In the past 4+ years that my blog has been up, I have used lots of different cameras.  The sensor sizes have varied from 1 / 2.33 to 1 / 1.7 to micro 4/3 to APS in more different cameras than I can count, or remember.  The quality of my images has varied a bit with general improvement as time went by and as I predominately used APS size sensors.  During this evolution my highest image quality (IQ) was obtained with my Fujifilm X100 and then with my Fujifilm  X-E1 cameras and various XF lenses.  Another major factor in my improvement in IQ was achieved through my switch to taking my pictures in only raw format and then using various software programs to develop them.  The issue I am pondering now is “what is next?”  Should I continue to seek better image quality or just worry about getting the picture?

Before I go further with this line of thought I want to say that the needed camera quality, and thus the needed image quality depends upon the type of pictures made.  If I wish to continue taking pictures of flying or even sitting birds, I need a sharp telephoto lens and the focusing speed of my Pentax K-50 and a minimal focal reach of 200 mm (I really could use a longer reach).  If I wish to make pictures indoors under poor lighting conditions I really need my X-E1 and excellent fast lenses to keep the noise down and resolution up.  This means that I cannot separate the quality of my cameras and lenses from the types of pictures I want to make.

There is another factor that affects my camera choice.  There have been two times in the last 6 years when I could not walk without a cane or walking stick.  Needing to rely on such a device put a damper on my ability to carry and use a larger, heavier camera.  Being the realist that I am, I know that it is highly likely that sometime in the future I will be using such devices again and thus I am constantly on the lookout for a better camera for such circumstances.

Taking all the above into consideration I ordered a very small Panasonic Lumix LF1 camera with the intention to first try the smallest and cheapest camera that looked promising.  My intent is to try it and see what kind of photographs I can make with it.  In addition, I hope to use it as an always-with-me pocket camera.  One of my justifications for thinking that I might get by with such an inexpensive, small sensor camera is a growing realization that the most important factor in my photography is composition.  I am hoping that always having a camera with me will enable me to make more images as I travel a further distance from my Villa so that I can find new scenes to photograph.  To those who suggest an iPhone, my answer is that maybe eventually, but for now I want a larger sensor, the ability to make raw images, and a zoom lens without the monthly data costs.

I have learned that many of my viewers only look at my blog to see the pictures.  They don’t care what camera I used, and many don’t even read what I write.  Some only look since they are intrigued about what I photograph almost every day even when I am not traveling to new places.  For those of you who have noticed, I now rarely state what camera, focal length, setting, etc. I used.  It isn’t as important as the composition and my vision for finding images.  The purpose for me writing this article is to inform those few who are interested in my approach since they have, or might have, similar problems and beliefs.

Finding the proper balance between camera size, weight, image quality, subjects photographed, camera availability, etc. will take time and will change depending upon circumstances.  I will see how easy it is, or isn’t, to use the LF1 and whether the quality is sufficient for some uses.  The amount of use will also change over time as my needs change, the amount of light available, etc. and whether or not I end up adjusting my compositions to fit the camera rather than choosing the best camera for the subject.  It is sort-of the old issue of which came first, the chicken or the egg.  If the LF1 isn’t sufficient, I will continue looking for an easy to carry camera since being able to take pictures at any time is sometimes more important than achieving the ultimate image quality for the pixel peepers.