suggest a compact camera - with a twist!

[tomkbucks]

my bother lives out in the Philippines, and has had his camera nicked, Amazon US ship out there so want to get him another, basic job up to about $300 and good suggestions out there for a compact camera? fast lens and good reach are prob most important features for it... any recommendations ?

 

[odd jim]

I'll always suggest a Sony RX100, could get a new mk1 or used 2/3 for that budget.

One of the best compacts out there, and the mk1 is a steal.

 

[Grumps1974]

I would agree with the RX100 it is one of the best compacts available but I don't know if you would consider it has good reach. Mark 1 is just over 100mm and marks 2 and 3 about 70mm only.

 

[davek]

Panasonic LF1 - ideal little beast, large sensor, 28-200mm (f2 at the wide end), EVF and very small and genuinely pocketable - won't get knicked next time!
Not as good as an RX100 but smaller and still way ahead of rest of the compact pack.
On closeout so good deals to be had.

 

[snerkler]

I would agree with the RX100 it is one of the best compacts available but I don't know if you would consider it has good reach. Mark 1 is just over 100mm and marks 2 and 3 about 70mm only.

Both mark I and II are 28-100mm IIRC, it's mark III onwards that drop to 70mm

I've been seriously looking at these cameras but think for around the £300-350 mark the Canon G7x is a significantly better camera on two fronts. Has the same 1" type sensor but a much faster lens being f1.8-2.8 compared to f1.8-4.9 on the RX100-I & 2. Also the G7x has a wider and longer zoom range as is 24-100mm vs 28-100 on the Sony. That extra 4mm at the wide end makes quite a difference IMO.

 

[Borsch]

Panasonic GM1 is very cheap now, and it has bigger sensor than the rx100 (means better IQ and noise performance), faster AF, plus you can change lenses.

See the difference in AF speed @6:41

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk8n-V1Afhw

 

[tomkbucks]

thanks chaps been looking in to this$300 does not seem to get to anything suggested on the page so am creating a short list!

 

[odd jim]

The RX100 mk1 is within your budget, new?

The 2 used and possibly 3 also?