Need help selecting camera: My neighbor asked me for advice on buying a camera. I use DSLRs, but he wants something smaller/lighter/less expensive. I am trying to help, but I need your...

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

My neighbor asked me for advice on buying a camera. I use DSLRs, but he wants something smaller/lighter/less expensive. I am trying to help, but I need your input since I don't know much about cameras other than the DSLRs.

Here is the criteria:
- Mirrorless
- Zoom lens
- Interchangeable lens not required
- Macro capability (for pics of flowers)
- Viewfinder, plus rear display
- High IQ
- RAW or RAW+JPG images
- Compact size, lightweight
- Total cost under $1000

Something like the Canon SX-60 would be great, I think. But I don't know about the macro capability of that camera. And, I don't think it is Mirrorless. If you have some guidance for us, please me know. Thanks!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Gitchigumi wrote:

My neighbor asked me for advice on buying a camera... (show quote)

The Sony RX100 IV will fill the bill. That's a tough list of specs, especially the viewfinder. A bridge camera would not be "Compact size, lightweight."

There are probably other compact cameras that shoot raw and have a viewfinder. Let's see what others say.

EDIT: here's a nice list. I forgot that the Sony RX100 III has a viewfinder.

http://snapsort.com/roundups/raw-compact-digital-cameras-viewfinder

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

Gitchigumi wrote:

My neighbor asked me for advice on buying a camera. I use DSLRs, but he wants something smaller/lighter/less expensive. I am trying to help, but I need your input since I don't know much about cameras other than the DSLRs.

Here is the criteria:
- High IQ

This could be tough to fulfill!

Chuckwal Loc: Boynton Beach Florida

sony a6000

ottopj Loc: Annapolis, MD USA

Panasonic fx1000 - beats the Sony's and is cheaper.

Google the camera. Here is one review:
http://www.cnet.com/products/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz1000/

$800 at Amazon.

Printed manual is $20 at: manualsink.com

I love mine.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

jerryc41 wrote:

The Sony RX100 IV will fill the bill. That's a tough list of specs, especially the viewfinder. A bridge camera would not be "Compact size, lightweight."

There are probably other compact cameras that shoot raw and have a viewfinder. Let's see what others say.

EDIT: here's a nice list. I forgot that the Sony RX100 III has a viewfinder.

http://snapsort.com/roundups/raw-compact-digital-cameras-viewfinder

Thanks, Jerry... Actually, a bridge camera might be OK. He wants a lot of the features of the DSLR, just not the size or weight. He has held my D7100 and it's much more bulk and weight than he'd like.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Panasonic has two new compact cameras coming out this spring. Both have Leica-designed zoom lenses, EVF viewfinders and LCD screens. The DMC LUMIX TZ80 will have a 1/2.3" sensor and the LUMIX TZ1000 will have a 1" (one inch) sensor. Both should be priced within or near your friend's price range. Patience, grasshopper...

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

rjaywallace wrote:

Panasonic has two new compact cameras coming out this spring. Both have Leica-designed zoom lenses, EVF viewfinders and LCD screens. The DMC LUMIX TZ80 will have a 1/2.3" sensor and the LUMIX TZ1000 will have a 1" (one inch) sensor. Both should be priced within or near your friend's price range. Patience, grasshopper...

Thanks... Not sure of the urgency, so Spring might be OK. I don't think he has GAS yet... :mrgreen:

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

ottopj wrote:

Panasonic fx1000 - beats the Sony's and is cheaper.

Google the camera. Here is one review:
http://www.cnet.com/products/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz1000/

$800 at Amazon.

Printed manual is $20 at: manualsink.com

I love mine.

Thanks... Looks like a good candidate. Price is $800 at B&H also.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

It sounds like he is wanting a camera that does every thing, that camera has not been made as of yet. It is akin to getting sport car and heavy duty pickup all in one vehicle it seems.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Old Timer wrote:

It sounds like he is wanting a camera that does every thing, that camera has not been made as of yet. It is akin to getting sport car and heavy duty pickup all in one vehicle it seems.

Realistically, we don't expect to find a camera that satisfies every wish list item. But, it's worth asking since there are new products introduced everyday. Perhaps we'll get lucky! Worst case, we pick the one that best suits the need.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Gitchigumi wrote:

My neighbor asked me for advice on buying a camera... (show quote)

Lumix DMC-LX100

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Gitchigumi wrote:

Realistically, we don't expect to find a camera that satisfies every wish list item. But, it's worth asking since there are new products introduced everyday. Perhaps we'll get lucky! Worst case, we pick the one that best suits the need.

Gitchigumi - A few other members are confused by Panasonic's marketing names. The cameras I was referring to are forthcoming next year and not yet available - both models start with the letters "TZ". The big 1" sensor model is the TZ1000.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

A6000 is such a great deal now...that would be my choice.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Cdouthitt wrote:

A6000 is such a great deal now...that would be my choice.

Looks like that is my neighbor's choice as well. Hard to beat the deal... I think the order was placed with B&H this afternoon. :thumbup: :thumbup: