Ahoy. I have a nearly complete Sony FF system, including excellent lenses, used a lot for studio work and somewhat for nature. I have no photo-journalism (or sports) experience. I am likely going to have a unique opportunity to observe/record/document a non-US election campaign from very close range. Should I spring for the RX1 for candids, close proximity, and evening/night recording? (I want much-better-than-Web quality.)
Pluses I already see (over Sony FF DSLR set-up):
- small, discrete, silent
- excellent in low light
- excellent IQ at 1/8th the size/weight/obtrusiveness.
- I am comfortable with the brand's operation controls/quirks (Sony).
Minuses:
- cost. Ouch, but bearable. I have started looking for a used one, and would certainly consider renting or buying and re-selling.
- cost pt. 2: I don't see this camera retaining it's value on the second-hand market (a strong argument that it is priced too high, imho).
- no articulated LCD. I'm with Michael on this (see his review), but feel even more strongly about it. Imho, every >$1,000 camera should have a fully-articulating LCD. I am skilled at using one surreptitiously, and am considering taking either a Sony a77 (have, but do not like the files it produces), buying and taking an a99, or buying a MFT body with a fully-articulating LCD (have some MFT lenses).
- no VF. I _really like_ an optical VF. I find all EVF's provide less information that I would like.
Accessory Q's:
- VF. ?? No idea. If the LCD were articulated, I would use it exclusively. The "stuck to the back of the camera" is pretty much the least useful position as far as I'm concerned. During use I am likely to keep it turned off. If the EVF tilts up (iirc it does) I might find this configuration useful. Any "camera at my eye" configuration is useful.
- batteries, third-party charger? 220 V?
- thumb grip?
- other?
Thanks in advance. I have about ten days to prepare.