Best compact camera to take in a backpack when mountain biking (Page 3): If price is no concern the Sony RX100 VII should be a great choice. On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix...

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

If price is no concern the Sony RX100 VII should be a great choice. On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 is comparable for a LOT less. There is also the Lumix DC-ZS200 with more zoom range. All are pocketable models with 1" sensors and wide range zooms. Compare here:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Panasonic_DC-ZS200_vs_Sony_DSC-RX100_VII_vs_Panasonic_DMC-ZS100/BHitems/1389450-REG_1496248-REG_1211983-REG

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

CHG_CANON wrote:

Sony RAW files have a lossy compressed setting that's as bad as shooting JPEG.

I didn't know that about my RX100m7 so I asked Bard to explain it:

"Sony compressed RAW is a file format that is used by Sony digital cameras to store raw image data. It is a lossy format, which means that some of the data is discarded in order to reduce the file size. However, the amount of data that is discarded is very small, and it is unlikely to have any noticeable impact on the quality of the image.

Sony compressed RAW offers a number of advantages over uncompressed RAW. First, it reduces the file size of the image, which can save space on your memory card and make it easier to transfer the images to your computer. Second, it can improve the performance of your camera, as the camera does not have to process as much data when shooting in compressed RAW mode. Third, it can increase the number of images that you can store on your memory card, which is useful for shooting bursts of photos or for shooting in continuous mode.

There are a few disadvantages to using Sony compressed RAW. First, it is a lossy format, which means that some of the data is discarded. This can lead to a small loss of quality in the image, but it is unlikely to be noticeable unless you are viewing the image at very large sizes. Second, some RAW editing software does not support Sony compressed RAW, so you may need to use a different software application to edit your images.

Overall, Sony compressed RAW is a good option for photographers who want to save space on their memory cards and improve the performance of their camera. It is a good compromise between uncompressed RAW and JPEG, as it offers the best of both worlds."

promfh Loc: Redwood City, CA, USA

TerryVS wrote:

Olympus TG-6. Tough as nails, waterproof, etc, shoots RAW, decent optical zoom. Obviously it is a point and shoot but a good one.

I'll back up the idea of the Olympus TG series. I've used them for over 15 years while volunteering as a Master Naturalist. Our work takes us out in Nature most of the time. We've done pictures of alligators in the water of swamps and documented raging brush fires right on an active fire line. I've also used them wirelessly to set up camera traps or to extend in a pole down into creature's dens. I found a set of add-on lenses for 0.7X and 1.7X that are also completely waterproof. A small, two-compartment, belt pouch holds the camera, spare batteries, an extra chip, and several laminated cards with measuring grids and a color patch for keeping documentation of insects and other tiny critters.

It will fit nicely in a buttoned shirt pocket or semi-discretely in a pants pocket.

When I'm not out playing "Science Ranger" I have a collection of full-size Nikon bodies and lenses from 8 to 1500mm. But I don't haul them around with me on a daily basis. At 78 Y-O I leave that sort of thing to my son and grandchildren.

I hope this adds some ideas to your purchase decision.

Y'all Keep Shootin'

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

IzzyKap wrote:

I considered viewfinder important and that's why I went with Sony RXVII. The size of LCD screen doesn't help much on a bright day. I find the same issue when trying to use iPad or laptop outside on a bright day.

- But that would be the RX100 m7 ......

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

jtm1943 wrote:

Get the Sony RX100 vii. It's a great camera. The Canons have a problem focusing in low light. The Sony does not. Great lens, great focusing, small and light but add a grip.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

jerryc41 wrote:

I prefer a viewfinder. For one thing, it almost guarantees a steadier shot. Holding a camera out in front of me is not the steadiest position.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

John Ker wrote:

One of my friends is thinking about getting a compact camera to take with him when he goes mountain biking. He wants the photos to have quality worthy of being used in a magazine. He shoots photos for magazines occasionally, both with his phone and with a Canon Rebel digital camera, but he doesn't want to take a DSLR with him on his rides. Can anyone recommend a high-quality, compact camera with good image quality and good autofocus performance for him to use?

I would not rule out a 120 FILM camera like the Fuji 645 AF zoom camera with quality film - https://www.ebay.com/itm/185859074674?epid=26047318521&hash=item2b46106a72:g:WWMAAOSwpQ9kPSD6&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4JoSsM5vPQAYr2KUpjfibcsdaj5FZ9AtJsMJmpnCe0JQAx2HtV2FT16AhmxPtfHqFPxEWkDmcouvwa6VZIAy3IGrA3oSKUvz32%2FVNI%2BEPiJjcIt908F13ql%2BlJyNWf7Khku%2BAtrZ2LZidRsOCoE8YHNbds1tNnfu9MX5glLMQ45Pxj5DWaGj0aDz4dmp%2BSx9gWSF0KlOkwZr1g38mgaTAV5mHfUTJqASmA4NFrHJURN%2Fb5H8ry0n1boSUyPetEi4xtXCiIFV7iTDf71cTR9usfmgl3FXURliD8eU6UjrhCkV%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6yFzJ_1YQ

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gouldopfl

I have to disagree. A cellphone isn't a real camera. Small sensor and no long range zoom built in. I use my phone ( Galaxy S23 Ultra ) for either setting up shots for to review for a shoot I am doing or for things I would lose otherwise. I have tried the panorama which is 200 mp but it still pales compared to my Canon mirrorless. I would look for the latest model of a compact. You can rent one for your trip at several good companies.

gouldopfl

My Galaxy S23 Ultra blows the doors off the i14 pro.

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

John Ker wrote:

One of my friends is thinking about getting a compact camera to take with him when he goes mountain biking. He wants the photos to have quality worthy of being used in a magazine. He shoots photos for magazines occasionally, both with his phone and with a Canon Rebel digital camera, but he doesn't want to take a DSLR with him on his rides. Can anyone recommend a high-quality, compact camera with good image quality and good autofocus performance for him to use?

GoPro Hero - not particularly high-res, but better than cell phone, and capable of action videos as well. Mount on cap while biking.

LTImbeau

raypep wrote:

Here is my standard answer. Get the latest model Iphone and you will be set. A few years back after lugging my Nikon 7100 across Europe, I decided to shoot with my Iphone exclusively. Never looked back and the photos look great.

I agree, my IPhone 11Pro has 4 cameras and I get great photos with it. Actually I gave my grandson all of my older camera gear a few years ago, now I notice that he’s using his older iPhone too.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

TerryVS wrote:

Olympus TG-6. Tough as nails, waterproof etc, shoots RAW, decent optical zoom. Obviously it is a point and shoot but a good one.

We have a TG-6. It's a great snorkling camera and all-around travel camera because it is JIS/IEC protection class 8 (IPX8) compliant (Continuous exposure to water down to 147 feet or 45 meters). My wife uses it for snorkeling and hiking. She took this in February (see below).

If you're not going to go more than a few feet into water, an iPhone 14 or 14Pro series phone will do for most travel, including backpacking. It can also be around 2.09 million other things, via software applications...

Both the TG-6 and iPhones have 12MP sensors.

https://asia.olympus-imaging.com/product/compact/tg6/spec.html <<< Complete specifications for the TG-6

Photo by Lynda Smith, taken near Cabo St. Lucas with an Olympus/OM Systems TG-6.

(Download)

MJPerini

My G7x recently died, it didn't survive the fall onto concrete.
I loved that camera, and have not yet replaced it. Any of the Series are excellent.
The G 7x III and G5x (II?) both have a 24-100 equiv. f/1.8-2.8 lens which is nice
The 5 Adds a pop up evf
The Canon site lists all of them as Back Ordered right now

MJPerini

PS I also have an Old TG6 (Tough & Waterproof) which is also excellent

74images Loc: Los Angeles, California

I'd use Lumix also...I Bought a DC-ZS70 in November of 21, to Replace my Stolen Canon Powershot 150 & it has more Creative Filter Features, a Flip Up Back Screen & 20 Megapixels & More.

Although Lumix Discontinued the Model Last Year to what I heard, it's a Damn Good Pocket for Around $300.00 & is Slightly Smaller than my Old Powershot 150, it's done wonders for me since I got it in November 21.

74images@gmail.com