Travel Photography - Best Pocket-Sized Point and Shoot < $1000

I'm looking for the best pocket-sized point and shoot for under $1000. I've always owned Canon ELPH's and Nikon DSLR's but so far I'm not reading great things about their higher-end point and shoots. I came across the Sony DSC-RX100 and right now it's looking like the best. Anyone have any other options/opinions?

Thanks,

Rob

I'm looking for the best pocket-sized point and shoot for under $1000. I've always owned Canon ELPH's and Nikon DSLR's but so far I'm not reading great things about their higher-end point and shoots. I came across the Sony DSC-RX100 and right now it's looking like the best. Anyone have any other options/opinions?

Thanks,

Rob

I am not sure there is such a thing as the "best" P&S - or anything else that is universally "best" without any qualifications. If you can tell us a vit about your shooting needs and wants, the crowd here can give you much more informed opinions and suggestions.

Your suggestion of the DSC-RX100 is certainly a worthy one. I would probably consider the Fujifilm X100, which is currently on sale for $999 at B&H - but I realize that for many (if not most), the non-zooming lens makes it a non-starter.

Other contenders could be the Samsung EX2F and Panasonic Lumix LX7. For some users, the Sigma DP2 Merrill just might be the thing.

And so on.

Cheers,
T.

The RX100 is pretty much the top of the advanced pocket camera heap right now. Before that, it was the Canon S100 - bought one for my wife and she loves it. I don't know the RX's price, but the S100 was under $500, let alone $1000.

I am not sure there is such a thing as the "best" P&S - or anything else that is universally "best" without any qualifications. If you can tell us a vit about your shooting needs and wants, the crowd here can give you much more informed opinions and suggestions.

Your suggestion of the DSC-RX100 is certainly a worthy one. I would probably consider the Fujifilm X100, which is currently on sale for $999 at B&H - but I realize that for many (if not most), the non-zooming lens makes it a non-starter.

Other contenders could be the Samsung EX2F and Panasonic Lumix LX7. For some users, the Sigma DP2 Merrill just might be the thing.

And so on.

Cheers,
T.

I'm looking for something that is decent in low light (and night shots) and indoors. Also, at least some zoom is a must, doesn't have to be anything crazy like 20x though.

I bought a Canon S95 in January which is very good. At the time you could've bought the S100 for about $100 more but the new features didn't seem worth the extra money.

If (like me) "best" is least shutter lag.....there's an UK phot store website which has a listing of P&S cams with shutter lag (which I will try to re-find later)

I like the Nikon P7100 or Canon's G12. They are both good cameras, lightweight, small, and have a lot of functionality that bridges the gap between a point and shoot and a DSLR. The price on both of these cameras is very reasonable.

I like the Nikon P7100 or Canon's G12. They are both good cameras, lightweight, small, and have a lot of functionality that bridges the gap between a point and shoot and a DSLR. The price on both of these cameras is very reasonable.

Neither of those look (from just looking at pictures online) very front jean pocket friendly. That's the real driving factor here is I'm looking for something I can just carry around with me very easily.

The Sony RX100 and the Panasonic LX7 are pretty much the undisputed champs of the P&S world right now.

The Sony is better in certain important categories: 3 times the sensor size to reduce noise in low light photos, 2 times the number of megapixels for large prints, higher resolution screen to review photos, and also much smaller and lighter.

The Panasonic makes up some ground in other ways: 24mm vs 28mm wide angle lens, brighter lens, better macro. It's also $150 less expensive.

Disclaimer: I have the RX100 and it's fantastic. I've had the Canon S100, S95, and S80 before this.

If shutter lag (delay) is a consideration, here's the comparison chart.....

http://www.cameras.co.uk/html/shutter-lag-comparisons.cfm

If shutter lag (delay) is a consideration, here's the comparison chart.....

http://www.cameras.co.uk/html/shutter-lag-comparisons.cfmalso http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-rx100/sony-rx100A6.HTM :D

0.153s for full autofocus in wide angle mode, not bad at all

The Sony RX100's full-autofocus shutter lag (with the subject at a fixed distance) was only 0.153 second in Single-area AF mode. This increased slightly to 0.266 second in Multi-area AF mode. That's much faster than the average CSC, and competitive with many SLRs.

The one significant anomaly we found in our shutter lag tests was that the AF is very slow to lock on in continuous AF mode when the lens is set to its widest aperture: We measured very consistent lag times of ~1.2 seconds in that condition. Stopping down to f/4 reduced continuous-AF lag to the 0.314 second shown in the table above.

I'm looking for something that is decent in low light (and night shots) and indoors. Also, at least some zoom is a must, doesn't have to be anything crazy like 20x though.

The large sensor and wide ISO range certainly are in favor of the Sony. Most of the other specs are pretty impressive, too.

The three aspects of the camera I am slightly uncomfortable with are the high pixel density, slowish lens (especially in the long end), and the 28 mm equivalent wide angle. The lack of true wide angle seems to be at least partially remedied by the nifty swing panorama feature.

My secondary shooter is a Canon S90, which spec-wise pales in comparison to the Sony - yet I am extremely happy with it. This leads me to believe you really cannot go wrong with the Sony.

Cheers,
T.

The Sony RX100 and the Panasonic LX7 are pretty much the undisputed champs of the P&S world right now.

I had no idea the LX7 was out. :eek:

The large sensor and wide ISO range certainly are in favor of the Sony. Most of the other specs are pretty impressive, too.

The three aspects of the camera I am slightly uncomfortable with are the high pixel density, slowish lens (especially in the long end), and the 28 mm equivalent wide angle. The lack of true wide angle seems to be at least partially remedied by the nifty swing panorama feature.The pixel density of the RX100 is actually significantly lower than the Canon S100 and Panasonic LX7.

Sony RX100 pixel density = 20MP/(13.2mm *8.8mm) = 0.172MP/mm^2
Canon S100 pixel density = 12MP/(7.5mm * 5.5mm) = 0.290MP/mm^2
Panasonic LX7 pixel density = 10MP/(7.4mm * 5.6mm) = 0.241MP/mm^2

So in addition to having 30% less pixel density than the LX7, it also has double the pixels. Amazing little thing.

Here's an actual head-to-head comparison between these cameras. You can click on the pictures for a 100% view.

ISO100:
Sony RX100 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-rx100/RX100hSLI0100NR2D.HTM)
Panasonic LX7 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/panasonic-lx7/LX7hSLI00100NR3D.HTM)
Canon S100 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/PS100/PS100hSLI0100.HTM)

ISO6400:
Nikon D7000 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D7000/D7000hSLI06400_NR2D.HTM) (just for kicks)
Sony (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-rx100/RX100hSLI6400NR2D.HTM)
Panasonic (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/panasonic-lx7/LX7hSLI06400NR3D.HTM)
Canon (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/PS100/PS100hSLI6400.HTM)

The pixel density of the RX100 is actually significantly lower than the Canon S100 and Panasonic LX7.

Sony RX100 pixel density = 20MP/(13.2mm *8.8mm) = 0.172MP/mm^2
Canon S100 pixel density = 12MP/(7.5mm * 5.5mm) = 0.290MP/mm^2
Panasonic LX7 pixel density = 10MP/(7.4mm * 5.6mm) = 0.241MP/mm^2

So in addition to having 30% less pixel density than the LX7, it also has double the pixels. Amazing little thing.

My thinking was along the lines of Canon EOS M or Fujifilm X100 which have APS-C sized sensors with fewer pixels than the RX100. I would think the Sony would be a more compelling camera with 12 MP instead of 20 MP.

Cheers,
T.

DPReview has now published their full review (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cybershot-dsc-rx100/) of the RX100 and they pretty much confirm that it is the king of the hill in its class for the time being.

Cheers,
T.

The pixel density of the RX100 is actually significantly lower than the Canon S100 and Panasonic LX7.

Sony RX100 pixel density = 20MP/(13.2mm *8.8mm) = 0.172MP/mm^2
Canon S100 pixel density = 12MP/(7.5mm * 5.5mm) = 0.290MP/mm^2
Panasonic LX7 pixel density = 10MP/(7.4mm * 5.6mm) = 0.241MP/mm^2

So in addition to having 30% less pixel density than the LX7, it also has double the pixels. Amazing little thing.

Here's an actual head-to-head comparison between these cameras. You can click on the pictures for a 100% view.

ISO100:
Sony RX100 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-rx100/RX100hSLI0100NR2D.HTM)
Panasonic LX7 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/panasonic-lx7/LX7hSLI00100NR3D.HTM)
Canon S100 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/PS100/PS100hSLI0100.HTM)

ISO6400:
Nikon D7000 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D7000/D7000hSLI06400_NR2D.HTM) (just for kicks)
Sony (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-rx100/RX100hSLI6400NR2D.HTM)
Panasonic (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/panasonic-lx7/LX7hSLI06400NR3D.HTM)
Canon (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/PS100/PS100hSLI6400.HTM)
Based on the quality of the images, I'd rank them Sony (clear #1), Canon, Panasonic.

The Sony RX100 is probably the best point-and-shoot camera you can buy. But it's not cheap at $650 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00889ST2G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00889ST2G&linkCode=as2&tag=12672812-20). You could buy a dSLR for that! But if you're happy spending that sort of cash, go for it.

I have the Canon PowerShot S95, and love it. I can recommend the current version is the S100, which is still awesome and nearly half the price of the RX100 at $350 or so (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MTME3U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005MTME3U&linkCode=as2&tag=12672812-20).

I'd rather save the $300 and spend it on a mileage run :D

The Sony RX100 is probably the best point-and-shoot camera you can buy. But it's not cheap at $650 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00889ST2G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00889ST2G&linkCode=as2&tag=12672812-20). You could buy a dSLR for that! But if you're happy spending that sort of cash, go for it.

I have the Canon PowerShot S95, and love it. I can recommend the current version is the S100, which is still awesome and nearly half the price of the RX100 at $350 or so (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MTME3U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005MTME3U&linkCode=as2&tag=12672812-20).

I'd rather save the $300 and spend it on a mileage run :D

While it certainly seems nice it's a little thick to be called a pocket camera to me.

While it certainly seems nice it's a little thick to be called a pocket camera to me.
+1. I was put off by the S100 because it is too big for one's pocket.

I can recommend the smaller Canon 110HS (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006UMM1UO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006UMM1UO&linkCode=as2&tag=12672812-20) as a much cheaper, truly pocket camera. Obviously not in the same league as the RX100 / S95, mind.

+1. I was put off by the S100 because it is too big for one's pocket.

I can recommend the smaller Canon 110HS (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006UMM1UO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006UMM1UO&linkCode=as2&tag=12672812-20) as a much cheaper, truly pocket camera. Obviously not in the same league as the RX100 / S95, mind.

S100 or RX100?

I've got a S100 and it does go in a pocket well, the RX100 is 50% thicker, though.

Personally, I even stick my LX5 in my pocket so I don't think the RX100 is going to be a problem (for me).

With over a 200% increase on the sensor size of a S100, to me, it's no contest as to what my next P&S will be. ^

Personally, I even stick my LX5 in my pocket so I don't think the RX100 is going to be a problem (for me).

With over a 200% increase on the sensor size of a S100, to me, it's no contest as to what my next P&S will be. ^

If I were buying now the thickness would be enough that it wouldn't be clear what I would be buying.

As it stands I've got a S100 and I don't go for frequent equipment replacements. There's basically a 0% chance the RX100 will be around by the time I get a new one.

Knowing most camera manufacturers, it'll be the RX110. ;)

RX100 without the shadow of a doubt!

RX100 without the shadow of a doubt!

I popped in to my local camera shop today and played with the RX100--great little camera, emphasis on little. And great. I might bite--but it was suggested I wait a few weeks to see what the new Nikon and Panasonic offerings are going to be. I was told to expect them in the store by mid October.
Canon GX-1, not pocket sized, is also in the running for me.

I'm looking for something to carry around that isn't my Nikon D90. Loved my canon g7 (g11, not so much, except for the lens), looking for a modern version with a decent zoom. G12 seems to have it, but is a bit slow.

I've just taken a Sony RX100 on a four-day trip to Italy and I have to say I am really pleased with how it performed. It really is compact, so slips into a small padded belt pouch (I never understood the universal fixation with putting cameras into jeans pockets), has excellent resolution, works almost too well in low light, and has a screen that is easily visible in bright sunlight. A few cons: after using a Casio the Sony's battery life is a limitation - it lasts a day, but only just; sometimes the menu choices are just too much (lots of clicks to get to White Balance for example); and the zoom is on the small side (but a trade-off well worth taking in my opinion). For the quality of the images, however, I have never had a camera of any spec to touch it. Certainly one to consider.

Sony's planning an RX-1. Something you might want to wait for.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/09/sony-rx1-camera-leaks-with-full-frame-sensor-in-compact-body/

Sony's planning an RX-1. Something you might want to wait for.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/09/sony-rx1-camera-leaks-with-full-frame-sensor-in-compact-body/

Interesting read. If it didn't (supposedly) have a fixed lens, I might have considered it. However, it'll definitely be worth waiting to see what the official camera is.

Sony's planning an RX-1. Something you might want to wait for.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/09/sony-rx1-camera-leaks-with-full-frame-sensor-in-compact-body/

Looks promising at first, but sonyalpharumors was speculating price at $2700. I am not sure many will go for that. Certainly the RX1 is not pocket sized, that fixed 35mm lens is big.

Does anyone now if Lightroom supports raw files from Sony RX100?

Looking to purchase the Sony to replace my G12 in the coming days....

I had the RX100 for a few months, but it never really impressed me. Given the size of the sensor, I had expected much better results. I've switched back to a Canon S110 now - much smaller, but IMHO similar results.

The RX1 does have me drooling through - saw one at my local Sony Outlet for $2300 last week.

The RX1 does have me drooling through - saw one at my local Sony Outlet for $2300 last week.

Hopefully there's an extra zero in there. :)

Based upon very positive reviews, I bought my wife a RX100 four months ago. She's a painter (she has several shows a year in galleries and museums) and photographs scenes before she paints. She is extraordinarily pleased with the quality -- she also has a relatively high-end (but older) Canon SLR and can't get over the quality and some of the features. Several of her friends have bought one after she's shown them what they it can do.

Hopefully there's an extra zero in there. :)

Sadly no :(

http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-Cyber-shot-RX1-Full-Frame-35mm-Digital-Camera/en/p/DSCRX1/B

I bought the Sony WX80, which I like a lot. I also received a $25.00 credit from AMEX for buying it from the Sony website.

The RX1 does have me drooling through - saw one at my local Sony Outlet for $2300 last week.

Sony's pricing of the RX1 does make one wonder. A Nikon D800 is not much more (the VAT-free price in Finland is about $2500) and a D600 is considerably less. Obviously, the RX1 is a different beast, but I believe Sony would attract a lot more buyers with a price of $1999. At $2300 or above, the value seems questionable.

It will be very interesting to see what hppens with the pricing when an exchangeable lense version of the RX1 hits the market. Will Sony drop the price of the current model drastically or do they believe they can get away with an even higher price for the new flagship? Or will they drop the RX1 altogether?

Cheers,
T.

Does anyone now if Lightroom supports raw files from Sony RX100?

Looking to purchase the Sony to replace my G12 in the coming days....Support was added with Lightroom ver. 4.2.

Does anyone now if Lightroom supports raw files from Sony RX100?

Looking to purchase the Sony to replace my G12 in the coming days....

I doubt Light Room know if it was as Sony or a Cannon camera,

Give Scott Kelby a call.

Support was added with Lightroom ver. 4.2.

cool, knew it was in mine

Sony's NEX are worth a look.

I am loyal customer of Sony. So for me Sony RX100 is a great product. :)

Thanks. I will put in an order for the Rx100 next week.

RX100, I have it and love it. Also check out the Panasonic LX7. I carried the LX3 for many years before this. I no longer carry my SLR on trips. The Panasonic is noticeably larger in your pocket compared to the Sony. I can't believe how slim the Sony actually is!

I was going back and forth between the RX100 and the LX7. I previously had the LX5.

With the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale (across the board) on the LX7, it made the choice pretty easy. I think they're both fine cameras and have their own pros/cons.

Olympus XZ-1. Sometimes comes on sale for $199.

Here's the information on it. (http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Digital-Camera-3-Inch-Monitor/dp/B004HO59LK)

Here's the review on it. (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/OlympusXZ1)

Highly recommend it.