Canon’s G11/12and Nikon’s P7000are in the game for some, but are bigger than I would prefer for daily walk-around use. There are pros and cons to each, but these have been the most popular among photographers. The Panasonic LX3/5, Canon S90/95 and Samsung EX1are three cameras that hit the spot. Over the past few years there have been a few cameras that are of pocket size but which produce decent image quality. Both were interesting, but ultimately found wanting in terms of image quality.

I keep my eye on trends, and have recently tested (though not published reports on) the Sony HX9Vand Olympus SZ-30MR. The problem is that the camera makers are still fighting the megapixel wars, and insist on putting ridiculously high megapixel count (14-16MP) and mega-zoom lenses in cameras with microbe-sized sensors. There are no end of shirt-pocket sized digicams. In the days of film my favourite was the Rollei 35. But now in the digital era the search continues. But I want a real camera: one that can always be with me and yet still produce publishable results. Sure, I have an iPhone and take snapshots with it. No, the cell phone just doesn’t cut it for me. One niche that I have found fascinating over the years is the pocket camera. No sooner is a niche identified than camera makes try and fill it. If your eyes are open you never know when a worthwhile shot is going to present itself.īut with the advent of cell phone cameras the ubiquitous always-presentcamera has become a reality, so why bother with anything else?Ī good question, and one that causes traditional camera makers to stay up at night with the sweats. Something that easily comes along wherever one goes – from a walk in the park to a night on the town. That’s why the world has Holgas as well as Hasselblads.īut one type of camera that most serious photographers need in common is a pocket camera. Not for any one photographer and his or her needs, nor different photographers. You see where I’m going with this, don’t you? No one camera fits all. I’ve done sports and wildlife photography, and that means a completely separate type of camera. My love of the outdoors and wild places means a camera suitable for high quality landscape work. With my long-time background as a photojournalist I need an appropriate camera for street shooting. I’m still searching for the perfect pocket camera.

Olympus xz 1 used