Best compact camera - preferably a Leica

[jinkster]

I am wanting a compact camera for travelling. What would you recommend? It needs to be compact so i can put in my pocket. I really would like a Leica (I know you pay extra for the red badge) as I've always wanted one.

[GetCarter]

I have a Leica. I also have a Sony RX100. It's much, much better.

[Jollyclub]

Leica compacts are overpriced for what they are. Leica M series is compact relative to a DSLR but in no way pocketable.

I use a Ricoh GR III D as my take anywhere holiday pocket camera. The current version is the GRD V and seems to get favourable reviews.

If you really want a Leica get the M. And a Ricoh for the rough and tumble stuff.

[Mr Will]

The Leica compacts are just rebadged Panasonics. They are very good cameras but so are the identical Panasonics that are hundreds of pounds cheaper...

Have you considered a Fuji X100S instead:

Leica look and DSLR quality in a compact(ish) package.

[Trophy200]

Check out the Panasonic TZ40 at Currys. Has a Leica lens too.

Trophy200

[rottie102]

jinkster said:

I really would like a Leica

I think you should get a Leica

I'm not starting this st again, the number of times I tried to explain my ex who was clueless about taking photos and broke at the same time how wrong she was but it still made no difference.

Get a Leica

[Simpo Two]

Maybe the thing about having a Leica is that it doesn't actually make practical sense - like owning a boat. It is just spending money for no good reason but enjoyably!

[Rich K]

I'm really pleased with my V-Lux 40 as a pocketable every day use camera.

never regretted spending the extra to see the red dot.

easy to use and pleasing results, but ultimately not a good as my D7000 ( but that wont go in my pocket)

[StuH]

I guess if you want a Leica you should get a Leica but if you want the BEST pocketable compact camera get an RX100 as GetCarter said.

I've just moved from a Mk2 to the new MK3 and it's just an even more brilliant little camera with the EVF and much faster and wider lense.

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_cybers...

[jinkster]

The zoom on the v lux 40 is incredible. It doesn't seem great on the Sony, looking at online specs. Can anyone comment?

[StuH]

jinkster said:

The zoom on the v lux 40 is incredible. It doesn't seem great on the Sony, looking at online specs. Can anyone comment?

Well it depends how you intend to use the camera. If you need a 20x travel zoom then the vlux has the reach (but then i'd just buy the better and cheaper Panasonic equivalent) but of course the image quality won't be on the same planet as the Sony and even at the wide end the Leica is slow at f3.3, whereas the Sony is f1.8-2.8. Personally I find the 24-70mm range more than enough for a walkabout, and the low light shooting is just brilliant.

[Mr Will]

jinkster said:

The zoom on the v lux 40 is incredible. It doesn't seem great on the Sony, looking at online specs. Can anyone comment?

The Leicasonic is a typical cheap travel-zoom camera that forgoes image quality and low light ability in exchange for versatility and showroom appeal. It's good for what it is, but unless you are birdwatching or shooting sports, the RX100 will blow it out of the water in every regard.

It's not really a fair comparison though. The Panaleica is only £169 whereas the Sony is at least double that.

[jinkster]

Ok, I'm tempted by the Sony. How about shooting big buildings in cities?

[Mr Will]

jinkster said:

Ok, I'm tempted by the Sony. How about shooting big buildings in cities?

For that you need a zoom that goes wide rather than long. Look for something that goes to 24mm equivalent if possible (I'm not aware of any compact that goes wider than that) but 28mm equivalent will do.

In RX100 land; that means the mark 3 will be better. It's one of the advantages to the new lens. It is quite a bit more expensive though.

[GetCarter]

jinkster said:

Ok, I'm tempted by the Sony. How about shooting big buildings in cities?

Not quite sure what you're asking, but yes, it will.

If you google 'RX100 review', you'll see what people think.

[cornet]

Buy the Leica.

Do you really want to turn up somewhere in your Rolls Royce wearing a posh golf shirt only to pull a Sony camera out of your pocket ?

Edited by cornet on Friday 8th August 17:44

[GetCarter]

cornet said:

Buy the Leica.

Do you really want to turn up somewhere in your Rolls Royce wearing a posh golf shirt only to pull a Sony camera out of your pocket ?

Of course... I was being silly, buy the Leica!

[StuH]

cornet said:

Buy the Leica.

Do you really want to turn up somewhere in your Rolls Royce wearing a posh golf shirt only to pull a Sony camera out of your pocket ?

Edited by cornet on Friday 8th August 17:44

Depends where that somewhere is - I'd expect someone to pull a Leica out of one of those 'exclusive' Louis Dooda bags

[StuH]

Mr Will said:

For that you need a zoom that goes wide rather than long. Look for something that goes to 24mm equivalent if possible (I'm not aware of any compact that goes wider than that) but 28mm equivalent will do.

In RX100 land; that means the mark 3 will be better. It's one of the advantages to the new lens. It is quite a bit more expensive though.

The improvement in having the 24mm on the MK3 versus 28mm on the MK2 makes a considerable difference for any kind of landscape/architectural shots.

[LongQ]

jinkster said:

I am wanting a compact camera for travelling. What would you recommend? It needs to be compact so i can put in my pocket. I really would like a Leica (I know you pay extra for the red badge) as I've always wanted one.

I think you should carry something with a red dot around you neck. Get something else to take the shots.

If you really want to stand out from the clownd buy one of those Hasselblad wood trimmed things and ask for a substantial discount for promoting the brand.

Actually ask for payment in return for not alleging abuse.