£1k travel camera
Discussion
I am travelling more and more and I am using my 12 year old compact casio camera.
At the time it was decent for a compact with 9MP but today its obviously not anything even close to a mid point phone let alone camera.
I have been looking around and it seems most of the good compacts are £500-£1200.
I am thinking of a Sony RX100 mk7.
Anyone got any suggestions?
I really like the 200mm capability on the RX.
My main requirements would be fast to power on and focus and shoot.
Takes normal size SD cards.
Good in low light.
Extra features such as time lapse would be good.
Long battery life also good, although I would probably invest in a second battery.
Dont want anything too big, travelling to some reasonably remote places and space can be a real issue.
At the time it was decent for a compact with 9MP but today its obviously not anything even close to a mid point phone let alone camera.
I have been looking around and it seems most of the good compacts are £500-£1200.
I am thinking of a Sony RX100 mk7.
Anyone got any suggestions?
I really like the 200mm capability on the RX.
My main requirements would be fast to power on and focus and shoot.
Takes normal size SD cards.
Good in low light.
Extra features such as time lapse would be good.
Long battery life also good, although I would probably invest in a second battery.
Dont want anything too big, travelling to some reasonably remote places and space can be a real issue.
I've pretty much given up on a compact camera and just rely on the camera in my high ish end phone.
200mm is only a 4x zoom, my 3 year old huwaei p30 pro has 30MP and 2x optical, so gets me a slightly better resolution, so much so my old pentax k5mk2 dslr now only comes out for special occasions (struggling to justify an upgrade).
the new crop of ~£1K phones are much improved, with 50-100MP sensors giving significant digital zooms, as well as 2x optical, with some amazing software to stitch it all together. Flash media support to copy stuff comes via USB otg capability, location tagging, photo editing are all built in..
I'm currently swithering about a pixel 7 Pro, but will wait to the spring and see what's what..
200mm is only a 4x zoom, my 3 year old huwaei p30 pro has 30MP and 2x optical, so gets me a slightly better resolution, so much so my old pentax k5mk2 dslr now only comes out for special occasions (struggling to justify an upgrade).
the new crop of ~£1K phones are much improved, with 50-100MP sensors giving significant digital zooms, as well as 2x optical, with some amazing software to stitch it all together. Flash media support to copy stuff comes via USB otg capability, location tagging, photo editing are all built in..
I'm currently swithering about a pixel 7 Pro, but will wait to the spring and see what's what..
I'm in a similar position. My aging 50D has developed a fault so it's a case of a 90D or similar Canon DSLR or admitting that it's time to change. Arthritis has finally got the better of me, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to lug heavy camera/lens combinations around.
The TZ200 appeals for various reasons but I'm wondering what else I should consider before spending a day on a camera handling expedition. Requirements are much the same as OP's plus occasional motorsport and aviation photography.
The TZ200 appeals for various reasons but I'm wondering what else I should consider before spending a day on a camera handling expedition. Requirements are much the same as OP's plus occasional motorsport and aviation photography.
To both;
Can highly recommend the TZ200 - have had one for a couple of years.
Given that it's small enough to comfortably fit a pocket, the picture quality is fantastic, the zoom and focus are both quick enough.
I do tend to use my Sony RX10 for any time I'm using a backpack or bag, but anytime that doesn't work, then taking the TZ200 doesn't feel like much of a step down at all.
Can highly recommend the TZ200 - have had one for a couple of years.
Given that it's small enough to comfortably fit a pocket, the picture quality is fantastic, the zoom and focus are both quick enough.
I do tend to use my Sony RX10 for any time I'm using a backpack or bag, but anytime that doesn't work, then taking the TZ200 doesn't feel like much of a step down at all.
The Sony RX100 is a cracking bit of kit in all of its guises.
There's really not much difference in the M6 and the M7, so unless there's something in the 7 feature list you can't live without you might as well buy the 6 and save £200 or more.
You might find this useful:
https://photographylife.com/sony-rx100-series-comp...
There's really not much difference in the M6 and the M7, so unless there's something in the 7 feature list you can't live without you might as well buy the 6 and save £200 or more.
You might find this useful:
https://photographylife.com/sony-rx100-series-comp...
Edited by sgrimshaw on Sunday 4th December 18:53
gotoPzero said:
Out of interest are cameras cheaper in Japan? (thats where I am going)
On the face of it cameras can appear cheaper in Japan but you need to be very careful that you're not buying a Domestic Market model ... these do not have multi-language menus etc.You need to buy an international model (unless you are fluent in Japanese), and these cost a good deal more and in some cases it makes them MORE expensive than buying in the UK.
Personally, I would buy in the UK before you go, not only will this ensure you don't have any warranty issues or problems with customs coming home, it will also give you a chance to get used to it before your big trip.
sgrimshaw said:
gotoPzero said:
Out of interest are cameras cheaper in Japan? (thats where I am going)
On the face of it cameras can appear cheaper in Japan but you need to be very careful that you're not buying a Domestic Market model ... these do not have multi-language menus etc.You need to buy an international model (unless you are fluent in Japanese), and these cost a good deal more and in some cases it makes them MORE expensive than buying in the UK.
Personally, I would buy in the UK before you go, not only will this ensure you don't have any warranty issues or problems with customs coming home, it will also give you a chance to get used to it before your big trip.
We are travelling more and more. So its just sight seeing, mostly day time but could be some night shots. Its mostly cities, tourist attractions, scenery etc.
We just returned from Peru and Mexico and whilst we got some ok photos the quality is not the best and there are loads that are just not usable. In the end I was taking 5 or 6 photos in the hope to get a good one.
My phone takes very poor photos (Samsung A32) they are always out of focus.
My point and shoot is about 10 years old and its limited by its resolution and AF.
We just returned from Peru and Mexico and whilst we got some ok photos the quality is not the best and there are loads that are just not usable. In the end I was taking 5 or 6 photos in the hope to get a good one.
My phone takes very poor photos (Samsung A32) they are always out of focus.
My point and shoot is about 10 years old and its limited by its resolution and AF.
Photography is all about tradeoffs.
My favourite travel camera is the Fuji X100v - it has a comparatively large image sensor, and is fairly fast, but the downside is that it has a fixed focal length, so rubbish for things that are far away. The Fuji X-E4 is similar, but with interchangeable lenses, so it is more flexible but bigger and more expensive.
The Sony RX range leads the "pocketable" camera market, but I prefer the larger sensor an interface of the Fuji.
The other thing is to also upgrade the photographer, if you can spend some time learning the camera and its interface before you fly out you won't be fumbling when there's a long tour group about to wander into your shot down the avenue of cherry blossom
Japan is a great place to travel to, especially in the spring.
My favourite travel camera is the Fuji X100v - it has a comparatively large image sensor, and is fairly fast, but the downside is that it has a fixed focal length, so rubbish for things that are far away. The Fuji X-E4 is similar, but with interchangeable lenses, so it is more flexible but bigger and more expensive.
The Sony RX range leads the "pocketable" camera market, but I prefer the larger sensor an interface of the Fuji.
The other thing is to also upgrade the photographer, if you can spend some time learning the camera and its interface before you fly out you won't be fumbling when there's a long tour group about to wander into your shot down the avenue of cherry blossom
Japan is a great place to travel to, especially in the spring.The Canon R10 is a fantastic spec’d camera in that price range. Cost me £929. While it is a mirrorless camera, with the 18-45 kit lens it’s quite small in size.
The Canon M50 mk2 is even smaller and cheaper, but its lens size is no longer supported by Canon / being phased out. £699 with 15-45 kit lens.
The Canon M50 mk2 is even smaller and cheaper, but its lens size is no longer supported by Canon / being phased out. £699 with 15-45 kit lens.
My trip to Japan is getting closer.
The more I look at specs the more confused I get, but I think I have narrowed it down to 3 cameras, all Sony. I have no brand loyalty but from the countless reviews I have read they seem to come out at or near the top and often to move up to the next best you can be looking at spending more.
RX100VA. Much brighter optics over the VII. ND filter. Lacks fancy live AF processor and only 70mm. However on sale at £599.
ZV1. A very, very similar spec to the RX1000VA. Just plastic body and lack of EVF. On sale at £550 currently.
Out of those 2 I think I would go for the VA.
Then there is the VII.
Loses the ND filter and loses 1f stop. Which is a big thing tbh.
But then it gains 200mm zoom, much more advanced auto focus and has a few more advanced features.
New still £1000, used around £750.
I have no interest in video. Its nice to have, but in reality its 90% stills 10% video.
I am thinking of getting the VA? Even if I got a nice used VII its £150 ish more than the VA.
What do ye say?
Oh, and I started looking at APS-C. Jeez, that's a rabbit hole I wish I didnt go down.
I have to stay strong... LOL, I specifically want something that will fit in my pocket.
The more I look at specs the more confused I get, but I think I have narrowed it down to 3 cameras, all Sony. I have no brand loyalty but from the countless reviews I have read they seem to come out at or near the top and often to move up to the next best you can be looking at spending more.
RX100VA. Much brighter optics over the VII. ND filter. Lacks fancy live AF processor and only 70mm. However on sale at £599.
ZV1. A very, very similar spec to the RX1000VA. Just plastic body and lack of EVF. On sale at £550 currently.
Out of those 2 I think I would go for the VA.
Then there is the VII.
Loses the ND filter and loses 1f stop. Which is a big thing tbh.
But then it gains 200mm zoom, much more advanced auto focus and has a few more advanced features.
New still £1000, used around £750.
I have no interest in video. Its nice to have, but in reality its 90% stills 10% video.
I am thinking of getting the VA? Even if I got a nice used VII its £150 ish more than the VA.
What do ye say?
Oh, and I started looking at APS-C. Jeez, that's a rabbit hole I wish I didnt go down.
I have to stay strong... LOL, I specifically want something that will fit in my pocket.
Edited by gotoPzero on Thursday 30th March 20:52
gotoPzero said:
My trip to Japan is getting closer.
The more I look at specs the more confused I get, but I think I have narrowed it down to 3 cameras, all Sony. I have no brand loyalty but from the countless reviews I have read they seem to come out at or near the top and often to move up to the next best you can be looking at spending more.
I can't get involved in the tech issues because I don't know Sonys. But on any holiday you can either be a photographer or a tourist. If you're going on the trip of a lifetime I would always be a photographer and go tooled up (within reason). That's a Nikon D500. It won't fit in my pocket because that would be a compromise; I'm happy to cart a gadget bag around as the price to pay for the best photos I can get. You never know what opportunities you'll find.The more I look at specs the more confused I get, but I think I have narrowed it down to 3 cameras, all Sony. I have no brand loyalty but from the countless reviews I have read they seem to come out at or near the top and often to move up to the next best you can be looking at spending more.
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