As one example, the Nikkor 16-80 2.8 lens with the Nikon D500 is more of a special "pairing" than a "kit." I did not take that special pricing with my D500 being talked out of it by the salesperson for two lenses instead: 16-35 4.0 and 28-300 3.5, both full frame. Sorry I did that. I traded a 18-300 (which I had on a broken out-of-warranty D5300) and I would love to have back. I have an old 18-55 "kit" lens (came with my D50) which I kept because I have about 20 52 mm filters (from old film cameras - remember the FtN from the 1970's) that I use for special effects. Summary: "special paired" and "kit" are different, but both have their place.

To jdub82:
If you prefer a Toyota over a Mercedes or BMW, you are not a car enthusiast. However not related to being a great photographer. As for reliability, there are 33 manufacturers of automobiles in the entire planet. Kia is in the bottom third for consumer satisfaction (same factory as Huyundai) and fairly priced accordingly. Mercedes Audi Toyota Honda Ford and Buick consistently rank in the upper third. I agree BMW is not high. As for pocket cams, we agree the Sony 100X series are the best. The Leica body is actually made in the Panasonic factory in Japan, however assembled in Germany and I believe is built better.

I have had, along with most of my closest friends, only Nikon, Canon, and Leica equipment all of my life. I don't wish to sound snobbish, but settling for the compromised quality of Panasonic (Lumix) would make me feel like I was driving a Kia instead of a BMW. As for the other topic, yes, megapixel count on phones is ok, but that is only one factor in getting satisfactory photos. Repeat: quality of glass!

The person who wrote that "if you have a cell phone, you do not need a pocket camera" ---- that person should not be on a site for professional photographers. Sure, pixil count is improving, but glass 1/4 the size of a pea cannot produce good results. My 15 yr old Leica "pocket" produces substantially better pictures than my wife's brand new $800 phone.

I have researched and results favor the Sony as a pocket camera. About 5 models $500.00 to $1,200. Expensive, but I think worth it. The Leica C-LUX (what I have now) is next best and a little less $'s. (It is my "dinner party" camera when the D500 is too heavy and bulky.) Lumix is less cost than both, but you get what you pay for; it's all in the quality of the glass.

I had ONE PM message which I responded to asking to send photo and advise price.
Waiting to hear.

DDGM;
Please send a photo and name a price.
Thanks.

I have about 25,000 slides in carousel trays and I wish to digitize about 3,000. Recently, I projected on a screen and selected few hundred (taken with a D500 and a FX lens, for a birthday party powerpoint. This worked ok, but I prefer better quality. Any ideas?

I set my D500 so SD card is jpg primary slot 1, and XQD NEF in slot 2. This gives option of backup if needed. Periodically, I copy the jpg to my computer and use the NEF for modifications if I desire, otherwise delete.

Seems like the Sony and the Leica have the tied votes, even with the complicated Sony menu. The Lumix, I know, has a Leica lens, but why not then get the Leica which is a better body and a far better reputation as a photography brand. Simply, Panasonic is not up to the quality I want to supplement my Nikon. Still deciding, but leaning to the new C-Lux.

Thanks, Blaster;
We have one camera store in our area that has several models of the Sony pockets which I have handled. The VI is just out. They overwhelmingly recommend the Sony over several other pockets including the pricier Nikons and Canons. I have only seen the new Leicas online. And, similar to you, travel is a factor for convenience.
Thanks for your input.

Pix count is up, but I want better glass than a phone. Yes, getting better, but not there yet. Glass the size of a kernel of corn and quality of a soda bottle does not interest me. If I wish to accept a muddy picture with a flash that only works sometimes and inconsistent auto focus without the convenience of a zoom, I'll borrow my wife's Korean-made phone. However, I appreciate your input and thanks for your comment.

Hello Photography Colleagues;
I have a 12 yr old 8 pix Leica C-Lux 3 which is beginning to wear out. For serious shooting, I have a D500 with two F lenses; this is heavy and I would like a pocket camera for snapshots for dinner parties, etc. Am looking at the new C-Lux 3 or 4 as well as the Sony 100 V or VI, all priced similarly. I want small, light, quality glass, with a normal zoom. Any suggestions on criteria for me to decide would be appreciated. Thanks.

I looked more closely. I have a Canon P100. Sorry.
However I am also having trouble with the color, so maybe need to clean.

I have a Canon Pro 100 and I'm interested, but I have 35's and 36's for ink. Confused.