Slightly OT...Camera for bike rides

[mass_biker]

Anyone do bike rides with a thin/light point and shoot camera to capture moments? My phone does a decent job, but wondering if the PL cognoscenti have any insights here...thanks - m_b

[dbnm]

You don't mention a budget but you might have a look at the Fujifilm XF10. This was my choice
https://amzn.to/31NzrSO

[mass_biker]

Not sure about budget frankly - looking for something

- thin (think jersey pocket)
- light (ounces vs. pounds)
- ideally weatherproof (would like to be able to grab it and take shots vs. stopping to take it out of a case/sack)

[scoobydrew]

I recommend the Sony RX100 series. The latest versions are expensive, but you can pick up an older one (generally anything MkIII and newer) to save money.

[mhespenheide]

RX100 or LX100.

But seriously, newer models of phones have pretty dang awesome cameras if you don't mind the fixed focal length.

[adub]

Leica M10

But on a more serious note I upgraded my iphone to the XR rather than packing a 2nd camera. Works great for me! And the Snapseed app fixes up the pics to the point I'v had a few printed on canvas.

[jamesdak]

I went with a Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II that I found used locally at a great price.

Smaller than my cellphone and much better image quality and capability

[yinzerniner]

Anyone do bike rides with a thin/light point and shoot camera to capture moments? My phone does a decent job, but wondering if the PL cognoscenti have any insights here...thanks - m_b

Really depends on what you’re looking to do with the photos.

If you’re simply looking to capture a moment for yourself to remember the image quality of the GoPro hero black is crazy good. Nice colors, can shoot in raw for even more manipulation, and is the defacto leader in portability and toughness

If you’re looking to publish some online or share them, a step up to the Sony RX, Panasonic Lumix or canon g series all have nice lenses and a larger sensor in a compact size roughly comparable to a couple decks of cards.

As others have said though a lot of the newest phones are incredible in their capabilities. Especially those with multiple cameras and enhanced manipulation through image processing software and powerful cpu. As long as you’re not pixel peeping they have the ability to closely mimic the picture qualities of dedicated larger sensored cameras. Also a lot of the newest phones have weatherproofing capabilities.

If thinness is you’re priority a phone is the only way to go. There’s really only so much physics can do with regards to how close traditional lenses can be from sensors

[mhespenheide]

Oh, or a Canon S90 or S95.

[charliedid]

Anyone do bike rides with a thin/light point and shoot camera to capture moments? My phone does a decent job, but wondering if the PL cognoscenti have any insights here...thanks - m_b

What do you want to photograph?

Budget?

[joosttx]

I used the Sony RX100 v.1 for a number of years before upgrading to a Sony RX1. The RX100 stayed in my jersey pocket or a saddle bag for about every ride for about 3 years! I would guess 3 times a week for 3 years. It’s an incredibly durable camera, that is small enough to fit into a Jersey pocket, while taking excellent photos. Price for the v.1 is good too. For me it is the ultimate camera for cycling. It doesn’t have a viewfinder which some people critique, but for me it was an advantage as it allowed you to frame stuff in broad more abstract compositional elements of the image.

With all that said I have a panasonic lumix that I have used about 4 times that I would sell you. Great camera too, I never battle tested it like the rx100.

[biker72]

I recommend the Sony RX100 series. The latest versions are expensive, but you can pick up an older one (generally anything MkIII and newer) to save money.

I have an older version of this and can agree it's a great camera.

[gavingould]

depends on what the intentions are with the photos, but when i bring a camera it's a Fuji xpro-2, usually with the 35mm f/1.4
a Fuji X100F would be good too.

[robin3mj]

Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR

Once you get the hang of snap focus, you’ll be ruined for anything else.

[dbnm]

My iPhone Xs Max makes some seriously good photos

[choke]

I currently use a Lumix ZS100. I like to have some zoom.

In the past I've used an older Lumix (ZS40 perhaps) and a Canon SX700HS. I prefer the operation of the Lumix over the Canon.

[montag]

Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR

Once you get the hang of snap focus, you’ll be ruined for anything else.

Been shooting with a GR II for the last 8 months. Love the usability one-handed and of course the snap focus.

[mass_biker]

Terrific suggestions all - thank you - going to track some of these down...

[BumbleBeeDave]

I currently use a Lumix ZS100. I like to have some zoom.

In the past I've used an older Lumix (ZS40 perhaps) and a Canon SX700HS. I prefer the operation of the Lumix over the Canon.

I have a ZS50 I have used for several years now. Lots of flexibility and a truly long optical zoom when you need it. I want to get the newer ZS because it is now 20MP. My older one is only 12MP. That can be a problem shooting on the move because I'm often shooting over my shoulder more or less blind and need the resolution to be able to crop to best pic and still have decent file size.

The only drawback I've seen is limited tonal range between highlights and shadows. I end up having to work with the final shots to bring up the shadows and tone downs the highlights. It does shoot HDR, but not good for on the move. I put it on sports mode to bias toward faster shutter speed.

Here's some recent rides all shot with the ZS50 Lumix:

Poultney, VT, gravel: https://photos.app.goo.gl/aXgGSNRnWDGfT6Tf9

Adirondacks Ididaride event gravel: https://photos.app.goo.gl/K4fvXgeHTR5aUKz48

Solo Catskills: https://photos.app.goo.gl/EDk1kfeLdmTvkxqF6

BBD

[joosttx]

Found a picture of my Sony RX100 when I retired it. Durable for sure.

https://live.staticflickr.com/7901/46464334851_88620692d0_b.jpg

[Marc40a]

I use a Fuji xt3, my iPhone XR, and a GoPro Hero 7.

It depends what you’re looking for.

I-phone is the most flexible in a compact package.

GoPro has a lot going for it. It’s the most portable, and as previously mentioned, takes photos in RAW format which is a step above the iphone. The main limitation is that you have to be comfortable with the super wide angle perspective and the compositional challenges that go along with that.

Fuji: pro quality, and probably overkill for anything that you’re not printing.

[MikeD]

My iPhone Xs Max makes some seriously good photos


Agreed. I have a iPhone X and I almost never take a bad photo. Photos automatically upload to icloud so they are available on my high resolution ipad. No heavy bulky camera in my pocket either. The only thing I miss from having a dedicated camera is the zoom lens.

[tctyres]

For you guys that carry the small cameras, how do you deal with sweat + camera? Do you have any problems?

[mktng]

Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR

Once you get the hang of snap focus, you’ll be ruined for anything else.

i'll second the Ricoh GR.

[p nut]

I was thinking about getting a camera for rides as well but for a slightly different purpose. I always see something interesting on most rides and I’m either too slow to get it out or too tired/lazy.

So I was thinking of a bar mount camera. Something like an old GoPro Sessions. I think I can rig a QR mount. Quick access and decent photos or videos. Then my phone for things worthy of better picture quality.

https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2016/08/GoPro-Handlebar-Mount-Hero4-Session2.jpg

[jfranci3]

A camera good enough to beat your phone? You'll need a Sony RX100 or RX1. If you want higher quality, the Panasonic lx100 or Sony Nex series. I wouldn't go sub RX100.

[mhespenheide]

A camera good enough to beat your phone? You'll need a Sony RX100 or RX1. If you want higher quality, the Panasonic lx100 or Sony Nex series. I wouldn't go sub RX100.

In terms of sensor quality, maybe, but the optics of a dedicated camera -- particularly the zoom lens -- can well beat out a phone if you're not shooting at the focal length of the phone (and therefore using the "digital zoom"; i.e., crop).

[joosttx]

A camera good enough to beat your phone? You'll need a Sony RX100 or RX1. If you want higher quality, the Panasonic lx100 or Sony Nex series. I wouldn't go sub RX100.

Rx100 and the RX1 are worlds apart. I wouldn’t recommend a RX1 to too many people. It is also too big to fit in a jersey pocket and is too big for most folks wallet (+$3000)

Regarding camera v iPhone: I have found a camera (at least the RX100) is easier to operate with one hand on a bike. That’s something to consider when thinking about buying a camera.