I've often heard the quote, ''the best camera is the one you have with you'. And for me that has often meant a cameraphone. However my own cameraphone has very few controls and if I make a good image I feel it's in spite of the equipment, not because of it. So unsatisfied with 'auto' only option I made a decision about 3 years ago to carry a camera wherever I go. This seems a simple idea, however carrying my full sensor dslr camera is hugely inconvenient. It's bulky and heavy and needs a lot of accessories to make the best of it. Not a good combination for going running (or on my daily cycle commute). So I made a compromise and for the past 3 years I've owned a fixed lens rangefinder as well as a dlsr. It's smaller and lighter and has full manual controls, including control of 'aperture' which I think is imperative to gaining creative control.
The upshot has been that with daily use I've become more familiar with manual camera controls, as I've become faster I feel I have a better chance to get the image I see. That said speed is not often the primary concern with landscape photography. After all the landscape is not often running away from you! However the quality of light of a particular moment is important in my better images, and as it's not always possible to nip back and get my camera kit. Consequently when i 'see' a photo opportunity whilst out and about I now have the 'carry camera' with me. It's led to some of my favourite images and I think is a habit I shall continue with.
The image below is one of those favourite images, and was taken when out jogging along the Vancouver seawall one evening.