burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Leica and Panasonic have partnered for years. Panasonic make a lot of Leica electronics. Leica maces glass for Panasonic. Both companies will share the same full frame lens mount (along with Sigma).

AlohaBob Loc: Los Angeles, CA

I own an RX100 iii and it is a superb small travel camera. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of the RX100 line. That being said, I recently dumped my Sony crop sensor camera for a Panasonic G9 and I love it. Really put the fun back in photography for me. If I was buying today for a travel camera, I'd get one of the Panasonic bridge cameras with a 1" sensor; not as small or pocketable, but - for me anyway - much easier and more fun to use. I did hang on to my RX100iii and will use it when very small size is a requirement; the IQ is simply superb given good light.

regularguy55

To a certain extent, all things are somewhat relative. Per a former answer (Mercedes vs Toyota), it may be somewhat comparative to equate Toyota to Lexus—-sane company and some models have same guts but Lexus has more refined trim levels. All being said, IMHO, the only discernible difference is the Sony probably has more quality video capabilities. But, not enough to justify expense for most. Most also think Sony menus get too far into the weeds. KISS principle may be a good guide for most. All that being said, most of the aforementioned brands will meet most our needs. Good news is there is something for us all. Better to have many choices as opposed to only a couple don’t you think? I’ve owned Leica but my Canon, Nikon, and Panasonics have done similarly well 99% of time. A huge difference seems to be missing the Red Dot. Ha.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

The G9 is a fine instrument! Enjoy it. Check our the Lumix LX100 Mark II. It’s a fabulous pocket camera with Leica lens.

User ID

Same here. Just added a G9 and it's the first camera in
many years [and many too many cameras] that I found
really a quantum change. It's NOT a "manly" hair shirt
bare bones simplicity-oriented box. Quite the opposite,
and yet it's so different from any other "loaded" model
that I've encountered [or read about]. The difference is
the STUFF that it's loaded with. Almost no "artsy" stuff
that seeks to substitute for "the creative eye". It's just
loaded with stuff that enhances what I tend to do with
a less loaded model. It's a two-fold: It makes my usual
photographic approaches easier and faster, but it also
allows taking them to levels that less tech just would
not allow. Its abilities can seem overwhelming. I never
feel like I've figgered out the whole camera, but what I
already have uncovered is really remarkable.

And I will not reply about any specifics. It's just too big
a topic. But I must warn that this is not for the faint of
heart nor the wannabe. To get your money's worth, you
really gotta know your schidt, and feel really frustrated
with the limits of "ordinary" cameras.

IOW, this camera is not your mommy-wife. It doesn't
cater to you, or do everything for you. It liberates you.

================================


Acoarst, it DOES have a "PHD" mode so you CAN just
use it as a P&S and own it just for the "bragging rights".
But that type of owner would not very likely "settle" for
any lowly 20MP camera. Kinda squelches the Big Dick
contest before it even begins ;-)

Back on topic ! A G9 and decent lens is only about one
step up, size-wise and price-wise, from the RX100-IV.
Lotta variables, some whiff of "apples-to-oranges", but
for some who wonder just why the Sony costs $1600,
it might make more sense to spend just a bit more and
go with the G9. Worst that might happen ? You find it's
too overwhelming and return it, and some lucky future
G9 user hits on an Open-Box-Special, your good deed
for the day [or week or month].

.

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

The Lumix ZS100 has similar specs to the Sony RX 100 VA (The V is no longer available) The RX 100 VA sells for $898.00 currently, and the Lumix ZS100 is $497.00. That is still quite a price gap. The ZS100 came out in the same time frame (2016 release) as the original RX100V, and compares better with that model than the earlier III and IV versions you mentioned.