Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

Sounds like a Baltic cruise? I took one last summer and instead of lugging around my Fuji X-T2 with multiple lenses I bought and took a fixed length (35mm FF equivalent) Fuji X100F Camera. Had ZERO regrets. Weighs all of 17 oz. and fits in a large pocket.

Have fun!

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

I agree with the people who advise sticking with the Lumix. Based on what you are planning to use it for it will fill your needs nicely and you won't have to work so hard to learn the controls.

Changing makes of camera can be worth it but almost always requires extra time learning the new system. I went from Lumix to Nikon bridge camera and had to learn a whole new system. Then I went to Nikon dslr and it was easy to change. Now I've gone to Sony mirrorless and it's back to kindergarten again. The Lumix is a very good camera and will fit all your size limitations as well--certainly more than some of the bigger cameras mentioned. I know from my African trips how hard it is to accommodate any space for extra camera gear on those small planes so one smaller camera should work very well. Enjoy your trip.

markwilliam1

Not even close to the RX10 M4! Sorry.[.=Paul J. Svetlik]If you want to save some money Jdub82, you can get almost the same camera as the Sony RX10 (the one recomended here), like Lumix FZ1000 ($600) or FZ1000 II ($897) or Lumix FZ2500 ($997)
Larger sensor cameras, Leica designed zooms with fully swivelling screens for low angle photography.
On my travels where I have to carry my cameras, everything is done on the move and any longer zoom than 400mm without a tripod is not realistic. No lens changing.[/quote]

rangel28

I had the opportunity to review the Nikon D3500 for Amazon, along with the 18mm-55mm kit lens, and was pretty impressed. The photo quality produced by the sensor is high and the camera and kit lens are very small and light. Add the AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II lens, and you have a very inexpensive, small and light DSLR with 18mm-200mm coverage.

BebuLamar

Seriously if I have a $1500 budget I would get the Nikon D750 refurbished for $1079 and the 24-120mm f/4 lens refurbished for $499 and the total would be $1578. Not too much over budget.

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

Or a Fuji X-T30. Same sensor but not quite all the perks of a X-T3. But very capable and a little smaller. And a little cheaper too.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I was going to suggest these 2 current models myself.

Paul J. Svetlik Loc: Colorado

A special note for Markwilliam1:

I wish you could provide some facts about your fuzzy statement?
Would you care to compare?

Sony RX10 Mk4 is a good camera, but a way too expensive. The Carl Zeiss designed zoom made in Japan has 18 elements in 13 groups, having a range from 24mm to 600mm, EVF and only a tilting touch screen for $1598.

On the other hand Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 has a Leica designed zoom made in Japan with 16 elements in 11 groups, having a range from 25mm to 400mm, EVF and a fully swivelling screen for $598. No touch screen.

Another Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 has also a Leica designed zoom made in Japan with 15 elements in 11 groups, having a range from 24mm to 480mm, EVF, and a fully swivelling touch screen for $997.

All three cameras have "so called" the same 1" (13.2mm x 8.8 mm) sensor.
You will not make a better picture from one camera when you compare it with the other two. Period.
If you feel you can be happy with a slightly shorter zoom range, (longer zoom range are not practical without a tripod anyway) you have a great working tool for under $600.
Did it help you a bit?

markwilliam1

Didn’t mean be “fuzzy!” Lol! You can compare the Sony RX10 M4 to Any of the cameras listed. No comparison to what you listed. Do a search. The cameras you listed Do Not have the same Sensor as the Sony! It’s all a matter of what you need! Super fast focusing for BIF. A camera that can do it all from Macro to Telephoto. I agree the price is high but well worth it! If you just consider just the lens the camera is worth the extra bucks. Just my opinion as I own this Fabulous camera

domcomm Loc: Denver, CO

Fuji XT-30. It's smaller, and less expensive, but has most of the features and quality of the XT-3.

Paul J. Svetlik Loc: Colorado

Mark, thank you for your more rational input.
The Panasonics have the sensors made by Sony. There are only two sensor manufacturers:
Sony and Canon.
Panasonics can focus from macro to telephoto.
There are differences in electronics in all three cameras, though. For a photographer who is not specialized for taking pictures of racing cars or other fast moving objects, a "super fast focusing" is only a welcome feature (selling gimmick) but not a significant one for purchasing the camera - for extra $600?
Although I would like to see a fully swivelling screen on Sony RX10 M4.
Sony RX10 M4 is a good bridge camera.

Make a print about 16"x20" from any of those three cameras mentioned and speculate about the difference? I have done that.

Good Luck and thanks for your improved comment.
I hope it might help to someone on this forum before they buy a camera?
BTW I just like to be more fact oriented on this forum.
Cheers!

neilds37 Loc: Port Angeles, WA

I don't know anything about the Lumix line, so all I can add to markwilliam's remarks is to ask:
Does the Lumix bridge have "live view"?
Can the Lumix lock focus on a bird in flight and track the bird as long as it is on the screen?
Does the Lumix have multiple assignable buttons that can be programmed to set the camera up for just about any situation with a single push of a button?
Does the Lumix have a horizontally oriented thumb operated wheel to rapidly take the shutter speed from bulb to 1/32000?
Does the Lumix have a barrel ring to rapidly take the f-stop from f2.4 to f16?
Does it have a barrel ring, in addition to the finger operated lever, to fine-adjust the zoom level?
Does it have a barrel ring to fine-adjust the focus?

If the answer to these questions is "yes", then I suppose the Lumix may be a close comparison to the Sony RX10M4.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I suppose the difference in features, controls, etc., is what really sets each one apart from the others. The Lumix line of bridge cameras is quite competent, though. The controls are different from the Sony's, but accomplish much the same thing. I wouldn't hesitate to have either brand.

I had a Lumix FZ200 and felt that it took some pretty darned good photos for a small (1/2.3") sensor. I liked that it had an f/2.8 lens that stayed wide open all the way to 600mm. What I didn't care for so much was the focus system was pretty weak, and both the EVF and rear screen left something to be desired. Lumix now has the FZ300 which is a re-design of the FZ200, with a lot of improvements to nearly everything, and it still stays at f/2.8 all the way out to 600mm. Further, it has "intelligent zoom" that works much like Sony's "clear image zoom" that effectively doubles the reach without perceptible loss of IQ. It's not a bad choice if you don't have to have a larger sensor.

Were I to want a bridge camera with a 1" sensor and keep the cost down, I'd take a serious look at the Lumix FZ1000 II. I just wish it also zoomed to 600mm. While the Sony RX10IV is a wonderful camera, it's just too expensive for me. But it's worth the money.

markwilliam1

I’m not in the league of most the Hogs here. Just a retired Dude. Not a Pro. I can only compare the Sony RX10 M4 to my Sony a77ii. The main feature of this camera is it’s Lightning Fast Focus. Gimmick! NOT! That’s the main reason you consider this camera but if that’s not you cup of tea go with a lesser camera. My opinion reflects this, not someone who just reads reviews and posts opinions based on that and have no hands on experience! So many posters on this site are guilty of that. Why? Not to criticize that behavior! Lol! Sony makes many sensors but they are much different for different cameras as you know.

neilds37 Loc: Port Angeles, WA

The Sony's too expensive for me too, but after eight decades with few expensive toys I'm taking the chance the kids can regain a few of the dollars further down the road. And I'm lov'in it.