A Micro Four Thirds camera makes an equally tempting alternative when you travel but chances are that an avid photographer would swear a digital SLR still makes a better investment.
SLR is an obvious choice but premium compacts are equally impressive. It is handy enough for a quick snap and has many SLR-like features, mode dials and manual controls for greater creativity. In many ways, there’s very little difference between a highly rated compact and an entry-level SLR.
Travelling light is the way to go and if greater control, faster speed or interchangeable lens mount is less critical, a premium point-and-shoot camera, small enough to fit into the pocket, is the camera to pick.
I have a Canon SLR and a compact but the latter has been my camera of choice when I travel. The Panasonic Lumix LX5, which I purchased late last year, produces excellent image quality with its ultra wide and flexible 24-90mm zoom lens. The sleek design aside, the feature packed camera also captures great pictures in low light, thanks to its bright F2.0 lens.
Like all modern cameras, the 10-me
gapixel LX5 is indeed a versatile device. Weighing only 271gm (with battery), it can also double up as a video camcorder with 720p HD video capability and a dedicated video record button. What’s more, you can use the optical zoom while recording.
Travel Tips: If you must leave the bulky SLR gear at home, consider a prosumer camera for as little as RM1,300 (street price). Besides the Lumix, you can consider other equivalent cameras – Canon G12, Canon S95, Nikon P7000, Olympus XZ-1 or the newly launched and ultra-compact Sony NEX-C3 with interchangeable lens. Make sure you buy a 8MB or 16MB (Class 6 and above) SD card and have a spare battery handy when you travel.
