Sony RX100 M3+ or alternative?

For a few years now I've used a Sony RX100 II as an alternative to lugging around a bigger or more conspicious camera. It can fit in the pockets of most of my clothes, or go in a belt-case. I like the camera a lot, especially the IQ and the tilting screen, which I use TLR style. However, the lack of a viewfinder is driving me nuts, and I need to replace it. I am just back from a sunny (most of the time) holiday in France, where a lot of my pics are squint because I couldn't see a thing on the display. Obvious choices would be a newer version of the RX100 II with the EVF, but the III seems not much of an upgrade, apart from the EVF, and the IV and V seem more than I need as I am not much into video. In terms of 28-100mm vs 24-70, I would prefer the latter (35mm-wise).

Any better alternatives to a newer Sony that I should be thinking about?

Must haves are same or better IQ than the RX100 II, some sort of optical or electronic viewfinder, pocketable(ish), decent high-ISO, and quality build. Don't care about mega-long lenses.

Or maybe just get the RX1 EVF and put it in a different pocket?

Opinions?

I swapped my RX100 for the A6000 and a few lenses.

It's bigger but not by much and gives me many more options.

Thanks, I had considered this but I already have an A7 with plenty of lenses and a Nikon D7000 body with even more lenses. I am really after a fixed lens compact that I can fit in a pocket, as a direct replacement for RX100 II. More options are good, but I already have those covered, I should have made this clear.

The MkIII would be a good choice. I've upgraded from the MkI to the MkIII for the viewfinder and was not disappointed. Have upgraded to the MkIV since.

Other alternatives to consider are the Panasonic LX100, which has a bigger sensor (4/3), and the Panasonic TZ100, which also has a 1 inch sensor, an optical viewfinder and a "superzoom" 25-250mm equivalent lens.

I upgraded from the RX100Mk1 to the Mk4 and have no regrets. Mind you the Mk1 didn't even have a tilting screen and the lens was 28-70, the Mk4 has a tilting screen, EVF, newer sensor and a a24-70 lens so just a much better more versatile camera.

I have a Sony RX100 III and its a fab little camera

maarten.dhaese said:

The MkIII would be a good choice. I've upgraded from the MkI to the MkIII for the viewfinder and was not disappointed. Have upgraded to the MkIV since.

Other alternatives to consider are the Panasonic LX100, which has a bigger sensor (4/3), and the Panasonic TZ100, which also has a 1 inch sensor, an optical viewfinder and a "superzoom" 25-250mm equivalent lens.

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Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'd be interested to know why you upgraded from the MkIII to MkIV?

kenm said:

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'd be interested to know why you upgraded from the MkIII to MkIV?

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I managed to get the MkIV at a good price and as a result could let the MkIII go. For photography, there is not much to choose between them. I think the MkIV has better fps. For video, the MkIV is better with 4K and a pretty good built-in microphone.

It really is a camera you can bring anywhere and the quality of output is stunning considering it's only got a 1 inch sensor.

I actually 'downgraded' from a Canon G1X and while the Sony RX 100 3 smaller sensor and lens in no way matches the G1's quality of results it's much smaller, quicker and a little lighter which means it can be carried in a reasonable sized strong pocket. Overall I'm satisfied with the move as it does mean I don't have to either keep a camera around my neck or in a bag, recommended.