Here is my quandary over the choice of a 'travel' camera.
This July/August I am visiting 4 islands of Hawaii with my two children for nearly 3 weeks, as a once in a lifetime holiday. When I return, I want to have memorable pictures with good IQ and no regrets for having travelled with an 'inadequate' camera set-up.
Taking the Phase One 645DF, P45+ and 4 lenses/tripod etc is almost certainly a non-starter, due to weight/bulk. I currently have an M8 with 3 lenses (Zeiss 28 & 50 and CV 90mm) and also a Panasonic GF-1 with the 14 and 20mm lenses. I struggle to do well with and like the GF-1. Its days are probably numbered.
My cheapest option is to go with the M8. Which then leads me to think what about selling it and getting an M9? The cost of this change is not insignificant, especially if I change a lens and leaves my biggest financial asset, the P45+ sitting at home....
Enter the Alpa.... Even more expensive, but enables me to use the P45+ and I have been impressed with feedback from the fanbase of STC owners here. I still have a Schneider SS-110mmXL and so would need another lens, probably in the 40mm range. Logic for identifying the STC over the TC is the shift facility which I could use when back home too.
The P45+ doesn't offer ISO much above 400 and focussing on Alpa isn't as slick as the M8/9 etc etc. I see little point in spending lots of money for the privilege of obtaining out of focus 39MPixel shots!
There is of course the Canon 5D mkII or similar.... but somehow this seems too sensible as well as bulky. I've always preferred Nikon ergonomics and the unobtrusive nature of the Leica. Going this route, I would buy used and sell straight after the trip.
Those of you who use, or have used either an M8, 9 or an Alpa (or similar) as a travel camera, please can you offer me some advice based on your experience? Can you please allay my fears about focussing the Alpa? I have read the threads here in Dante's and wouldn't want to take a laser rangefinder too!
Playing devils advocate, the cost of swapping gear will almost certainly be significantly more than excess baggage for the Phase One 645DF system; might this really be my best option...?!
The reason for posting this far ahead of my departure is that I would want to make any change leaving sufficient time to ensure I can use it optimally.
Many thanks
This July/August I am visiting 4 islands of Hawaii with my two children for nearly 3 weeks, as a once in a lifetime holiday. When I return, I want to have memorable pictures with good IQ and no regrets for having travelled with an 'inadequate' camera set-up.
Taking the Phase One 645DF, P45+ and 4 lenses/tripod etc is almost certainly a non-starter, due to weight/bulk. I currently have an M8 with 3 lenses (Zeiss 28 & 50 and CV 90mm) and also a Panasonic GF-1 with the 14 and 20mm lenses. I struggle to do well with and like the GF-1. Its days are probably numbered.
My cheapest option is to go with the M8. Which then leads me to think what about selling it and getting an M9? The cost of this change is not insignificant, especially if I change a lens and leaves my biggest financial asset, the P45+ sitting at home....
Enter the Alpa.... Even more expensive, but enables me to use the P45+ and I have been impressed with feedback from the fanbase of STC owners here. I still have a Schneider SS-110mmXL and so would need another lens, probably in the 40mm range. Logic for identifying the STC over the TC is the shift facility which I could use when back home too.
The P45+ doesn't offer ISO much above 400 and focussing on Alpa isn't as slick as the M8/9 etc etc. I see little point in spending lots of money for the privilege of obtaining out of focus 39MPixel shots!
There is of course the Canon 5D mkII or similar.... but somehow this seems too sensible as well as bulky. I've always preferred Nikon ergonomics and the unobtrusive nature of the Leica. Going this route, I would buy used and sell straight after the trip.
Those of you who use, or have used either an M8, 9 or an Alpa (or similar) as a travel camera, please can you offer me some advice based on your experience? Can you please allay my fears about focussing the Alpa? I have read the threads here in Dante's and wouldn't want to take a laser rangefinder too!
Playing devils advocate, the cost of swapping gear will almost certainly be significantly more than excess baggage for the Phase One 645DF system; might this really be my best option...?!
The reason for posting this far ahead of my departure is that I would want to make any change leaving sufficient time to ensure I can use it optimally.
Many thanks