Camera Talk

Hi all -

Last month, as kind of a graduation present for my son (yes, for those of you from nelsonfoto, my son is now in college - I can't believe how fast it's gone), a birthday gift for my daughter (driving soon) and an anniversary gift for us (21 years!), we packed up to Paris last month. Spent 7 days, rooms on Rue di Rivoli, a few blocks from the Champs-Élysées. Epic trip, and likely the last such we'll take as the kids start on their own paths.

When we were planning, I pondered cameras to bring. Honestly, though, I'm kind of over shooting film. Heresy, but true. I want to shoot some large format, and I love my cameras, but the thought of traveling with film, developing, scanning, post processing - it all just seems like more than I have time or effort for. But I wanted to bring something along. Found some joy with an early birthday present - a Canon G9X mark II. It's more of a compact camera than a point and shoot. Extremely capable, lots of control. And tiny. I mean, TINY. Grabbed one from B&H about two days before we left. So glad I did. Shot a ton, lots of chaff, but truly fun.

So, a few from the trip. Again, more or less just snashooting the whole time, but entirely awesome.

Paris, August 2018 by Scott, on Flickr

Paris, 2018 by Scott, on Flickr

Paris, 2018 by Scott, on Flickr

France, August 2018 by Scott, on Flickr

Paris, 2018 by Scott, on Flickr

Paris, 2018 by Scott, on Flickr

Paris, August 2018 by Scott, on Flickr

Quite a few more here. Thanks for looking.

Scott

Very nice travelogue, Scott. Your Canon seems very capable (though I would want an eye-level viewfinder, too), and I think it wise not to do family travel with bulky camera gear - film or digital. Good to see your family again.

James

Thanks, James. I thought I'd miss the viewfinder but it became quite intuitive quickly, and with the touchscreen all the settings and controls were immediately available. It is a different way of shooting though.

My son gave me a coupon for Christmas - a photography travel trip, the two of us. Largely why I'm rehabbing the 8x10 now. Otherwise, I agree - too much gear on family trips is no good.

Scott

Some good stuff there, Scott. And you're right, a small camera is just the thing for when you are traveling. It's one of the reasons I got my P7700, though it's getting long in the tooth now, and I'm hoping to replace it soon. But now Nikon is in a transitional period, and I don't know whether to wait and see what happens with their Coolpix line-up, or switch brands.

You can save the large format for when you have time to be more contemplative. I've enjoyed your Paris photos.

PF

Very nice family trip and photos, precious moments for you all.
Thank you for sharing Scott!!

Great memories, Scott. And as for the camera: the right tool for the job at hand. Sometimes it's small and digital, sometimes it's large and...something analog. Don't stress about having to be in one camp or the other!

Robert

Lovely trip. I'm envious. And beautiful photos, too!

Philip
.

Sometimes small and simple is the way to go. Less over-thinking, and you end up enjoying shooting anyway. The small 1" sensor cameras are more than capable.

When we went to Canada a couple of months ago, I spent a few weeks beforehand wondering which camera, which lens? In the end, most shots were taken with the phone (Huawei P9). I still need to process the ones taken with the "real" camera (GX7).

Glad you enjoyed the trip!

Hi Scott, great pictures from a capable camera (and photographer). I think your fine results are proof that a small camera is perfect for travel shooting without hassle.

Great results, Scott. Thanks for sharing!

Indeed, no big equipment is needed for good photography these days, especially for travel pictures. Except maybe if you are a PJ on assignment.