Bison Bud

As an older, disabled, hobbyist, I have become increasing interested in getting a high quality, pocket sized camera, but due to my fixed income and rather low hobby budget, I have not yet made a decision and plunked down the cash. I have been saving for quite some time for this type of purchase, but really need to get the most out of it as it may well be the camera I finish out my photographic endeavors with along side my Pentax K3. Anyway, I have done a lot of online research and it's obvious that what I really want is the Sony RX100 MK-VII, but the sticker shock is painful to say the least! Even good used models are near $1000.00 and that's if you can even find one. I might be able to settle for the RX100 VR, but it too is still pricey for me and even harder to find used or refurbished. So, I am now leaning toward a Canon G5X MK-II or possibly even a G7X MK-III. I'd rather have the G5X primarily due to the pop up viewfinder, but these still go for around $900.00 new and I have yet to find a used one up for sale. The G7X doesn't have a viewfinder, but I can find them for sale used at a reasonable price (around $450.00) However, the auto focus on both Canon models is not their current phase detect system and I've read some reviews that mentioned focus issues with the G7X. This brings me right back to the Sony Models that clearly have the superior focus systems, I just can't seem to spend that kind of money on one, at least not yet. Frankly, I'd really like to keep my budget under $700.00 and I'm not against buying refurbished or used if the unit is in great shape and it saves me some money. Therefore, I have also recently reviewed some of the Panasonic and Fuji models and they seem to have a lot of bang for the bucks, with some Panasonic models being well within my price range. However, the reviews aren't all that great and I keep thinking that the Sony is the one I really want. So, unless the group here can show me a really good option within my current price range, I guess I'm going to have to keep saving or sell something and even then it's going to be very hard for me to plunk down the cash needed for the Sony RX100 either new or used (I bought my last 3 DLSR's for less than that combined). Anyone got any good suggestions on alternatives? I'd especially like to hear about experiences with the Panasonic models from folks that have actually used them. Thanks for any input here and good luck and good shooting to all.

Hip Coyote

1000 bucks will buy a lot of point and shoot options. I had a friend who wanted a p&s for travel. We purchased a Panasonic TZ70 for less than 500...shoots raw, built in flash, view finder (a must IMO). It fits her needs. I imagine there are upgraded versions avail. As I suspected, the camera exceeds her ability...she does no post processing...and if she were to do so, it would really up the quality of the shots. But for travel and memories, her stuff is fine.

As a micro43 shooter, I can also recommend the Olympus cameras...such as the Tough series....excellent features and you can drop it without fear of breaking it! You can buy them used or reconditioned.

If you want to keep in the more technical aspects of photography, consider a used Oly OMD Em10 mark 2 ...a mirrorless...you can put a very light weight lens on it and it is a good combo. The mark 2 is liked more by photographers than the 3 which was dumbed down a bit in features.

I'd shoot for a budget at 500 and skip the high end Sonys. They are great, but expensive. The squeeze is not worth the juice in those cameras IMO.

jcwall396 Loc: Roswell, GA

I currently have the Sony RX100 VII and it really is a rocking camera. Does everything I want it to do, including bracketing photos, plus shoots in RAW and has a 1" sensor. If you're thinking of a Panasonic, I have owned two Panasonic pocket cameras: The DMC-ZS100 was my most recent, and the DMC-ZS40 before that. Both were excellent cameras, and the ZS100 is very similar to the Sony in terms of sensor size and reach, and took excellent photos. I tend to swap my pocket cameras around a bit, and when the Sony came out, it got such good reviews I jumped to it. Both Panasonic cameras use Leica glass. I would definitely recommend either of those models.

BebuLamar

I think the OP said compact camera not point and shoot.

jtm1943

I don't have the Sonys nor the Canons. But I have used Panasonics for years and currntly have the ZS100, and the ZS70 (for its long lens, but it has a small sensor) My "water proof'" do anything camera is an Olympus
Tough 6 - but no viewfinder. Any of these cameras give good results andf have lots of nice features unless you are making quite large prints. I think you'd really like the ZS 100, so that is my recommendation to you. You can find them used on Ebay.

I usually shoot m4/3, and they (all) are excellent, but then you have to buy extra lenses and they often cost as much as the compacts, so I wouldn't go there.

Peace. ...and Best Wishes
John

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I own the Canon Powershot G1x iii. It has a 24 meg APS-C sensor and 24-70mm equivalent lens. I use it primarily as a travel camera and recommend it without hesitation. It’s currently available as a refurb from Canon direct for $699, which I consider a bargain. If you’d like a slightly brighter lens and smaller pocketable form factor, the G5x ii is also available refurb for $719. Both shoot raw, have excellent EVFs, and from Canon direct have a one year warranty. I really don’t think you can go wrong with either. If you are considering more of a bridge camera, the previously mentioned Panasonic LUMIX fz1000 ii is also excellent and can be found for less than $800. All three cameras are well within your sub $1000 target. Happy hunting!

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

The RX100VII is a spectacular camera. FYI - if you are buying used, the V and VI versions are also great. The V has a shorter long end, but faster 1.8 - 2.8 lens. I adored my V, but decided to sacrifice the faster lens for increased focal length. The only knock on the Sony RX’s is the truly awful battery life, but the batts are quite small and reasonably priced, so I carry one in the body and at least 2 (sometimes 3) in my pocket if out for the day.

One strong suggestion is to ignore the Panny (or any camera) without a viewfinder. That is a nonstarter for me.

Last thought - yes, the RX is expensive, but be careful of settling for something less expensive that you may become disillusioned with and then go out and buy an RX. Buying twice is always more expensive.

Have you checked for used RX on KEH or MPB?

Edit : just checked MPB. They have V and Vi in the 550-750 range. Super reputable place. https://www.mpb.com/en-us/used-equipment/used-photo-and-video/used-mirrorless-cameras/used-sony-mirrorless-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-rx100-mark-v/sku-1374102/

https://www.mpb.com/en-us/used-equipment/used-photo-and-video/used-mirrorless-cameras/used-sony-mirrorless-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-rx100-mark-vi/

Hip Coyote

Maybe I used the wrong term...the Panasonics mentioned are kinda like the Sonys he mentioned. More compact than point and shoot (Im not clear what the difference is actually.) Certainly, the Oly OMD 10 is a compact system...not a P&S. Interchangeable lenses, etc...a consideration.

Cheers.

Bison Bud

Yeah, I really liked that the G1X had Canon's newest phase detect focus and it is priced okay. However, as you stated, it is not really a pocket camera and would be far more attractive with a bit brighter lens. These factors are why I was more interested in the G5X-II and it's still a contender. Thanks for kicking in!

Bison Bud

Yeah, I've been eyeing the ZS-100 with it's 1" sensor and 10X zoom. I don't think anyone else does the 1" sensor with that much zoom, but I could be wrong. Anyway, I agree that it deserves a bit more research! Thanks for kicking in.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

One option worth considering is the Fuji X-T20 or X-T2 with the 18-55 f2.8-f4 lens. The X-T20 plus lens can be had in the $700-750 range and the X-T2 + lens will cost around $900 used. Both the lens and the camera are excellent and have the advantage of an APS-C sized sensor. The X-T2 is a more rugged camera (magnesium frame), a little heavier, weather sealed, has a bigger viewfinder and dual card slots. Other than that, the specs are roughly the same. People who have Fujis typically love them for their easy to use mechanical controls (requiring less menu access), excellent ergonomics, great color and sharpness from their X-Trans sensor and first rate lenses.

Good luck with your decision.

Bison Bud

Yeah, the RX100-VR I mentioned in the original post is the updated version of the RX100-V and I actually like the faster lens even if it does give up some zoom. It can apparently be purchased used for close to my $700.00 budget and is a top contender as of now. I also agree that an electronic viewfinder is a big deal, maybe not a deal breaker for the right price, but still a big deal to say the least. Thanks for kicking in!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Links!

$200 -
https://improb.com/digital-cameras-under-200/
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-best-camera-under-pound200
https://shotkit.com/best-cameras-200/
https://www.lifewire.com/best-digital-cameras-under-200-3897831

$300 -
https://www.consumerreports.org/point-shoot-digital-cameras/best-digital-cameras-under-300-dollars/
https://photophique.com/best-cameras-under-300/
https://www.photoworkout.com/best-compact-cameras-under-300-dollars/
https://www.adorama.com/alc/the-best-point-and-shoot-cameras-under-300

$500 -
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-point-and-shoot-under-500/
http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g706/point-and-shoot-digital-cameras/

Best -
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-10-best-compact-cameras
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/buying-guide-best-compact-zoom-cameras
https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2401971,00.asp
https://www.techradar.com/news/best-compact-camera
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-10-best-compact-cameras
https://shotkit.com/best-compact-cameras/
https://www.t3.com/us/features/best-compact-cameras

Bison Bud

While I really like the advantages of an APS-C sensor, I really want a pocketable camera. I realize I will have to give up interchangable lenses for this and this makes the installed lens a really big deal in whatever I end up with. If I was looking for a Mirrorless body, I would indeed be very interested in the X-T2 and appreciate your input!

Bison Bud

Wow, Jerry that should keep me busy for awhile. Thanks!