomics would be good. But it beats any smartphone camera. But it would be a bit bulky, but if you got big pockets it's not an issue. Something better than my smartphone would be nice, so a small camera like this would be great. I already have a full frame camera, but I got that in my back pack, but something I can take out of a pocket and shoot quickly would be sweet. I'm a mountain biker, so the full frame camera stays in the backpack when I ride, but when shooting other riders or the trails or what ever else I have it out, but goes back into the backpack where it's safe. But at times I want to take a quick stop and take picture or two, so I have to use my phone. So thin and small, light would be sweet. But I always bring my Sony A7IV in my backpack, unless it's dark and I go grocery shopping.
Many of these popular older digital cameras are now so over-priced that it makes far more sense to buy a new camera than a ten year old one because ... new and thus latest bits and pieces, guarantee, etc. ßome of these cameras are very tempting but secondhand might have been through many hands, dropped, and the electronics don't last that long, and might not be repairable. I had a Ricoh GRii bought new but it didn't last ten years and the repair cost was almost the same as the purchase price. Definitely caveat emptor for these older digital cameras. Though I don't like it that much, the Pen e-p7 can still be bought new though the lack of e-viewfinder capability is a deep mystery. I would sooner see a review of small mirrorless cameras that can still be purchsed new. Best wishes from Japan.
Good luck getting a GM1 or GM5 at a reasonable price. They are very expensive second hand. Fortunately I have both, but I would have liked a red GM5 - currently there's one available for... £550 😱 I am surprised that Panasonic discontinued the line - a really daft decision. The GM5 is quite a bit better than the GM1 - a lot less fiddly and has a proper hotshoe on the top.
I am of the unpopular opinion that the old "spy camera" or last gen camcorder formfactor with the lens aligned 90 degrees to where the slr style camera puts the lens would be a huge improvement for these pocket cameras. Specifically with a small sensor, possible a 1 inch, such as is used on cellphones but with beefed up IBIS. Use C-Mount, opening up a broad range of vintage lenses and contemporary computer vision lenses and the formfactor starts to make sense, with the limit of the formfactor smaller than the cellphones of today though thicker. -- check the DXO ONE cam for an example, if only it had an EVF and lens mount.
Why are you taking the Sony Nex-C, Tom? The Nex-5T is technically much better and even more compact. I still have it as a backup camera on every photo tour. Compatible with all E-mount lenses and absolutely tiny.
Well cameras like the ricoh gr iii, fuji x70, fuji x100vi are mirrorless cameras. The Canon M200 is also smaller and has better AF than the M3 with dual pixel af/eye detection/tracking etc.
GM1 + GM5. Found them to be a bit meh TBH. Their weird mechanical shutter arrangement, poor EVF (on the 5) and no IBIS meant they were kind of average. Also they used the Panasonic sensor not the Sony sensor. E-PM1 was pretty lousy and lacked controls. The absolute underdog and probably dirt cheap today is the E-PM2. Had one back in the day as my super small camera and it was ace. IIRC takes the Oly EVF which is cool, added touch screen the 1 didn’t have, has IBIS and non-weird shutter and really wasn’t much bigger than the GM1/5. Also has a much better sensor. Better looking than the 1 as well. E-P5 is still the goat of small bodied Olympus IMO. Bigger than the PM2 but 5 axis, dual dials etc etc. Looking at the sizes in this comparison the Pen-F could also make an appearance. Still one of the nicest made cameras ever. Fantastic in just about every way. Bloody expensive these days for a camera nobody wanted at the time.
Yup exactly the same experience with these cameras on my side. E-P5 beats them all. Even though I own Pen F too I prefer E-P5 when I do not need any EVF. Cheers
Eyyyy! Loved this! The Sigma bit killed me off 😂 ill have to send you my GM5 so you can give it a test drive and get it into that S tier 👀 👀
The green GM5 isn't ugly :(
@vincentb4528 I mean it lovingly of course 😊
@@MicroFourNerds love my GM-5.
Do it 🫡
EVF, exactly the reason I sold my first MFT camera, GM1, and bought the GM5. And two years later my second GM5 for 100e. Bought it with with two lenses and after selling them it was very affordable! Very light combo for travelling as I can have e.g. a wide prime on one and a longer small zoom on the other. And you can fit them both in your pockets (a jacket at least)
You started me down this rabbit hole of small sensor cameras. I ended up with an em1 m2, then micro4nerds brought me further down the hole. Today, I own most of the m43 cameras, pentax Q and Nikon 1 cameras and lenses. Only the Pentax 110 lenses weren't attributed to you 2. Lol. I'm definitely trying to resist getting the Samsung cameras.
Haha! As much as I love the NX Mini, I wouldn't recommend it currently due to the high prices. If you can find one cheap with the 9mm lens, it might be worth it. The zoom lens is absolutely trash though - too big, soft and lots of fringing. Though by the sounds of it, it won't offer anything that your current collection already does! 😅
@@TomCalton I see one around 230usd with the 9mm in the used market. Tempting
I have 4 Samsung NX300s that I bought for a family trip last summer. I wouldn't resist too hard, they're pretty fun.
@@thomasfloyd3097 4 of them? That's true love.
@@TomCalton The fact that none of the sony A line Apsc cameras made it onto this list tells me that maybe you dont like Sony yet so many people in the camera community has switched over to Sony simply for the fact that its better than all of the rest.
trying to find a m4/3 camera for a friend whos birthday is coming up (trying to add to their current collection that consists of a single sony handycam from 2009) and these videos on cheaper cameras in that range have been SO useful. keep it up man.
Great video. I have a bunch of M4/3 cameras, but I found the fixed lens Lumix LX10 and LX100 do all I need. The zoom lenses are essentially the same range and quality as the Lumix 12-32 I use with my M4/3 cameras. The LX100 is a bit better than the LX10, but also bigger. The LX10 is very pocketable.
@@alfredbarten4901 I have been very happy with the results I have gotten with the Lumix LF1, another of the fixed lens Panasonics. As time goes on they seem to be harder to find.
I have an LX100 and very much liked it when I got it before I got into the whole m4/3 ILC ecosystem, but I have been getting back to it lately as I like the ease of use with super quick and unique method to switch to the priority or full manual modes without having a mode dial. Plus I have an auto lens cover on it which makes it a truly one handed camera to pull out, turn on, take a shot, turn off and re-stow. And the lens is what I WISH I could find for the ILC cameras! A stabilized 24-70/f1.7 at that size would be an amazing lens for the EM1/EM5/PM2/GF7, etc. So sometimes the "f/1.7 at 24mm with the ability to zoom in" wins when I'm trying to decide what camera a lens(es) to use that day. If it was sealed, I may have stopped buying cameras right there. That would have been a tragedy, but not for my pocketbook.
Why didn't I just get a Canon G1X mk3? Never found one for less than about triple what I paid for the LX100. And now I have an Olympus E-M5 & a couple of sealed lenses to take on rainy trips.
I love your sense of humor. Well done.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it ☺️
Pentax Q is arguably the best fun mirrorless camera. I put many type of manual focused lenses including some oldies and get some fun with it.
I always enjoy watching your videos! You helped me get into photography and I will always really appriciate that!
Keep being you :)
No one else has answered you but I believe you are correct that the EOS M/ M2 is the smallest mirrorless camera canon ever made. I would recommend you trying it out. Most videos on that camera are of people interested in magic lantern modifications not the original camera. It’s not perfect but something about that camera makes me want to shoot more photos and low grade video! (Without magic lantern)
Phew! Thanks for confirming! I actually have one on order funnily enough so I might have to try out the magic lantern mod 😊 Thanks for letting me know
@@TomCalton I look forward to your video then! ☺️
I can only agree. I own the M3 (with underwater case) and the M (with magic lantern). I used to own the M100 as well. I've shot the solar eclipse 2019 with it while traveling for a year. The M3 and M100 were a great combination when traveling. The size was just perfect for that without compromising on image quality and manual dials (on the M3).
As an owner of the GM1, GM5 and EPM1, I appreciate this video very much. Great content...
...and welcome to Canada. Wonderful to have you here 😊.
Thank you! I very much appreciate your kindness ☺️
This has made me want a GM5 so bad ! So much value to be had in these older cameras!
@@JoshCameron there seems to be an interest in a small MFT camera like the GM5. Neither Olympus nor Panasonic are making one. I can only speculate they think it would replace sales of other cameras. I doubt that. MFTs cameras seem to breed like bunnies in MFTs households. There seems to be room in people's lifes for a new camera like the GM5 (or a smaller, lighter PEN-F) - just keep the viewfinder. Great comments all around.
Lens are cheap and good. Have 14-140, 100-300 and a 42.5mm for portraits.
LOVE this review - your videos reignited my interest in learning photography and Emily finished with a Spartan kick down the tiny camera well. Brilliant job.
It was really cool to watch Emily! She’s truly the queen and for her videos and yours now I’m in the hunting for a new mini camera
I totally guessed who the guest would be! I won’t ruin the surprise for others, but great choice!
well yes, who else? [ OTOH, had the surprise guest been an actual surprise, getting a THIRD opinion would've been interesting.]
I absolutely adore your guest! She's such a delight! And she has another follower now - you two are awesome! 🥂🌻
Panay GX1 and GF2 is what I use for small size carry. I love finding used deals but battery availability is the one thing camera makers have over consumers…after market batteries never match up to the original.
I would add Sony Nex 5R/T and A5100 on that list, they are APSC almost same size as GM5
@@kicyiu absolutely! And the A5100 (which I own) feels very solid and durable.
I have the 5T, and want to get the new ttartisan 28mm f/4.5 for it
I would add the Canon M100 (or M200) to the list (in the A category), this camera is a small beast and much smaller and newer than the M3. I still use an M100 to this day, its size makes it a great option for street photography. Great video btw!
Paired with that 22mm f2, its awesome.
Can't agree with you anymore
I agree, I use an M100 with a 22mm when I’m out and about. Really trying to justify an M6 mk2 but my main ‘work’ cam is an R5 🫤
I bought an XM-1 because of your video a while back and glad to see where you ranked it Tom. Cheers and keep up the good work
I used to be obsessed with camera size when I got into digital photography with the Nex C3 and later the GM5 - eventually to switch to Ricoh compact bodies and live a happy life today with my GRIIIx 😊 love these tiny cameras.
Someone already has said Sony NEX and I still love my NEX-6. Just signed in for the Viltrox 28mm pancake to pair it with. Another love not lost is my Leica D-Lux 4. Not an interchangeable lens variety, I know, but great image quality and pocketable. For image quality this Leica probably would top your list Tom.
I really enjoy the fact that u love the fpL! turned down my volume because I trust u, Tom. I love the fpL. No one can separate me from it. They’re in my walls
Canon M series fan here. Just happy to be included 😂.
I have an M6 Mark ii, it is absolutely awesome.
5:25 got me
had me rolling 😂😂😂
X-M5 announcement in like 9 days anyway
That was a really interesting set of comparisons. Done fairly, and with good humour. I'm happy to hear that you are now a fellow Calgarian!
Thanks, and glad to hear you enjoyed it! 😊
I think the reason why all this lines are dead: rationality. No matter how small the body is it hard to put it into pocket due to lens thickness even though it pancake. And even if you fit it you can't really walk with it until it the large pocket of a coat. Another problem is due to body size it's hard to operate. And finally there is so many construction compromises: less features, less battery and etc. So after all the main advantage of a size doesn't really works where so many tradeoffs. Something like fuji XE, pany GX, sony a7c looks much more reasonable while stays very compact.
I think that's a somewhat fair evaluation. Ultimately, there's always a compromise to be made. 😅
This is why I have a very small camera bag for my small cameras.
Are they dead, though? I mean, obviously it's something of a niche, but the fact is Tom is getting hits and subscribers, Emily is getting hits and subscribers, as is Gary W. There are clearly people out there still interested in small interchangeable lens cameras. Sure, it's squeezed at the bottom end by increasingly sophisticated mobile phone cameras, and OM systems and Panasonic are concentrating their attentions elsewhere, but that's arguably *because* the second-hand small camera segment is so vibrant. I suspect that Panasonic know we want a new GM5 mark 2 with phase-detect AF, real-time LUT, a new sensor and an EVF as good as the GX8, but I think they also know that for most of us our optimum release date and price point are "for about £400 second-hand in 4 years' time". Anyone starting out now probably *is* better off buying something like a Sony a7 if they can afford to, while m4/3 offers a lot of flexibility and value for cameras that were really very good a few years ago, and lenses that will broadly remain compatible as you trade up.
@@chrishowell5718 I think there is a small market for small cameras. Panasonic and OM Systems could release one small camera each and give a camera a four or six year life span before a new model comes out.
I don't think the market will support a bunch of small cameras coming out every two years like before. But who knows maybe I'm wrong and there is a bigger interest now.
@@chrishowell5718 those numbers are still not really relevant compared to whole market especially compared to the phone market which is the main competitor
You’re hilarious with your review of the FP. I loved it when you said turn up the volume again. Fabulous camera! Epic! Thanks for the laughter. Great video and review.
I got a Nikon J5 about an year back and I love it. I got 18.5, 10-30, 30-110, 6.7 -13 and 70-300. The whole thing fits into a tiny bag and just imagine with 2.7 crop factor, I have upto 810mm at my disposal. Image quality and AF is stellar and I think Nikon 1 system is the most underrated system out there. For a casual photographer there is nothing so compact out there. P:S: I have Fuji xe3 with few lenses but haven’t clicked a single picture since November 2023.
The GM-5 has been on my wish list for a while. You might consider the PEN Mini 2
Tom, you seem to dislike lightweight plasticy camera bodies. But when looking for a portable every day in my pocket or handbag camera for me the opposite is true. For more serious work I prefer big cameras with good ergonomics and ruggedness.
Well actually ruggedness would be a good feature for a small portable as well - and I think manufacturers should investigate more in this field: Make a lightweight AND rugged camera! And let's hope that will turn out cheaper than using titanium to achieve the same weight.
If that wifi button on the Nikon serves no other important function, I would honestly just pry the button cap off with a tiny flathead and be done with it. Prevents you from accidentally pressing it ever again, and you could probably just snap it back in later if needed. If it's as good of a camera as you say - and by saying something is S tier that literally means it's like perfect, the best of the best - then I assume that means it's not something you'd ever want to part with. So popping that button off couldn't do that much harm. And eliminating the only problem that you claim to have with it, would just make it a perfect camera
You make a good point 🤔
i love how tom uses and reviews budget/old but gold cameras 👌📷
Not seeing the OG Canon EOS M on the list is a crime. There’s an entire community out here making footage from that comparable to cinema cameras. People are literally selling market quality cages for it specifically, and it’s a “dead mount” APS-C camera from a decade ago.
Glad to see the M3 on here, but the M6 Mark II is the ideal successor with the same body/size.
And since you asked about smaller cameras than the M2, the M100 and M200 are slimmer and have flip screens, better firmware and the same lens family. Little better handling, but not volumetrically smaller than the M or M2.
That was my first camera ever I’ll never forget it haha
Congratulations Tom! Great and instructional video! I think you don't know the Panasonic LX-100 or the LX-100 II. They're m43, 24-75mm equivalent and a fast F1 7-2.8 lens. Please, give them a try and I'm sure you'll love them too!!!📸📷
Fixed lens, so doesn't count
Thanks for sharing, I'll definitely consider them 😊
@@noodzakelijkerwijs Yes, they're mirrorless cameras with fixed lens, the same way Sony RX1 35mm f/2.0. They're small mirrorless cameras too!
@@TomCalton I really hope!❤️
What about modern up to date small cameras?
Fuji XM5, XE4, XT30/XT50 (a bit larger for an small camera)
Sony ZVe10, ZVe10II
Sigma FP / FPL
And seems like there isn't more small cameras today. Is there any other one?
Excellent video! Entertaining and informative. I like the E-PM2 and I think it is a very good upgrade over the PM1. Still very small, lightweight, has the newer 16MP sensor with in-body IS (plays well with primes!), in camera a RAW processing, and looks awesome instead of ugly. Love the GM5 too, but mine has acquired a wonky dial or it would be my always EDC. The Samsung NX Mini has a lot of complaints elsewhere, so glad you got a good one. I got a Lumix GF7 as a consolation prize for not thinking the GM1 was worth the asking prices, and think it is a fantastic choice for all the reasons your excellent special guest has mentioned in another of her videos. The GF7 is way cheaper, but same guts as the GM1 and only a little bigger.
Both get and don’t get the FP entry at D class. Yeah they’re a bit quirky to use, but also leaps and bounds ahead of anything else here both in terms of image quality and video capabilities. If it’s solely on usability, maybe. Also not a lot of truly small lenses for it. But, it’s super simple and just gets out of the way of itself once set up the way you want. It doesn’t have 10 million functions etc. Also the simplicity of changing sensor size is majorly under appreciated with this camera. Tiny, incredibly flexible camera that’s built like a tank.
Putting the Sigma f-pl down so low is bizarre. But the rankings DO exemplify the audience / punters you’re trying to reach.
Personally, the slow shutter speeds of the digital shutter are too slow for 95% of my shots.
i was waiting for Nex-5 to make an appearance but only Nex-C3 made it 😂. btw i noticed you never made a review about NEX-5R. i reckon it's worth a look. while it seems like just a wee bit upgrade from the vanilla nex 5 but it's a vastly different sheep. while still being very affordable. would love to hear your take on it.
The C3 is the smallest of the NEX range which is why it made the shortlist over the 5. I'll definitely consider taking a look at the 5R though 😊
@@TomCalton, I guess you will do that, but please use the PMCA to download all the apps and make it more interesting, not to mention the option to edit the firmware to create a clean HDMI output, just a pure joy of a camera for tinkerers. I own a NEX 5N, 5R (used in a stereo setuo), 6 and 7. I don't see myself upgrading any time soon. Not to mention that the 5n is in my EDC...
@@TomCalton NEX-3N might another great contender, not to mention the a5000s
Olympus E-PL line can also be mentioned, it offers great image quality.
Great video. My camera nr. 1 is the Fujifilm X-E3. Small, powerfull, real dials and with an 18 mm pancake lense it fits in my pocket.
Everyone of these is a gem. Samsung also made a NX3000 APSC which deserves a place alongside the Sony and the Canon. Very over-achieved in its short life 👏👏👏
Ricoh GR III seems to be optimal. However also Nikon Z30 nicely combines volume, weight, ergonomics(stable grip is must-have) and performance.
I just picked up a Nikon 1 J5 off eBay with the 30-110mm, 18.5mm f1.8, and 6.7-13mm (hard to find that one cheap), and it's a great little travel camera. I'd really love a GM5 with a 14-140mm, since it's just about the smallest ILC with a viewfinder, but for what those cost (especially for ones that aren't Japanese language only), I could get a Sony RX100 M7.
I had a Nikon 1 J2 bought whenI was holidaying in Europe and my original camera had an accident. For the rest of my trip and while the larger Sony was in hospital, I took the J2 everywhere, as, even with the 10-30 zoom attached, it was pocketable. I didn't even rush to get alonger (30-110) zoom, as a screw on teleconverter worked pretty well.
However, when the card reader died, I got a Nikon 1 V1, which gave the very useful EVF, and I used this for a couple of years, almost displacing the Sony -- until the lens died.
When I was planning to go interstate for a couple of days last year, I was able to get a cheap J1 with a working 10-30 lens, and it did a great job while I was away and for a couple of weeks -- until the lens died.
I did manage to get a repacement board for the J2 and swapped the unusable one out, but the flash was dead. However, it worked in sunlight.
If they were a little reliable, I would probably not have gone to MFT cameras, but there you have it. It could have been an excellent camera and very relevant today had Nikon (1) focussed the range instead of throwing out J series, AW series, V series and the other ultra nobbled one, and (2) fixed some of the obvious reliability issues.
Oh, and (3) a flip screen from the beginning rather than on the very last one.
Similar to the Panasonic GM1: there's the GM line, the GF line (the cheaper versions - i have the GF7 with tilt-up screen). Then there's the GX850/ or 800 or GF9 in Japan. So, lots of options
We need a new version of GM1 and GM5.
It's been 10 years since I bought the GM1 and I'm still using it.
Tom always makes us feel like small things can perform just as good as big things
When I die, I want that as my epitaph
@@TomCalton 😂🤣🫶🏻
Some of these cameras were actually created to cater to Japanese buyers and their love of smaller compact products. While some of the cameras have their quirks and annoyances they are eclipsed by their size, an attractive quality in Japan.
I knew it, this video was not inspired by Emily at all...😂 Anyway, that was a great video. I wish manufacturers would build tiny cameras again. I wish Samsung would come back with a new NX Mini and above all, I wish Nikon would bring back the Nikon 1 series. I bought a Nikon 1 V1 when it came out and the only downside was the EVF, which was as useless as the screen under the sunshine, otherwise I would have kept it until the V2 came out. In my opinion, the V2 was the best, with its DSLR look and feel, and therefore practicality. In the Canon range, I would try to get an M50. I would also get a Pentax QS1, the latest one with the 1/1.7" sensor, the same sensor size as my former Nikon P7000 and the image quality was pretty good, actually. Hello manufacturers, make tiny cameras again !!
While I've never personally used the Nikon 1 J5, the thing that puts me off from buying it is that it is electronic shutter ONLY. That means no flash sync higher than 1/60, which is a shame because it actually has a decent TTL bounce flash that could be used to trigger larger external flashes for perfect product photography.
My personal recommendation in the Nikon 1 line-up would be the V3. It has a physical shutter and can still be used in fully electronic shutter mode if so desired. It also has the option to attach a grip that gives an additional dial and function button, external EVF, and larger flash unit (not at the same time as the EVF though sadly).
Paired with the 18.5mm f1.8, it is a shockingly, very capable camera even today. I actually use it in conjunction with a Nikon Z30 for product photography for less depth of field when it counts.
I wish Lumix would return to their compact cameras :(
Me too... Me too...
@@TomCalton Lumix S9?
@@DynoosHD Exactly this - I was waiting to hear how the S9 would compare, and it didn’t get a mention!
@@noobFab great. It is basically an s5 ii in an smaller Body. So less buttons and less grip to hold on, but it will make the same pictures. Fantastic Autofocus and image stabilization. Overall comparable with Sony, but for cheaper.
Well Tommy, I must tell you, I got one of those Nikon J5s after watching one of your previous videos. After 6 months of use, I have never hit that annoying Wi-Fi button a single time. 😅 Maybe you caused me to learn to avoid it. Love the camera. Gotta know the limitations, of course.
Overall, a great and fun video, Tom! Have had some of the cameras on your list....some due to your videos....only two rankings I was surprised about......fp L and Q-S1.....yes, the fp L is quirky, but takes great pics.....and not sure what Q lens you used on the Q-S1, but with my lens, I get very good pics, much better than the ones you showed.....otherwise, can understand your rankings....keep up the great work!
Put a top tier lens on the GM5 and *Wow*. I've used the 12-35mm f2.8 and the Oly 45-150 plastic fantastic on it and it really elevates the picture quality.
I don't see much relationship between the condemnation of the image quality of the Pentax Q and its position in the ranking, when it is above a 61 Mpx full format camera. But I agree that image quality is very important and I have the Pentax Q and comparing it with the Olympus EPM1 that I also have, it is evident that in many cases I have to use a noise reduction program so that the photos from the Pentax Q are more acceptable. However, for others this noise may be pleasant, especially in black and white. Many times I have thought about selling the Pentax Q but then I see that the quality is not that bad either and I have taken good photos with it and they are also one of those cameras with which no one takes you seriously.
Love your vídeos! All the best in Canada!
Thanks so much! 😊
It seems to me that all the brands didn't move forward with the technology that had in their hands between the years of 2009-2014 but are now giving us the recycled version of that technology... Beautiful cameras, I wish I could try them all out.
Got the X-M1 after giving away my X-A1. Kind of regretted it at some point, but am glad to have the X-M1. Great video and nice collab.
you might be delighted to hear that Fujifilm is planning on releasing a successor to the X-M1, in the shape of an X-M5, either later this year or early next year.
I don't know if it will have IBIS, recent Fujifilm lens releases would indicate that it'd be a yes, and it will probably have the same capabilities as the X-S20 otherwise (minus maybe the RAW video)
Probably price at $1000 + and hardly to get, because everything Fuji is always temorary sold out.
Cool video. I have tried so many small sensor pocketable cameras and have settled on my Samsung NX500. holds its own, even against modern APS-C cameras and I can use all the lenses I gathered for my NX1. NX500 should totally be on this list of pocketable cameras, especially when paired with some of Samsung's pancake lens offerings.
I had a Nikon J1 and I loved it. Maybe nikon started making mirrorless cameras when the market wasn't ready for that, yet... :)
I've tried to dip my toe into Fujiworld and doing it on the cheap. Contemplated the X-M1, but Fuji fans were telling me to avoid it. Then I looked at the X-E and X-A line, price considerations vs IQ/features came into play and settled with a X-A3. Despite good IQ and surprising construction quality, camera feels very sluggish so I'm not a fan.
I also own the GM1 and GM5. GM1 was cool for many years, but I prefer the GM5 acquired more recently. Tiny pixelated EVF is better than none at all!
I have most of the cameras in this chart barring the Fujifilm xm1, Samsung nx mini and the gm5. I will keep GM1and Sigma fpl in s tier. And nikon j5 in d simply because of its short battery life and faulty lens. Also I feel the smallest ilec camera is the Pentax q. Also anyone looking for a good mini size camera 5100 used or even zv-e10 are great choice. For me surprise has been eos m, its auto focus is bad, i have been trying to sell it and not getting enough but when i shoot it I still get great results.
Thank you for sharing all this information…& down the rabbit hole of cameras I go:)
Never thought I’d ever see a camera channel reference The Goonies, but here we are. Top bombing! 😂
Enjoyed the video. Hope you're enjoying your new home! 😊😊
I bought used nx mini one month ago, and I decide to modify the camera, and make diy c mount adapter, so I can use C manual lens. love it
The Olympus E-PM1 is not ugly. Okay, that white version is ugly, but not the black one.
And Olympus made the same sacrifice in the handling as Panasonic did with GM1/GM5 series, you can't get a great grip in those without extra grip attachment. But the idea is to have small tiny camera with you. Body in one pocket, and lens in a another pocket. And when moment of shoot appears, you put 1+1 and you have great camera with you.
The great things with Olympus is that you have hotshoe (that GM1 lacks, but GM5 has) and AP2, that allows to attach a external viewfinder if wanted. That makes it so nice versatile if wanted to go "up" in size and capabilities.
XM5 is surely going to take the top spot!
GM1 is great but I prefer using my GX1 for the grip and prefer the controls. Wish both had tilt screens though!
And GX80 / GX9 for a viewfinder.
That's the video I have been waiting for over a year...
Surprised you didn't include the Pen-F. Its about the size of the XM-1, with heaps of features, lots if buttons and customisation, and an EVF. Definitely S tier and has looks to match.
I totally agree about pairing Olympus E-PM1 with a pancake prime, and since I got it before Oly had pancake m43, mine also wears a Lumix. With IBIS, the lower tier Lumix is fine. Mine had to go to factory service to reattach the battery door (turns out leaving door open as a reminder to put battery back from the charger is a bad idea!), and came back with updated firmware. Anyone still shooting with original firmware should consider downloading the update. Fine EDC. Not getting as much use as I got a decent deal on a TG-6 (sealed, GPS, but not MILC/EVIL) which is even more pocketable and a nice deal on the 10 mk ii refurb. (Luckily it came with newer pancake zoom instead of old plastic tube kit zoom that was original issue for mk ii, which I already had one of with the PM1. The menu options on the mk ii are more for us old SLR folk, while mk iii/iv menus cater to folks moving up from iPadography.) If I'm wearing bigger pockets, the mk10 goes, if smaller pockets or weather, the TG-6, and the PM1 is relegated to backup & second-body. It now knows how the Pentax K-10 felt when it showed up. ;-) Some folks dislike OM menus (hi Emily) but having similar menus & firmware among all 3 Oly units is simpler for me; maybe it's Stolkholm Syndrome. Or maybe because I've dealt with really bad menus (Yaesu radios; which fit wife & daughter's lady-hands better than brands whose menus and battery heft I preferred), I'm just not easily offended. (My only gripe is with the Oly Android app that forgets the TG-6 when mk 10 pairs and vice versa. At least WiFI button doesn't lock it up immediately!) [you'll note both my brands have IBIS. Why pay for IS per lens? That's maximizing Canon shareholder value not my value! I can use vintage analog K-mount glass on the K-10, K-30 with IBIS, how cool is that? I gotta check used pricing on the K-1 ...)
Hi, I have owned a Samsung EX2F and I'm sure you'd have stuck it in the S rank (though it comes with a fixed lens, but what a great lens). It's only fault is to have disappeared from Samsung's catalogue about 10 years ago and never be replaced.
Few days until Fuji announces the X-M5, which appears to be a very small camera!
Of the list of cameras, the Pentax Q is the one that I wish I had been able to try. I still have my Samsung mini and the 9mm pancake and totally agree that it’s a brilliant camera for the size and way ahead of its time. Do you have plans on adding to the tiny camera list? There probably aren’t that many more out there…
My Sony A5100 is still going strong till today. My son uses it for now, he's just starting photography & videography and that 5100 can give him enough features to explore both worlds. It's just not as good looking as Lumix or Fuji 😁
Samsung NX-M is pretty good with adapted C-mount lenses, specially the Zeiss Jena C-mount lenses.
As people say, marry the lenses, date the body. Only Panny, Sony and Fuji really have good lens selection, the 1-inch cameras really lacked the good stuff, Nikon 1 system had a lot of zooms but nothing fast which was a shame.
what about sony a5100 or even a6000? i wonder which category will they fall into as they’re pretty compact too
xm1 with helios 44-2 had epic films look.
Just ordered the nikon 1 j5! me being an intermediate photographer and having come from the oh so feature packed Sony a6xxx series of cameras (I’ve had just about all of them) I found myself with the feeling of having more than what I can control so I dialed it down and got a camera I felt would be suitable for a more simplistic style of photography. (I also love the two tone silver and black retro look) And Now having ordered the simple but seemingly mighty Nikon 1 j5 I’m now looking for a more video based budget camera… any ideas?
Welcome to Calgary! :) Always down to grab a beer and talk cameras!
This video was so Wide that I had to connect a second monitor to be able to see the sides of it.
Fuuny thing, some years ago I bought a completely new green NX Mini 9mm f/3.5for about 150 Euros. The shop was closing and they art was on a sale.I didn't know the price was so high these days!
3:11 That's crazy price, in Norway they are cheap at 190,37 pounds, 243,902 USD.
So even if I break it it won't be a massive loss.
Samsung even made a camera smartphone, Galaxy S4 Zoom. Not a bad idea. Slightly improved size and ergonomics would be good. But it beats any smartphone camera. But it would be a bit bulky, but if you got big pockets it's not an issue.
Something better than my smartphone would be nice, so a small camera like this would be great. I already have a full frame camera, but I got that in my back pack, but something I can take out of a pocket and shoot quickly would be sweet. I'm a mountain biker, so the full frame camera stays in the backpack when I ride, but when shooting other riders or the trails or what ever else I have it out, but goes back into the backpack where it's safe. But at times I want to take a quick stop and take picture or two, so I have to use my phone. So thin and small, light would be sweet.
But I always bring my Sony A7IV in my backpack, unless it's dark and I go grocery shopping.
Many of these popular older digital cameras are now so over-priced that it makes far more sense to buy a new camera than a ten year old one because ... new and thus latest bits and pieces, guarantee, etc. ßome of these cameras are very tempting but secondhand might have been through many hands, dropped, and the electronics don't last that long, and might not be repairable. I had a Ricoh GRii bought new but it didn't last ten years and the repair cost was almost the same as the purchase price. Definitely caveat emptor for these older digital cameras. Though I don't like it that much, the Pen e-p7 can still be bought new though the lack of e-viewfinder capability is a deep mystery. I would sooner see a review of small mirrorless cameras that can still be purchsed new. Best wishes from Japan.
So great to see fujifilm revived the Xm series
Good luck getting a GM1 or GM5 at a reasonable price. They are very expensive second hand. Fortunately I have both, but I would have liked a red GM5 - currently there's one available for... £550 😱 I am surprised that Panasonic discontinued the line - a really daft decision. The GM5 is quite a bit better than the GM1 - a lot less fiddly and has a proper hotshoe on the top.
the nikon 1 is honestly one of their prettiest cameras to date, up there with the zf(c) and the original f slr camera
if the nikon 1 used z mount id scour the earth for one tbh
I’m with Emily.. GM5 is definetely S tier
Nice video!
Thanks! 😊
I am of the unpopular opinion that the old "spy camera" or last gen camcorder formfactor with the lens aligned 90 degrees to where the slr style camera puts the lens would be a huge improvement for these pocket cameras. Specifically with a small sensor, possible a 1 inch, such as is used on cellphones but with beefed up IBIS. Use C-Mount, opening up a broad range of vintage lenses and contemporary computer vision lenses and the formfactor starts to make sense, with the limit of the formfactor smaller than the cellphones of today though thicker. -- check the DXO ONE cam for an example, if only it had an EVF and lens mount.
Why are you taking the Sony Nex-C, Tom? The Nex-5T is technically much better and even more compact. I still have it as a backup camera on every photo tour. Compatible with all E-mount lenses and absolutely tiny.
if you use pentax qs1 with prime lens 01: standard prime and 07: wide zoom -> photo gets better image quality
Well cameras like the ricoh gr iii, fuji x70, fuji x100vi are mirrorless cameras. The Canon M200 is also smaller and has better AF than the M3 with dual pixel af/eye detection/tracking etc.
I believe one of the smallest cameras with stabilisation is the Olympus E-PL line.
GM1 + GM5. Found them to be a bit meh TBH. Their weird mechanical shutter arrangement, poor EVF (on the 5) and no IBIS meant they were kind of average. Also they used the Panasonic sensor not the Sony sensor. E-PM1 was pretty lousy and lacked controls. The absolute underdog and probably dirt cheap today is the E-PM2. Had one back in the day as my super small camera and it was ace. IIRC takes the Oly EVF which is cool, added touch screen the 1 didn’t have, has IBIS and non-weird shutter and really wasn’t much bigger than the GM1/5. Also has a much better sensor. Better looking than the 1 as well. E-P5 is still the goat of small bodied Olympus IMO. Bigger than the PM2 but 5 axis, dual dials etc etc. Looking at the sizes in this comparison the Pen-F could also make an appearance. Still one of the nicest made cameras ever. Fantastic in just about every way. Bloody expensive these days for a camera nobody wanted at the time.
Yup exactly the same experience with these cameras on my side. E-P5 beats them all. Even though I own Pen F too I prefer E-P5 when I do not need any EVF. Cheers
I like your recommendations, thank you
No Leicas?