Roberto10

Hi All, brand new to UHH.

I'm looking for a genuine pocket size travel compact and like the Sony rx100 series for size, specs and image quality. Don't really want to go any larger.

However would like to add a bit more zoom reach as I enjoy bird photography. Video capability not that important.

Any advice appreciated. Cheers.

ShopGirl

Welcome to the Hog. I'm fairly new myself, having recently acquired a DSLR. That being said, I have a Sony RX100ii, and I absolutely LOVE it. I, too, enjoy bird photography, and that little Sony has not disappointed! I find it has plenty of zoom for my needs.

Roberto10

Great, and thank you! I reckon I am on the right track then. The rx100 ii has more zoom than the iii and iv, so that is the next dilemma. lol.

ShopGirl

I bought mine on ebay -- it was a 'slightly handled display model' and came with the leather case, as well as everything 'in the box.' I got a screaming deal on it, AND it was in pristine condition! Yes, I know, some ebay sellers misrepresent their merchandise (I've experienced that, too), but my experience with ebay is that if the buyers complaint is legitimate, ebay will back up the buyer. I have never been burned. Aggravated, yes! - but never burned.

Roberto10

I will probably do the same, eBay has been excellent for buying and selling for me.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

The Panasonic ZS100 is nearly as small as the Sony RX100. But, it has a lot more telephoto range. Reviews tend to be good.

Roberto10

Thank you! Will check, however the size is a mascot factor for me.

Roberto10

Predictive text! Major factor!

Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

Whatever - insist that it have a view finder. Electronic viewfinder OK.
Panasonic LUMIX ZS40 !!

herb99m Loc: Georgia, USA

I want to see if the iPhone 7 plus is "good enough". The dual lens system. At least I will always have it with me. The 6 is pretty darn good, but no reach. The seven doubles that.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

You are on the right track because the last thing you want to travel with and enjoy yourself is a full size DSLR. So, Sony makes several cameras that will meet your requirements. The rx100 series usually does not have the reach your looking for. The sony DSC-HX50V has a zoom range of 24-720, I have made sharp enlargements to 16X24 that are outstanding. The camera was rated the best digital compact camera 2013-2014. Used mint off ebay is a good place to start. The replacement for this camera was the 60V but is not always available. Another choice would be the newer HX90V which is actually smaller, all metal, same 24-720 lens and has a unique flip screen that can be tilted all the way up to give you a selfie. The HX90V is so popular that B&H is currently out of stock, but you should check Amazon and Adorama. The cost of this camera is around $448.00. When I travel I take the HX50V and the Sony RX100M2 which has speed but not the reach of the 50V and is an OUTSTANDING camera, I like this RX100M2 version because I can add a Sony flash to the top of the camera's hot shoe and I can direct the flash up and behind me for outstanding flash photographs. The 50V also has a hot shoe on top of the camera, their is a small sony flash available with a tilting head, I have used the Sony 60, which is large, but my favorite small sony flash is the HVL-F20AM. The flash head can be tilted straight up and I attach a white card and use it to bounce my flash forward, it also has a wide angle thingie that you rotate forward to use for wide angle. Nice little flash and works great on bounce into a white card, use a rubber band to hold in place but you can also use a girl pig tail thingie bungee cord item also works well.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some ideas -

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2016-roundup-compact-enthusiast-zoom-cameras
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-pocket-zoom-digital-cameras-2015-19720
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0692551582/2015-roundup-advanced-zoom-compacts/01

Roberto10

Right, many thanks for such a comprehensive reply! Am in the USA for 2 more days so when back in Oz will be armed with more knowledge and get on the hunt.

Roberto10

I fully agree with you you on the need for a viewfinder!

Cape Codder Loc: Cape Cod

I have just returned from a month long trip and used my Panasonic Lumix ZS60. It has a viewfinder and zoom 24-720. I was happy with my pictures. (I believe that these ZS models-also recommended above--have a different prefix when bought out of the USA. Check dpreview.com for this info.)