Triggerhappy

Our Panasonic Lumix 20x/ DMC ZS8 has developed black spots on the surface of the screen. It's the pixils going bad. We were told at the photo shop that we would do better to purchase a new camera instead of going to the expense of having the old camera repaired.
I have a larger Nikon D7100 but would like the convenience of carrying a smaller camera in my pocket or handbag for quick, but good shots.
We have looked at the Olympus but don't know which one. Could you members give me some ideas as to which cameras to consider?
Thanks much.

Jimi.Photo Loc: Staten Island, NY

Leica M with 50mm 1.4 lens.

Photocraig

Certainly a highend response but hardly a pocketable solution, IMHO.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I would be tempted to stick with the Panasonic line because I have been getting such good service out of my ZS6. Say, the TZ70, if you can find a TZ60 still at a dealers that would be good also. Mainly I would invest in one with a view finder. My biggest complaint about my ZS6 is trying to use the screen in the daylight. I end up looking across the top of the camera and using "Kentucky windage" with multiple shots to make sure I get a decently framed image.

Triggerhappy

Thanks Robertjerl. I have the same Px with the daylight glare/reflections in this screen.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Which olympus line:
OMD
PEN
X series
Stylus

They all have their advantages and disadvantages.

MarkD Loc: NYC

With compact cameras you have a choice of a large sensor with a short zoom lens or a small sensor with a longer zoom lens. A couple of good compacts with a large sensor and short zoom are the Panasonic LX100 and Sony RX100 III. They are quite expensive running in the $800-900 range last I looked.

Some good small sensor long zoom compacts are the Panasonic ZS40 and ZS50, Panasonic LF1 (discontinued but still around), Nikon P7800, and Canon G16. The ZS40 and 50 have 1/2.3 inch sensors and lenses that go out to around 700mm. The LF1, P7800, and G16 have larger 1/1.7 inch sensors and faster lenses. The LF1 and P7800 go out to 200mm and the G16 goes to 140mm. All are a lot less expensive than the LX100 and RX100 III.

I'm a believer in cameras with a viewfinder so all of these cameras have viewfinders. The VF is easier to see and compose on in bright light than is the LCD screen. Having a VF is better in low light because holding the camera to your eye is more stable than holding it out in front of you.

I have a P7800 which I think has a good compromise (all cameras have compromises) between sensor size and long focal length. I'm very happy with it.

asiafish Loc: Bakersfield, CA

Leica M with 35mm f/2.5 Summarit. There, now it will fit in a (large) pocket.

asiafish Loc: Bakersfield, CA

Or a used Leica X2, which tend to cost around $1000 these days. Horrible rear LCD, sluggish focusing, fixed 35mm (equivalent) focal length.

BUUUUUUT, wow, awesome image quality and no bigger than the LX100.

Bob Grove

I've been very happy with my Canon SX-700HD. Easy to use, great pix and very affordable. It has gotten good comparitive reviews.

jimkh

In my view there is no better small, pocketable camera than the Sony RX100III. My only complaint is that I spent a couple of hundred dollars on shirts with 2 breast pockets, one for glasses, one for the camera.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, very nice camera, but I'd never carry mine in a shirt pocket. I have several "travel shirts" with about a dozen pockets. It can be tough finding what I want. I should make a map of what's in what pocket.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

When I was looking for a smaller camera, I decided on the Sony a6000, with a few lenses. Give it a try. I love it for what it does, and that is not to take the place of my DSLR, but be a bit more convenient with great results.

jimkh

My shirt pockets have flaps and buttons so the camewra won't fall out.

lloydl2 Loc: Gilbert, AZ

I have the Sony rx100 m3 it is fabulous.