Looking for tiny advanced p&s

ped

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Hi everyone
Long time no see - hope everyone is well. I’m an experienced photographer who has been using a rangefinder for many years. You can see some of my pictures at

Now as you can see I have a two year old boy now and taking pictures of him with the rangefinder can be tricky and I don’t always want to bring a camera when we have bags and other things to carry. You know what it’s like! Also I don’t really specialise in taking pictures of people, preferring landscape/architectural photography.

So I’d like to get a pocketable point and shoot which I can use for getting some nice pictures easily. I kick myself when I use my phone and think afterwards how much nicer the picture would have been on a camera.

My priorities:
- Quick AF not necessarily tracking
- SMALL
- I’m used to a VF but may look at options without
- don’t care about megapixels
- Not fussed re video

Budget - sky’s the limit. I was looking at the Sony rx100 Vii but it does seem like I wouldn’t use many of the video/blogging feature set. The Canon G9x ii looks nice too.

I’m sure this question is asked a lot so hopefully there’s a definitive answer!

Cheers
 
From what I've seen the Sony is probably going to get you the best IQ in the smallest package but the IQ has been very good on all the iterations of the RX100 so if you don't need advanced vlogging features then look at finding one of the earlier versions and save some money, too. If the pocket you'll use is a coat pocket as opposed to a shirt pocket then look at a FujiFilm X10, X20 or X30, all of which produce lovely images and give you easy access to manual controls and feel a bit more old school.

That said, if it was me, I'd probably grab a Canon G5 or G5X.
 
Thanks. Yes the G5x looks good although not far off the price of the Sony. Actually the previous RX100 models aren’t that much cheaper then the current one.

I did try an x100 a while ago and liked it but I think it’s a bit too similar to my rangefinder in size.
 
Thanks. Yes the G5x looks good although not far off the price of the Sony. Actually the previous RX100 models aren’t that much cheaper then the current one.

I did try an x100 a while ago and liked it but I think it’s a bit too similar to my rangefinder in size.

The X100 is MUCH bigger than the X10 - X30 range. Yes, my X100 was close enough to an M3 in size but the X10 is probably 2/3 the size.
 
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Here's the X20 by the side of the X100s. Image credit: DPReview. Link: https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilm-x100s

x100s-x20.jpeg
 
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After a quick look at your Flickr feed, is film out of the question? Something like an Olympus Stylus Epic, Minox, Yashica Minitec or even a Canon Sureshot? All AF, all "full frame" and all pocketable.

(Apologies if you were specifically after digital)
 
If budget is no issue then it doesn't matter what features of a camera remain unused - buy the tool that will work best for the job you want to do.

Good to see you back on the forum ped.
 
The Panasonic TZ100/200 does just about anything but it's not IMO shirt pocketable.

It has a 1" sensor, a 25-250mm zoom and can be used in all of the usual modes including full manual plus it has a useable EVF. The only major issue is that the superzoom lens is a bit soft at some lengths but having said that it is IMO perfectly adequate for whole images of even crops, just don't expect Sony GM levels of sharpness at 100% on screen.
 
Thanks for the replies,
It's odd, I like the idea of buying something new but no matter how hard I try I can't get too excited about a super new system. I suppose a good one will increase my 'hit rate' but will it take some of the satisfaction of making a great photograph away? Maybe I just need to take my regular camera out more. I'll keep researching and see if I can get 'hands on' with one of these recommendations.
 
The Panasonic TZ100/200 does just about anything but it's not IMO shirt pocketable.

It has a 1" sensor, a 25-250mm zoom and can be used in all of the usual modes including full manual plus it has a useable EVF. The only major issue is that the superzoom lens is a bit soft at some lengths but having said that it is IMO perfectly adequate for whole images of even crops, just don't expect Sony GM levels of sharpness at 100% on screen.

The lens in TZ100/200 isn't very good and slow.
While the RX100vi/vii lens is very good across the range and faster while being slightly less longer.
 
I'd suggest RX100va/vi/vii depending on your focal range requirements
 
I think with children, the image itself is much more important than the tool used or skill invested. You want to record the memory, not demonstrate prowess.
 
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I think with children, the image itself is much more important than the tool used or skill invested. You want to record the memory, not demonstrate prowess.

That is true but I also like to nail a really good image now and again although for that I bring out the big gun. Plus sometimes it's nice to just buy a new camera to play with. :)
 
Depends what you mean by pocketable. In normal times I carry an X100T all the time, usually in an internal pocket of the small bag I have with me anyway, or sometimes in a jacket pocket that would be rather too small for (say) a Leica M series with lens mounted. The X100T won't fit in a trouser pocket, and although the RX100 probably would, I'm not sure I'd really want to carry it there, especially as I need somewhere to put my phone, keys and wallet. My old Canon G7 usually ended up in my bag or jacket pocket for this reason. So for me, the X100 series is as small as it needs to be, and something like the X20 wouldn't really be any more convenient.
 
That is true but I also like to nail a really good image now and again although for that I bring out the big gun. Plus sometimes it's nice to just buy a new camera to play with. :)
We have a 3 year old grandson, and he was the final motivation for getting a camera with eye AF. I would have been quite tempted to suggest a Sony A9II plus 35mm Zeiss pancake, but it's not completely pocketable and is a very serious photographic tool. I think that would probably offer the very best possible advantage to get pictures of high-speed children at close quarters.
 
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Ricoh GRIII all day everyday. I’ve had my GR (1st APSC version) since 2013 and it’s perfect as a small, unobtrusive camera that beats any phone and punches well above its weight.
 
The lens in TZ100/200 isn't very good and slow.
While the RX100vi/vii lens is very good across the range and faster while being slightly less longer.

Life is full of choices. If you want a better and possibly faster lens you wont get the zoom range. You make your choice and you pay your money. But one thing that stops me buying the RX100 is that pop up EVF.
 
rx100 - version if you need a long zoom range and a useable evf.
The early ones had no evf and mid age models had a pop up evf which you had to pull the eyepiece back to use - didn’t like it so didn’t buy it or any of these.

Model differences are on wiki etc.

My wife has the panasonic tz/ts200. I have played around with it a bit and really like it. OK IQ maybe not up to the rx100 but it’s quite decent in my experience and a lot cheaper than a recent model rx100.

If I want something small I just pick up my nikon j5 and the 10-30 PD lens - no vf alas. IQ as good as or slightly better than rx100 - similar sony 1 inch sensor to the rx100. Hybrid pdaf lightning fast and great burst mode now overtaken by latest rx100’s. Video effectively HD only - 4k is poor.
 
Ok the RX100VA looks the best to me so far. I’d happily sacrifice the longer zoo mm for the faster lens. I’m used to a fixed prime lens so would rarely use a zoom anyway. Looks like it can be had for around £500 in some places. The trade off is having to pull out the VF.
 
Ok the RX100VA looks the best to me so far. I’d happily sacrifice the longer zoo mm for the faster lens. I’m used to a fixed prime lens so would rarely use a zoom anyway. Looks like it can be had for around £500 in some places. The trade off is having to pull out the VF.

If you don't mind fixed prime and your budget is large, have a look at Sony RX1Rii also :D
 
Hi folks. Well, I tried a friends X100V and it made me realise that pocketability might not be the best idea as it leads to some compromises which I don’t really want to make.
I now have an X100V which I’ve set up to behave the same as my RD1 mostly, using the manual dials but with the autofocus.
Thanks for the advice and help. Btw I just read that the forum is potentially closing which is a shame. I’ve enjoyed it here.
Cheers
 
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