AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

I have done, what I consider sufficient research for the purchase of 3 travel cameras. One for me and 2 for my grandsons. We're going to Ireland in June and I want to introduce them to photography. Both are mature for their age at 7 and 14 years old. Dexterity and control is a concern for the 7 yr. old but I'll have him start shooting on auto everything (intelligent auto?). The best value selection based on the price (roughly $300 max), an EVF requirement!, size and weight resulted in MY opinion of a Sony RX100 II.

Research has shown:
I've read that some people bought one that arrived without a USA warranty and sent it back before opening the box. From one camera store comparison spreadsheet I believe the EVF was an option on this camera and this is the single most important aspect of my selection. Then I wasn't sure if Sony discontinued manufacturing this camera. Customer reviews for Panasonic honoring a warranty was a nightmare scenario so forget them.

I'm "internet search" exhausted but would be happy if I found these cameras. My next call is to Mike's Camera, B&H or Adorama.

Am I misinformed about anything?

MDI Mainer

As far as I know most RX 100 ii models have no viewfinder.

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cybershot-dsc-rx100-m2

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

I found this with a comparison chart saying the viewfinder is electronic. Isn't that an EVF?

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Premium-Compact-Multi-Interface-DSCRX100M2/dp/B00DM8R866#HLCXComparisonWidget_feature_div

MDI Mainer

Later models (the RX 100 iii and up) did have a pop up EVF. But on the ii model it was a $450 accessory that fit into the hot shoe.

This from the review I cited earlier:

The EVF accessory is a very good one, and at $450 it should be. The viewfinder simply mirrors whatever's being displayed on the camera's main LCD, so shooting information, image playback, focus peaking and manual focus magnified view are all available using the viewfinder. Unfortunately Sony's more affordable $349 NEX-series EVF (with the same OLED panel) uses a different kind of accessory port connector.

The inclusion of a hotshoe in the RX100 II is a welcome one, but unless a viewfinder is vital to you, it's hard to make a case for purchasing it at well over half the cost of the camera. The LCD fares very well in bright light, better than most, so an EVF is not likely to make a night-and-day difference in your experience using the camera.

Here's the review on the iii:

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cybershot-dsc-rx100-m3

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Viewfinder is an accessory that slides into the hot shoe and is purchased separately.

MDI Mainer

At half the cost of the body, I doubt many of these were sold new, and so will be few and far between used.

BebuLamar

Yeah I wouldn't get the EVF if I have the RX100 because it becomes more difficult to put in the pocket.

MDI Mainer

Agree. The iii would be the way to go if you want an EVF. Lens has 30mm less focal length, but faster than the ii, so better low light performance (and a better processor).

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

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

Back to the drawing board!!

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Hey, AVG, sorry the model you wanted was not quite what you thought it was. A Viewfinder, on a travel camera, is an absolute Must, in my experience. Also, the Sony only had a zoom reach of 3.6x and I think you would have found that "wanting" as you did your sightseeing. I know you were not enamored with the Panasonic warranty service but take another look at the ZS60 and ZS70 as possibilities. And remember that 99.3% of all new cameras do not need warranty service in their first year. The odds are seriously in your favor.

Good luck in your research.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

The VII version DOES have a viewfinder, a pop-up EVF.

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

Thanks for the suggestion but you missed the part where I said I was buying three cameras. I might be from Pittsburgh but "Mellon" is not part of my heritage.

I'm not being sarcastic because I always appreciate honest efforts.

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

That's a very specific percentage and I understand your point. If that's an accurate number I'll take your advice.

MDI Mainer

The iii and iv which are available used do have the popup EVF. The iii can be found in your price range, the iv will be about $100 more apiece. The iv basically has a better sensor, viewfinder and more video capabilities.

https://www.dpreview.com/articles/7237085229/which-sony-rx100-is-right-for-you

MDI Mainer

If you're buying used the factory warranty is a moot point anyway. I know MPB gives a 6 month warranty, other sellers likely do something similar.

BTW the A6000 with a kit 16-50 mm lens will be about the same cost as the iv and is IMHO light years better, though admittedly not as compact. And remember the 70mm or 100 mm focal length on the RX 100 is a "full frame" equivalent, whereas the 50 mm on the A6000 is real, so equates to a 75 mm full frame.

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-RX100-III-vs-Sony-Alpha-a6000