Changing to a compact

[Kernowlokal]

I've got a Canon 750D with the 18-55mm and 70-300mm kit lenses as well as Yongyuo 35mm and 55mm lenses. I originally bought a DSLR for surf photography, but with the kids occupying most of my weekend and I also have a DJI Mini 2, I don't really use the camera for surf shots anymore and carrying around a backpack with all the stuff in it is a bit of a pain for days out. Because of that, I'm thinking of changing to a compact, but still want something half decent, with a viewfinder (perhaps I'm old school, I just prefer a viewfinder to a screen). The most regular use I have for the camera is kids rugby, so something that works well for sports would be useful (and if I get the chance for more surf shots).

The most appealing I've found so far is the Panasonic TZ200, just wondering if there are any better suggestions (that is the upper end of my budget).I did have a RX100mk1 and wasn't that impressed with it, but I guess they have moved on a fair bit.

[littleredrooster]

BTDT, got the t-shirt. Found my Canon DSLR with two lenses too wieldy to lug around, so I downsized to a Sony NEX-6 with two lenses (which I loved & got some fabulous shots with).

For the last three years I've had a Sony RX100 vi and find it perfect for my needs. Excellent lens at all apertures, just about enough zoom to cope with stuff like motorsport and absolutely tiny - easy to shove into a jacket pocket. And a reasonable viewfinder, which I use all the time.

Brilliant results straight out of the camera and being a large-enough sensor, still gives good images when cropped.

Only slight downside is the slightly quirky Sony menu system which takes some getting used to.

[Otispunkmeyer]

Sony RX100 M5A (is the last one with the 24-70mm eqiv F2.8 lens) and then M6 and M7 have the 24-200mm

I think Canon do a version of the G7x (might be the MK3) that has a similar 24-200mm but I believe they were able to keep a F2.8 all the way through where the sony drops into the 4s.

Can't complain with the sony mind. My RX100 M4 has been trudging on for years and it produces excellent results for me. Could do with being a little faster to operate, but I believe the AF on the newer ones is absolutely mighty!

Other than that I would look at the APS-C sized mirrorless ones from Sony and also I think Canon like M200? (which is the smallest, but also so basic it doesn't have a mode dial), then they have the M5 or M6? and the new Nikon one thats just launched the other day. All look good. Obviously will be a bit bigger than a compact though and I will say, even though the bodies can be rather svelte, the lenses can often still end up being sizeable so in the end you still feel like you're lugging something around with you.

[Derek Smith]

Kernowlokal said:

I've got a Canon 750D with the 18-55mm and 70-300mm kit lenses as well as Yongyuo 35mm and 55mm lenses. I originally bought a DSLR for surf photography, but with the kids occupying most of my weekend and I also have a DJI Mini 2, I don't really use the camera for surf shots anymore and carrying around a backpack with all the stuff in it is a bit of a pain for days out. Because of that, I'm thinking of changing to a compact, but still want something half decent, with a viewfinder (perhaps I'm old school, I just prefer a viewfinder to a screen). The most regular use I have for the camera is kids rugby, so something that works well for sports would be useful (and if I get the chance for more surf shots).

The most appealing I've found so far is the Panasonic TZ200, just wondering if there are any better suggestions (that is the upper end of my budget).I did have a RX100mk1 and wasn't that impressed with it, but I guess they have moved on a fair bit.

I've got TZ. It's over 10 years old. Still excellent condition. Take it everywhere, even when I've got my main cameras (Pan GH2 and G9) with me. However, much as I like the TZ, I would not advise you to buy one. What I would say is go to a camera shop and play with a selection. The G9 I bought when I went into a camera shop to buy a tripod. The salesman said, Just try the G9 (I had a G7). It fitted my hands perfectly.

Cameras generally are much of a muchness. Some have massive zooms, great viewfinder, better video, or multi-megapixels. But the main difference is how they feel. You'll be using the camera for some time. Make sure it feels right. My TZ falls into my hands. I'm comfortable with it. The same goes for my G9. It's a pleasure picking it up. Great images too. I'm certain there are guys out there with better cameras, but mine suit me.

Don't listen to advice. Apart from the above of course. Find out yourself. You'll be spending a lot of money.