Best discrete/low profile DSLR set up.

[nateo200]

Whats the best low profile set up for a DSLR? Lets say something like my 550D for going out with friends but not looking like a creep at venues with a DSLR (face it people look at you like you have a sniper rifle if your too obvious! :O). I know some venues specifically say "NO DSLR's" and some have gray areas where they say no "pro" cameras whatever that means Also prime lenses with wide angles seam to be a better choice if your doing any in city shooting. So I was thinking some sort of nice compact wide prime lense with a decently low f stop? I've looked at a few of Canon's but what is your guys input? These cameras are just barely over the "size limit" of allot of my pockets.

 

[julianps]

Canon PowerShot S95 - The pocket camera for the serious photographer?

This would be my choice ...

• HS System and f/2 lens
• High-sensitivity 10.0 MP CCD
• 28 mm wide, 3.8x zoom lens, Hybrid IS
• Lens Control Ring, Full Manual and RAW
• 7.5 cm (3.0") PureColor II G LCD
• HD movies, HDMI
• High Dynamic Range mode
• Smart Auto
• Multi-Aspect Shooting
• Optional Waterproof Case

With HS System and f/2 lens, the 10.0 MP PowerShot S95 excels in low light. HD Movies, RAW and unique lens Control Ring for manual control make it the pocket camera for the serious photographer.

 

[nateo200]

This would be my choice ...

• HS System and f/2 lens
• High-sensitivity 10.0 MP CCD
• 28 mm wide, 3.8x zoom lens, Hybrid IS
• Lens Control Ring, Full Manual and RAW
• 7.5 cm (3.0") PureColor II G LCD
• HD movies, HDMI
• High Dynamic Range mode
• Smart Auto
• Multi-Aspect Shooting
• Optional Waterproof Case

Wow that caught me off guard. That would be quite a set up indeed but what about if you already have a full sized DSLR body? I always here about people choosing wisely with lenses when going to venues that may or may not like your high-res-toating rear end

 

[julianps]

You pays your money ....

All photographers are faced with the same challenge at some point; sure full sized cameras are usually "better" photographically it's just that sometimes they're not practical.

Until Canon launched the S90 most compact cameras offered little, or at best clunky, manual control whereas even fewer offered anything like 28mm/f2.0

Bottom line - For our more advanced users, the S95 offers a wealth of manual controls and adjustments, that are pretty much unmatched by most all other cameras of this size. You can choose from Program AE, Shutter speed priority, Aperture priority, and full Manual modes. There's also a Custom option, that allows you to tailor an exposure mode to your specific needs. One of the more unique features Canon implemented on these new S-series models is a control ring that is mounted on around the lens bezel. This ring can control many functions (ISO, Step Zoom, Aperture, Shutter speed, etc.) depending on the exposure program being used. You can also change what function this ring controls by pressing the RING Function button on the top of the camera. Like mentioned in our S90 review, the control ring is a really cool feature that makes these cameras more versatile, and more fun to use.

 

[avro707]

To some, any DSLR camera (or anything that looks like one) is a "pro camera".

So you might find yourself needing to have one of those high-end point-and-shoot cameras like a Nikon P7000 or its Canon/Sony equivalents.

It's not ideal - but those gather far less attention. And to be honest, if you lose a point-and-shoot (ie, if it's confiscated or otherwise destroyed in a location where you've got no say in the matter), it's not as big a deal as losing a many-thousands of dollars DSLR and lens combination. It's still not nice - but it's less of a problem.

Otherwise, you might well look at one of the standard wide angle prime lenses that are nice and compact - but I doubt that will help, as those may still be deemed to be "pro camera" equipment.

 

[Edge100]

To be honest, I've come to realize that for all the good they do, DSLRs are simply not "discrete".

A 5D and Voigtlander 40 f/2 would be the smallest DSLR kit I would be comfortable with, and even that is not really a "discrete" kit. This is why I've moved to a film rangefinder for my street photography.

You might consider a m4/3 body with a pancake prime.

 

[MattSepeta]

When I am "going out", I take the grip off my 5DII and slap on the Sigma 50 f/1.4 and am good to go.

Works a charm for live music in dark venues.

 

[classicaliberal]

Depends on how discrete you want to be. This would be on my short list for ultra-discrete:

Panasonic GF3

 

[drewt]

Canon S95

Canon S95 has my vote... my Nikon is always "handy" nearby but never as discrete as the S95.

 

[mofunk]

I've gotten my DSLR into venues because of the bag I use. It doesn't scream D S L R PRO lol. I put my D90 in a Crumpler bag or Timbuk2 face down, so that they don't see the numbers. If I use fast glass I make sure they don't see the lens. Maybe lay it flat on the bottom of the bag. ie 24-70mm.

 

[TheReef]

Another is the Pentax k-x or k-r with the DA 40mm ltd pancake.

People often mistake my 40mm ltd for a body cap

They also make 15mm and 21mm versions.

 

[iTiki]

X100

Not a dSLR, but the Fuji X100 gets my vote for size and the PQ is outstanding due to it's larger sensor and fast lens. Even at high ISO it is amazing. Great when you don't want to call attention to yourself using a flash.

 

[AlexH]

Something Micro 4/3. Olympus E-P3 perhaps.

 

[carlgo]

I would also look for a model with a flip-up rear screen. You can shoot at waist level or over your head in a crowd. Waist level make it seem you are checking the camera. I've read a few accounts from people that this sort of set-up is stealthy and nobody notices.

And for this kind of use, discreet street stuff, there is no need for a DSLR's capabilities or resolution. The top P&S models are all fine. The Sony Nex is also a good choice now.