For some reason, fixed-lens cameras have never worked for me. I’ve been thinking about this recently, trying to understand why, and in this post I want to share my unfiltered thoughts. But let’s start with a short story that has nothing to do with cameras — although it might explain why I don’t like fixed-lens cameras.
When I was a kid, I loved visiting my grand-uncle, who lived in a seaside village. Immediately upon arriving, I’d start bugging him to go to the sea. More often than not, he’d be quite reluctant to do so. This puzzled me. How is it even possible not to be eager to go to the beach?
For the past ten years, I’ve been living in the south of Spain, in the wonderful coastal city of Málaga. I’m only a three-minute walk from one of the most beautiful promenades and beaches in Spain. Yet sometimes days or even weeks go by without me visiting the beach. Now I understand my grand-uncle. When we have something readily available, we start appreciating it less.
That, however, doesn’t change my passion for the sea because I know that whenever I want, I can take a short walk and spend wonderful time by the water. This freedom of choice is priceless.
Now, what does this have to do with cameras? The connection is deeper than it seems.
It’s all about freedom of choice
I haven’t actually measured it, but I’m sure that around 80% of the time I use my OM-3 with the Olympus 17mm f/1.8 prime lens. A fixed-lens camera like the newly released Lumix L10, at first glance, seems to deliver even more flexibility because it features an amazing lens with probably the most versatile focal-length range: 24mm to 75mm in full-frame equivalent terms. The lens is also fast — f/1.7 on the wide end and f/2.8 on the telephoto end.
At first glance, it looks flexible. But at any time I can mount the amazing 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO on my OM-3. If I want a fast wide lens, I can use the Panasonic Leica 9mm f/1.7. If I want the most cinematic experience, I can use the fantastic OM 20mm f/1.4. And for portraits, the tiny but mighty Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.7 is my go-to lens.
This exact freedom of choice is why I love interchangeable-lens cameras — and precisely why I struggle with fixed-lens cameras. Yes, it’s deeply personal, philosophical and philosophical but I can’t do anything with this feeling.
There are objective reasons too
Another issue I have with fixed-lens cameras, and this one is more objective, is that they are prone to sucking in dust and moisture. Once dust gets inside the camera, there’s usually no easy way to clean the sensor. Also, many fixed-lens cameras are not weather-sealed, which diminishes their utility. With an interchangeable-lens camera, if I get dust on the sensor, I can clean it myself.
To be fully honest, I do like the new Lumix L10. While the camera is receiving enormous criticism because of its size and weight, I don’t think that’s a major issue. Yes, it’s not as small and light as the LX100, for example. But we also have to admit that smaller bodies come with their own compromises.
For one thing, smaller bodies require smaller batteries. On the other hand, they are often more prone to overheating. Some compact cameras, like the Fujifilm X-T30 for example, exhibit shutter shock — a phenomenon where certain shutter speeds can produce blurry images due to the small size and weight of the camera body. I tried to love the Ricoh GR, but overheating and dust issues spoiled the experience for me not once, but twice.
While the L10 is significantly bulkier than the LX100, I think the capabilities it delivers easily offset the increase in size. The L10 features an amazing lens, a very powerful sensor coupled with an equally powerful image processor, and the whole array of goodies we expect from Panasonic cameras. And while beauty is subjective, I think the L10 looks gorgeous.
Time to rethink?
Since last October, I’ve been using the Nikon ZR. It’s my first Nikon camera ever, and I’m loving the system. According to rumors, Nikon is also poised to release a compact full-frame fixed-lens camera aimed primarily at photographers. I’m eagerly looking forward to its release.
Maybe it’s finally time for me to embrace fixed-lens cameras. Can the L10 — or the upcoming Nikon — change my mind about them?
I honestly don’t know.
But I’m determined to find out.