Compact camera
Discussion
My Panasonic Lumix TZ70 is starting to fall to bits, maybe I dropped it once to often, so I'm thinking of replacing it.
I already have a DSLR, I just need something with reasonable picture quality I can slip into a pocket when I don't want to take the DSLR. But I want a zoom lens and a viewfinder like the TZ70.
Every compact either has no viewfinder but no zoom. Other than the Leica D lux which is a bit expensive for what it is.
What do most people do in these situations? The options seem to be either trying to manage without a viewfinder which I find very difficult in bright sunlight, or get something live a Fuji XV100 and take advantage of the good sensor to crop when necessary. But the Fuji seems trendy and therefore expensive even second hand.
I already have a DSLR, I just need something with reasonable picture quality I can slip into a pocket when I don't want to take the DSLR. But I want a zoom lens and a viewfinder like the TZ70.
Every compact either has no viewfinder but no zoom. Other than the Leica D lux which is a bit expensive for what it is.
What do most people do in these situations? The options seem to be either trying to manage without a viewfinder which I find very difficult in bright sunlight, or get something live a Fuji XV100 and take advantage of the good sensor to crop when necessary. But the Fuji seems trendy and therefore expensive even second hand.
Mt TZ went bang after a granddaughter dropped it face down onto concrete (name available on request) and I looked around for a replacement. I eventually upgraded my mobile and bought an action camera. Happy with my decision. Still miss my lovely, if a bit old (20 years? Bought year it came out), TZ. Great camera.
Sony HX99 is sadly discontinued and Sony have moved away from more budget friendly big zoom compacts. Only option is a used one, MPB have a couple at the moment:
https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/sony-cyber-shot-...
Given the HX99 was first released in 2018, you've really got to want the viewfinder ....
I do have an HX99 and it's a great camera, but not sure it's worth spending £500 on getting a used one when, say, the Panasonic TZ99 is available for the same (or less) albeit without a viewfinder and only came out in 2024.
https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/sony-cyber-shot-...
Given the HX99 was first released in 2018, you've really got to want the viewfinder ....
I do have an HX99 and it's a great camera, but not sure it's worth spending £500 on getting a used one when, say, the Panasonic TZ99 is available for the same (or less) albeit without a viewfinder and only came out in 2024.
I am a fan of the TZ series and have been through a few over the years - I tend to have them in a pouch in my pocket so life can be a bit tough. I considered a TZ99 last year but the TZ series seems to have doubled in price aver the last couple of years. I have been buying second hand ones; you can also sell your used/broken ones.
Expensive but:
Been using the Canon G5X mk 2 for five years now. Sits in my pocket 356 days a year. They are that good that second hand prices are more than they were new.
(I paid £799 .. decent refurbished - 3 year old now between £850 and £1000)
They keep saying they'll make a Mk 3. I'll be first in line if they do.
ETA... and it has a viewfinder.
Been using the Canon G5X mk 2 for five years now. Sits in my pocket 356 days a year. They are that good that second hand prices are more than they were new.
(I paid £799 .. decent refurbished - 3 year old now between £850 and £1000)
They keep saying they'll make a Mk 3. I'll be first in line if they do.
ETA... and it has a viewfinder.
GetCarter said:
Expensive but:
Been using the Canon G5X mk 2 for five years now. Sits in my pocket 356 days a year. They are that good that second hand prices are more than they were new.
(I paid £799 .. decent refurbished - 3 year old now between £850 and £1000)
They keep saying they'll make a Mk 3. I'll be first in line if they do.
ETA... and it has a viewfinder.
Compared with the RX100 the has G5x has a wider maximum aperture of 1.8 vs 2.8 for the Sony. On the other hand the Sony zooms out to 200mm vs 120Been using the Canon G5X mk 2 for five years now. Sits in my pocket 356 days a year. They are that good that second hand prices are more than they were new.
(I paid £799 .. decent refurbished - 3 year old now between £850 and £1000)
They keep saying they'll make a Mk 3. I'll be first in line if they do.
ETA... and it has a viewfinder.
on the Canon. The review I read suggest the Sony lens is the sharper over most of the range at the same aperture. I think the consensus would be that the ergonomics of the Canon are better (I say that despite owning an RX100vii). Note that Rx100 models up to rx100v have a maximum aperture of 1. but only zoom to 70mm.
In short if you are prepared to pay so much you should try both unless the aperture or zoom range are critical factors to you. Both have viewfinders, built in flash and articulated screens which make them suitable for Vlogging..
bcr5784 said:
GetCarter said:
Expensive but:
Been using the Canon G5X mk 2 for five years now. Sits in my pocket 356 days a year. They are that good that second hand prices are more than they were new.
(I paid £799 .. decent refurbished - 3 year old now between £850 and £1000)
They keep saying they'll make a Mk 3. I'll be first in line if they do.
ETA... and it has a viewfinder.
Compared with the RX100 the has G5x has a wider maximum aperture of 1.8 vs 2.8 for the Sony. On the other hand the Sony zooms out to 200mm vs 120Been using the Canon G5X mk 2 for five years now. Sits in my pocket 356 days a year. They are that good that second hand prices are more than they were new.
(I paid £799 .. decent refurbished - 3 year old now between £850 and £1000)
They keep saying they'll make a Mk 3. I'll be first in line if they do.
ETA... and it has a viewfinder.
on the Canon. The review I read suggest the Sony lens is the sharper over most of the range at the same aperture. I think the consensus would be that the ergonomics of the Canon are better (I say that despite owning an RX100vii). Note that Rx100 models up to rx100v have a maximum aperture of 1. but only zoom to 70mm.
In short if you are prepared to pay so much you should try both unless the aperture or zoom range are critical factors to you. Both have viewfinders, built in flash and articulated screens which make them suitable for Vlogging..
GetCarter said:
I have both (mine is the Mk VI) and prefer the Canon. Image quality is pretty similar, but as mentioned the Canon has a faster lens and the menu system is good (unlike the Sony which is horrid). I keep the Sony in the car (on charge) and it does give the longer reach if needed. Both great pocket cameras. Both expensive!
I can understand your preference. That said a point worth mentioning is that the sony, unlike the canon, has phase detect autofocus and eye autofocus which may be important if you take pictures of moving animals or humans. You are absolutely right the Sony menu system is pretty dire. That said if you spend time (quite a lot of it!) you can configure Mymenu and the buttons to largely circumvent the need to use it much. The other issue is the grip (or lack of it) on the Sony - but there are cheap 3rd party add-ons which largely fix that problem.bcr5784 said:
GetCarter said:
I have both (mine is the Mk VI) and prefer the Canon. Image quality is pretty similar, but as mentioned the Canon has a faster lens and the menu system is good (unlike the Sony which is horrid). I keep the Sony in the car (on charge) and it does give the longer reach if needed. Both great pocket cameras. Both expensive!
I can understand your preference. That said a point worth mentioning is that the sony, unlike the canon, has phase detect autofocus and eye autofocus which may be important if you take pictures of moving animals or humans. You are absolutely right the Sony menu system is pretty dire. That said if you spend time (quite a lot of it!) you can configure Mymenu and the buttons to largely circumvent the need to use it much. The other issue is the grip (or lack of it) on the Sony - but there are cheap 3rd party add-ons which largely fix that problem.Most of these were taken with the Canon. (Apart from those that are taken from the sky)
https://www.stevecarter.com/latest/latesttorridon2...
ETA (not the moon shots).
Edited by GetCarter on Wednesday 11th March 15:14
GetCarter said:
I'm sure you're right. You just need to look at my photos to see I tend not to photo anything that moves!
Most of these were taken with the Canon. (Apart from those that are taken from the sky)
https://www.stevecarter.com/latest/latesttorridon2...
ETA (not the moon shots).
Some super shots!Most of these were taken with the Canon. (Apart from those that are taken from the sky)
https://www.stevecarter.com/latest/latesttorridon2...
ETA (not the moon shots).
Edited by GetCarter on Wednesday 11th March 15:14
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