Backpacking camera - SLR alternative

[PirateMcGee]

So I'm looking for a backpacking camera to replace my d3000 (only when hiking or jsut to carry around) with lenses with something more compact/ portable, but can still take excellent pics.

Budget = 350 MAX (not willing to spend more including lens as theft, breakage, are both concerns).
Picture types: mostly landscapes, some semi portraits, long exposure (30 seconds), JPEG fine with good color retention (I don't like editing pics much), frameable quality up to 8x10" prints or so, good/excellent ISO performance up to 800/400

Needs:
Full manual control, with easy access
Durable
Interchangable lenses are fine but I am only buying one lense and leaving it on....I'll work with what I have
Smallish, pocketable isn't necessary but hip belt on backpack would be extremely nice

Nice to have:
Lighter weight
Good battery life
Video (not a biggy but nice)

Current cameras I am looking at Lumix LX7, Nikon J1 (cheapest option w refurb for dirt cheap), Nikon coolpix7000, Cannon s100

Ideas? Thoughts?

 

[kpredator]

camera

canon sx 50 or splurge and get a Panasonic fz 200
good luck
kp

 

[Dawgboy]

I have a 2 year old Lumix that fits the bill, but it was around 460$. Maybe you can find a used one? It's the LX5.


Brought to you by Cyberdyne Systems

 

[sickchilly]

I have a Panny LX-7 for sale if you're interested. Includes the electronic viewfinder and is in perfect shape. I used it a few times for exactly what you're thinking and it was a great go-anywhere camera. I switched to Fuji is the only reason I'm selling.

 

[photo_i]

I have two small walk around cameras - Panasonic Lumix LX3 and Olympus XZ-1. First one is good for wide angle shots and second one is for everything else. Both are nice and being old models are pretty cheap now.

 

[ywen]

THis is an excellent camera.. in fact, I've preferred to carrying this over my Canon full frame DSLR + lenses on trips..

http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-E-PL1...?ie=UTF8&qid=1380544958&sr=8-1&keywords=EPL-1

review: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2010/04/07/the-olympus-e-pl1-review-the-best-jpeg-camera-ever/

I have the same camera + kit lens I'm willing to sell for $200 if you are interested.. excellent condition.

 

[BretEdge]

I bought a Canon EOS M to test out a few months ago. I'm thoroughly impressed. Image quality is outstanding, the LCD screen is gorgeous, it's easy to use and very compact. It's also only $350 with a 18-55mm lens. I didn't have high expectations for the camera given some of the reviews but I've been very happy with it. No hesitation at all in recommending it.

Canon EOS M w/ 18-55mm lens

 

[LR Max]

Canon S Series.

I've got a S95. Darn good camera. Its point n' shoot size, but definitely heavier. Full manual control and good image quality. Great battery life.

I think these days they are on S110. Should be able to pick up a used/refurbed S95 or S100 in your price range.

Decent image quality in low light but its not full frame DSLR with 100,000 iso.

 

[PirateMcGee]

Thanks for the suggestions....probably go with a s100 due to size. Going to have to wait though as I had to buy quite bit of backpacking gear for my fiancee for an upcoming 5 day backpacking trip. Decided I'll just haul the SLR since i'll probably never do the hike again and want to capture it as well as I can.

 

[Ryanmb21]

Adorama has refurbished s100 for under $200 right now.

 

[PirateMcGee]

Thanks all, ended up getting a FujiFilm XF1, manual zoom, pretty small, slightly larger sensor, and exr. Got it last night but really like the form/function so far. On amazon for $200 now.

 

[sickchilly]

Great choice, IMO. I'm very impressed with my X20 which has become my take anywhere camera.