rangel28

I just bought the Nikon A1000 a few months ago and have been been pleased with the results. It shoots jpeg and RAW, and it covers 24mm-840mm. It's not tiny but will definitely fit in the front pocket of cargo shorts or in a jacket pocket or purse. It has a viewfinder, which was a must for me, and it feels more substantial in my hands than the Sony HX-99, which felt too small in my hand. The Nikon has a small sensor, and it's best to try to keep the ISO at 800 or below, but it has really good vibration reduction, and I find that I am able to handhold and still get good shots at lower shutter speeds.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

In an earlier post, I mentioned the Panasonic Lumix ZS70. It's not a bad choice as it does well in good light, but not quite so well in low light. Here's another thought, and I know, it's sort of a jump back in time, but the Canon G16 is a pretty good little camera. It's technology is older, about 5 years old, but it's still relevant. It's compact, has a 28-140mm (eq) f/1.8-2.8 lens, and a 1/1/7" sensor. It's about halfway in size between the 1/2/3" and the 1" type sensor. It's good in low light and it's image quality is surprisingly good. It's one drawback is that it has an optical viewfinder rather than an EVF, which has limited usefulness. But the rear screen is pretty easy to see in bright light. It is also fairly compact, but it won't fit in a jeans pocket. The G16 is no longer in production, but you can find them used and refurbished, and I've seen new ones on Amazon. Should fit right into your budget.

Sonny Boy

I quite like my Panasonic FZ80. Good IQ zoom range.

DJD Loc: Seal Beach, CA

My wife and I went to Spain/France for a month last year. I didn't want to carry my DSLR so I purchased a Canon G7X Mark ll for landscape and street photos (24-100mm f/1.8 - f/2.8 24-100mm zoom, shoots RAW w/1" sensor + great in low light and lots of other features). I was quite impressed with the quality of photos. I could also put it in my paints pocket. It's priced a bit higher, but the results may be worth it. Also, as others have said, download "Snapseed" for photo editing on the fly. I use Snapseed with my iPad.

(Download)


(Download)

Linda S.

There are so many offerings on the market right now for the newer pocket cameras and/or mirrorless compacts, I simply couldn't say. I have so much money invested in glass that until there is nothing left for me to use (tripod and remote shutter), then and only then will I switch to a different system. I just enjoy the way the 5D4 fits in my hand and I love the results from the "L" glass.

If I open the lens to f/1.8, I lose depth of field ... which in my case, I wouldn't have had the long aisle in the church that led up to the altar all in focus...that is just one example from my trip; there were others. Some of the interiors of the Pope's Summer Palace were dark; some were not. The G3X only goes up to f/11. Given the brightness of the outdoors, I used AV mode, set the camera to f/11 and let it decide the ISO and shutter speed. Also, given the camera is digital, under-exposed photos can be "rescued". It's just the quality of the recovered photo isn't as good as it could have been with more functionality.

The lack of a tilt-shift really bothered me as the piazza's were quite expansive and the buildings were HUGE! I just didn't like them leaning over in my photos.

I took the 5D4 to Alaska last year. There weren't any issues. This year, I hemmed/hawed until the morning I left for the airport.

Last, there is one more consideration over and above technical capabilities ... a person's goals/objectives. I have always wanted to draw or paint. I simply do not have the talent. So I take photos, and when I see the finished product, while I doubt anyone would purchase any one of them, it just makes me happy.

Probably much more than you wanted to know. . .

regularguy55

The Panasonic LUMIX ZS70 is a performer and menus are intuitive. You can start shooting right out of the box. The zoom is great. If you expand your budget, the Canon G7X MK II has a much larger sensor (1”), a little more compact and the faster lens is great for low light shots. Both have great features but the IQ of the Canon is better IMHO. Have a great trip.

brigid

My go to travel camera is a Canon Powershot SX720. Less than $300, zoom, macro, flash, easy to carry. Nice color both indoors and out. Was in Europe for a month - Germany, Rome, Budapest, Czech Republic - and found it adequate for all my photo needs. Took over 3000 photos and never ran out of memory. WiFi so I could download and post on line. Also had phone and tablet but camera was go to device.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

Take a look at the two photos attached. I took the first one with my iPhone 8+. In 90 seconds I cropped it, converted it to B&W and added contrast etc. in Snapseed. I also created a 12 X 18 metal print from it that came out clear and just beautiful!

I don’t think many people realize just how powerful smartphones are becoming. You can also shoot in RAW with them, if that’s a requirement for you. And Snapseed is great, and it’s FREE.

Have fun in Italy!

tomad Loc: North Carolina

A little above your budget but it fills the bill and is not just a point and shoot; it's a very capable bridge camera.

https://www.amazon.com/PANASONIC-Vario-ELMARIT-Megapixels-Sensitivity-DMC-ZS100K/dp/B010NU5AX8/ref=asc_df_B010NU5AX8/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312021382923&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4012610236548462736&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009993&hvtargid=pla-557508152077&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=60647562605&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312021382923&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4012610236548462736&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009993&hvtargid=pla-557508152077

le boecere

On the contrary; your posts appear to be well thought out and convey clear reasoning ~ easy for me to follow.
I'm wondering if you'll ever find a smaller, lighter weight camera/lens that will even approach your beloved 5D4. I very much identify with your last statement, here. I have many artists in my family, but I'm definitely not one of them. In a way, that's a good thing (for me) ~ I find joy in "recording" with a higher-end compact or pocket camera.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Later versions of the RX100 have a pop-up viewfinder

Linda S.

They look stunning! Thank you for sharing

Gilkar

Look at the olympus mirrorless (used around $350). It has everything but the kitchen sink and even that may be in there somewhere. Standard lens is 14mm to 42 mm (don't know the equivalents). Light, compact, and great images!

davedufour

I have always been a fan of Canon's PowerShot cameras -- get the most expensive one you can afford and make sure the zoom is all or mostly optical. 16mp or better is a plus.

dragonlady9947

I have a great little Canon Powershot S80. It has everything my DSLR cameras have but fits in my palm. Takes great pictures. I love it but it is no longer available new. I am eyeing the Powershot XS 530 HS although my S80 still works.