Originally Posted by jec6613

Heh, not quite so simple. Within the same generation, with the same resolution, from the same manufacturer, I would buy, but just compare the Canon and the Sony sensors and you'll see that Sony APS-C sensors are several generations ahead of Canon full frame sensors in dynamic range. The picture is far more complicated than it appears.

Anyway, aside from that, although the Sony has already been purchased (and it's quite a nice camera, too!) for those looking in the future, check out the Nikon 1 line. There's always a few models sub-$500, and they're compact and easy to travel with, plus the autofocus is as fast as a D3x00 series DSLR, and the interchangeable lenses give versatility without too much size creep. My fianc� and best friend both ended up with them for that reason - in between a phone and DSLR in quality (almost exactly in the middle, from what I've seen) and small to travel with.

For myself, I have a D7100 as my primary body when weight isn't a concern, and a D5100 for when I want to go light. The D5100 kit, which has plastic kit lenses with it, is actually lighter than most Sony mirrorless setups when lenses and everything are taken into account. It's also bulkier, as that mirror takes up space, and the lenses need to take into account the flange focal distance, but the compatibility with the rest of my Nikon stuff makes it well worth it.

Originally Posted by lhgreengrd1

I own Nikon 1 gear (I own a V2, formerly owned a V1), and I have to say, this is one camera lineup that IS let down by the Sensor technology. The Sony 1" sensor is FAR superior to that in any Nikon 1. That being said, the Continuous tracking AF performance is great, and that's the ONLY reason I would ever use my Nikon V2 over my Olympus M4/3 gear (I have an OM-D EM-1 and an E-PL5) - when I know that tracking AF performance will be important for me.

Basically, due to the sensor, the Nikon 1 system is very quality limited at ISOs above 800, whereas Micro 4/3 gear can do well up to ISO 3200, and most current generation APS-C systems can do well up to ISO 6400.

Sony's 1" sensor in the RX100 family is between 1 and 1.5 EV better than the 1" Aptiva sensor in Nikon 1 cameras.