mcarchia Loc: Windham, NH

Hi,
I would like some advice from the forum. I presently use a Canon T4i with a Tamron 18-400 lens and am very happy with this. However, I am going on a Viking River cruise this summer and would like a lighter camera so am looking at buying a point and shoot.
Here are what I think is important (other suggestions are welcomed).
1. Light
2. Good zoom, I would say at least 20x
3. 20mp
4. Auto mode, A mode, and other modes would be nice
5. $ up to 700 or so.
6. I usually edit my pics. I switched to a Chromebook so use Polarr. I used to use Photoshop Lightroom but it really
isn't made for a chromebook.
7. I have looked at the Canon SX70 and Canon SX740. They were both introduced in 2018, 2 months apart, not sure
why. However, I am leaning towards the SX70, but would like other opinions.

OK, I guess that's it. Not too many camera stores left around to get the feely and touch. I do have one in my area that I will visit but your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thannks,
Mike

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I don't know if the Canon PowerShot G-series models meet your 20x zoom, but my G9X is about the size of a deck of cards and fits in my pocket, any pocket. It's a cropped 20MP model, shooting in RAW, with all the needed shooting modes and IBIS support. The pop-up flash gives a lot of flexibility.

mcarchia Loc: Windham, NH

Thanks, I will look at it.
Mike

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

There's a mix of technology bundled into various G1 to G9 models, giving you choices of what fits your needs, price. The Sony Cybershots are much the same, look there too.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I had the earlier SX50 and loved it. But it Died and I moved up to the Sony RX10, Big difference in IQ. I also own the Sony RX100 but it only goes to 200mm but totally pocketable. If you go for the SX70. check out the Canon USA site and then go to the Outlet and the have factory refurbished with new warranty.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

My 2₵. The only small Canon with a viewfinder is the G5, but its zoom is short. I have and love my old bridge camera, a Canon SX50 HS, so the new SX70 HS should be a good choice. I also like the Panasonic models and there is a Sony that meets the criteria. So here is a list, all have viewfinders:

I) Bridge (Largest zoom, 1/2.3" sensor)
a) Canon SX70 HS ($599)
b) Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 ($398)

II) Bridge (Large zoom, 1" sensor) - over budget but worth noting
a) Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II ($850) only 16:1 zoom
b) Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 ($898)

III) Mega- zoom Pocketable (with viewfinder 1/2.3" sensor)
a) Panasonic Lumix DCZS80 ($398)
b) Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 ($473)

IV) Mega- zoom Pocketable w/ 1" sensor (with viewfinder)
a) Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 ($598) only 15:1 zoom

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

All three of these are truly pocketable and take great photos and videos.

The Sony RX100m7 is marvelous but outside your price range. I got one as a gift from my wife this year. It is an amazing camera in all respects.

The earlier RX100m3 is still available. B&H has it for $750. I had the original and my granddaughter is still using it well.

The Sony HX99 has a smaller sensor but is a good travel camera at $475. I had it's predecessor and loved it until it took a bath in salty sea water!

mcarchia Loc: Windham, NH

Thanks

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

If you click "quote reply" under the post you are responding to as I did here, we can tell who you are thanking.

FalconChase Loc: Canton,Ohio, USA

Have you looked at the Sony HX99? I love my HX90. https://www.sony.com/lr/electronics/cyber-shot-compact-cameras/dsc-hx99

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

How about a 30X zoom (24mm to 720mm) Zeiss lens that will fit into your pocket or a belt pouch that leaves you hands free on your trip. Shoots RAW or Jpeg, pop up viewfinder for outdoors, has a pop up flash that will do auto fills, shots panoramas.
I am talking about the Sony HX99, at only $399.00 you will also save some money you can use on your trip.
Did I mention you can get 20X30 enlargements from it if you wish.
And did I mention it can take great images.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Lots of links.

Best compact -
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

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

$300 -
https://www.sfgate.com/shopping/article/The-5-best-digital-cameras-for-under-300-16312385.php
https://www.photoworkout.com/best-compact-cameras-under-300-dollars/
https://imagerestorationcenter.com/best-point-and-shoot-camera-under-300/
https://www.lapseoftheshutter.com/best-cameras-under-300/

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

Take a look at the Panasonic LUMIX ZS series. Small with decent zoom, EVF, RAW, etc. As for the SX70 vs SX740….I would point out that the latter doesn’t have a view finder nor can it shoot RAW. It is more compact than the SX70. Both are available often on the Canon refurb site but sell out quickly, especially the SX70. The RX10 was recommended. But, I don’t think it meets your requirements. It’s an excellent camera but NOT small by any means.

n4jee Loc: New Bern, NC

Another possibility - similar to the Sony HX99 - is the Panasonic ZS80 (Leica vs Zeiss lens and 20 vs 18 MP, otherwise pretty much the same. One thing that both have is a eye level finder which isn't in your requirements list, but which you will be glad you have when the sun is shining directly on your screen and you can't see to compose. So many of the pocketable cameras are missing this feature.

Sony HX99 Key Specs
Announcement Date: 2018-09-01
18MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
ISO 80 - 12800
24-720 mm F3.5-6.4 Zoom Lens
Optical Image Stabilization
3.00" Tilting Screen
638k dot Electronic viewfinder
10.0fps continuous shooting
4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
120fps High-Speed Video
Built-in Wireless
242g. 102 x 58 x 36 mm

Panasonic ZS80 Key Specs
Announcement Date: 2018-02-18
20MP - 1/2.3 BSI-CMOS Sensor
ISO 80 - 3200 ( expands to 6400)
24-720 mm F3.3-6.4 Zoom Lens
Optical Image Stabilization
3.00" Tilting Screen
2330k dot Electronic viewfinder
10.0fps continuous shooting
4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
Built-in Wireless
327g. 112 x 69 x 42 mm
Also known as Lumix DC-TZ95
Replaced Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 Compare

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

I have an SX710HS. When I go to a scale model contest, it goes, the RP stays home. When I go someplace like Disney, it goes the RP stays home. Closed up, it is the size of a pack of cigarettes, which equates to easily carried in a small belt loop case. It will focus within one half inch of the lens. The depth of field is far greater than any full frame or crop frame. I forget the zoom specs, but the are pretty outstanding for the size. Price, about $400.

Down side: Live view only, no view finder. A hat with a wide brim helps here, sometimes. When doing close work, it sometimes focuses somewhere other than where you wish, so chimping is necessary. The menu logic is not logical to me. It does not record Raw. The lens cover blades are very delicate. DO NOT PUT IT IN YOUR POCKET. Buy a small well padded belt loop case.

Hope this helps.