Which higher end “pocket-sized” camera to buy? I’m looking for a pocket or belt pouch sized camera to replace/complement a Canon bridge camera and DSLR to use for more convenient...

OKsprat Loc: Oklahoma

I’m looking for a pocket or belt pouch sized camera to replace/complement a Canon bridge camera and DSLR to use for more convenient picture taking while traveling. I’m tired of lugging the bigger ones around.
I’ve looked at:
Canon G5x, G7x, G9x;
Sony hx99, RX100 VII
Panasonic ZS70, ZS80, ZS100, ZS200.
I’ve researched until my brain is tired and confused, and I’m wondering if any of you have some real life experience with any of these with recommendations. Most of my travel pictures are taken outside and I’d prefer a decent optical zoom, 1” sensor, raw capability etc. but I’m open to any good options. Budget can expand for the right camera.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I have the latest RX100. It is really good. It will fit in your pocket.

MEMPHIS35

I have the Canon SX740 HS Black Powershot SX740 HS with Case, Black, and love it. This supplements my Canon T7i, both top-rated.

MEMPHIS35

Without breaking the budget.

secular

RX100m7 is a very good camera. Has a bit of a learning curve to get to all of its capacity. Manual is over 600 pages. Can take really fine pictures. It is pricey of course. I have been happy with mine.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I have the G9X II, but you really can't go wrong with any of them. The newest models will have the newest technology. If price makes a difference, consider if you're paying for features in one that you don't need, like why would I need a speaker in a pocket camera?

I like the cameras that can capture in RAW and have all the shooting modes, where you can balance your ability to hand-hold with the IBIS assist against maybe adding a faster shutter and higher ISO for a better result. The Flash Exposure Compensation on the pop-up flash is another great tool to maximize the image capture for subsequent RAW processing. The wifi lets you share the JPEGs to your phone and to the internet before you get back to a computer for RAW processing.

And having a 20MP camera handy in your pocket is the best feature of all.

AT - NC by Paul Sager, on Flickr

Millipede by Paul Sager, on Flickr

Mets vs Cubs @ Wrigley by Paul Sager, on Flickr

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Your list of cameras are very good. For myself, I would bring it down to three choices. The Canon G9X, Sony RX100vii, and the Sony HX99. Either of these cameras are more than adequate to take as an only camera for a vacation. You do want satisfactory focal range. And, a camera that can shoot in RAW. I prefer to have a focal range, for a travel camera, to have a focal range from 25mm-200mm. But, not always necessary to every traveling photographer. Good luck on your choice.

Ysarex Loc: St. Louis

OKsprat wrote:

I’m looking for a pocket or belt pouch sized camer... (show quote)

I have the G7x (mkii) and I'm very happy with it. I did the same as you and spent a long time comparing between the Canon, Sony and Panasonic options. The G7 brought price and features together for me.

Having a camera that goes with me all the time has been a long-standing goal. I never fully realized it during the film era. When digital arrived I ran through a series of shirt-pocket compacts (Sony WS type) but was never happy as they each eventually screwed me unable to capture a raw file. Eventually I gave up on the shirt-pocket for a jacket-pocket that could save a raw file. The Canon G7 is my latest iteration of that camera and it is my main camera. My main camera is the camera I use the most and that's the G7. I use it almost daily.

A downside is what it does to your other cameras. The G7 is so convenient and always right there on my desk and generally it's up to the task so the other cameras get neglected. Then when you do get out the big guns your wife says, "What's that camera? Have I seen that camera? What did that one cost?"

Joe

OKsprat Loc: Oklahoma

DavidPine wrote:

I have the latest RX100. It is really good. It will fit in your pocket.

DavidPine, thank you for your input.

OKsprat Loc: Oklahoma

MEMPHIS35 wrote:

I have the Canon SX740 HS Black Powershot SX740 HS with Case, Black, and love it. This supplements my Canon T7i, both top-rated.

MEMPHIS35, many thanks I’ll check it out.

OKsprat Loc: Oklahoma

secular wrote:

RX100m7 is a very good camera. Has a bit of a learning curve to get to all of its capacity. Manual is over 600 pages. Can take really fine pictures. It is pricey of course. I have been happy with mine.

Secular, much appreciated.

OKsprat Loc: Oklahoma

[quote=CHG_CANON]I have the G9X II, but you really can't go wrong with any of them.

Paul, thank you for the always insightful help. Beautiful images also!

OKsprat Loc: Oklahoma

mas24 wrote:

Your list of cameras are very good. For myself, I would bring it down to three choices. The Canon G9X, Sony RX100vii, and the Sony HX99. Either of these cameras are more than adequate to take as an only camera for a vacation. You do want satisfactory focal range. And, a camera that can shoot in RAW. I prefer to have a focal range, for a travel camera, to have a focal range from 25mm-200mm. But, not always necessary to every traveling photographer. Good luck on your choice.

Mas24, thank you for your input.

OKsprat Loc: Oklahoma

[quote=Ysarex]I have the G7x (mkii) and I'm very happy with it. I did the same as you and spent a long time comparing between the Canon, Sony and Panasonic options. The G7

Joe, haha, thank you for elaborating the details. I’ve always used Canon gear dating back to film days and now use the sx50 and 7Dll so leaning that way.

Ysarex Loc: St. Louis

Ysarex wrote:

I have the G7x (mkii) and I'm very happy with it. ... (show quote)

One of the amazing things about these 1" sensor compacts is the sensor performance. I just picked up the G7 and went to a dark corner of the front room and grabbed a snapshot. Could be a little sharper, but this is a good example of the camera's low-light ability: that's with the ISO set to 6400.

Joe

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