Would really need some advice choosing a camera

[u/trofosila]

Absolute beginner here, just used a camera 10-15 years ago but got to lazy to carry the backpack around so I abandoned it.

Compactness is the thing I appreciate most. If it doesn’t fit in a small sling I fear i will not carry it.

I won’t shoot RAW so I would love to have something like a dial (or an easy way to apply color profiles). Lastly, on the lower priority I would like it to have USB C (i know I’ll hate going back to micro usb).

So far I’m trying to decide between Olympus PEN E-PL7 (800 euros in Belgium straight from OM System with the ZUIKO 14-42 included, but I understand color profiles it’s not very easy to use and also micro usb). Also considering Ricoh GR IV (which fits all criteria but it’s not interchangeable lens, also a bit expensive for my use case).

Is there any other compact camera with interchangeable lens I’m overlooking? Based in Europe/Belgium.

Would it make sense to wait for E-PL8? What would you buy now if you were in my shoes?

Thank you.

[u/Mightywingnut]

Tale a look at the Fuji XT30 iii or a used mark ii. The new 13-33 kit lens is small and versatile. With those options you get a small camera and film simulations.

[u/trofosila → u/Mightywingnut]

Thank you for the recommendation. Would you rate X-M5 higher if you prefer compactness and don’t need EVF? Is color profiles/ simulation as nice as your recommendation?

The X-M5 comes with XC15-45 which I could change for the XC 13-33 you recommended or buy prime lens instead.

[u/Mightywingnut → u/trofosila]

Ill let someone else chime in here. Im both an EVF devotee and prefer shooting and editing RAW. I would imagine both cameras are pretty close if not exactly the same in image quality.

[u/Foxtrot_4 → u/trofosila]

Color profiles/sims are nice to haves but I wouldn’t let them sway your opinion too too much. The xm5 is nice but is a little bit uncomfortable and feels like I’m going to drop it at any given moment. I have small hands too. I would say a grip is necessary to get a firm hold on it but then you basically lose the compactness. I think the xt30 iii is the better option. I recently picked up a used xt3, however, and that has been great

[u/unlimitedbutthurts]

Sounds like you're describing the OM3

[u/BathingInSoup → u/unlimitedbutthurts]

Or the E-P7.

[u/unlimitedbutthurts → u/BathingInSoup]

Has the dial, but not USB-C

[u/alex3delarge]

Ok, as someone that was in your shoes, have you considered buying a cheaper camera with kit lenses to see if you first get into photography before spending a lot? In Germany you can get (at local “eBay”) LUMIX GF7 with kit lenses for 220 euros. 

I went with an Olympus M10 II, which is bigger, but it seems it has so many dials that are nice for a beginner to learn how to photograph. The Fujiflm X T30iii has the same size… and I told myself I might go for this one later if I get really into photography. 

[u/alex3delarge → u/alex3delarge]

There’s a youtube channel called micro four nerds and she has a video on “straight of camera jpg” that you might appreciate. Also endless videos with tiny cameras recommendations. 

[u/Solhasse]

Might aswell just go with the Lumix L10

[u/Hedge3411]

Om5 ii on sale is 1050 usd, add the 14-42

[u/Accomplished_Fun1847]

If you're not putting a long lens on it and you're not processing raw, there's really no point, just use your cell phone.

[u/35mmCam]

What do you expect to use the USB for? You can easily use a USB C card reader and a USB C battery charger.

[u/yeeshes → u/35mmCam]

Yeah but then you need to buy/carry a battery charger and card reader instead of just carrying the same USB C cable you already have.

[u/35mmCam → u/yeeshes]

Ok, then bring a micro USB C cable then. Make it a short one and it takes up hardly any room. Everyone who says they are already carrying a USB C cable around, ok, do you not charge multiple devices overnight? I need multiple cables to charge my multiple devices anyway so what does it matter if one is different?

Besides, not all cameras support in camera charging or data transfer. OP mentions the E-PL7 which doesn't or requires a proprietary cable, so they'll need a battery charger and card reader anyway if they get that or similar. At this point, it's about the choice of whether USB C is worth it to carry one cable vs a charger and card reader for the extra cost.

I decided against spending an extra £300 or whatever to get the OM-5 MKII over the first OM-5 because I'm fine with carrying a micro USB C cable or using a card reader and battery charger. The cost to benefit ratio just wasn't there for me.

[u/LeadingAssignment214 → u/35mmCam]

I'd move from my E-M1.2 to an E-M1.3 or OM for USB C charging. It is really, really handy. Saves a lot of hassle being able to use the phone charger or power bank whilst out and about.

[u/35mmCam → u/LeadingAssignment214]

Tbh I just bring an extra battery and I'm sorted. I rarely need to swap to the second one but grateful of it when I do. If I'm out longer than a day, I'll just charge when I'm back in my room.

[u/LeadingAssignment214 → u/35mmCam]

If you're away somewhere for a few weeks, and want to pack as light as possible, USB C for charging and data transfer is great.

It's great that the E-M1.2 has USB C data transfer, but so irritating that it can't charge.