mmeador

I prefer the Panasonic FZ series superzoom cameras. They shoot in RAW as well as JPEG and you have a lot of control. I just wish Panasonic would get rid of the scene feature. I guess they work but I don't use them.
I shot a balloon festival with my FZ40 and the pics were very good.

singleviking Loc: Lake Sebu Eco Park, Philippines

The Sony RX-100 M3 would be just great and almost ZERO focus lag, which on many pocket cameras can be a real deal breaker.
Just be aware that there's 3 versions of the RX-100 and they range in price from $400 (for the M1)to $800 (for the M3). The M3 has slightly lower zoom but has the popup EVF and the faster DSP processor. All of them will fit into a pants pocket or handbag easily. I do recommend getting the Magfilter circular polarizer and the premium case with some kind of heavy duty hand strap. This protects the camera body from bumps and dents and the filter will protect the dust shutter from getting FODed. It also helps in reducing glare and reflections. I just keep the Magfilter in it's soft case and snapped to one side of the case and a good Joby hand strap to the other side. The camera's small attachment loops just aren't large enough to secure a good hand strap to and the camera securely screws into the case that has more robust strap loops.
So far, it's proved to be a great little travel camera.
If you're a "selfie" shot person, you'll love the flip-up LED screen for seeing what your framing.

MtnMan Loc: ID

I recommend the Sony NEX-7, or it's replacement the 6000. Well within your budget with an 18-55mm lens, which is really all you need for travel to Europe.

It is a mirrorless camera with a 24MP APS-C sensor. It weighs next to nothing.

I also bought the 55-215mm lens, but you won't have much call for it when touring Europe. I carry it, the camera and above lens, and a 20mm wide angle that came with it all in a convenient case that came with it and can go all day with no issues.

Sony stopped making the NEX-7 just when I bought it a few months ago so you might still find some bargains on it. The 6000 is the same design although the viewfinder isn't quite up to the NEX-7 for some reason...but still very good. The 6000 has wireless simplifying phoning home with your photos if that interests you.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I'd take less clothes etc, but if it must be a new camera I'd be looking in the Canon G series,

Normafries Loc: San Jose CA

I did a lot of research on this before going to Italy for 3 weeks. For me, the best choice was the Sony RX-10. Cannot beat the 24-200 mm Zeiss lens w a 2.8 all the way thru. I think it is slightly under 2 pounds, so not a shirt pocket camera. But the quality and versatility allowed me to get what I wanted. Quality is excellent. I use a view finder religiously and this one is very bright. I do find that since you cannot use tripods in most interiors there, putting it to the eye does have a stabilizing effect. To me, a bright viewfinder is critical.
Good luck and enjoy your travels.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

For me, the best choice was the Sony RX-10.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Cykdelic Loc: Now outside of Chiraq & Santa Fe, NM

Check out the Sony A6000. Under $800, and you will be able to build a collection of extra lenses if you wish. EXTREMELY fast, great pics, and very portable.

Bob Boner

I am in the group that would take the best I have. A canon body (even a pro model) with 24-105 f/4 IS and 70-200 f/4 IS should cover you pretty well. This gear would be relatively easy to carry. If you have a cropped sensor, you might need something slightly wider, maybe the 17-40, or one of the Sigma wide angle zooms.

aggiedad Loc: Corona, ca

I have been traveling with a canon 7D, and now a 5D mkii, with a Canon G12 as a backup. My wife usually uses the G12, but sometimes I use it as well. We've had fine results from it. It has many DSLR features, and is very easy to carry. The articulating screen is a great feature to have available. The zoom, while moderate, is in most cases adaquite. I received an email from Canon yesterday showing a refurbished G12 for $199, with a 1 yr warranty.
I would recommend a G series ( from G12 to current models) for your consideration.

spoolatmeekerpark Loc: Moscow, Idaho

I've been traveling to Paris and environs for years, and I like my Canon G15 (and before that, the G12). I have it on a slash-proof strap and carry an extra battery in my waist pouch. The more I travel the lighter I want my bag to become, especially traveling on the Metro, buses and trains, and the G15 helps me achieve that goal. I wish that the zoom range (5x) were longer but I can live with it. It's obvious by this thread that everyone has a favorite, for reasons all over the map. Whatever you do, be familiar with all the features that the camera offers, and if you plan on doing any night shooting take a good lightweight tripod.

Kickle Loc: Central Illinois

I recently took my Canon 60D DSLR with a Tamron 17-300 lens on a trip to London and Paris. My grandson who was also on the trip was using a Panasonic super zoom point and shoot. I found my camera and lens heavy and cumbersome and I envied my grandson who was bopping around and taking twice as many photos as I did. When I got home I made the decision to get a smaller camera for travel and purchased the Panasonic Lumix GX7 (mirrorless with interchangeable lenses) and a few lenses. I am liking it so much it may be a complete replacement of my DSLR and lenses. This is not a $1000 solution but there are many smaller cameras that would fit your budget. My point is that you might enjoy your travel and photography more with a smaller, lighter camera. I know I will!

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

The very best travel camera is the one you left at home!

GaryS1964 Loc: Northern California

The best travel camera is the one you always have with you when you are out and about. Not trying to be funny here but if you buy a camera that you might leave at the hotel because it's to inconvenient to carry then you bought the wrong camera. Only you can decide if that's a camera that fits in your pocket or one that is lightweight but still has to be carried around your neck or in your hand. Once you make that decision then you can start looking at the various cameras available.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Sorry, I obviously can't help, because to me, my DSLR's are the best travel cameras. If I travel (Europe or where ever), I take three or four of them with me, tripods, monopods and lenses for every occasion!

travelwp Loc: New Jersey

Sony RX100M3.