Is it time for an EVIL camera?

I find that travelling with a DSLR on short trips has its pros and cons.  Of course, the good thing about it is that it captures a much wider dynamic range for sceneries (well, I am using scenery as a simple word for both street photography and landscape photography), is generally better for low light photography where using a harsh flash may just not be a good thing and the ability for manual controls to sometimes be a little creative.  However, it is also a bane at times as you will need to lug it around with you.

So, the thought of not loosing those advantages whilst travelling seem to lead us to the EVIL cameras.  They are not exactly EVIL, but stands for Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens cameras.  These are the Olympus PEN, Panasonic GF-1/GF-2, Sony NEX and Samsung’s NX-10 cameras.  In fact, some of them even boast the same or even more superior sensors than entry level DSLRs.  However, you do loose some useful buttons for quick setup changes on the cameras with them.

Anyway, now for those who are like me … HERE is a new reason!  Although it is not my preferred travelling destination, but this may happen in various places around the world.  Recently, I was stopped from taking a picture about 50 metres away from the US Embassy in Ho Chi Minh City and I think if I wasn’t using a DSLR, no one would have noticed it anyway!

Or maybe a good compact camera such as the Panasonic LUMIX LX-5 or a Canon S95 would be more convenient?

[Rumours] Panasonic GF-2 … tomorrow?

Following the success of the Lumix GF-1, Panasonic is expected to launch the Lumix GF-2 tomorrow … did I say tomorrow?  Actually, I am not sure, but generally most launches, whether they are cars, property or even cameras seem to occur on a Thursday :-)

Together with the GF-2, it is also expected that Panasonic will launch a 50mm equivalent lens (is that 25mm in 4/3 speak?) and rumours has it that it will be so compact that it will rival that of it’s own offering, the Lumix LX-5!  Of course, it has a larger sensor but with the same megapixel … 12MP.  Not much other information available but expect it to be priced similarly to the GF-1.  Will the GF-1 see a price drop or will it be replaced?

What’s interesting with this model.  It seems that it will have a built-in EVF and it is positioned at the side.  This makes sense as the camera is small and hence there is a need for the shutter to be far enough from the EVF.  It is also suppose to have a repositioned pop-up flash that is much like a DSLR, in that it is above the lens mount.

For those who are interested … I believe this patent filing document will give you an idea of what to expect.