Novice looking for advice on a good pocket camera.

[Skeeter Barnes]

I'm looking for something that produces really good image quality but still pocketable. Small size is more important to me than being able to zoom in from a distance. Budget is around $500.00 but would consider spending another $100-$200 if necessary.

Been leaning towards a Sony RX100 mk2 but wanted to ask around before pulling the trigger in case there are better options out there for the money.

[liberal N proud]

1. I like the Nikon COOLPIX L30

You can get far under your budget and has some fantastic features.

[Skeeter Barnes]

2. That would be better than what I have but I'm looking for something that

performs very well in low light. It's my understanding that a 1 inch sensor would be good for that. And I'd like 1080p video capability.

[liberal N proud]

3. We use the museum setting on the coolpix for low light shots

But you are correct about the 1080p.

[alfredo]

4. At the top end of your price range is the Panasonic LX10

Last edited Thu Dec 1, 2016, 01:20 AM - Edit history (2)

After Christmas there could do be a good price drop to clear out inventory.

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx10-lx15

The Panasonic LX100 is also very good, but I'd go for the LX10

[Skeeter Barnes]

5. One of the requirements to go above my budget would be for a viewfinder.

And I feel like the extra money on the LX10 would be going for 4K video which is very nice but not something I would pay more for.

[northoftheborder]

6. Canon G5X

Bought this year (spring) for a trip - small size but WITH a viewfinder which was vital for me. More than $500, but might be less now.

[Skeeter Barnes]

9. I liked that one too. $700 + extras was more than I could do this time. Thanks, though!

[alfredo]

7. Then maybe the Panasonic LX100 might work.

Shop around for a good price. I'm pushing Panasonic because they make solid camera with a very loyal following. A pocketable camera with a vewfinder might be a stretch.


I'm a Olympus fanboy, not a Panasonic fanboy.

[Skeeter Barnes]

8. Ended up going with the RX100 Mk2

Got a charger and 2 spare batts, two 32gb memory cards and carry case with it for just under $600 with tax. It's supposed to be here in the mail any minute now...

I did look over the Panasonics. Both the LX100 and LX10 look great but I went with the Sony this time. If I enjoy this, it won't be my last camera. I've been kind of a gear hound with my other hobbies over the years so I might end up with something else before too long.

Been reading over a book written by a pro photographer on this camera for the past couple of days. It explains all the different settings and what they do. I think it will help get me started.

Thanks, all of you, for your suggestions. Maybe I will be able to post a pic here soon!

[alfredo]

12. Great choice. Sony makes the sensors used by Most digital cameras

That includes the Micro 4/3 sensors. Photgraphs like the RX 100 series as a second camera to compliment their pro camera.

[Act_of_Reparation]

10. Sony A6000 with a lens will probably be around $500.

It is an ASP-C, so it'll be a little bit bigger than the micro four-thirds mirrorless systems, but it should be pocketable if you're wearing a jacket.

I shoot with its big brother, the A7.

[Skeeter Barnes]

11. Maybe something more advanced like that down the road. New camera just arrived. :v)

Already have a few shots from it. Main thing I wanted was clear photos indoors and it does that. The few I've taken in auto mode look great! My old camera took really grainy looking indoor shots.

[alfredo]

13. Ooooh, new toy. Enjoy and take a lot of photos.

[Skeeter Barnes]

14. first pic

Sparkles the cat. She has hissy resting face.

[IMG]~original[/IMG]

And she has front legs. They are tucked in. And I have no idea why it says "original" next to the pic.

This is way better than my old camera could do. I've got it set to take jpeg + raw now. Might try out Lightroom soon.

[alfredo]

15. You're going to love this camera.

Steve Huff, camera reviewer, loved this camera.