I love taking and sharing pictures of my canoe trips. Seeing the images that Canoeguitar creates is incredible and inspiring. But it takes a whole lot of talent, passion and commitment to get those results. While I'm not in any position to take it to that level I have been inspired to turn it up a notch.
One caveat I have always had is that a camera has to be small, light and easily accessible. Preferably small enough to fit in my PFD pocket! There are some very good reasonably priced compact cameras on the market; Canon G series, Sony DSC-RX100, Panasonic LX-7. But, they have smaller sensors and lack the flexibility of an interchangeable lens.
I spent some time this winter looking into Micro Four Thirds (M43) cameras. They have much larger sensors than almost all compact cameras. They shoot raw. Have better low light capability than compacts (though not at DSLR levels). They accept new and legacy lenses (with converters). Because of the crop factor the lenses are considerably smaller and lighter than DSLR. They shoot HD video. They are cheap, small and light. They are a compromise that sits squarely between compacts and DSLR's. The quality level is very much comparable to entry level DSLR equipment. Perhaps where they suffer most is at high ISO levels and with slower focusing speeds.
After some thought, I came to the conclusion that, for my current wants, the cameras features and specs were not as important as the lenses and overall camera size. I managed to pick up a clearance Panasonic GF3 at Future shop this winter. This thing is tiny. Certainly smaller than a Canon G Series camera. I have also acquired a variety of lenses for it including a 20mm (40mm Equiv) F1.7 prime pancake lens and a very old (late 60's early 70's) 50mm Super-Macro-Takumar F4 (100mm equiv). Both of these lenses are as sharp as anything you can buy today,
without spending $$$$ on a lens. I also have two ho hum kit zooms which combined will go from 28mm-400mm equivalent but weigh in under 7 ounces each. For the most part I paddle with the camera and 20mm lens or camera and 14-42mm zoom lens in my PFD pocket, ready to pull out at a moment’s notice.
I know I have a lot to learn and my photography is nothing spectacular but here are a few pictures I have taken this spring which would not have been possible with a traditional compact camera. I think this is an alternative worth considering.






Cheers,
Martin