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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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