wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

I have another suggestion but it is more expensive. Purchase used Olympus E-10s or E-5s along with used 14-42 or 12-40 lenses. The E-10s and 14-42s will be the cheapest combination and not weatherproof for either body or lens. But it will give you an electronic viewfinder and a larger sensor. And it will allow the three of you to upgrade in the future. If money does dictate what you can afford, there are a lot of previous suggestions that may work for you.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

I own an A6000 and love it. But using one versatile lens and getting away from carrying a camera bag also means my 18 - 200 zoom with 21 pieces of glass pulls on my neck more than I want. That's the reason I'm going for a compact while touring with 3 grandkids, a daughter and a wife.

I'm thinking of just going for two new RX VI and a free "like new", old Cyber Shot DSC W1 - 5MP for the 7 yr old.

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

OK wdross - I'll look at them.

Knowledge is power! It doesn't really apply here but sounds good.

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

wdross: Just looked at some images.

WHOA, how do you slip that E10 into your pocket???

Appreciate the thought but my priorities are off center from your vision of my intentions.

MDI Mainer

Have a great trip. Just remember that the RX has a 25-200 mm "full-frame equivalent" range, whereas the 18-200 on the A6000 has a 27-300 mm full-frame equivalency. Both have clear image zoom for additional range, and image stabilization (the RX in-body and the 18-200 in-lens).

david vt Loc: Vermont

i have a RX100 VII, and think this model series from Sony would be an excellent choice. I wanted a camera that could fit in my coat pocket and it had to have a pop-up view finder with focus correction as I wanted to be able to shoot without my glasses. While the menu system is complicated, the automatic and semi-automatic modes work very well. I found that using a full rear screen in the bright sunlight was quite annoying, as well as requiring switching to my glasses, so I had a requirement of a viewfinder (electronic or not).

I would not abandon the RX100, but I do think you should look progressively up the model revisions. Each version added/improved certain features. Go “up the chain” until you find the “oldest” model that has what you want. Above, it was mentioned that the III added the pop-up viewfinder.* If that is what you wanted, you are close. Most of the older versions, when I was deciding, were reasonable. I wanted the VII as they had some features that were not in the VI that were important to me, but I was doing more than general touristy photography).

*The pop up was also quite nice to have it back down, and making it easier to fit in my coat pocket

Good luck

Good luck

genocolo Loc: Vail and Gasparilla Island

Hard to go wrong with Sony RX100 viii for yourself and Olympus Tough TG-6 for the kids. I predict that the three of you will be enjoying these cameras for years to come.

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

A number of people have suggested a variant of the Sony RX100 starting with iii thru vii, since the ii requires a accessory EVF. It's good advice! I have a Canon G3x that uses an EVF that attaches to the shoe. It's a PITA and takes away the benefit of a pocketable camera, i.e. you can't without running the risk of breaking the EVF off unless you remove it each time. Also, I think it was Gene who suggested saving a few dollars now combined with years of buyer's regret is not recommended. Take it from me who has learned that lesson a number of times and it's definitely the most expensive route to getting what you ultimately want. Good luck!!

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

Sony HX99 is all you will ever need. Zeiss 24-750mm native zoom, shoots RAW, I get sharp 20X30 prints, pop up viewfinder, pop up flash. Shoots anything you can aim it at. Best pocket camera on the market, bar none.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

FWIW - I have the Panasonic DCZS80 and love it. The DC-ZS70 is still available and should do fine. It is just over the $300 mark.

MDI Mainer

Is that the Marshall Point Lighthouse? Anyway great shots.

11bravo

I've only had one Panasonic, FZ300, that needed warranty repair. Like an idiot, when I first got it, it had some idiosyncrasies that I ignored as it was Christmas and it was going to China as a gift so rather than immediately send it back for a replacement, figured i'd figure it out. Of course, it embarrassingly failed on arrival. Brought it back home, contacted Panasonic repair in Texas, sent them the camera, and in a couple of weeks, had it back, working perfectly (I think sensor failed). Yes, it was a bit of a hassle having to call in every week to find out the status, but, can't complain. Following trip, took it back, and it's worked perfectly ever since.

Other 2 Panasonics I have have never had a problem, except for the one I dropped on its zoom. By then, just replaced with another FZ1000.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

I bought a Sony RX100, M3. I think that it is a good camera, maybe better than the M2. You can transfer the photos from your camera to your smartphone.

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

Thanks to all who answered my request for help. It's amazing what knowledge is out there. I was persuaded to go into a different direction from when I first signed on and then given numerous options. Sometimes I wonder how lots of folks have enough time to answer and research so many topics. I am among the many beneficiaries.