Tempted by a Sony.. but..
Discussion
EdT said:
Think the trouble is I'm after the proverbial Moon on a stick.. DSLR quality, fits in my coat pocket, and not big bucks.
Going to wait for full reviews of the new smaller Sonys, but if the quality is not better than my 100D might need a rethink.
The 100D is an extremely competent and expandable camera, I purchased the slightly larger 700D which I've been well chuffed with and the ability to swop and change lenses is a bonus, however I can't put it in my pocket.Going to wait for full reviews of the new smaller Sonys, but if the quality is not better than my 100D might need a rethink.
I recently purchased a RX100 M3 having tried a Sony WX500 (longer zoom lens, poorer image quality) and a Canon G7X which was a fair bit cheaper but never got any further than taking it out of the box and noticing it was silver rather than black as marked on the box so that went back. In hindsight I wish I had tried it out.
The RX100 M3 is nearly as good in terms of image quality as the RX100 M4 though is fractionally slower in terms of focusing and processing, and doesn't do 4K video (which I'm not currently interested in).
If you're not sure which RX100 to buy in terms of M1, M2, M3 or M4, I did actually use a M1 for a few years till it broke and was pleased with the image quality though it was sometimes slow in focusing on my fast moving kids, from what I can gather the M2 isn't much improved apart from a hot-shoe, the M3 is faster and most notably has a faster f1.8 - 2.8 lens which was the clincher for me. The M4 has a faster processor and a few other improvements but was way too expensive as is the new M5.
Having used the M3 for a few months now I'm quite pleased with it, it's faster, tends to accurately focus and has a tilt-able rear screen which is actually quite useful. From my own experience it takes over 500 photos per battery charge if video and flash aren't used, though I have since ordered a twin Chili power battery + charger from Amazon.co.uk to ensure I have plenty of back-up and fully charged batteries when out on-site.
The major differences I have noticed between the 700D and the RX100 M3 are in the level of blurred background (Bokeh) that can be easily achieved with the 700D when fitted with the relatively inexpensive Canon 50mm f1.8 lens. I recently attended a wedding and managed to take some photos with the 700D which I was mighty pleased with. The RX100M3 also excelled itself at the do afterwards in lower light conditions when I didn't want to be lugging the DSLR around in, but the level of blurred out backgrounds was very poor.
You do have a major dilemma because the RX100 M3 is good as is the Canon 100D with a decent lens, but one is pocketable and other one isn't.
I ended up buying both the Canon 700D and Sony RX100 M3 for this very reason and I've subsequently spent far more money on lenses for the 700D than it is actually worth, but I'm pleased with the results which is what matters to me, and looking forward, some of the lenses will be compatible with full-frame 6D or 5D3 as and when I make the leap.
rich888 said:
The major differences I have noticed between the 700D and the RX100 M3 are in the level of blurred background (Bokeh) that can be easily achieved with the 700D when fitted with the relatively inexpensive Canon 50mm f1.8 lens. I recently attended a wedding and managed to take some photos with the 700D which I was mighty pleased with. The RX100M3 also excelled itself at the do afterwards in lower light conditions when I didn't want to be lugging the DSLR around in, but the level of blurred out backgrounds was very poor.
I've got that same F1.8 lens & love a good bokeh shot. From your excellent posting I'm now thinking the small Sony isnt for me in that case.Seems to boil down to the old car line 'there's no replacement for displacement' and a small camera wont satisfy after my 100D.
GetCarter said:
I have all the DSLR gubbins, which I take out once a week (ish), but I have a Sony a6300 with a prime lens in my jacket pocket every time I'm out. Most of my photos now taken with the smaller Sony. It's better image quality than the RX100, (DX sensor), but still needs a decent size jacket pocket!
(When I don't have a jacket, the RX100 sits in my jeans pocket - and lives in my car)
GetCarter summed it up quite eloquently and he really does know what he is talking about...(When I don't have a jacket, the RX100 sits in my jeans pocket - and lives in my car)
rottie102 said:
EdT said:
Think the trouble is I'm after the proverbial Moon on a stick.. DSLR quality, fits in my coat pocket, and not big bucks.
Choose two out of those three and it's easy. All of them doesn't exist.Just a thought here, have you taken a look at some of the photos posted onto Flickr taken using the RX100 range of cameras: https://www.flickr.com/search/groups/?text=rx100
rich888 said:
Just a thought here, have you taken a look at some of the photos posted onto Flickr taken using the RX100 range of cameras: https://www.flickr.com/search/groups/?text=rx100
This and PixelPeeper ( I Think, or it might just be PixelPeep) are good places to see what cameras can produce, or in the case of the latter, what specific camera/lens/settings combination can produce. Plenty of groups on Flickr that host images from particular cameras. There were at least 3-4 big groups with lots of photos from just the Rx100 M4 and many many groups for the M3 (as it has been around longer). I have 4 or so albums worth of photographs taken with the RX100 M4. If you want to have a look at them let me know and I will email you over the links.EdT said:
Hmm not thought about the Lumix LX-100 before .. looks alright 
Or if budget's feeling more friendly that Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 looks ACE
Yeah, I just wonder if they're replacing the LX-100 soon is all. its been around a while. Its certainly got a few short comings to address. LX-10 is their answer to the Sony. Seems like a good bit of kit. And in similar news... Canon have the G7x II and G5x. Both cheaper than the Sony (considerably) and yet both very good cameras with 1 inch sensors. The G7x even has a longer reach, going out to 105 mm yet keeps the F1.8-2.8 aperture and is able to keep hold of F1.8 for longer than the Sony (which nudges out of F1.8 the minute you zoom in from 24mm). I believe also that these use the same sensor as found in the RX100 M3, but don't quote me on that. Or if budget's feeling more friendly that Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 looks ACE
Edited by EdT on Thursday 13th October 10:54
EdT said:
This is getting a difficult choice. It's as if ALL the manufacturers want me...
They do...And to just complicate your choices: http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/sony-rx100-...
Well, I dabbled with a compact about five years ago and just didn't like it.
It's either the camera in my smartphone - or my Baby Hadley doubles as a Man-Bag and then I feel much more comfortable with:
I like also that it's not compromising my fat fingers on something really fiddly too.
Go test drive your shortlist, otherwise you might find you end up with something that doesn't get used.
It's either the camera in my smartphone - or my Baby Hadley doubles as a Man-Bag and then I feel much more comfortable with:
I like also that it's not compromising my fat fingers on something really fiddly too.
Go test drive your shortlist, otherwise you might find you end up with something that doesn't get used.
K12beano said:
Well, I dabbled with a compact about five years ago and just didn't like it.
It's either the camera in my smartphone - or my Baby Hadley doubles as a Man-Bag and then I feel much more comfortable with:
I like also that it's not compromising my fat fingers on something really fiddly too.
Go test drive your shortlist, otherwise you might find you end up with something that doesn't get used.
yea... but this is your daily drive: It's either the camera in my smartphone - or my Baby Hadley doubles as a Man-Bag and then I feel much more comfortable with:
I like also that it's not compromising my fat fingers on something really fiddly too.
Go test drive your shortlist, otherwise you might find you end up with something that doesn't get used.
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