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Finding a Good Compact Camera
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Apr 21, 2019 05:34:17   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
First, let me say that I am not looking for a compact. I have a small Sony a6000 and a smaller Sony WX9, as well as a very old Canon SD800 Elph. Every day we get requests for recommendations for compacts or travel cameras. Yesterday, I thought I'd do a search and see what I could find. Not much.

If I were seriously looking, I would have spent more time, but nothing obvious jumped out at me. I had expected that I'd have a choice of several excellent cameras with three features. I was looking for three things: compact, viewfinder, wide zoom range. And I was searching in the $500 range, so that nice $5,000 Leica was out. Canon, Panasonic, and Sony were frequently recommended in online articles, but most had significant shortcomings, especially the missing viewfinder. Reading the one-star reviews of the Panasonic Lumix on Amazon was an eye-opener. Reliability was awful, and service matched it.

It's hard to believe that with all the progress being made with cameras, they can't produce a good, reliable, durable camera with those three features I mentioned above. My Sonys might be old, but they still work, and they're paid for.

https://www.lifewire.com/best-viewfinder-cameras-493677
http://www.compactcamerawithviewfinder.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/compact-cameras-with-viewfinders

Reply
Apr 21, 2019 06:55:22   #
Delderby Loc: Derby UK
 
jerryc41 wrote:
First, let me say that I am not looking for a compact. I have a small Sony a6000 and a smaller Sony WX9, as well as a very old Canon SD800 Elph. Every day we get requests for recommendations for compacts or travel cameras. Yesterday, I thought I'd do a search and see what I could find. Not much.

If I were seriously looking, I would have spent more time, but nothing obvious jumped out at me. I had expected that I'd have a choice of several excellent cameras with three features. I was looking for three things: compact, viewfinder, wide zoom range. And I was searching in the $500 range, so that nice $5,000 Leica was out. Canon, Panasonic, and Sony were frequently recommended in online articles, but most had significant shortcomings, especially the missing viewfinder. Reading the one-star reviews of the Panasonic Lumix on Amazon was an eye-opener. Reliability was awful, and service matched it.

It's hard to believe that with all the progress being made with cameras, they can't produce a good, reliable, durable camera with those three features I mentioned above. My Sonys might be old, but they still work, and they're paid for.

https://www.lifewire.com/best-viewfinder-cameras-493677
http://www.compactcamerawithviewfinder.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/compact-cameras-with-viewfinders
First, let me say that I am not looking for a comp... (show quote)


I don't know where you found those "one star reviews" of Panasonics. I have owned Panasonics since the first M43 over 10 years ago - and never had a problem yet. I think you have been looking at the wrong Panasonic cameras. I recently swapped from SLR style to a retro rangefinder style GX7. £200, Used as new with only 1200 actuations. Being interchangeable lens, the choice of lens is up to the user. With a swivelling EVF and a swivelling monitor it really is a wonderful camera. 16 mpx with larger pixels made possible by having less circuitry on the sensor. Out of interest I have two lenses, 12-32 and 35-100 (2xcrop). IQ is at least equal to a friends Nikon 5300. With the small lenses in one pocket and the camera in the other, that is certainly "compact". I think you should read the reviews and do yourself a favour before before casting aspersions towards Panasonic.

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Apr 21, 2019 07:39:11   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Delderby wrote:
I don't know where you found those "one star reviews" of Panasonics. I have owned Panasonics since the first M43 over 10 years ago - and never had a problem yet. I think you have been looking at the wrong Panasonic cameras. I recently swapped from SLR style to a retro rangefinder style GX7. £200, Used as new with only 1200 actuations. Being interchangeable lens, the choice of lens is up to the user. With a swivelling EVF and a swivelling monitor it really is a wonderful camera. 16 mpx with larger pixels made possible by having less circuitry on the sensor. Out of interest I have two lenses, 12-32 and 35-100 (2xcrop). IQ is at least equal to a friends Nikon 5300. With the small lenses in one pocket and the camera in the other, that is certainly "compact". I think you should read the reviews and do yourself a favour before before casting aspersions towards Panasonic.
I don't know where you found those "one star ... (show quote)


Look at reviews of Panasonic cameras on Amazon. A large portion of one-star reviews complain about reliability and bad customer support. An online review looks at the specs and the features and the picture-taking experience. Owners tell us how they like the camera after weeks, months, or years. Reliability is not a strong point of the Lumix models. Even reviewers have mentioned the internal dust problems with the Lumix, and that was a complaint from many people.

"I think you have been looking at the wrong Panasonic cameras." - I think that's part of the problem. There shouldn't be any wrong Panasonic cameras. They should all work for a long time.

Reply
 
 
Apr 21, 2019 09:12:24   #
Delderby Loc: Derby UK
 
jerryc41 wrote:
Look at reviews of Panasonic cameras on Amazon. A large portion of one-star reviews complain about reliability and bad customer support. An online review looks at the specs and the features and the picture-taking experience. Owners tell us how they like the camera after weeks, months, or years. Reliability is not a strong point of the Lumix models. Even reviewers have mentioned the internal dust problems with the Lumix, and that was a complaint from many people.

"I think you have been looking at the wrong Panasonic cameras." - I think that's part of the problem. There shouldn't be any wrong Panasonic cameras. They should all work for a long time.
Look at reviews of Panasonic cameras on Amazon. A... (show quote)


By "wrong Panasonic cameras" I meant for the the spec you required - for example you require a VF (as do I) and so many models by so many manufacturers now leave out viewfinders. You have surprised me when you mention reliability issues - I will have a look.

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Apr 21, 2019 10:10:51   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Delderby wrote:
By "wrong Panasonic cameras" I meant for the the spec you required - for example you require a VF (as do I) and so many models by so many manufacturers now leave out viewfinders. You have surprised me when you mention reliability issues - I will have a look.


I really don't like cameras without viewfinders, but my tiny WX9 doesn't have one. I can live with the LCD because it's easy to carry.

Reply
Apr 21, 2019 10:17:23   #
repleo Loc: Boston
 
jerryc41 wrote:
First, let me say that I am not looking for a compact. I have a small Sony a6000 and a smaller Sony WX9, as well as a very old Canon SD800 Elph. Every day we get requests for recommendations for compacts or travel cameras. Yesterday, I thought I'd do a search and see what I could find. Not much.

If I were seriously looking, I would have spent more time, but nothing obvious jumped out at me. I had expected that I'd have a choice of several excellent cameras with three features. I was looking for three things: compact, viewfinder, wide zoom range. And I was searching in the $500 range, so that nice $5,000 Leica was out. Canon, Panasonic, and Sony were frequently recommended in online articles, but most had significant shortcomings, especially the missing viewfinder. Reading the one-star reviews of the Panasonic Lumix on Amazon was an eye-opener. Reliability was awful, and service matched it.

It's hard to believe that with all the progress being made with cameras, they can't produce a good, reliable, durable camera with those three features I mentioned above. My Sonys might be old, but they still work, and they're paid for.

https://www.lifewire.com/best-viewfinder-cameras-493677
http://www.compactcamerawithviewfinder.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/compact-cameras-with-viewfinders
First, let me say that I am not looking for a comp... (show quote)


I had a Panasonic LF-1 which was a co-brand version shared with Leica. It was easily pocketable, almost shirt-pocketable, 28-200 zoom and had a useable viewfinder. It was a real gem and was the only camera I brought on several trips to Europe. It has been discontinued, but does crop up occassionally on eBay. I had no problems with it until I put it through my snowblower. I just got a Sony RX100 iii as a replacement. I haven't had a chance to really try the RX100 yet, but my first reaction is that I may switch and get another LF-1

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Apr 21, 2019 10:29:27   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
repleo wrote:
I had a Panasonic LF-1 which was a co-brand version shared with Leica. It was easily pocketable, almost shirt-pocketable, 28-200 zoom and had a useable viewfinder. It was a real gem and was the only camera I brought on several trips to Europe. It has been discontinued, but does crop up occassionally on eBay. I had no problems with it until I put it through my snowblower. I just got a Sony RX100 iii as a replacement. I haven't had a chance to really try the RX100 yet, but my first reaction is that I may switch and get another LF-1
I had a Panasonic LF-1 which was a co-brand versio... (show quote)


Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC2.A0.H0.XPanasonic+LF-1.TRS5&_nkw=Panasonic+LF-1&_sacat=0

Reply
 
 
Apr 21, 2019 10:43:21   #
Delderby Loc: Derby UK
 
jerryc41 wrote:
Look at reviews of Panasonic cameras on Amazon. A large portion of one-star reviews complain about reliability and bad customer support. An online review looks at the specs and the features and the picture-taking experience. Owners tell us how they like the camera after weeks, months, or years. Reliability is not a strong point of the Lumix models. Even reviewers have mentioned the internal dust problems with the Lumix, and that was a complaint from many people.

"I think you have been looking at the wrong Panasonic cameras." - I think that's part of the problem. There shouldn't be any wrong Panasonic cameras. They should all work for a long time.
Look at reviews of Panasonic cameras on Amazon. A... (show quote)


Hi again Jerry
I've now had a look at reliability, comparing Panasonic with Nikon. Panasonic customer reviews show 15% dissatisfaction. Nikon cuustomer reviews (according to Consumer Affairs) show 3.5 out of 5 satisfaction, which is 30% dissatisfaction. In fact it is likely that in real terms both brands are far more reliable than the numbers indicate. Those with a grouch are more likely to respond to a survey than those who are satisfied.
As a ten year plus Panasonic camera user, I personally would recommend their cameras to anyone.

Reply
Apr 21, 2019 12:59:33   #
le boecere
 
jerryc41 wrote:
First, let me say that I am not looking for a compact. I have a small Sony a6000 and a smaller Sony WX9, as well as a very old Canon SD800 Elph. Every day we get requests for recommendations for compacts or travel cameras. Yesterday, I thought I'd do a search and see what I could find. Not much.

If I were seriously looking, I would have spent more time, but nothing obvious jumped out at me. I had expected that I'd have a choice of several excellent cameras with three features. I was looking for three things: compact, viewfinder, wide zoom range. And I was searching in the $500 range, so that nice $5,000 Leica was out. Canon, Panasonic, and Sony were frequently recommended in online articles, but most had significant shortcomings, especially the missing viewfinder. Reading the one-star reviews of the Panasonic Lumix on Amazon was an eye-opener. Reliability was awful, and service matched it.

It's hard to believe that with all the progress being made with cameras, they can't produce a good, reliable, durable camera with those three features I mentioned above. My Sonys might be old, but they still work, and they're paid for.

https://www.lifewire.com/best-viewfinder-cameras-493677
http://www.compactcamerawithviewfinder.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/compact-cameras-with-viewfinders
First, let me say that I am not looking for a comp... (show quote)


My EDC (Every Day Carry) is the Sony RX100III for the (so-called) 1" sensor, the Zeiss-coated lens, and the pop up viewfinder (although, some may find that viewfinder a bit cumbersome).

Reply
Apr 21, 2019 19:18:11   #
repleo Loc: Boston
 


Thanks Jerry.
I lucked out - got a new, unopened LF-1 for $225. Good deal. My RX100iii may be going on the auction block.

Reply
Apr 22, 2019 06:26:12   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
jerryc41 wrote:
First, let me say that I am not looking for a compact. I have a small Sony a6000 and a smaller Sony WX9, as well as a very old Canon SD800 Elph. Every day we get requests for recommendations for compacts or travel cameras. Yesterday, I thought I'd do a search and see what I could find. Not much.

If I were seriously looking, I would have spent more time, but nothing obvious jumped out at me. I had expected that I'd have a choice of several excellent cameras with three features. I was looking for three things: compact, viewfinder, wide zoom range. And I was searching in the $500 range, so that nice $5,000 Leica was out. Canon, Panasonic, and Sony were frequently recommended in online articles, but most had significant shortcomings, especially the missing viewfinder. Reading the one-star reviews of the Panasonic Lumix on Amazon was an eye-opener. Reliability was awful, and service matched it.

It's hard to believe that with all the progress being made with cameras, they can't produce a good, reliable, durable camera with those three features I mentioned above. My Sonys might be old, but they still work, and they're paid for.

https://www.lifewire.com/best-viewfinder-cameras-493677
http://www.compactcamerawithviewfinder.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/compact-cameras-with-viewfinders
First, let me say that I am not looking for a comp... (show quote)


I thought you just bought a camera? How about it?
Other wise my favorite travel camera's are, the Sony HX90 and 99V.

Reply
 
 
Apr 22, 2019 07:12:11   #
i080123
 
I just got a Canon SX730 and very compact with an optical 40X zoom for $379. No view finder or raw processing.

Early but very happy with it. Also looked at the Nikon Coolpix 900 and bridge camera. A little too bulky and wanted something too could easily take out on a kayak for wildlife.

Biggest issues with these are the small sensors. That is the trade off as well as cost.

Reply
Apr 22, 2019 08:03:31   #
Ravi Neelakantan
 
jerryc41 wrote:
First, let me say that I am not looking for a compact. I have a small Sony a6000 and a smaller Sony WX9, as well as a very old Canon SD800 Elph. Every day we get requests for recommendations for compacts or travel cameras. Yesterday, I thought I'd do a search and see what I could find. Not much.

If I were seriously looking, I would have spent more time, but nothing obvious jumped out at me. I had expected that I'd have a choice of several excellent cameras with three features. I was looking for three things: compact, viewfinder, wide zoom range. And I was searching in the $500 range, so that nice $5,000 Leica was out. Canon, Panasonic, and Sony were frequently recommended in online articles, but most had significant shortcomings, especially the missing viewfinder. Reading the one-star reviews of the Panasonic Lumix on Amazon was an eye-opener. Reliability was awful, and service matched it.

It's hard to believe that with all the progress being made with cameras, they can't produce a good, reliable, durable camera with those three features I mentioned above. My Sonys might be old, but they still work, and they're paid for.

https://www.lifewire.com/best-viewfinder-cameras-493677
http://www.compactcamerawithviewfinder.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/compact-cameras-with-viewfinders
First, let me say that I am not looking for a comp... (show quote)


I am not sure what model of Lumix Camera is referred to...I purchased a Lumix GX85 camera in May 2017 (from B&H)...I have been using this camera extensively over the last 2 years and quite satisfied with the Image quality...and the Menu System is very friendly and it has touch screen,Viewfinder and 4K video Recording and 5 Axis Image Stabilization that is further enhances with Dual IS paired with a Lumix Lens...and I find it is selling for USD 498 (with 12-32mm and 45-140 mm Lens) at Amazon...Please check the link: https://www.amazon.com/PANASONIC-12-32mm-45-150mm-Stabilization-DMC-GX85WK/dp/B079VDF7ZG

For this Price Level this is truly unbeatable on any criteria-be it Image quality,Features,Reliability...Warmly recommended.

I am attaching a few sample images here that I took a fortnight back (Venue:Muttukadu Lake,Chennai,India)...I never have to use a tripod...the Image stabilization is so good...not that I have particularly steady hands.

Temple Entrance
Temple Entrance...
(Download)

Muttukadu Lake,Chennai India
Muttukadu Lake,Chennai India...
(Download)

Cormorant,Muttukadu lake,Chennai India
Cormorant,Muttukadu lake,Chennai India...
(Download)

Tern in Flight,Muttukadu lake Chennai,India
Tern in Flight,Muttukadu lake Chennai,India...
(Download)

Pond Heron Muttukadu lake Chennai,India
Pond Heron Muttukadu lake Chennai,India...
(Download)

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Apr 22, 2019 09:14:52   #
insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida
 
As a ZS50, 60 & 70 owner I can bet that you will be very pleased with any of them, Jerry. Lens is same mfg. as your Sony's, great zoom, pocket size, RAW available, and the coveted Viewfinder we all need for outdoors shooting. As to reviews, I think you need to treat them with a "grain of salt." Anyone who does not get what they want becomes a critic of the Mfg., no matter how wrong the complainer might be. Looking at the reviews on both your Sony's you will find no shortage of complaints on reliability of those cameras, and of Sony's handling the complaints on them. I have become a buyer that worries about the % of 5's, and 4's out of the total in a review. If those approach a total of 80% I consider most buyers to be happy with their purchase.

Good luck on your decision, if any.

Reply
Apr 22, 2019 09:57:16   #
RKL349 Loc: Connecticut
 
I am confused, but that is nothing new. Didn’t you just purchase an X-T30? Or is it that this question was just a general question about a “compact” camera? Just curious, I guess. BTW, for a compact camera for me, I’ll take my Fuji X-E3 with the 27mm pancake lens.

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