jagdpanther Loc: Los Angeles

Which of the below two compact cameras should I purchase?

I typically shoot a DSLR and for my typical subjects (landscape, still life, macro with focus stacking) my DSLR and a tripod work very well. I have a family trip planed to Washington DC and want to bring a compact camera (small, no interchangeable lenses but must shoot raw, good in low light) My old compact, a Nikon Coolpix P7100 is a little old so I want a new compact and have narrowed down my search to the following two. Comments and advice welcome.

1. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA (I don't want the RX100 VI or VII because of the loss of some low light uses.)

2. Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II

I'll probably use the pop-up EVF a lot so any comments about usage / wear & tear of the EVF would also be appreciated.

Thanks

COHappyHiker

My opinion is get the Sony! I have the Sony RX100iv and it is a fabulous camera! I have an underwater housing for it and used it in the Galapagos (and many other places).

COHappyHiker

Oh, and your other question - I use the pop-up EVF almost every time I use the camera and have never had a problem with it. I've stuck it in my pocket on trips overseas.

ricardo00

I have the Sony DSC-RX100 V (like you wanted the low light ability of this model). I have to admit, part of the reason I chose the Sony was because I was replacing a RX100iii that had fallen in a puddle and died. I had had it for a number of years and had used that quite a bit and it had held up very well to our less than careful handling. Since I was used to its features, it was easier to stay within the Sony line. One of the features I like about the Sony is the eye focus, not sure if the Canon has that (a quick read of the description didn't show it). This works very well to photograph several very active grandkids. The Sony is also somewhat smaller and lighter, useful to me since I really do keep this in my pocket. On the plus side for the Canon is the longer zoom which could be useful. Other than that, they do sound similar. I do find the menu of the Sony not that easy to figure out, but don't know if the Canon is better. I didn't find any problems with the pop-up EVF, however on my Sony iii the outside shutter would sometimes not completely open after several years, possibly due to accumulation of dust/grime since I would keep it in my pocket? (I could open it manually)

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You might have to pull the manual on the Sony, but I would expect the Sony model also offer the Flash Exposure Compensation of the Canon model. This is very useful when shooting low light and need some fill-flash, but not the full-power flood light. If that was the difference, that would make the Canon the better choice for still photography. The specs sheets on neither camera references FEC, but I know the it's available on the Canon. I didn't go through the specs for video to see if there was a tangible difference. Both are 20MP and capture both RAW and JPEG. You really can't go wrong with either.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

You are a rational unbiased individual.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

While I am definitely a Sony fan, I would recommend the Canon G5X II. It’s around the same price as the Sony you mention. It has a longer zoom range and the lens is just as fast as the Sony. I like that it gives a bit more reach-120mm vs. 70mm for the Sony. I chose the Sony RX100VII over the G5X II simply because the Sony zooms to 200mm. I think Canon makes great compact cameras.

jagdpanther Loc: Los Angeles

On the Canon G5X II ...
Is the touch screen an issue when you are using the EVF? Is there a way to disable the touch screen?

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I don't know, but there must be a command in the menu that allows for that. My RX100m7 allows that.

jagdpanther Loc: Los Angeles

Thank you for all of the advice. Now to choose ...

COHappyHiker

I have a related question - why are some people liking the RX1005 instead of the 7? I know that the 7 has a longer lens so not letting in as much light as the 5?

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I think that’s pretty much it, but the lens on the 7 isn’t all that slow, anyway. Your average DSLR or mirrorless lens is usually f/3.5-5.6, and the lens on the 7 is f/2.8-4.5. It would have been nice if was just f/2.8, but then they couldn’t make it as compact as it is.

jagdpanther Loc: Los Angeles

This ended up being an easy decision, much easier than I anticipated. My RAW editor of choice since 2014, CaptureOne Pro, doesn't support (yet, I guess) Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II. ... Hello Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA.

COHappyHiker

Thanks!

ricardo00

The smaller sensor in these cameras makes noise much more of a problem than with a DSLR. So I preferred the faster lens and mostly use it for shots of people who are close. Not trying to do further off subjects where I use my DSLR. Also the RX100m5 is smaller and lighter than the 7. They updated it too, so seems like a number of people prefer the smaller lens.