cardinalkid1891

I'm starting to get more into photography, and will be traveling to some scenic places over the next year. I don't want to shell out $1k+ for a DSLR, and don't quite need that quality/complexity yet, but I definitely want to step up from a basic point and shoot camera. I did some research, and the Sony RX100 seems to fit the bill nicely. Does anyone here have any camera recommendations or any experience with the RX100? Thanks!

ND Sol

Have you reviewed this thread?

glennaa11

I think the general consensus is that the RX100 is quite good. And that the RX100 II is even better.

flyboy60

If you're looking to get serious, I tend to advocate getting something with interchangeable lenses, although it certainly need not be a DSLR. Nowadays, you can get a Mirrorless Interchangeable lens system camera - which is noticeably more compact than a DSLR system - from either the Micro 4/3 system (Olympus and/or Panasonic), Sony NEX, or Samsung, at an entry point of around $300-$400 for a camera body and one starter lens, and figure another $200-400 for each additional lens depending upon how advanced the other lenses are.

Personally, I have a lot of knowledge about some good 2-3 lens starter systems you could get within the Micro 4/3 system for $600-700 or so, but the other two brands I mentioned are also very do-able within that sort of budget.

cardinalkid1891

Thanks for the response guys. I'm still thinking that the RX100 is the way to go for now.

Yeah, I went through it and that's why I decided on the RX100 as a nice compact, intermediate camera. Didn't want to hijack the thread with my question though, so I posted here instead.

TheTourVan

You can pick up one of the mirrorless systems for very little now. Among other cameras, we have the Nikon V1 and think it takes great pictures. Plus its small, lightweight and has many lenses.

m.photog

If you spend your money wisely on a system oriented DSLR like Nikon or Canon any lenses you buy will work if you upgrade later to a better camera. Buy the best lenses you can afford, the lens technology is not advancing as rapidly. I have a good lens that I bought to use on my first digital camera, a Nikon based Fuji S1 over 10 years ago. I still use that lens with my Nikon D4 bodies.

BarefootBandit

The RX100 is a nice bit of kit.

I'd also seriously consider the m4:3 stuff...

Really love the Oly EP5 and 17mm f1.8 combo...

Z....

satman40

They are all nice, but it is easier to use the one your bud has, so you can ask them questions, and get a decent answer.

I also like to borrow or share batteries, glass if I need it

In todays market most cameras are great.

WillCAD

Are you looking for something with interchangable lenses that will be the foundation of a photographic system that you can build on for years?

Or are you simply looking to upgrade your point and shoot to something that has more controls than just the zoom and shutter buttons?

If the former, then your decision will be either a mirrorless or a DSLR system. Either will be less than $1000 to start, and some entry level DSLR kits from Canon and Nikon can be found in the $500-$600 range.

However, if you just want to get a compact P&S cam that has manual and semi-auto controls, I can recommend my own P&S, the Canon SX280HS.

*12.1megapixel
*3.0" LCD screen with wide viewing angle
*Clean, high ISO up to 3200 (good for indoor no flash situations)
*Manual and semi-auto modes just like a DSLR - P, Tv, Av, and M
*Several creative and effects modes
*All-day battery life (if you turn off the battery guzzling features like wi-fi & GPS, and set review time for each pic to a short view)
*Has wi-fi and GPS
*Takes stunning HD video

I bought myself one of these with my Christmas gift cards. I had an earlier version, the SX230HS, and was thrilled with it, but the SX280HS is even better (higher res, cleaner low-light pics, a few physical changes).

This is a great P&S camera for both beginners and DSLR users who want something pocket-size with full manual modes. What beginners will notice more than anything is the long zoom range - 20x (equivalent to 25-500mm in a 35mm SLR). You can really reach out and touch with this camera! Though, at the longer zooms, it wobbles a lot hand-held, so a tripod or Gorillapod is very useful.

It takes SD memory cards and uses a proprietary Canon NB-6L battery, which is about the size of a 2-pack of saltine crackers. Even though the camera has great battery life, I always recommend buying a spare (NB-6L are not very expensive and there are off-brands available at Best Buy, Amazon, and other places).

I highly recommend this camera! I just wish I had been able to buy it before my recent WDW trip. But the old one took such great pics, I can't tell without checking the EXIF data which came from my SX230HS, and which came from my DSLR.

uggboy

I can highly recommend the Canon G15 or the G16. Shoots like a DSLR without the weight.

cardinalkid1891

Thanks for all the help and advice guys. I ended up getting the Sony RX100. It fit my needs, and since I had used a Cyber Shot previously, I was more used to the controls/options for it.

WillCAD

You went with Sony? That's like a baby toy!

Hey, just kidding, all you Sony fanboys out there!

What matters, cardinalkid, is that you got a new camera that you love and you'll be comfortable shooting with it. Be sure to post a few pics here so we can see how it performs.

coffeeblack

I was actually considering the RX100 for the longest time, but when the Fujifilm XQ1 came out I pounced. Lower price, very good photos, super super fast auto focus. It was every thing I wanted in the RX but with a much lowered price. *And i got a load of freebies with the camera as well which helped*

Weenie

Buying a camera is like buying a car. Everyone is different and different things are important to different people (including budget).

That said, you should purchase the Nikon D610 kit including two lenses.