I typically take my two Canon 5Ds when I go on vacation. I want to be sure I have my best cameras and favorite lenses (my 24-70mm and 70-200mm are my favorites) with me to capture the best possible shots. But a few weeks ago I decided I would only take compact cameras with me on a trip to the east coast. We knew we would be in tight, cramped spots and very active so I did not want to risk having my DSLRs accidentally knocked about (we were going to Times Square on New Year's Eve).  I also wanted to see how much I would like using my Canon PowerShot S120 and a new fun camera I just acquired, my Lytro Classic (which I'll review in another post).  

Well suffice it to say it was a challenge.   Here's what I learned:

1. It was a nice break not having to carry a lot of weight around.  Small cameras are nice and easy to carry.  But the quality of my shots wasn't the quite the same.  I have a new found appreciation for my DSLRs.  That in and of itself was good to learn. That being said I was happy with quite a few shots.  But I do like my DSLR MORE.
2. On the other hand It was a great experience to rely mainly on my Canon PowerShot S120.  It is a terrific compact camera that captured some clear night time shots of New York City as well as other shots in and around New York.
3. The Canon PowerShot S120 is a great camera to hand to someone on the street to capture photos of my family.  It's a lot less intimidating for most people than handing them a heavy DSLR.
4. I learned how much I rely on the ability to spot meter with my DSLR.  I had to get used the S120's manual mode to use metering and the exposure system.  

5. The cropping is different, but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing.  I'm definitely used to the full-frame sensor on my DSLRs.  But that does not mean I don't like the cropping with my S120.  It's just - well, - different (1/1.7" (~ 7.53 x 5.64 mm)

6. Relying on my LCD viewfinder took a little getting used to.  When you're outside in the bright sun can be tricky to frame a photo with your LCD viewfinder.  But after a few shots it's just like taking a photo with your smartphone - no difference really.  So that was not as difficult as I first thought it would be.
7. Wi-Fi upload. It was nice being able to upload my photos to my smartphone.  Just use the Canon App to download the photos so you can instantly share them on social media.  Cool.

Below are some of the shots I took on our East Coast trip - they happen to all be from NYC at night and during the day.  All-in-all - I had fun using my Canon PowerShot S120.  Yet I think I'll still travel with my DSLRs on future trips as I've become so accustomed to using them for the absolute best photos I can muster.

Night Time Skyline shot of NYC taken with the Canon PowerShot S120Night Time Skyline shot of NYC taken with the Canon PowerShot S120

The juxtaposition of buildings and nature from Central Park.The juxtaposition of buildings and nature from Central Park. Fr From inside Ruby Foos where we brought in the New Year.From inside Ruby Foos where we brought in the New Year. Under a bridge at Central Park, watching an opera singer being approached by a little girl tourist.Under a bridge at Central Park, watching an opera singer being approached by a little girl tourist.