After spending 2009 and half of 2010 in trying out different cameras, I finally concluded that for my needs, I really need two cameras (1) a small rather tiny carry every where camera and (2) An SLR for those special occasions.
Interestingly small camera decision was more difficult than I thought. I wanted a camera that is small enough to forget that I am carrying it, but at the same time offer some key SLR type features viz. full control over shooting, RAW and best possible lens. Contenders were Canon S90, Ricoh GRD III and m4/3 EP1 and GF1.
I was seriously drawn towards m4/3 thinking if I get an m4/3 I don’t need to buy two cameras. It could be carry everywhere with pancakes and special with other lenses when need be. But though I liked the concept, size and image quality, I found some draw backs (with reference my photographic needs)
- Not that small (much smaller than a DSLR but still fatty)
- Lack of native lenses/primes.
- Very Costly (compared to equivalent DSLR and lenses)
But I am very positive about m4/3 system and speed with which Olympus and Panasonic are developing it. I hope there will soon be a m4/3 camera that will fulfill my DLSR needs.
Back to small camera search, the decision between S90 and Ricoh GRD III was relatively easy. I chose Ricoh GRD III.