Good low light capability compact

Sir SR

Sir SR

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Thinking of a compact that won't break the bank that's good in low light. Invariably will be for people shots.

RAW would be a bonus. Id like to be able to slip it in my pocket!

Any real world experience?
 
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Best I've had is RX100M3 its good but not as good as my dslr, so only use it when dslr is not an option.
 
I have a Panasonic LF1 which is shirt pocketable. For whole screen images and relatively largish prints it's fine at ISO 3200 but 100% viewing on screen isn't great so I suppose it all depends on the size you want to print/how close you want to view and the quality you'll accept. It shoots raw and although full manual control is fiddly it's possible and you can set it to hyperfocal/zone focus and shoot as fast as you like, pretty much. As a shirt pocket camera I don't think I can complain at the price I paid.

PS.
It has a useable EVF too.
 
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If you're happy with a fixed focal length you could look at the ricoh gr it will fit in your pocket and has a apsc sensor. The x70 and coolpix A are similar but slightly larger and won't fit in a trouser pocket.
 
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you can usually use small "compact cameras" hand held at much lower shutter speeds than DSLR's therefore allowing lower ISO to be used
 
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rjbell said:
If you're happy with a fixed focal length you could look at the ricoh gr it will fit in your pocket and has a apsc sensor. The x70 and coolpix A are similar but slightly larger and won't fit in a trouser pocket.
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Is the Ricoh the one that had the dust issue?
 
You have an RX100 Mk1

aren't the RX100's supposed to be the best around for what they are

I have always fancied one to replace my Canon S95
 
The 1" type sensor compacts are the only ones really, but as above they don't compare to a DSLR so if you're looking for something that produces DSLR quality that is truly pocketable and doesn't cost the earth then you're looking for something that doesn't exist ;) The only ones I can think of with DSLR quality are the Ricoh GR and Sony RX1 but neither are really pocketable and in the case of the Sony not cheap ;)
 
snerkler said:
The 1" type sensor compacts are the only ones really, but as above they don't compare to a DSLR so if you're looking for something that produces DSLR quality that is truly pocketable and doesn't cost the earth then you're looking for something that doesn't exist ;) The only ones I can think of with DSLR quality are the Ricoh GR and Sony RX1 but neither are really pocketable and in the case of the Sony not cheap ;)
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I'm remembering why I sold my Sony now - it was pretty good but I missed the slr quality!! The Ricoh and rx1 keep coming up in my google searches.
 
Good luck with the search. I've been after something like this for a while but nothing comes to the forefront without compromising on something.

I was also looking for something instead of the D750 and 35mm which isn't always the best option with family.

The RX100 MK1 is good but not to capture people in low light as you have to push the ISO too much for indoor use at restaurants, at family events etc.

I waiting for Photokina but the leaked Panasonic LX10 looks good.
 
redlion said:
Good luck with the search. I've been after something like this for a while but nothing comes to the forefront without compromising on something.

I was also looking for something instead of the D750 and 35mm which isn't always the best option with family.

The RX100 MK1 is good but not to capture people in low light as you have to push the ISO too much for indoor use at restaurants, at family events etc.

I waiting for Photokina but the leaked Panasonic LX10 looks good.
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I think I might just buy a new bag instead and possibly an 85mm to go with it[emoji85]
 
BillN_33 said:
you can usually use small "compact cameras" hand held at much lower shutter speeds than DSLR's therefore allowing lower ISO to be used
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On the flip side, their small form sometimes makes camera shake worse, especially if you're zooming in. That's the only issue I have with my RX100.
 
redlion said:
Good luck with the search. I've been after something like this for a while but nothing comes to the forefront without compromising on something.

I was also looking for something instead of the D750 and 35mm which isn't always the best option with family.

The RX100 MK1 is good but not to capture people in low light as you have to push the ISO too much for indoor use at restaurants, at family events etc.

I waiting for Photokina but the leaked Panasonic LX10 looks good.
Click to expand...

I find the rx100 mk1 good up to 3200 ISO (with a bit of NR) and actually at 28mm (equiv) it's rather good in low light at f/1.8 and can be used much like a fast prime.

I've actually used it to good effect in low light at a wedding and was very surprised at how good results were (as a guest of course!)
 
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@Sir SR I did the bag and 85mm! Still haven't got wanting this magical do it all compact out of the system!

@odd jim I have the MK1 but do find the NR too harsh at higher ISO. I usually capture people in S mode at 125 or 160 to avoid blur but never happy with the results. Better than a phone so always do carry it with me. Just want something better....
 
redlion said:
@Sir SR I did the bag and 85mm! Still haven't got wanting this magical do it all compact out of the system!

@odd jim I have the MK1 but do find the NR too harsh at higher ISO. I usually capture people in S mode at 125 or 160 to avoid blur but never happy with the results. Better than a phone so always do carry it with me. Just want something better....
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I've always shot the RX100 raw so do any NR with Lightroom. It only ever needs it over 1600 ISO though?
 
I would suggest that compact camera and good low light capability is an oxymoron, but that may also depend on how much noise & garbage one is willing to accept. Wouldn't something like an EOS-M with a pancake lens be a cost-effective bet?
 
ancient_mariner said:
I would suggest that compact camera and good low light capability is an oxymoron, but that may also depend on how much noise & garbage one is willing to accept. Wouldn't something like an EOS-M with a pancake lens be a cost-effective bet?
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The RX100 is surprisingly good. Not much low light stuff on my Flickr but this is ISO 1600 with no NR (shot raw, mk1). It's no DSLR but it's amazing for a compact.

103 by -Odd Jim-

102 by -Odd Jim-
 
I would agree - that's very good. It does have a larger than typical sensor, doesn't it.

I DO like Sony kit. ;)
 
ancient_mariner said:
I would agree - that's very good. It does have a larger than typical sensor, doesn't it.

I DO like Sony kit. ;)
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Kind of, it's a 1" sensor (so called) but it's still significantly smaller than APS-C.
 
I used to have some (now defunct) Nikon 1 kit that had a 1" sensor and the images that produced with fab, it was one of the things that made me realise I could probably ditch the DSLRs in favour of m43, not that's it's overly pocketable but 1" sensors are surprisingly capable.

edit: also, I think getting DSLR quality is as much a factor of the lens, not just the sensor. Find a compact with the best lens and the shots will look great (the Nikon 1 lenses were really good).
 
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It's really difficult to beat the Sony rx100 of any version. Second hand they can be picked up for a really good price and for the size they are almost impossible to beat.
 
It's a tricky one - while I have the rx100 it's not often that I use it. My small canon dslr is often a viable alternative too.
 
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