Travel Pocket Camera: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II? I am looking for a pocket camera for travel. I would like something with a larger than 1" sensor and a zoom lens is really not all...

worldcycle Loc: Stateline, Nevada

I am looking for a pocket camera for travel. I would like something with a larger than 1" sensor and a zoom lens is really not all that important. I am thinking about the Sony DSC-RX1R II. With 42 mega pixels I can probably crop to a reasonable size if need be. Would appreciate input on the pros and cons of the camera from those of you who own one. Thanks in advance.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Personally, for a "pocket sized" travel camera, this is a $3200 waste of money as it won't fit in your pocket. My 20MP Powershot GX9II really does fix in my pocket and takes wonderful images, only missing the ability to change to specialized lenses like a larger interchangeable lens camera.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

worldcycle wrote:

I am looking for a pocket camera for travel. I would like something with a larger than 1" sensor and a zoom lens is really not all that important. I am thinking about the Sony DSC-RX1R II. With 42 mega pixels I can probably crop to a reasonable size if need be. Would appreciate input on the pros and cons of the camera from those of you who own one. Thanks in advance.

Why do people spend 10s of thousands on cameras but refuse to take them on trips where the camera they spent thousands on sits in a closet and only comes out for grandkids visiting.
Just this topic repeated over and over seems insane.

usnpilot Loc: Ft Myers Fl

Architect1776 wrote:

Why do people spend 10s of thousands on cameras but refuse to take them on trips where the camera they spent thousands on sits in a closet and only comes out for grandkids visiting.
Just this topic repeated over and over seems insane.

Agreed

worldcycle Loc: Stateline, Nevada

Architect1776 wrote:

Why do people spend 10s of thousands on cameras but refuse to take them on trips where the camera they spent thousands on sits in a closet and only comes out for grandkids visiting.
Just this topic repeated over and over seems insane.

This is a ski trip to Italy, already taking enough gear. And no my iPhone doesn't make the cut. I usually take a Canon 5DMIV with a 16-35 L, 25-105 L, 70-300 L to cover most of the bases, a Nifty 50 for fun. Sometimes a 100 Macro, always a tripod and all the other assorted stuff that goes with it. Oh yea, a 5DMIII for backup. So far, 70 countries, airports don't count and usually a minimum of 2 week. Taking all that stuff to Bhutan in the Spring. Not happy with the quality I am now getting from a Canon G5X with a 1" sensor.

therwol Loc: USA

CHG_CANON wrote:

Personally, for a "pocket sized" travel camera, this is a $3200 waste of money as it won't fit in your pocket. My 20MP Powershot GX9II really does fix in my pocket and takes wonderful images, only missing the ability to change to specialized lenses like a larger interchangeable lens camera.

My G7X II is similar, slightly larger with a longer zoom (but not terribly long). The OP is looking for a pocket camera that has a larger than 1 inch sensor and jumped all the way to full frame. The lens on the proposed camera will stick out too much to allow the camera to fit into a pocket. A compromise might be the Canon G1X III. It has an APS-C sensor and a retractable zoom lens. I've never had one in my hand, but it looks to me like it may fit into a large coat pocket.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1365763-REG/canon_powershot_g1_x_mark.html

By the way, there can be valid reasons not to take a massive camera everywhere. I traveled to the UK three times with a Nikon D810 and some lenses. I chose not to take the camera to London and have people on the underground crush it between us, and there is a real theft risk in some cities when you're showing your conspicuous camera while walking around.

worldcycle Loc: Stateline, Nevada

CHG_CANON wrote:

Personally, for a "pocket sized" travel camera, this is a $3200 waste of money as it won't fit in your pocket. My 20MP Powershot GX9II really does fix in my pocket and takes wonderful images, only missing the ability to change to specialized lenses like a larger interchangeable lens camera.

I already have a Canon G5X I have used for years. Quite frankly I never have been satisfied with the image quality of a 1" sensor. Perhaps using the full frame Canon's have spoiled me. The GX9II is even a smaller sensor. I print many of my images at 11X14 or larger. I usually travel with a huge armada of camera gear yet this is a ski trip where I am packing enough gear as it is. Last year I rented skis and with the weight savings took my armada and my G5X and was again unimpressed with it's performance, but it made due when out on the slopes. If Canon makes something small (ski parkas have HUGE pockets), better, larger sensor (I do believe that sensor size does make a difference on image quality) I would love to know what it is.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

worldcycle wrote:

I already have a Canon G5X I have used for years. ... (show quote)

I do just fine with my G9XII. It's not 1:1 to a full-frame camera, but it's in no way inferior.

It is a slightly different set of skills to use successfully. I shoot it in RAW and process to what I want, shooting anything from macro to distant landscape. I use the flash a lot with Flash Compensation to control the total light output.

You might take a closer look at the EXIF of your unimpressive results and consider if the human can make some changes and realize some improvements. For example, I find the IBIS good to really about 1/30 sec, so I'll switch to manual to override the camera's decisions when I can't hold it steady enough. I also set it to continuous focus, using a selective AF point, always. Mostly aperture priority with AUTO ISO and EC +1 works in all situations, except when it won't.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

worldcycle wrote:

I am looking for a pocket camera for travel. I would like something with a larger than 1" sensor and a zoom lens is really not all that important. I am thinking about the Sony DSC-RX1R II. With 42 mega pixels I can probably crop to a reasonable size if need be. Would appreciate input on the pros and cons of the camera from those of you who own one. Thanks in advance.

For me, the fact it does not have an interchangeable lens at $3300 is a no starter. Yes, it is a travel style camera but doubtful that it will fit a standard pocket. There are alternatives.

Unfortunately the OM TG-6 has a small sensor. Definitely pocketable, waterproof, RAW, and quite a capable camera. Quite a good camera for travel at $500. I would still suggest it as a possibility.

A better 4/3rds possibility would be the OM-5 with the 12-45 f4 Pro (24-90 in 35mm terms). Yes, still not pocketable. But the sensor is bigger than 1" and the zoom would help from having to crop almost every image. Weatherproof, more than 5 stops of IS, capable of 1/2 lifesize images, and upgrade lenses are smaller, lighter, and less costly. Cost is $1600 in either black or silver. There are UHHers that basically use this setup as their travel camera system.

And there are other brands and cameras that will also be better suited as a travel camera and cheaper.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I use THIS which is small enough to go in a fleece pocket.

User ID

Architect1776 wrote:

Why do people spend 10s of thousands on cameras but refuse to take them on trips where the camera they spent thousands on sits in a closet and only comes out for grandkids visiting.
Just this topic repeated over and over seems insane.

(Download)

Laramie Loc: Tempe

Canon G 1 X. APS-C sensor, compact, though not front pocket compact.

jlg1000 Loc: Uruguay / South America

Architect1776 wrote:

Why do people spend 10s of thousands on cameras but refuse to take them on trips where the camera they spent thousands on sits in a closet and only comes out for grandkids visiting.
Just this topic repeated over and over seems insane.

I've written this 2407 tomes and counting: Cameras are just tools"

I usually carry my A7C for travel and a few lenses... I've taken it to Madrid last week.

But I'm going to Buenos Aires tomorrow, and I'm carrying only my RX100 (or maybe only my phone). Really don't like the "motochorros"

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

You want a great pocket camera that is robust good pictures
Olympus “tough” line up or TG6
It goes snorkeling too!

whitehall Loc: Canada

I quite agree a 1”” sensor just does not cut it. I have a sony rx100 va and I am consistently under impressed I purchased an Olympus 4/3 and the IQ is much better. Obviously not up to my R5 but then much lighter when travelling . Question of priorities Weight v Quality.