Deciding on a mirrorless camera for travelling, considering Nikon 1 AW1?
 

I'm looking to get into the 4/3 market and have no idea where to really start. I've read numerous reviews and checked some other sites and its' just made me more and more confused the more I research. So I'm looking to you all for some advice.

I'm looking for a camera that I will be taking travelling (Backpacking) through Europe for 3 weeks this summer and attending the music festival Tomorrowland (3 day outdoor festival). I currently have a Canon t1i that I learned on and would consider myself a Novice/Intermediate when it comes to shooting the DSLR, but don't want to lug that around as my luggage space is limited and DSLR's aren't allowed in the festival. But even then, I purchased that camera about 4 years ago and haven't even looked at whats out there since then.

I've heard about the Nikon 1 and looking into that I found the AW1 which appeals to me as being rugged and waterproof/shockproof. As I mentioned I'll be going to Tomorrowland and feel the waterproof (in case of rain) and shockproof (in case gets bumped/dropped in a crowd) will be a benefit. But I'm not 100% committed to it and wanted to see if anyone had any other opinions or suggestions when it comes to anything comparable in terms of features, image quality etc.. I'll be using it as a primary camera while travelling and most reviews I've read had people using it as their "Adventure" camera (Snowboarding, hiking, biking etc) would it be okay as just a daily use camera as well?

I've heard good things about the Olympus PEN series, but again don't know anyone personally who's actually used or had one.

Thanks for any input/advice

A few things:

1. The AW1 is not m4/3rd. It's a slightly smaller sensor offering a 2.7x crop factor (m4/3 is 2x)
2. If you really need waterproofing, the AW1 is your only choice in the interchangeable-lens sector.
3. In daylight, you'd be hard-pressed nowadays to find any flaws with m4/3rd image quality. It has improved significantly. That said, low-light photos have improved as well but still won't get you as good as a dslr imo.

With that out of the way, there are a few other m4/3 cameras that are weatherproof (but not waterproof). This means they are sealed against dust and moisture (assuming you have an appropriately sealed lens). The new Fuji XT1 comes to mind, as well as the Olympus OM-D series (1/5).

The thing you'll notice about those suggestions is that they're mostly more expensive than the AW1. Also, you'll have to invest in the ecosystem lenses (this is kind of a duh, but it depends how serious you are with respect to ditching your dslr).

I've personally used an OM-D EM1, and it is AWESOME. If I had extra cash, it would be in the running with the new Fujis for a second (smaller) camera system.

But again, I suppose it all depends on your expected budget. If you don't need weather/waterproofing, then there are a million other choices for ILC mirrorless cameras.

Thanks for the reply.. Yeah I'm looking for something just smaller/more compact/more discreet. I know it won't exactly be a replacement of my slr, just something that's better than a point and shoot that can shoot raw and produce decent images all around. My budget is about $800 so not sure where that will take me. The camera doesn't have to be fully waterproof as I'm not planning to really take it snorkeling or submerging it too much but I just felt that was a good option gas I won't have to worry about it when or if it rains hard so weather sealed will be okay.

I'm just asking if there's anything other than the Nikon aw1 around that price range I should check out before pulling the trigger on one.

Thanks again!
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If it doesn't have to be waterproof then I'd look elsewhere. You'll get better IQ in most cases getting a NEX/PEN/GFx/OMD/Fuji.

Your budget allows for the level just below top-of-the-line for mirrorless cameras (A7/r excluded).

How pocketable does it need to be? Most zoom lenses in this segment still stick out quite a bit, so it's not exactly pocketable. Most mirrorless manufacturers offer a pancake prime, but you're stuck with one focal length (which may bug you).

If I were you I'd probably go something along the lines of an RX100/S100-type camera since you're not getting rid of your slr. It's not an ILC, but you'll be getting excellent IQ, compact size, and no fuss about changing lenses for different focal lengths. The RX100 is more camera than most people need, and has excellent IQ to boot. It's at the top end of your budget, but if you read all of the reviews you will see why many find it well worth the price.

I am taking an X100S as a complement to my DSLR when I go travelling, I'm just starting to get acclimatized to it, it focuses differently and handles differently, but it's a beautifully small and sophisticated little package.

It's doesn't have to be pocket sized, as you mentioned most of the zoom lenses won't allow that. But thanks I'll definitely give the rx100 a look. How's the speed of it?
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From limited use it's very fast. Both in operation and AF.

My only gripe is that it's fairly expensive for a second camera (to me at least). I still don't have any issues (yet) about bringing a dslr around.

I got an Olympus EPM1.. .its pretty good!

i got the sony nex3n i was worried it'd be too thick to be pocketable so i picked up the 20mm pancake lens too but it only shaves like 0.5cm from the thickness compared with the 16-50mm lens that comes included with the cam :/

not a problem if you're wearing a field jacket et al. otherwise its not exactly pocketable for your pants :/

and the form factor of the 3n is basically the same with the other cams you're considering

the new sony alpha a5000 adds a touchscreen (which i feel is needed), wifi/nfc, and bumps up the mpx to 20
so i would give that a consideration if you take a look at sonys lineup (mainly for the touchscreen :D)

OMD EM5 is an option for a mirrorless camera that is weather sealed. It's just a bit over $1000 though.

When the waterproof 10-100 lens comes out for the AW1 I would say that would be a pretty sweet travel system since you get full waterproofing.

The older Nex 5n has some cheap waterproof cases online too.

I took my Nex7 for travel but because it was rainy season in the philippines when I went I didn't get much use out of it. Though I did use my sons Nikon S30 for the waterpark and the beach.

When the Olympus omd em10 I think I'll check it out as its expected to come out with a $800 price tag which is my budget. The em5 looks good too and I can get it for $850 with the 14-42 new, but think I'll wait until the em10 comes out to compare.

I don't think the em10 is weather sealed, so I would look into another less expensive m4/3 body.

If you can get the em5 for that price, I'd go with that personally.