So I finally convinced myself to upgrade from my old DSLR that I've been lugging around since college. It is just way too heavy for my upcoming backpacking trip to the PNW next month and I really dont want to be dealing with the weight when I am hiking all day. My budget is strictly around 1500 bucks including a lens if possible, maybe a little more if the deal is too good to pass up.
Ive been scouring the usual sites for deals all morning and Im kind of torn between three options right now. The Sony a6400 seems like the sensible choice since it is compact and has great autofocus, but then I see the Fujifilm X-S10 getting so much love for the color science and the ergonomics seem better for my smaller hands. I also looked at the Canon R10 because of the interface, which feels more familiar coming from my old setup. I keep going back and forth because I dont want to buy into a system that I end up hating a few months down the line.
Is there anywhere actually having decent sales right now? I saw a few things on B&H and Amazon but everything feels like full retail price or maybe just a tiny discount that doesnt really move the needle for me. Im in the states if that matters. Should I just bite the bullet and buy now to make sure I have time to learn the menus before I head out or are there usually bigger promos coming up that I should wait for? If you had to pick one for travel photography specifically, which one would you actually trust to hold up on the trail...
Honestly, retail prices are pretty stale right now. I'd skip the Sony a6400 24.2MP and grab the Fujifilm X-S10 26.1MP for the better grip and colors. Much better for hiking.
> I spent a decade lugging a brick of a DSLR around until I finally swapped to an Fujifilm X-S10 26.1MP setup for a thru-hike @Reply #2 - good point! Honestly, I am super cautious about gear failure when I am miles from a trailhead. My biggest worry is always moisture, so I ended up snagging a Fujifilm X-S10 26.1MP APS-C because the weather sealing is pretty decent for the price. People seem split between the Sony a6400 24.2MP APS-C for the autofocus and the Canon R10 24.2MP APS-C for the ease of use, but if you are hiking, you really want something durable that feels right in your hand. I honestly wouldnt wait for a sale since you need time to practice before your trip. Just get the gear and start shooting so the muscle memory is there when you're actually on the trail.
^ This. Also, honestly, I spent a decade lugging a brick of a DSLR around until I finally swapped to an Fujifilm X-S10 26.1MP setup for a thru-hike, and my back has been so happy since. Getting through those menus takes a few days, but once you set up the custom profiles, you hardly have to touch them on the trail.
- The IBIS in the X-S10 is honestly a game changer for long exposure shots of waterfalls when you dont want to carry a heavy tripod.
- Weather sealing matters, so grab a decent peak design clip or a sturdy dry bag because the PNW is definitely gonna get wet.
- Avoid the temptation to over-pack lenses. One good glass is enough. I wouldnt hold out for a massive price drop honestly. If you find a decent bundle with a Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS lens, just pull the trigger so you have time to actually practice.
