Selene03

I had the Sony Rx10 iii and really didn't like it. I do believe the IV is much better. I, too, have been looking for lighter camera/lens combos because of a back problem, which is mostly a problem hiking or traveling. The rest of the time my dslrs are great. I always have an rx100 with me, most recently the rx100 vi, which I like because it fits in a pocket. I do like Sony cameras. The a7iii with either the kit lens or the Tamron 28-70 2.8 lens is a good lightweight alternative, but would involve learning a new system. Still in China, you might be better off with the rx10 iv because it offers both a somewhat wide and distance lens in the same bundle. I was in China 10 years ago and used a hefty Sony point and shoot. It took great pictures then, and the current Sony cameras are even better. You do want something good in low light though--China is pretty smoggy.

As others have said, some of the other mirrorless systems are very good, though they might involve a learning curve.

Another possibility might be the Canon sl2 (or, I suppose 3). It is an extremely small camera and you could use your canon lenses. It doesn't have all of the features of your current Canon, but it basically works the same way. I use this camera as my kayak camera, as I bought it pretty cheaply refurbished so I am not too worried about it getting wet.

EM

I do have a Canon point and shoot (G16) which I carry with me almost all the time in the event I see something while I am doing errands, etc. This trip will involve having less luggage as we are going to be moving and flying from one place to the next. I cannot bring heavy lenses in cases. The RX10Mark 4 was mentioned by a National Geographic photographer as a great bridge camera for travel. I am addicted to tilt screens.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

My biggest objection from the specs of the R10IV is the price. It seems a bit high compared to the competition. I wanted a pocketable camera with 1" sensor, viewfinder and better than 70mm equiv on the tele end of the zoom range. I wound up with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 for $497.99. Now there also is the DC-ZS200 for $697.99. Both have less tele range than the Sony, but a more intuitive menu and much lower price.

EM

I do not care about video, so while the Sony is good on that, it is not my criteria.

EM

Fortunately, while I do not want to waste money, money will not be a deciding factor within this range if the camera is what I want.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I just noticed - WELCOME TO UHH!

le boecere

When one looks around Tom's website, there's a very good article on the camera the OP is considering. He states:

"In 2018, Sony RX10 version IV (RX10M4) reigns as the world’s best midsize travel camera, with bright 25x zoom f/2.4-4 lens, remarkably sharp from edge-to-edge from 24-600mm equivalent. This all-in-one marvel is also my top pick for portable wildlife telephoto. Unprecedented versatility with publishable image quality have made Sony RX10M4 & RX10M3 my main travel cameras since 2016.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 version IV (Amazon) happily upgrades my version III camera with improved autofocus, menu reorganization, and touchscreen autofocus. This article reviews the RX10M4, reveals hidden settings, suggests accessories and compares with rivals. "

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

The Sony RX10III or RX10IV both are great travel cameras. High quality construction and weather sealed. No more bags of lenses and gear to tote around. You might need a couple extra batteries if your shooting a lot and all day long. Just grab the camera and go. No more fiddling with changing lenses, it's so easy and fun to use. It has enough zoom range to take care of 99% of your encounters. They say pictures are worth a thousand words. I've traveled with both these cameras and can vouch that it's a quite capable camera while on the road. Here's a link to actual photos taken by ordinary people with this camera.
http://www.flickr.com/search/?text=sony%20rx10iv

EM

EM

I am thrilled with all the comments both pro and con. Good group!

EM

I am thrilled with all the comments both pro and con. Good group!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I carry the RX100M4 with me all the time, and as a travel camera it works really well. To be honest, it was never intended to be my primary imaging device, but as a compact in the pocket camera it performed beautifully. The pop up viewfinder is bright and easy to read, and the pop up flash can be tilted with your finger to do bounce duties.

If you do get the RX100, get a spare battery.

Robert1 Loc: Davie, FL

If you are up to a Point and Shoot this Canon it's a great camera:

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/powershot-g9-x-mark-ii-silver
Or
Something like this only 13.3 oz with battery.
https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/powershot-g5-x

Dossile

I have taken a few of my best pictures with a cheap canon point and shoot. Bridge cameras are now very nice. Every camera has limitations. I really like changing a lens to suit the situation and my vision. For light weight travel now, or when I worry about theft, I use a Panasonic GX9 with a 12-60, 35-100 f2.8 and a 20 f1.7 prime. With the 20 1.7 mounted, it is a great low profile walk around street camera. It all fits in a Pacsafe LX4, a 7X9X5 bag, with extra cards, 4 filters and batteries. I thought about the Panasonic G9, which is weather sealed and definitely has a few nicer features, but am happy with the less expensive and lower profile camera. It takes great photos and has plenty of features. I love my full frame and pro lenses, but sometimes the weight of the gear walking around a city for the day or worry about theft in the street or in my hotel room can subtract from the enjoyment of travel.

Dossile

I have taken a few of my best pictures with a cheap canon point and shoot. Bridge cameras are now very nice. Every camera has limitations. I really like changing a lens to suit the situation and my vision. For light weight travel now, or when I worry about theft, I use a Panasonic GX9 with a 12-60, 35-100 f2.8 and a 20 f1.7 prime. With the 20 1.7 mounted, it is a great low profile walk around street camera. It all fits in a Pacsafe LX4, a 7X9X5 bag, with extra cards, 4 filters and batteries. My D850 with a 20 f1.8 would barely fit in the bag. I thought about the Panasonic G9, which is weather resistant and definitely has a few nicer features, but am happy with the less expensive, lighter and lower profile camera. It takes great photos and has plenty of features. I love my full frame and pro lenses, but sometimes the weight of the gear walking around a city for the entire day or worry about theft in the street or in my hotel room can subtract from the enjoyment of travel.