The PERFECT Travel Camera? Almost. Leica Q2 / Sony A7RV / DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Choosing the right camera gear to bring with you on vacation (or travel in general) can be a real challenge if you have lots of options. Upon returning from a recent trip overseas, I decided to share my thoughts on what worked well, what was I wish I brought instead, and (more importantly) what I could have left at home.

[@marianosanchez9950]

Great to hear your thoughts on this. I've decided to sell ALL my Nikon Z gear and get a Leica Q2 to embrace minimalism and simplicity as a hobbyist, since I was not feeling very inspired and 28mm is my favorite focal length. However, I've been eyeing the Pocket 3 as a complement for on the go video, mostly family and travel stuff. After watching this video, I think that it will be my first purchase after selling my remaining Z kit.

[@RandumbTech]

The Pocket 3 is an AMAZING camera! It's perfect for just about anything and is so dang small. I still have my Q2, but have since swapped my A7RV for an A7Cii to further reduce the overall size of my kit. I am taking WAY more photos and video now that my gear is smaller/lighter/portable.

[@hasenmyer]

So close to my setup that I'm going to be using at the end of the month. A7CR wth 20-70, and the 40 2.5(probably won't use 40mm too much), richoh gr3 and the pocket 3. May sneak the 360 cam in just in case. Did you use ND filters with pocket 3?

[@RandumbTech]

I desperately want to love the A7CR, but it's missing the manual controls I crave and I think it's too expensive for what it is (poor EVF/screen). But I'm glad it's working for you! I didn't use any ND filters with the Pocket 3 - I just adjusted the auto exposure down -0.7EV in daylight. I also didn't use D-Log M. I used the Standard profile with 10-bit HEVC 4K recording. I did just pick up a Nikon Zf a few days ago so stay tuned for that review coming soon (spoiler alert - it's phenomenal with adapted Sony e-mount lenses)

[@stkuj]

Bro... almost my exact thoughts ... My travel kit is A7Cii, 20-70 G4, 40 2.5 and Pocket 3 (wish I had a GR3 ;)... thinking might get the ZV-E10ii (if the specs pan out) for my wife.

[@mrbadfox1944]

I bought both the Sony zv1 and the DJI pocket 3 and I think it's a perfect combination.

[@RandumbTech]

That's a great travel combo too. Nice and light!

[@davidgalicia9945]

Did you put a piece of black tape over the Leica red dot? Thinking of going stealth on mine when out.

[@RandumbTech]

I did. The last thing I want is to draw attention to it, especially while traveling. It still looks like a nice camera, but there are some thieves that are looking just for that red dot.

[@hasenmyer]

How do you think you would have gotten along with a 16-35 2.8, with APSC mode you would get from 16 to around 50mm?

[@RandumbTech]

The new Sony 16-35 GMii is a stunning lens. I'm sure it would have worked well, but too much overlap with the Q2 on this particular trip. I do prefer the longer focal length of 70 though.

[@hasenmyer]

in this video you mentioned you have the sigma 16-28. What are your thoughts on this lens? I'm thinking the extra 7mm of the Sony might be nice, but the price difference is really something!

[@RandumbTech]

The Sigma 16-28 is such a great lens - it's small, light, and very sharp even wide open at 2.8. I tried out the new Sony 16-35 GMii at my local camera shop and it's definitely better, but not 3X the price better! Plus it's bigger/heavier/etc. You can buy the Sigma 16-28 / 28-70 combo and still have $$ left over. I still prefer the colors and "look" of Sigma lenses compared to Sony. Sigma lenses are much better optically which makes them more attractive to adapt to other cameras like the Nikon Zf.

[@hasenmyer]

@@RandumbTech thanks for reply, I ordered the 16-35 gmii to try it out since there is no option to try in my area..I'll be really focused on how heavy it is, weight is such a huge issue as to if I actually want to use something or not

[@MrSka7cis]

Well first thanks for sharing, for me, I am planning on going with the tamron 20--40mm f2.8 and (in the future) a (beefy) 35-150mm f2-2.8. DJI Osmo pocket 3 looks great but out of budget now.

[@RandumbTech]

Happy to share! The 20-40 is a great walkaround lens. I tried the 35-150 at my local camera store and it was a bit too big and heavy for my taste, but the images are stunning if you don't mind lugging it around. Maybe you can rent the Pocket 3 for your trip? It is so simple to use and I am so glad I had it with me. I don't enjoy using my phone for video, but that would probably be your next best option. Have fun!