therwol Loc: USA

No continuous optical zoom for precise framing. No EVF, which the OP says is a requirement. Having an EVF negates the glare from sunlight hitting the LCD screen. Perhaps this isn't a big deal to some, but it is for others.

AndyT Loc: Hampstead, New Hampshire

I have the Panasonic ZS 100. It's quite small, has a 25-250mm F/2.8-5.9 lens that retracts 95% back into the body. It has a viewfinder, that even though it's quite small it still lets you review photos through it when your out in the sun. As mentioned by another hog, there is now a zs 200 out, so you might get a decent price if you can find one. It's a 20 mp 1" sensor that I find very capable. It also has a small pop up flash.

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

I own a Canon G1x iii (about $600 Canon direct refurb) and a Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70 (about $400 on Amazon). The LUMIX is 24-720mm equiv and has an EVF). The Canon is 24-70 equiv with EVF and APS-C sized sensor. They are about the same size but the Canon has a more bulky look, making it more difficult to pocket carry. Both have a ton of features. I really like the Canon and mostly tolerate the LUMIX, whose range is great but tricky (for me) to focus on the long side and a little softer. The Canon is obviously limited at 24-70 equiv but the larger sensor is really appreciated. Good luck!

Basil_O Loc: Minneapolis, MN

lyndacast,

The Sony RX100 III does have an attached viewfinder that pops up from the top of the camera. I use it occasionally when the sun is too bright to compose with the rear screen. My only complaint about is that when you retract it back into the body, the camera powers down. Sony logic is sometimes hard to decipher. That aside, it is a wonderful little camera that I carry with me almost everywhere.

markwilliam1

Sony RX100vii if you can afford it. The Best of the Best! I own one

GeneG

I have used a Sony RX100-IV for years as my "walking-around" camera. For me at least, it is much easier and quicker to use than my new smartphone. In group settings where several people are snapping pictures, I can take a series of shots while the iPhone users are still trying to compose their first image.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I believe the Canon models mentioned do NOT have a viewfinder, which I insist all of my cameras have. I, too, have the ZS100 which is available used and will save a few $ over the ZS200. I am very happy with it.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=zs100&sts=ma&usedSearch=1

A decision between the LX100 II and the ZS200 boils down to larger sensor (LX100) vs more zoom (ZS100 or ZS200). A comparison of the ZS200 and LX100 II is here:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Panasonic_DC-LX100_II_vs_Panasonic_DC-ZS200/BHitems/1428270-REG_1389450-REG

The ZS models are smaller but still need a large pocket. The LX is fatter.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

👍👍👍👍👍 yes, it pops up and then you have to extent the rear element. And it has diopter adjustment. I have the RX100v. It does very well with low light like star shots....

sony RX100v

nealbralley Loc: Kansas

Before buying, I would compare the aperture capabilities of both the Lumix to the Sony RX100iii. You may get longer focal lengths with the Lumix cameras, but the Sony RX100iii's widest aperture goes from f/1.8-2.8. You will have to make some choices on what might best meet your needs. I own the RX100iii and it is excellent. While I own the Lumix ZS-100, I don't own the -200 model. The Lumix (ZS-100) is excellent also, but it is not as fast in low light as the Sony. Size and weight are virtually the same. Sony has a 24-70 equivalent lens; the Lumix ZS-100 has a 25-250mm equivalent lens, f/2.8-5.9. (Don't get the cameras wet!)

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

I bought the Sony RX100vii used and what a camera! I love it. Be aware that the RX100iii has a faster lens, but is only 24-70mm effective FL, whereas the later models have a slower lens but are 24-200mm effective FL. On the RX100vii, the autofocus is superb and fast.

I did have a small camera case from an old Nikon point and shoot film camera in which the RX100vii fits perfectly and now takes up residency in this case. I remember those days when every camera you bought came with a case!

Here is a surprise humming bird picture taken with the RX100vii. I was just trying out the camera and aiming at the hibiscus flower for a shot, and unbeknown to me, a humming bird swooped into the image at the exact moment I hit the shutter button. Fortunately, it happened while I had cranked up the ISO to 6400 to see how the camera would handle it which resulted in a fast shutter speed to freeze those wings.

I always shoot RAW too, but this time I had it set to JPEG only as I was testing the camera with JPEGs. And also, Topaz PhotoAI had just come out. So, additionally, I was testing PhotoAI with a JPEG image. I'm sure it would have been better if done with a RAW image. But I hadn't planned on the humming bird wanting to have it's picture taken.

(Download)

CTTonymm Loc: Connecticut

I had the Sony RX 100 III and loved it (bought used). I moved up to the Model Model VII for the longer zoom primarily (it was easy to adapt with the same operating and Menu structures). I use the popup viewfinder most of the time - I didn't mind the III shut down when I retracted the viewfinder, although I do like the model VII viewfinder faster and more convenient (no need to extend the back and avoids the shutdown). Gave the III to my son and find he is glad to have it. I take lots more images when I don't have to carry the heavy Canon 6 around with lenses so often and I don't have to bend these older knees so much to get low shots with extended/swiveling screen.
If you decide to go the Sony route, I highly recommend buying the FriedmanGuide to Sony RX III or VII. Very well written and I have it in my phone for reference as needed.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Sony RX100 V, VI, or VII .....and you are done. I am using the RX10m4 - but NOT pocketable ...
.

lreisner Loc: Union,NJ

I own the Sony RX 100 VII which I really like but it is not in your price range. I bought it last year before buying my new Samsung 22 Ultra Camera Phone. Had I had this phone/camera then, I might not have bought the camera. What I am about to say (which I know amounts to heresy to many on this forum) is that if you already carry a high end phone, then there is little need to buy any of the cameras you listed. I'll admit that a lack of an EVF is a major issue, but on the other hand the capabilities of the phone cameras in many areas equal or exceed those of the bridge cameras. You can shoot in raw format on both android and Apple phones. If you have a phone that doesn't allow you to shoot in raw, download the Lightroom Camera which will allow you to shoot in raw and edit on the fly. You can edit on the fly on the phones and post directly to your favorite platforms. Quality is good enough to print although the use of Topaz or another enhancement program might be needed. Most cellphone cameras also take amazing video and they all have special effects, such as timelapse, to name one. I listened to a talk that Scott Kelby gave today at B&H's Optic program in CA, where he talked about using the IPhone and cellphone photography. One of the first points that he made is that people need to change their thinking on Cellphone cameras and realize that they have progressed to a point where they can be taken seriously.

I also own a Sony AR7M4 and RX10III. They do things my Cellphone camera can not do and I have no plan to stop using them. My carry around camera is the RX100VII but honestly most often I just use my cellcamera. It is definitely quicker to pull out and use. My simple point is that most likely you already have a camera in your pocket that you are carrying around. Do you need a second camera to carry around (not to mention the extra expense). If you have an older phone without a great camera, then I would suggest up grading to better one. When I post on line or print a photo book, you could ever tell the difference between those taken with a cellphone camera or those with one of my other cameras. Happy shooting.

Ksocha Loc: Bethesda, MD

Ricoh GR is amazing. I don't recall price, but it is worth whatever it was.

Old Coot

Check out a used Fuji x-30. Has everything you specify