“Oneika Answers” is a new feature on the blog where I respond to readers’ burning questions about travel, expat life, teaching… and anything else you’d like to know! If you’d like to take part, email me with the subject line “Oneika Answers” at oneika [at] oneika-the-traveller [dot] com!
Just last week, I got the following comment on my blog from Danielle, a reader:
“Great pics! Forgive me if you’ve mentioned this already — what camera do you use? Thanks!”
It’s a question I get a lot; at least once every couple of weeks. And it is a valid question. Because, you see, photos and picture-taking are an important part of travelling, and even moreso when you blog about travel! I create memories on the road and snapping pictures helps me to freeze these good (and sometimes bad!) moments in time. Pictures are a record, a keepsake, of all the crazy, stupid, astoundingly fantastic, or frighteningly dreadful things I have experienced around the world.
But I digress. Danielle wanted to know which camera I use. In fact, I use two and I am crazy in love with both: the Canon 600D and the Lumix LX5. Why two? They serve different purposes in my life, which I’ll outline below.
The Lumix LX5 is probably one of the best compact digicams on the market. I bought it two years ago when I lived in Hong Kong. I previously had a camera that I was unhappy with (crappy quality) and for a long while did a ton of research in the hopes of finding a digicam that could produce high-quality photos and videos without being a DSLR (at the time I abhorred DSLRs- I found them too heavy and clunky)! After a few months I took the plunge and got the LX5. It cost a pretty penny; two years ago a brand new LX5 ran you about $450 USD. But I was, and still continue to be, a huge fan of the quality. Take a look at some of my pictures:
I soooooo recommend this camera! For a while, it was all I needed. I loved that it took wicked night shots. I loved that it was so compact. I wrote about how my little LX5 was so awesome that I didn’t need a DSLR. And then what did I do?
I ran out and bought a DSLR.
It was Liebling’s fault, really. He got one as a gift and I found myself majorly envious. So after a lot more research, I went out and bought an entry-level DSLR, the Canon 600D. I bought a brand new one on sale for $800 USD.
Yes, it’s big, but my pictures with it have an even more professional look to them. I use the kit lens (18-55 mm) and Liebling sometimes volunteers his wide angle lens.
Don’t ask me about what editing program I use, because here’s the thing: I don’t edit any of my photos. I don’t know anything about editing; what you see is what you get . It’s out of laziness more than anything else- I simply can’t be asked to use Lightroom/Photoshop to enhance/alter my pics!!
So there you have it, my camera “secret” revealed. What camera do you use?
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
I use a Nikon Coolpix L105 that looks like an SLR (lots of people asked me if it was one because the design is similar) but it’s just a point and click. I like it well enough, my pictures don’t turn out AWFUL.
I am upgrading to the Song NEX-6 which is really beautiful. The photos are crisper and the shutter is a lot faster – which I prefer because my Coolpix is really slow and takes a few seconds too long to turn on and then a bit longer to snap photos!
I’ve heard really good things about the Sony!
Oh wow! Yes, I remembered your camera post about the Lumix and didn’t realize you’ve since bought a DSLR. I’ve referred people back to your post too who aren’t quite ready for one but want a strong camera. Good for you and welcome to the club – DSLRs are pretty awesome
Quiana recently posted..Diary of a Chronic Complainer
Yup!! I mix it up though so some of my pics are with the digi and the others are with the slr!
I adore my Canon G11 and been taking it everywhere for 3 years. It’s so easy to use like a pocket camera with great result. Most people think I use a DSLR camera.
And last week I just bought a DSLR camera, Canon 650D because I think I need to upgrade my skill. Still learning to use it though
DebbZie recently posted..Malaysia: Food Porn
Whoa, didn’t know that!
I use Lumix as well, but since I’m typing this at work (and yes getting paid for that) I can’t tell the exact make of it. But I love its compactness though I have great difficulty taking photos in dark.
Ele recently posted..Žygelis per keturis piliakalnius arba Kovinės voverės egzistavimo įrodymų beieškant
LOL. Yes, I think that the problem ultimately with these small digicams is that their sensor isn’t big enough to take good night photos…
The photos are stunning, I doubt editing would make them any more so than they already are.
Adeola Adebayo recently posted..Magodo Estate in Nigeria (Nigeria Houses)
AWww that’s so sweet! Thanks!
I use a Nikon Coolpix L810 and I also have a canon A2200.
You pictures are so clear and I doubt if editing would make much difference.
‘Lara recently posted..A Blogger’s wedding
Thanks!
Hi Oneika!
Interestingly, I’m one of the people who’d asked you about your camera a few weeks ago. I’m glad you moved up to the Canon 600D. It’s a much better camera than the Lumix. However, in those times where you can’t carry around a DSLR the Lumix is a great choice. Have you taken any classes to learn about shutter speed, aperture, and ISO yet? If not, you should take a short course. It will open up a whole other world of possibilities in your picture taking. I have a Canon T2i (550D) and before that I had a Canon EOS Rebel-G (film). I love everything about the camera!
Hi Ivan! I haven’t taken classes but have been learning on my own slowly but surely!
I don’t edit photos either!!! I think it’s a sign that you’re a true photographer when you don’t need to edit. LOVE that ET shot!
Andi recently posted..San Francisco & Napa Valley: Day 4 (Part 1)
Wow, you don’t?! Dang, your photos are incredible!!
Am I the only one who thinks editing pictures is kinda like cheating?? What you snap should be what you get!
I use a Sony Nex-5. I’ve eyed a few DSLR cameras but I’m sticking with this camera for the foreseeable future. A lens upgrade is on the horizon though. I want something with a super awesome zoom to open up a new world of options.
I’ve known some folks with a natural knack for taking pictures and they capture some great shots on matter what type of camera they use. Great pics from both cameras. Thanks for sharing!
Michaela recently posted..101 Things to Do While On Travel – Part 2
Sometimes I kinda do…
For the longest time I used the Nikon coolpix camera. I loved that camera and did get some amazing pictures. Even some amazing HD videos that helped to launch my YouTube channel. But then I wanted to switch to an entry level dslr. Instead I did tons of research for over a year actually and ended up getting the Olympus Pen E-PL3. I looooove this micro 4/3rds camera. The dslr impact and lens changing ability without that awful weight!
A couple of bloggers I know swear by the Olympus Pen; the quality of their photos is phenomenal as well. I’m not sure I’d get a micro 4/3 now since I already have a DSLR and digicam, but definitely recommend it if you’re looking for one ‘all purpose camera’
Now you have me putting “new camera” on my birthday list,, love all your photos! my camera is a sony from ages ago… I need to upgrade
kyomm recently posted..Just Unexpected!
I am in love with my cameras. They were really great investments.
I’ve been quite happy with my Sony Cybershot and Picasa for editing, but now that I’m trying harder to take quality photos (and spending some time with people who have brilliant cameras) I’m getting some camera-envy. I’ve heard that the Canon 600D is a good transition for a DSLR beginner–have you found that to be true?
Sara recently posted..Topkapı Palace: Stomping Grounds of the Ottoman Sultans
It is super super easy to use so I highly recommend you take the plunge
I’m just getting back into photography. Since I got my iPhone I got super lazy and took all my pictures with that and then played around with the awesome apps that are available. But then I went on safari in South Africa and found that my phone just wasn’t up to the job and I started using my ‘proper camera’ again.
I have a Sony NX3 and I love it but I’m think I’m ready for an upgrade. I need to speak to an expert because I don’t know if it’s the camera that isn’t powerful enough or if I just need a new lense. But finding an independent expert is more difficult that you’d think!
Monica recently posted..Shark Cage Diving in South Africa
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Hi Oneika,
I love your blog. Since you don’t travel with a companion, who takes all of these pics for you (the ones where you’re in the shot)? I know you travel alone a lot, no? Do you give your camera to travelers/passers? I always worry about theft.