papamuski

Be diligent in selecting the brand of DSL camera you chose. Once you start buying lenses, it is difficult and expensive to change brands. Read up on the different pros and cons of what is out there and narrow it down to two or three. Then rent from a camera shop and see what features you like and dislike. Read about what lenses are available new and used, and what they cost. Don't be afraid to spend a little more for the make and model you want, you will be happier in the long run.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

I agree the Olympus TG-6 or TG-5 would be good candidates as The Olympus PEN series may offer a good choice. Some PENS have an accessory viewfinder. You might also lik something from the OMD collection as well.

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

Panasonic ZS-70 will meet your requirements and not hurt your pocketbook, especially if you buy pre-owned.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

If you are happy and comfortable with Canon gear, you can stick with it. There are a number of good possibilities.

To have a camera that's compact and "pocketable" (or close to it), you will need to stick with a smaller sensor format: APS-C at the largest. Canon has recently introduced two cameras with the highest resolution of any APS-C models: 90D DSLR and 6D Mark II mirrorless, which share a 32.5MP APS-C sensor. The next highest resolution models from other manufacturers are 26MP , while most are 24MP or 20MP. So it's a pretty big deal, that you now can buy a 32.5MP APS-C camera!

Of the two, the M6 Mark II is the smaller and lighter model. One reason it's smaller is because it doesn't have a built-in viewfinder. It can be used "camera phone" or "point n shoot" (in some cases) style by composing using the rear LCD screen. But there also is an optional electronic viewfinder that can be used with it, if you wish. The advantage of that is the removable viewfinder allows the camera to partly disassembled to fit into a small storage space like a pocket. Also, the standard "kit" lens sold with the camera.... an EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM... also is "collapsible" so it can be more compact for storage. To use, you first extend the lens to the shooting position. That camera in kit with the lens and a Canon EVF-DC2 electronic viewfinder is selling for $1099. Other lenses are available, although there aren't a whole lot. There's an EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM wide angle zoom for $399 and an EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM telephoto zoom for $349, for example. There also are an ultra-compact "pancake" EF-M 22mm f/2 STM (slightly wide angle, $249) and a "fast normal" EF-M 35mm f/1.4 (standard lens, $479), and an EF-M 28mm f/3.5 STM Macro lens (with built-in LED lighting, $299). There's also a wider ranging EF-M 18-150mm f/3.4-6.3 IS STM "walk around" lens, sold separately ($499) or in kit with the camera for some savings. That's larger, though, so the camera would be less "pocketable".

Finally, there are some third party lenses from Sigma, as well as a variety of manual focus only primes from various other manufactures, too. And there are adapters that allow all 125 million plus EF and EF-S Canon lenses ever made to be used on the camera, as well as adapters that allow millions of vintage manual focus lenses from other manufacturers to be used on this camera. The electronic viewfinder (and rear LCD screen) of the M6 Mark II "helps" manual focusing with features like "focus peaking", which the optical viewfinder of a DSLR simply can't do.

If you prefer a viewfinder, the Canon M50 model has a built-in electronic, though that makes the camera a bit larger. With the 15-45mm kit lens, the M50 sells for $599. There is also a two-lens kit with that EF-M 15-45mm and the EF-M 55-200mm, for $849. The M50 uses a slightly older and lower resolution 24MP APS-C sensor.

Not much larger than the M50, the Canon Rebel SL3 is the most compact, lightweight DSLR being made by anyone. It uses the same 24MP sensor as the M50. In kit with an EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens, it sells for $649 right now. An advantage is that it can directly use any and all Canon EF and EF-S lenses.... a huge selection, currently around 90 different lenses are offered by Canon, not to mention the very many third party lenses available from other manufacturers to fit ta Canon EF-mount camera like the SL3 (also known as the Canon 250D outside N. America). As a rule, these lenses won't be as compact (and some are quite large and heavy). But there are some fairly compact EF and EF-S lenses (incl. 24mm and 40mm "pancakes") and thanks to their optical viewfinders, which don't draw much power, DSLRs will get a lot more shots per battery charge.

As mentioned, mirrorless like the M50 and M6II typically use a small battery to allow them to be as compact and lightweight as possible. That, along with the fact that their electronic viewfinders have to draw more power all the time while the camera is in use, makes for considerably fewer shots per battery charge. This may not matter if you don't take a whole lot of shots every day... but a spare battery is advisable. It so happens the SL3 (250D) uses the same LP-E17 battery as the M50 and M6 Mark II... but standard testing suggest the SL3 can get 1650 shots per charge, while the M6II and M50 are rated to do only 305 shots and 235 shots per charge, respectively. Now, these are tests done using the cameras' built in flash 50% of the time, so "normal" use and some simple power saving measures can usually increase the number of shots per charge users actually get. But it will still be quite a bit less with the mirrorless, than with the DSLR. But, maybe you only take 100 or 200 shots a day... or a week! (I shoot sports and sometimes take 3000 or 4000 or more shots in a day with two cameras... so I'd need a whole BUNCH of spare batteries to try to shoot the events with a mirrorless! I'd have to spend many hundreds of extra dollars to buy extras, would need to fill my pockets with all those batteries, and then would spend a lot more time swapping in fresh batteries instead of shooting! I use cameras that take larger batteries and are fitted with a grip that holds two... to get upwards of 2400 shots out of each pair of batteries.)

For comparison sake... The Canon M50 weighs 390 grams, the M6 Mark II 408 grams and the SL3/250D 449 grams. All those weights are "body only", no lens, but with battery & memory card. The more "full size" Canon 90D weighs 701 grams and the two 7D Mark II that I use each weigh 910 grams.... without the added grips and second battery in both cases. The M6II body without the accessory viewfinder installed is about 4-3/4" wide, 2.75" high and roughly 2" thick. The M50 is very similar size, but about 3/4" taller to accommodate the built-in viewfinder (electronic). The SL3/250D, also with a built-in viewfinder (optical), is very similar W and H as M50, but about 3/4" thicker. (90D and 7DII are both larger in all dimensions.)

Much more detailed and helpful reviews of the Canon M6 Mark II, M50 and SL3/250D can be found here:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-M6-Mark-II.aspx
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-M50.aspx
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-Rebel-SL3.aspx

You also can find a good deal of info on lenses for the above cameras at that web site. Plus you'll find means there of comparing features and specs of both cameras and lenses, as well as lens image qualities in test shots.

Canon also offers some high-end "point n shoot" models with non-interchangeable lenses. One of them, the Powershot G1X Mark II ($1000) uses a 24MP APS-C, but has a fairly narrow lens focal length zoom range: full frame equiv. 24-72mm. Others use smaller 1" or "CX" size sensor, around 20MP, which makes them able to have a larger focal length zoom range, such as: Powershot G5X Mark II with FF equiv. 24-120mm ($899) and Powershot G3X with FF equiv. 24-600mm ($849). Note: With this type camera manufacturers commonly state "full frame equivalent" lens focal length range, because they use a wide variety of sensor formats that make it difficult to compare the actual lens focal lengths. The 1", 20MP sensor used in the G5X and G3X are actually fairly large for P&S camera. Many others use small sensors either to allow them to be ultra compact or to be able to brag of having incredibly huge range of focal lengths... some boast 1000mm, 2000mm and even 3000mm .... but utilize a tiny, so-called 1/2.3" sensor to achieve those "equivalent" focal lengths.

All the above DSLR and mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras and some of the P&S mentioned have a hot shoe to allow an accessory flash to be used. All these cameras have a built in flash, but those are typically pretty wimpy, slow to recycle and a heavy drain on the battery. All that and more can be solved with an accessory flash. However, the M6 Mark II's hot shoe is used by the EVF-DC2 viewfinder too.... so it can't be used with that and an accessory flash at the same time (but can use the rear LCD for composing and focusing, while using a flash). The M50 and SL3/250D have both built in viewfinder and hot shoe, so this isn't a concern. Some of the P&S cameras have a hot shoe, too... while others don't. Check to be sure, if you want one.

I'm giving you Canon mirrorless, DSLR and P&S examples above for several reasons: One is because you mention some familiarity with that gear and that may make it the easiest to pick up and start using. Also, it's a good system... Canon has been the #1 seller of digital cameras for a number of years, offers lots of camera choices and extensive lens and accessory selection to support them. Plus, it's what I use most often and am most familiar with. There are some similar items from other manufacturers you may wish to consider. For example, the Micro 4/3 cameras from Olympus and Panasonic use a sensor that's smaller than APS-C (but larger than 1"/CX), which allows their camera systems to be particularly compact. Sony and Fuji both have some excellent APS-C mirrorless, too. Nikon has an extensive DSLR and lens system, much like Canon. Nikon is getting into mirrorless too now, launched their Z-series roughly the same time Canon announced their R-series full frame mirrorless, in Fall 2018. Canon has been making their M-series mirrorless a lot longer... 7 or 8 years now... but has been a bit slow developing it. The last few years they've produced their best cameras yet (incl. M6II and M50), but have only gradually added lenses and other accessories especially for the system. Still, maybe they offer everything you want or need! Only you can say... but do your homework, compare systems carefully and ask more questions if needed.

Hope this helps! Have fun shopping.

ggab Loc: ?

EOS M50 with M lenses.
Google Canon Price Watch for current prices from authorized dealers as well as refurbs from Canon and used specials.
The M kit lens (Canon EF-M 15-45mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM) does a reasonably good job. I have been very happy with flower and people pictures taken with it. They also have a zoom that is lightweight and does a reasonably good job (Canon EF-M 55-200mm f4.5-6.3 IS STM) as well as prime lenses and other zooms.
I have tested this camera with the EF-70-300 IS USM II lens and it works very well.
I have tested this camera with the Sigma 100-400 Contemporary and have mixed thoughts. You need the Canon EF to M adapter to use EF lenses.
It will run full auto, partial auto or full on manual in either raw (CR3 format) or JPG.

DeanS Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina

One of the most versatile, many-featured lines of cameras available, imo, is the Leica V-Lux series. The current model V-Lux 5, loaded with features, priced abt $1300. While not necessarily pocketable, it is small, light weight, by comparison. I am primarily a Canonophile, with several, but my V-Lux4 is a joy to shoot.

If I may suggest, don’t pull the trigger, or trip your shutter, until you wrap your fingers around the model 4 or 5!

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Canon has some mirrorless models that you might consider. I am an elderly Sony mirrorless guy so will stop here.

OleMe Loc: Montgomery Co., MD

Take a look at the Nikon Coolpix a1000 (link). It should fit in large pocket - I have a similar model which does - this one is 3" high by 4.5 wide. Built in flash, long zoom, screen articulates, and it has a view finder - a must for shots out of doors on sunny days. I found my Nikon refurbished on Nikon's site ar a good savings: shop! I used mine for a trip thru the Swiss Alps and it did agreat job.

Good luck.

/Roger

Mustanger Loc: Grants Pass, Oregon USA

Look at the latest Canon pocket cameras in the Powershot line like the SX700HS but newer...they fit in your shirt pocket & definitely are superzooms. Not interchangeables lenses but they cover up to 30x - 40x Zoom! They have all the other adjustable features you mentioned & you can spend a long time growing with this camera! It takes great pics in good light & it's major weakness is in low light situations. The only thing mine limits me on is Birds in Flight! No viewfinder just the LCD screen on the back (newer ones swing out & tilt!) which I have found to be a problem locating & focusing a fast moving bird! Whereas my Rebel camera quickly points right at the bird & I can grab the shot! At the long range of my zooms I need a tripod or monopod to get a stable focused picture. Handholding is possible if I am leaning or sitting I can get good long range shots that way. Worth your consideration for a great little always with you camera! I do have some very good shots after I learned to use all the modes it has!

dornie

I have had Olympus for decades including the PL1, OMD5, Pen-F. I was amused when they came out with their latest OMD5 stating it was the lightest, which is a consideration for many of us older users; however, their statement can be miss leading since I believe it would only pertain to the OMD5 Style since the Pen-F and well as the other Pen cameras a lighter. I also found, that my Fujifilm X-T30 is a little smaller and lighter than all of them, so when they make a claim it is wise not to take their word and investigate for yourself.

crushr13 Loc: Sacramento, CA

Wow. Thank you everyone for such thoughtful and interesting replies. I see quite a few options I will be looking into, so I am very grateful. And thank you to those who sent me PM replies, they were very helpful, as well.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I recommend the Lumix FZ80, as I have one and tend to grab it often. I believe it meets all of your requirements, plus it also shoots 4K video. You can buy a new one for $300 or used one on ebay for about $250. If you want a similar camera with a flip lcd screen for selfies, try the Nikon B700. I have that one as well. You can buy one used for less than $400.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

For some reason, Crush, in your spec's you did not mention a Viewfinder?? I think you will find one necessary when you are outdoors in broad daylight. I concur with several who mentioned the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS series. The ZS 60 should do you well and be very affordable.

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Well, two things.
1) I picked up a Nikon A900 a while back. Good pictures, fits in my pocket. There are many others like this.
Not a real cheap point and shoot, but not an expensive one neither. Not my main camera. just my always one.
2) Pick the "main" camera you want to stick with for a while.
You like Canon- look for deals like a slightly used 70D. Don't drop it and it'll be plenty good enough for another five years. Keep DOING the lessons and tutorials, and practice. You won't be good, just be excellent!
C) You're not buying a camera, you are investing into a system. Buy a Canon, you'll be buying Canon.
Just like cars and computers, last years models are not much different than next years, just waay cheaper.
Save you money for lenses. A small series of *goood* lenses will work on the next camera, too. Also.