Should I choose a premium compact or a tiny mirrorless camera as an everyday carry companion to my DSLR?
Asked 12/6/2013
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I’m replacing an aging Canon S90 and want a truly small everyday camera to complement my Canon 6D. My priorities are: 1) size/pocketability, and 2) image quality that clearly improves on the S90. Typical use would be casual nights out, concerts, dinners, commuting, and spontaneous trips—situations where my DSLR is too large or inappropriate.
I’m comparing premium large-sensor compacts such as the Sony RX100 II or Ricoh GR against very small interchangeable-lens cameras such as the Panasonic Lumix GM1 with kit lens. I’d like to keep the camera for several years.
Are there clear advantages to choosing a high-end compact over the smallest mirrorless option for this role, especially if zoom flexibility matters?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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I went through sorta the same thought process right when the RX100 came out. What I found was that the 4/3s cameras are not as small as the RX100. I bring my RX100 with me pretty much everywhere, I would not do this with a 4/3s.
Of course the 4/3s have the advantage of interchangable lenses etc... but that doesn't help you much when it is at home.
Originally by user7310. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7310
12y ago
0
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For this use, the main tradeoff is pocketability vs system flexibility.
A premium compact like the RX100 series is generally the better choice if your top priority is having the camera with you all the time. The key advantage repeatedly noted is that these cameras are genuinely small enough to carry everywhere, while even very small mirrorless bodies become less compact once a lens is attached. A camera left at home because it’s bulkier is less useful than a slightly less capable one that’s always with you.
A tiny mirrorless camera like the GM1 gives you interchangeable lenses and potentially better image quality depending on lens choice, but it also means buying into a second lens system alongside your Canon setup. Several respondents felt that for a companion camera, that extra system complexity is often not worth it.
So if you want a simple, high-quality carry-everywhere camera, a premium compact is the stronger fit. If you care more about maximum image quality or lens options and are willing to accept more bulk, the small mirrorless option makes more sense.
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