Which (decent) compact?

[Pulse]

I've just returned from a trip to Scotland, and whilst my phone's camera has been OK for the past couple of years, I'm keen to get a camera again.

I currently have a Sony HX20, which is fantastic. If it wasn't for the 'spots' on the lens, I'd keep using that. I figure it probably isn't worth spending out to get it fixed, so I'm thinking of getting a new, similar camera.

What's going to be the best for me? I'm going to say the budget is up to £500, but there's room to flex if it's worthwhile doing so. Things I'd like are:

- Decent zoom. I found I used the 20x in my old camera a lot, and it was useful.
- As compact a form factor as possible.
- Ideally a viewfinder, but I'm not absolutely set on that.
- Manual controls. Just in case I fancy using them. I only did so once with my old camera, but it did prove useful.

Other than that, I'm not sure what's really out there. I'd love some advice.

[Pulse]

sgrimshaw said:

You're unlikely to be disappointed with one if the current Sony compacts, the HX60, HX80 or HX90.

No doubt the RX100 in one of it's various versions will be recommended soon, and they are all superb cameras, but if you use the long zoom a lot then you'll probably find the reach too short.

Just a thought, have you tried cleaning the lens of your HX20 with a lens cleaning wipe?

Thanks. That's pretty much where I was aiming, if I'm honest. I did see the RX, but I was worried about the lack of zoom. It just makes it less flexible.

I've tried, but it seems to be something inside the lens, sadly.

[Pulse]

Thanks for the advise so far. Actually, I've stepped back and considered what I want to use the camera for, and whilst I do use the zoom a decent amount, image quality should take priority.

The RX100 looks to fit the bill. The question now is whether to buy now, or wait for a price drop? Also, which model to go for. Does anyone know the differences in real (easy to explain) terms? I'm unlikely to go past the Mk3.

It looks to me like:

- Mk1 & 2 don't have a viewfinder - although I'm unsure how useful this would be given it's an EVF.
- Mk1 has a different sensor - CMOS vs BSI CMOS. Not sure what that means.
- Mk2 & 3 have tilting screens, which may be useful - though I'm not sure how useful. Any thoughts?
- Mk1 doesn't have WiFi. I'm not entirely sure that'd be all that useful, but welcome your views.
- Mk3 gets an 'ND filter'. Worth it?
- Mk3 has a change in aperture from f/1.8-f/4.9 on the Mk1/2, to f/1.8-f/2.8. What's the difference?
- Mk3 has the 'Bionz X' processor. I doubt that'll make much difference, but it's worth asking.
- Mk1 is the lightest of the bunch by a decent margin.

I am 99.9% of the time not going to record video, so that doesn't bother me at all.

Price difference between the Mk1 and Mk3 is not too much. I don't mind paying out if it's worthwhile doing so. The Mk1 can be had for £270, or the Mk3 can be had for £450. Just shy of a £200 uplift.

Thanks for any help.

[Pulse]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm leaning towards the Mk3 for the extra cash. I'm going to try and get my hands on one ASAP to try it out.