04/05/2026 5:25 am
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So I’ve got this big trip to Tokyo and Osaka coming up in about three weeks and I realized my iPhone 12 just isn’t gonna cut it anymore especially since I want to take some nice street photos at night when everything is lit up with neon. I’ve been looking at cameras for like four days straight and I’m stuck between two main options that fit my $700 budget but I’m really torn.
First there is the Sony ZV-1 which seems super tiny and easy to pack since I’m only bringing a single backpack for the whole two week trip but then I saw the Canon EOS R50 and it looks like it might take better photos even if the lens makes it a bit bulkier. I mostly want to do photography but maybe a few videos for my family back home. I saw a used Fujifilm X-T30 II online too for slightly over my budget but I dont know if I should stretch it or if the others are enough.
I just want something that wont give me a headache to carry around all day while I'm walking 20k steps but still looks way better than a phone. Should I go for the Sony since it’s so portable or is the Canon sensor worth the extra space in my bag...
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04/05/2026 5:26 am
Unfortunately, the Sony ZV-1 20.1MP Digital Camera is not as good as expected for night shots because the sensor is just too small. I had issues with grainy photos once the sun went down...
- Canon EOS R50 with RF-S 18-45mm Lens: Better image quality but unfortunately the lens is bulky and feels kinda cheap.
- Fujifilm X-T30 II Body: Way too expensive used and wont fit your budget once you add glass.
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04/05/2026 5:50 am
> I saw a used Fujifilm X-T30 II online too for slightly over my budget but I dont know if I should stretch it Honestly, I would suggest not stretching that budget right now. Japan is expensive and you will want that extra cash for food in Osaka. I remember my first trip there, I brought a huge rig and it was a total nightmare on the subways. Tbh, @Reply #1 makes a good point about small sensors struggling at night. I usually recommend the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV with 14-42mm Lens for these trips. I carried one through Tokyo and it basically disappeared in my backpack. The in-body stabilization is incredible for those neon street shots. It lets you take sharp photos at night without needing a tripod or crazy high ISO. Plus, you can find them used well under your 700 dollar limit. It is a reliable workhorse that wont fail you.
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04/05/2026 5:50 am
Finally someone says it. Ive been thinking this for a while but wasnt sure.
