utdoc43 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I've been quietly learning a lot from all the wonderful photographers in this forum, adding to my years as an amateur, the last 2 decades of which using small cameras du jour (just couldn't tote my old Canon SLR). I LOVE existing light photos and am convinced to move up to a RAW format (with Lightroom 3) and would like to move up in quality. My head aches from searching for a new camera that meets the specs I'll mention below. It occurred to me that SURELY some of the Forum members must have conducted informed searches similar to what I'm trying to do, and perhaps I could benefit from the results, recognizing that there are always personal quirks, etc. The specs I can describe are generally the following: (a) "Pocketable" (I don't mind something a little larger than the compacts to get quality, but must fit at least a jacket pocket); (b) Emphasis on low/existing light photos--perhaps 4/3, CMOS, Fuji technology?; (c) No movie requirement; (d) RAW format; (e) less emphasis on great magnification; (f) plenty of options beyond P/S; (g) Price not (much) more than about $500; (h) Emphasis more on quality than on most current model. Hopefully, some of you have thought along these lines and can offer some sage advice or guidance. Many thanks for this, in particular, but, more generally, for sharing the zeal and talent for photography.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

You can look at the Nikon P7100 and Canon has a S95 and the new s100.
Erv

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Maybe the new Nikon P510 with a 24-1000mm zoom and 16.1MP sensor. It might be just a touch bigger than you want though, but still very compact.

MtnMan Loc: ID

The main recommendation I have is to not get one without a viewfinder if it is your only or main camera. In many outdoor light situations you won't be able to see the screen.

Check the options on snapsort.com.

richardp1958 Loc: Los Angeles

My sister-in-law got a Sony NEX C3 a few months ago and likes it alot. It seems do do real well in low light, shoots RAW & JPEG, and has interchangeble lenses. I think the price point is in your range. The reviews I read on it are very good.

Dria Loc: Ohio

I have a Panasonic Lumix FZ35. I would say it meets your requirements.

utdoc43 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

What a great response from everyone! Thanks so much! I now have at least a manageable list of good candidates to sort through to meet my personal "quirks". Once I get up-to-speed I look forward to sharing some tangible results! Thanks again--the folks on the Forum are the best!

utdoc43 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks so much--I'm looking, I'm looking...... ;>)

ole sarg Loc: south florida

look at the new about to be released canon G1X. Has a great sensor and processor. I think it will be a real winner and am going to NYC next week and seeing if I can order one. The camera will list for $799 but should be worth it. Look at the reviews....

I too shot low light and do lots of street photography. I shoot in both color and B&W.

Lots of luck

utdoc43 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks! I've seen reference to the C1X--intriguing. Hopefully, you will share your experience.

bogeyeliot Loc: Signal Hill, CA

I have a nikon p7000, loved it(I've just gotten a D5100) and it seems to fit your parameters, they have a new model, the p7100. Lots of fun in a small(ish) package....

GordonB. Loc: St. Petersburg, Fl.

utdoc, if I were in the same position as you are, I would get the reviews from PROFESSIONALS and not from users only.
See if this camera meets your specs.
Go to google or any other search engine and type in 'professional reviews of Canon S95 digital camera'. There should be several. This camera has the ability to shoot RAW plus HDR and is great in low light if that interests you. It's under $400.

Good luck.
GordonB.

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

Sometimes the users give more useful information than the "professionals" do.

GordonB. Loc: St. Petersburg, Fl.

Rayford, to each his/her/their own. I'd rather hear the results out of the labs that are used to compare what the camera manufacturer claims certain things to be.

Cheers!
Gordon

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Do you know the cod etymology of 'expert'?

It comes from 'ex', meaning a has-been, and 'spurt', meaning 'a drip under pressure'.

I first heard that some 45 years ago. I have never forgotten it since.

Cheers,

R.