Solid point and shoot camera for travel?
Discussion
Hi there, similar to a lot of the threads here I guess, but I need something nice for travel.
Ideally light, and extremely simple, with a very good 'auto' mode.
I should qualify that I know pretty much nothing about photography, I'm prepared to learn the absolute basics, but I have very little interest in all the minutia.
I guess a decent zoom and relatively decent low light ability would be good.
A little toughness would be a bonus, but not a deal breaker.
I was looking at the stuff like the Sony Cyber Shot RX 100 III which seems to be pretty popular here, but the reviews I read said its extremely complicated and needed a lot of reading to get the best out of it.
Ideally light, and extremely simple, with a very good 'auto' mode.
I should qualify that I know pretty much nothing about photography, I'm prepared to learn the absolute basics, but I have very little interest in all the minutia.
I guess a decent zoom and relatively decent low light ability would be good.
A little toughness would be a bonus, but not a deal breaker.
I was looking at the stuff like the Sony Cyber Shot RX 100 III which seems to be pretty popular here, but the reviews I read said its extremely complicated and needed a lot of reading to get the best out of it.
Don't be put off by the reviews, the Sony RX100 is an extremely competent compact camera which when left in AUTO mode is very capable indeed of taking excellent quality photographs. There is nothing remotely complicated when using it in AUTO mode.
It also has great potential for users who wish to use other modes such as 'Shutter Priority' or 'Aperture Priority', so has greater strengths for those users which require a little more than 'AUTO' mode.
I've owned the RX100 Mk1 and Mk3 models and have been very pleased indeed with the results, the MK3 has a faster lens at the expense of zoom range and the processor is slightly faster.
Because it uses a 1" sensor the quality of images is considerably better than most compact cameras in its class and its pocketability is spot on. Canon and Panasonic now offer similar offerings, but after much consideration I settled on the Sony RX100. Sony also manufacture the WX range of cameras with longer zoom lenses but the image quality isn't a patch on the RX100.
You are actually spoiled for choice because Sony still sell the RX100 MK1, MK2, MK3 and MK4 models, if I was looking to buy again it would be a case of MK1 if I was on a tight budget, or MK3 if I had a little more money to play with.
EDITED TO ADD: It might be worthwhile buying an additional battery or two with an external charger so you don't get caught out. The RX100 is pretty good in terms of battery life compared to the Canon S100 I previously used, but I do tend to carry a charged spare battery just in case. I purchased the battery and charger from Amazon.
It also has great potential for users who wish to use other modes such as 'Shutter Priority' or 'Aperture Priority', so has greater strengths for those users which require a little more than 'AUTO' mode.
I've owned the RX100 Mk1 and Mk3 models and have been very pleased indeed with the results, the MK3 has a faster lens at the expense of zoom range and the processor is slightly faster.
Because it uses a 1" sensor the quality of images is considerably better than most compact cameras in its class and its pocketability is spot on. Canon and Panasonic now offer similar offerings, but after much consideration I settled on the Sony RX100. Sony also manufacture the WX range of cameras with longer zoom lenses but the image quality isn't a patch on the RX100.
You are actually spoiled for choice because Sony still sell the RX100 MK1, MK2, MK3 and MK4 models, if I was looking to buy again it would be a case of MK1 if I was on a tight budget, or MK3 if I had a little more money to play with.
EDITED TO ADD: It might be worthwhile buying an additional battery or two with an external charger so you don't get caught out. The RX100 is pretty good in terms of battery life compared to the Canon S100 I previously used, but I do tend to carry a charged spare battery just in case. I purchased the battery and charger from Amazon.
Edited by rich888 on Sunday 14th May 23:58
rich888 said:
Don't be put off by the reviews, the Sony RX100 is an extremely competent compact camera which when left in AUTO mode is very capable indeed of taking excellent quality photographs. There is nothing remotely complicated when using it in AUTO mode.
It also has great potential for users who wish to use other modes such as 'Shutter Priority' or 'Aperture Priority', so has greater strengths for those users which require a little more than 'AUTO' mode.
I've owned the RX100 Mk1 and Mk3 models and have been very pleased indeed with the results, the MK3 has a faster lens at the expense of zoom range and the processor is slightly faster.
Because it uses a 1" sensor the quality of images is considerably better than most compact cameras in its class and its pocketability is spot on. Canon and Panasonic now offer similar offerings, but after much consideration I settled on the Sony RX100. Sony also manufacture the WX range of cameras with longer zoom lenses but the image quality isn't a patch on the RX100.
You are actually spoiled for choice because Sony still sell the RX100 MK1, MK2, MK3 and MK4 models, if I was looking to buy again it would be a case of MK1 if I was on a tight budget, or MK3 if I had a little more money to play with.
EDITED TO ADD: It might be worthwhile buying an additional battery or two with an external charger so you don't get caught out. The RX100 is pretty good in terms of battery life compared to the Canon S100 I previously used, but I do tend to carry a charged spare battery just in case. I purchased the battery and charger from Amazon.
Thanks, I guess I'll order the MK3It also has great potential for users who wish to use other modes such as 'Shutter Priority' or 'Aperture Priority', so has greater strengths for those users which require a little more than 'AUTO' mode.
I've owned the RX100 Mk1 and Mk3 models and have been very pleased indeed with the results, the MK3 has a faster lens at the expense of zoom range and the processor is slightly faster.
Because it uses a 1" sensor the quality of images is considerably better than most compact cameras in its class and its pocketability is spot on. Canon and Panasonic now offer similar offerings, but after much consideration I settled on the Sony RX100. Sony also manufacture the WX range of cameras with longer zoom lenses but the image quality isn't a patch on the RX100.
You are actually spoiled for choice because Sony still sell the RX100 MK1, MK2, MK3 and MK4 models, if I was looking to buy again it would be a case of MK1 if I was on a tight budget, or MK3 if I had a little more money to play with.
EDITED TO ADD: It might be worthwhile buying an additional battery or two with an external charger so you don't get caught out. The RX100 is pretty good in terms of battery life compared to the Canon S100 I previously used, but I do tend to carry a charged spare battery just in case. I purchased the battery and charger from Amazon.
Edited by rich888 on Sunday 14th May 23:58
How ummm, delicate are these things? I'm pretty careless with things, and am looking at bashing around off the beaten track areas..
Not exceptionally tough - but any small camera with lots of electronics in, isn't going to be tough / weatherproof, as that would make the camera bigger.
The Sony lcds scratch very easily - I'd recommend a decent stick on screen protector, and a good tough case. There might be a case that you can keep on the camera like armour, to protect it even while you use it
The Sony lcds scratch very easily - I'd recommend a decent stick on screen protector, and a good tough case. There might be a case that you can keep on the camera like armour, to protect it even while you use it
HotJambalaya said:
Thanks, I guess I'll order the MK3
How ummm, delicate are these things? I'm pretty careless with things, and am looking at bashing around off the beaten track areas..
Sony's own RX100 case is classy but quite expensive. There are much cheaper ones on amazon etc.How ummm, delicate are these things? I'm pretty careless with things, and am looking at bashing around off the beaten track areas..
I dropped my Mk3 onto concrete from 5 ft and it wasn't damaged at all... because of the case!
I would say that all the modern day compact cameras are not the toughest of devices to be thrown into a rucksack, the design of the retracting lens is pretty complicated so I doubt it would take much abuse or sand/dirt to jam the mechanism. Unfortunately it is the nature of the beast. Only way round that is to buy a fixed lens camera or a weatherproof DSLR camera and lens which would be substantially bigger and potentially more expensive.
I purchased my RX100 MK3 from John Lewis last year and took out their 3 year accidental damage warranty which was an additional £30 or £40. The camera packed up a few weeks ago so was returned to JW and has now been repaired under warranty, apparently it was the main board that had failed.
Bottom line is that if you're going to buy a modern-day compact camera in this price range I really do think the 3 year accidental damage warranty is worth taking out.
I purchased my RX100 MK3 from John Lewis last year and took out their 3 year accidental damage warranty which was an additional £30 or £40. The camera packed up a few weeks ago so was returned to JW and has now been repaired under warranty, apparently it was the main board that had failed.
Bottom line is that if you're going to buy a modern-day compact camera in this price range I really do think the 3 year accidental damage warranty is worth taking out.
GetCarter said:
HotJambalaya said:
Thanks, I guess I'll order the MK3
How ummm, delicate are these things? I'm pretty careless with things, and am looking at bashing around off the beaten track areas..
Sony's own RX100 case is classy but quite expensive. There are much cheaper ones on amazon etc.How ummm, delicate are these things? I'm pretty careless with things, and am looking at bashing around off the beaten track areas..
I dropped my Mk3 onto concrete from 5 ft and it wasn't damaged at all... because of the case!
Another vote for the Sony RX100.
I bought a MK1 about 18 months ago and have been highly impressed. I'm using it for point-n-shoot duties, so nothing too artistic and it has been ideal.
It's very good in low light, and the portrait mode throws the background out of focus nicely.
I bought a simple wrap-round case for mine, and it has stood up very well to being lugged around in pockets without much care and attention.
I bought a MK1 about 18 months ago and have been highly impressed. I'm using it for point-n-shoot duties, so nothing too artistic and it has been ideal.
It's very good in low light, and the portrait mode throws the background out of focus nicely.
I bought a simple wrap-round case for mine, and it has stood up very well to being lugged around in pockets without much care and attention.
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2017-roundup-comp...
Not sure you why want to buy a pocket camera from Sony that has less zoom and no 4k video ability?
Also the Panasonic has a touch screen whilst the Sony has non and with a menu system you will have to learn. Not ideal for a travel 21st C instamatic.
I have a Sony but for what you want the Panasonic TZ100 seems to win hands down. Never listen to what people own and are happy with, read the reviews
If you buy the Panasonic Tz you will not be unhappy, it is rather a no brainer for the camera at the moment that fits in your pocket that does good images, massive zoom and good video. As they say on PH, what's not to like?
Not sure you why want to buy a pocket camera from Sony that has less zoom and no 4k video ability?
Also the Panasonic has a touch screen whilst the Sony has non and with a menu system you will have to learn. Not ideal for a travel 21st C instamatic.
I have a Sony but for what you want the Panasonic TZ100 seems to win hands down. Never listen to what people own and are happy with, read the reviews
If you buy the Panasonic Tz you will not be unhappy, it is rather a no brainer for the camera at the moment that fits in your pocket that does good images, massive zoom and good video. As they say on PH, what's not to like?Edited by Gandahar on Tuesday 16th May 20:54
And another vote for an RX100. I have a Mk2 (I think) and it takes fantastic images in decent light. And with sufficient manual control if you're that way inclined.
I keep it in a small Crumpler pouch. It's been carried around the world a few times in my briefcase, as well as in my pocket skiing for several seasons. It looks slightly scratched on the bottom where it's been rested on concrete or rocks. Otherwise it's faultless.
I keep it in a small Crumpler pouch. It's been carried around the world a few times in my briefcase, as well as in my pocket skiing for several seasons. It looks slightly scratched on the bottom where it's been rested on concrete or rocks. Otherwise it's faultless.
Gandahar said:
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2017-roundup-comp...
Not sure you why want to buy a pocket camera from Sony that has less zoom and no 4k video ability?
Also the Panasonic has a touch screen whilst the Sony has non and with a menu system you will have to learn. Not ideal for a travel 21st C instamatic.
I have a Sony but for what you want the Panasonic TZ100 seems to win hands down. Never listen to what people own and are happy with, read the reviews If you buy the Panasonic Tz you will not be unhappy, it is rather a no brainer for the camera at the moment that fits in your pocket that does good images, massive zoom and good video. As they say on PH, what's not to like?
I must admit that I was sorely tempted by the reviews of the TZ100 and indeed it does offer a great deal, but when I went to actually compare the cameras in JW it was just too big to be pocketable which kind of defeated the whole purpose of a compact camera. The fact that the RX100 doesn't offer 4K video was of no interest to me whatsoever because it does provide pretty impressive 1080p video which is perfectly acceptable for my needs, if I wanted 4K video I would invest in a proper camcorder, beside which have you seen the massive file sizes when recording in 4K - GetCarter has great experience of this with his drone footage.Not sure you why want to buy a pocket camera from Sony that has less zoom and no 4k video ability?
Also the Panasonic has a touch screen whilst the Sony has non and with a menu system you will have to learn. Not ideal for a travel 21st C instamatic.
I have a Sony but for what you want the Panasonic TZ100 seems to win hands down. Never listen to what people own and are happy with, read the reviews
If you buy the Panasonic Tz you will not be unhappy, it is rather a no brainer for the camera at the moment that fits in your pocket that does good images, massive zoom and good video. As they say on PH, what's not to like?Edited by Gandahar on Tuesday 16th May 20:54
The OP is kind of spoiled for choice with the offerings from Sony, Canon, Panasonic and many of the other brands who have now leapt on the higher quality image 1" sensor bandwagon rather than the silly marketing megapixel race.
There are of course better cameras out there, but they are physically larger, and at some point you have to figure out just what you want from a compact camera and the compromises involved.
actually that panasonic was looking pretty good, then I read the part of no NFC.
I was assuming that the NFC on the sony would let me set it up on a gorilla tripod and get a couple of photos using my phone to control it. I'll be travelling by myself, so wouldnt mind a couple of shots with me in it! -can anyone with it confirm?
I was assuming that the NFC on the sony would let me set it up on a gorilla tripod and get a couple of photos using my phone to control it. I'll be travelling by myself, so wouldnt mind a couple of shots with me in it! -can anyone with it confirm?
Yet another vote here for the RX100 (I have the mark III). I've not used my DSLR at all since I got it. Extremely impressed with the quality of the images and I find there's rarely a reason to use it outside of full auto mode.
HotJambalaya said:
actually that panasonic was looking pretty good, then I read the part of no NFC.
I was assuming that the NFC on the sony would let me set it up on a gorilla tripod and get a couple of photos using my phone to control it. I'll be travelling by myself, so wouldnt mind a couple of shots with me in it! -can anyone with it confirm?
Control is rather limited from the phone app, but yes, you get a live view and can operate the shutter (with an optional time delay). Any photo taken is immediately transferred to the phone via WiFi so you can see the result without having to go back to the camera.I was assuming that the NFC on the sony would let me set it up on a gorilla tripod and get a couple of photos using my phone to control it. I'll be travelling by myself, so wouldnt mind a couple of shots with me in it! -can anyone with it confirm?
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