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Which higher end “pocket-sized” camera to buy?
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Feb 21, 2020 09:44:52   #
repleo Loc: Boston
 
OKsprat wrote:
I’m looking for a pocket or belt pouch sized camera to replace/complement a Canon bridge camera and DSLR to use for more convenient picture taking while traveling. I’m tired of lugging the bigger ones around.
I’ve looked at:
Canon G5x, G7x, G9x;
Sony hx99, RX100 VII
Panasonic ZS70, ZS80, ZS100, ZS200.
I’ve researched until my brain is tired and confused, and I’m wondering if any of you have some real life experience with any of these with recommendations. Most of my travel pictures are taken outside and I’d prefer a decent optical zoom, 1” sensor, raw capability etc. but I’m open to any good options. Budget can expand for the right camera.
I’m looking for a pocket or belt pouch sized camer... (show quote)

Note that the Sony makes an adaptor for RX 100 series that allows you to add a filter. There is a built in ND ‘filter’ setting in the camera but the adapter allows you to add a CPL or GND. They also make a stick-on grip that really improves the handling comfort without adding much bulk.

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Feb 21, 2020 09:44:57   #
lhardister Loc: Brownsville, TN
 
therwol wrote:
I also have the G7X II. I agree with everything you say about it. It has a faster lens than most of the competition. The only downside is the modest zoom range, but that contributes to the fantastic sharpness in this small camera. Download and look at the sheep.


Wow, great shot, therwol. The downloaded view of the sheep is terrific. I have long been looking at the G7XII for a "pocket" camera. You have convinced me that it is the way to go.

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Feb 21, 2020 09:50:58   #
jtwind
 
I've the Sony rx100v and it's a great little camera. It's quite small so really is pocket sized and it does a great job. My only complaint is some of the other versions have a bit more reach and that sometimes would be nice.

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Feb 21, 2020 09:58:01   #
elliott937 Loc: St. Louis
 
When our Secretary of Homeland threatened to ban all cameras in the cabin of any incoming plane, I panicked, for we had an upcoming trip to the Baltic. So after research here, I bought the Panasonic TZ80, one of the cameras you mentioned. What caught my attention was the small size and that I could record RAW. Well, I've been able to print 11x14 with amazing quality. So I put my vote on the TZ80.

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Feb 21, 2020 09:59:02   #
47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range
 
Jeffcs wrote:
A downside is what it does to your other cameras. The G7 is so convenient and always right there on my desk and generally it's up to the task so the other cameras get neglected. Then when you do get out the big guns your wife says, "What's that camera? Have I seen that camera? What did that one cost?"

Joe

That’s why she is my X wife[/quote]

That’s also why your last dying words to a loved one should be, “don’t sell my camera equipment for what I told you I paid for it.”

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Feb 21, 2020 10:09:38   #
Nanarozzi Loc: Brentwood, TN & East TN
 
I have the Sony RX100 II and the Sony RX100 VI. I like them both but really like the popup viewfinder in the Sony RX100 VI. The Sony RX VI has a lens that goes from 24mm - 200mm while the Sony RX II Lens only goes from 24-100mm.



Took both Sony RX cameras to Europe this summer so my husband and I both had cameras. We went with another couple and when we got back I sent sent the pictures to the other couple on a digital picture frame. They said they looked like they were taken by a National Geographic photographer (and their daughter in law is a professional photographer). So yes, the cameras take great pictures.

You can shoot manual on the Sony RX’s although I rarely do even though I mostly shoot manual on my Canon 5D IV. On the Sony RX VI, I like that the digital screen on the back can be focused by touching where I want to focus like my Canon 5D IV.

A couple weeks ago my niece got married. She had quite a few photographers but no Videographer. I had my Sony’s with me and used the RX100 IV to video (4K) the ceremony and no one realized I even had a camera. I sat in the second row next to the isle where I rested the camera on my knee. Video came out great and she was thrilled.

Good Luck with whatever you purchase. And like many have said, you will probably just take along the small camera everywhere!

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Feb 21, 2020 10:17:52   #
SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY
 
OKsprat wrote:
I’m looking for a pocket or belt pouch sized camera to replace/complement a Canon bridge camera and DSLR to use for more convenient picture taking while traveling. I’m tired of lugging the bigger ones around.
I’ve looked at:
Canon G5x, G7x, G9x;
Sony hx99, RX100 VII
Panasonic ZS70, ZS80, ZS100, ZS200.
I’ve researched until my brain is tired and confused, and I’m wondering if any of you have some real life experience with any of these with recommendations. Most of my travel pictures are taken outside and I’d prefer a decent optical zoom, 1” sensor, raw capability etc. but I’m open to any good options. Budget can expand for the right camera.
I’m looking for a pocket or belt pouch sized camer... (show quote)


...don’t be afraid to pull the trigger on the Canon G9X Mark II...the price might fool you into thinking it is not as good as the more expensive compacts but it is on par image-wise...the Sony and the Panasonic perform better with video...and have longer reach...

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Feb 21, 2020 10:50:07   #
scallihan Loc: Tigard, OR
 
The biggest drawback to the pocket cameras that I found is the restricted aperture range.

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Feb 21, 2020 10:52:25   #
bennydnut Loc: Phila, Pa.
 
[quote=OKsprat]I’m looking for a pocket or belt pouch sized camera to replace/complement a Canon bridge camera and DSLR to use for more convenient picture taking while traveling. I’m tired of lugging the bigger ones around.
I’ve looked at:
Canon G5x, G7x, G9x;
Sony hx99, RX100 VII
Panasonic ZS70, ZS80, ZS100, ZS200.

Just pick up a canon G1x III last week and on my learning track since, been a Nikon user including D750 since 70's but like to switch to a small traveling camera, any comment advise on this camera are would be welcome and appreciate.

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Feb 21, 2020 10:58:00   #
rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA
 
Shortly after I became a member here, I purchased a Pentax Q-7 1/1.7" and a small bag to keep it in. Pentax discontinued the line shortly thereafter, so I cannot recommend it, but when I traveled to Calif to be my daughter's codriver when she got employment back here, I took the Q-7 kit with me to minimize space; it served my photographic needs quite well.



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Feb 21, 2020 10:58:37   #
Indiana Loc: Huntington, Indiana
 
I have the Canon Power Shot S100. It is 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 2 1/4" (a true pocket camera) Takes good pictures...light...slides into pocket easily. Zoom lens. Lots of folks have this camera or a upgraded version.

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Feb 21, 2020 10:59:09   #
Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA
 
Have 3 RX100's bought the first one when a magazine listed in the 10 best inventions of the year.
The newest are great but I thought my 4 with great 4k 1.8 zeiss lens and this version is 24mm to 70mm zoom others went further to 200mm. Thought this better lensing choice. The first week I had the original camera I shot some beach shots in DE. Then worked on a triathlon production in the town.
Shot with an XDCamcorder with 10 bit. Found i could put video shots from the RX100 into my
edit and they looked great. I have carries this camera for years in my case. I bought the over priced
Sony handle that fits in the tripod mount under the camera. Has zoom and video on control.
It is like having a little jib. Only draw back is their is no sound connection for a mic of sorts.
On board mic is what it is adequate in a pinch. You can buy a self contained shot gun mic would
need to put on a handle. Good luck. This is all fun.
The other cameras here have had great reviews. Having a high-quality rig like this in your
pocket or case is great.

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Feb 21, 2020 11:10:34   #
47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range
 
Indiana wrote:
I have the Canon Power Shot S100. It is 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 2 1/4" (a true pocket camera) Takes good pictures...light...slides into pocket easily. Zoom lens. Lots of folks have this camera or a upgraded version.


I also have an S100, the last year with the built-in gps. A “true pocket” is a perfect description. They are still out there on eBay, heavily discounted from the days of $350 or so. True be told, in a pinch, it could easily handle 50%-75% of my needs. Cool little camera and my 3rd. I’ve owned the S90 and S95, as well. Not long, after the S110 was introduced, I found a heavily discounted open box G16 at Best Buy. I’d really like to justify a G5X ii but can’t when the S100 & G16 satisfy most of my compact needs other than “want,” of course.

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Feb 21, 2020 11:35:21   #
rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
 
I’m dead serious when I say you should buy an iPhone 11 Pro and forget the upscale pocket camera. I have a Nikon D800E, a Sony A6000, and an 11 Pro. With the iPhone and the “Moment” app, I have a fully controllable (ISO, White balance, shutter speed, f/stop) camera that fits in my shirt pocket.

BTW, I almost forgot to mention, Moment also allows me to shoot RAW files.

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Feb 21, 2020 11:38:58   #
OKsprat Loc: Oklahoma
 
Jbrustrom wrote:
I have a mirror-less Nikon 1 J5. Since you are looking for a 1" pocket-able camera that has interchangeable lenses and can shoot both RAW and jpg


Jbrustrum, I’m not familiar with the Nikon 1 J5 but it sounds like a great option. I’ll check it out.

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