Looking for a shirtpocket camera

[Simpo Two]

In recent years this role has been fulfilled by a Leica C-Lux 2. I know it's a Panasonic but it looks nice and is only 94 x 53 x 23mm, which is important. However recently it's developed a problem; the flash won't fire and it tells me to switch the camera off and on again. I do, but it doesn't fix it. Neither does talking the battery out for 30 secs. Other than no flash, it works fine.

So unless anyone has an idea for making the flash work again, I need a replacement. As I say it must be very small, so no sticking-out lenses, but deliver top perfomance for the size/class. Thanks!

[kman]

Sony RX100 mk1, 2 or wait for the 3 just coming out. All are great, I have a mk1 for holiday snaps.

[Simpo Two]

I almost said 'Not the RX100 because it's too big', but thought people would read the brief.

[kman]

I did read the brief - it fits in my shirt pocket just about and easily in a trouser or jacket pocket.

Its about as small as Id want a camera to be to be able to handle it easily.

[Simpo Two]

Sorry but 36mm is too thick. I have three DSLRs for the serious stuff

This needs to be small. I appreciate that will mean some trade-off in quality, but am interested to know what the best very small camera is. No bigger than what I have.

[Jack Blag]

I agree with kman, the RX100 is a brilliant pocket camera. It fits in my trouser pocket, shirt pocket or jacket pocket. Anything smaller doesn't provide good enough quality.

I too have a selection of DSLRs for "proper" photographs, but in every other case I am more than satisfied with the RX100. If size is really the issue, many mobile phones have excellent image quality (considering their primary function is to make phone calls). The Samsung Galaxy S4 is very good for "snaps".

[Engineer1]

A good mobile phone? Thin light reasonable camera specs

[DavidY]

Fuji XF-1 (only 130 notes at Currys at the moment)

[Simpo Two]

DavidY said:

Fuji XF-1 (only 130 notes at Currys at the moment)

That's very nice, but has a sticky-out bit.

I've been grubbing aorund on dpreview and the likliest contenders are the Canon Ixus 220HS and Sony Cybershot DSc W550 (or 570 or 560, not sure of the differences yet). Both are good brands and go down to f2.7. So if anyone has one of those, or something similar, I'd be pleased to hear their thoughts! Like DSLRs it may come down to control layout.

ETA - or maybe a Panasonic - how did I forget those? http://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/cameras...

Edited by Simpo Two on Sunday 25th May 20:18

[DavidY]

In the Fuji case the sticky out bit is hardly noticable

[Elderly]

What about a Nokia 808? It's apparently rubbish as a 'smartphone'
because of its operating system, but has a very acceptable camera - look at its sensor size.

[chris.mapey]

I'll bring down my Lumiz TZ40 when we meet up. Have a look at it - I love it as a walk round camera.

[tenohfive]

The Canon S110 is my pocket camera, it certainly fit's the shirt pocket brief. No idea how it (or the S120) stack up against the RX100 series or the other latest contenders but it does me (and more often the missus) fine.

[GetCarter]

Yep... For that, Canon 110. No sticky out bits and decent image quality (not RX100... but good). Def a shirt pocket job.

[Bacardi]

Alternatively, just buy a shirt with a bigger pocket?

[MartinP]

Another vote from me for the Canon S120. I have an S95 (older version) and it's perfect for a carry everywhere pocket point and shoot. It can shoot RAW and allows full manual control if needed. Image quality is very good for the size of camera, you just need to nail the exposure as it doesn't have the dynamic range of cameras with larger sensors.

[K12beano]

Bacardi said:

Alternatively, just buy a shirt with a bigger pocket?

Exactly!

Man up - you're a typical PHer - I.e. An extremely well-built Company Director.


The alternative is to hire a minion to do that for you.


So - I think a smartphone, as already suggested, is worth a thought.

[Mr Will]

MartinP said:

Another vote from me for the Canon S120. I have an S95 (older version) and it's perfect for a carry everywhere pocket point and shoot. It can shoot RAW and allows full manual control if needed. Image quality is very good for the size of camera, you just need to nail the exposure as it doesn't have the dynamic range of cameras with larger sensors.

Depends on the amount of light. The dynamic range is pretty much DSLR standard at base ISO (80) but fades rapidly as soon as you have to bump it up at all. Awesome little camera for landscape kind of shots but not so great for indoor work.

[Simpo Two]

ISO 800 would be handy sometimes, if it's any good at that.

[sgrimshaw]

Sony WX220.