Travel compact camera

[lmatias]

Hello everybody

I've been an amateur photographer for a long time (since the days of 35mm film. I even used a Nikon F...).
I currently use a Nikon D200 with several DX lenses (and some old manual FX).

When traveling I usually use the D200 + Nikkor 18-200mm set but the weight (1.5kg) is starting to be unbearable and the camera is out of date.

I want to buy a light, compact machine with easy access to the main commands available on DSLRs (bracketing, exposure compensation, exposure and/or focus memorisation, etc). It may or may not have interchangeable lenses, but I want to have some zoom to get some range.

Must have viewfinder...

Image quality should be the best possible so I'm leaning towards sensors at least 1'' and at most APS-C. I give some value to image stabilization, in the body and/or in the lenses.

My preferences go to the models below but I accept your suggestions:

• Canon G1 X MARK III 15-45mm f2.8-5.6 (23-69mm FX)
• Sony DSC-RX100 VII 1'' 9-72mm f2.8-4.5 (24-200mm FX)
• Sony DSC-RX100 VI 1'' 9-72mm f2.8-4.5 (24-200mm FX)
• Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II 1'' 8.8-44mm f1.8-2.8 (24-120mm FX)
• Panasonic LX100 II 4/3 10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8 (24-75mm FX)
• Fuji X-S10 or X-T30 II with XF 18-135MM F/3.5-5.6 (27-203mm FX)

I'm quite inclined towards the Canon's but the 1'' sensor, which I've never used, raises some doubts and the volume/weight of the G1 Mark III also limits me a bit.

I think the Fuji set would be the best option in terms of image quality and versatility, but the high price and volume/weight are negative points

What are your opinions and suggestions?

Thanks

LM

 

[Nod]

I have an older RX100 - a III or IV IIRC and take it as a backup to a Fuji kit which includes an X-T 2 with the 18-135. Of the 2, I prefer using the Fuji and also prefer the results BUT the Sony slips into a shirt pocket and delivers perfectly adequate results. The extra reach of the later versions of the Sony make it tempting to upgrade!

If I had to take just one of the above, it would probably be the Sony, especially with the extra reach of the latest ones, based mainly on the fact that I would take it everywhere while the heavier Fuji wouldn't get taken out for dinner!

 

[viewfromthenorth]

My current travel camera is the G1X Mk III which is actually an APS sensor. The zoom range is a bit limited but it’s still a small camera however you look at it, and the image quality is as good as you’d expect from an APS sized sensor - at least as good as the Fuji X-T2 I had. They’re overpriced new but are good value second hand. I did consider an RX100 as they are smaller still but opted for something with a bigger sensor.
I did previously have an LX100 Mk 1 but never quite bonded with it. I did consider the Mk2 but thought it was overpriced.
In terms of the Fuji’s - nice cameras and the 18-135 is a decent lens but it is BIG. I had one that I used on my X-T2 and it felt big and unbalanced on that, definitely not a compact option. There are far smaller alternatives from the Fuji range.

 

[Nod]

I'd agree that the 18-135 is bulky. Not sure what alternatives exist that give the range - the 18-55 is just too limiting for me.

 

[stickytape]

Lumix ZS200 is not bad... That's my one! Although I will end up taking everything else along anyway so pretty pointless, but still a bit better than my 13 Pro!

 

[Craikeybaby]

Are you intending for the Fujis to be a complete replacement for your Nikon DSLR? Because they could be. However, with lenses, they are not a "travel compact".

I switched to Fuji (from a Canon DSLR) because I wanted a smaller/lighter set-up, without compromising on quality - I also considered some of the cameras on your shortlist, or at least their predecessors. The trade-off seems to be between size and quality, I decided that quality was more important.

Four years on, I am glad I made the switch, Fuji is a great system, lots lighter than my old Canon and with better image quality. However, I still found it too big, so I bought the X100V, which trades size for flexibility, as it is a fixed 35mm equivalent lens. Fortunately, that is a focal length that works well for me.

 

[RichardC27]

If you went the Fuji route but wanted an even smaller option the 18-55mm 'kit' lens is actually a cracking piece of glass and delivers great image quality in a tiny, well built package.

 

[Nod]

The 18-55 is marginally better than the 18-135 but only up to 55mm!

 

[lmatias]

My current travel camera is the G1X Mk III which is actually an APS sensor. The zoom range is a bit limited but it’s still a small camera however you look at it, and the image quality is as good as you’d expect from an APS sized sensor - at least as good as the Fuji X-T2 I had. They’re overpriced new but are good value second hand. I did consider an RX100 as they are smaller still but opted for something with a bigger sensor.
I did previously have an LX100 Mk 1 but never quite bonded with it. I did consider the Mk2 but thought it was overpriced.
In terms of the Fuji’s - nice cameras and the 18-135 is a decent lens but it is BIG. I had one that I used on my X-T2 and it felt big and unbalanced on that, definitely not a compact option. There are far smaller alternatives from the Fuji range.

The difference in sensor sizes is the main factor complicating my choice.
Can the Sony RX100's 1'' sensor print images with the same quality as the Canon G1XM3's APS-C sensor?

 

[Nod]

In real life and up to A4, you'd be hard pushed to see a real difference. I've got a couple of A3+ prints from my RX and they stand up very well against those from my D750.

There are always compromises to be made. Want the very BEST quality? You'll need a medium format system or at the very least a high MP full frame one. BUT, if you want to be able to carry it all day, a good compact is the way to go.

 

[Sangoma]

Th

In real life and up to A4, you'd be hard pushed to see a real difference. I've got a couple of A3+ prints from my RX and they stand up very well against those from my D750.

There are always compromises to be made. Want the very BEST quality? You'll need a medium format system or at the very least a high MP full frame one. BUT, if you want to be able to carry it all day, a good compact is the way to go.

That sums it up well.

The needs seem a little murky to me, compact is not best quality, and best quality is not compact.

As for prints, I have A4 prints taken on a 1,3MP A10, and a 5' X 4' print taken on a TZ10, and unless you get close with a magnifying glass, they are fine.

A lot depends too on where the travels are, and what the usual subjects are.

 

[redhed17]

I always take a compact camera with me whilst travelling. I want a quality camera that fits in my pocket whilst carrying the larger DSLR about for those unexpected moments.

I've gone from Fuji F31fd>Canon S95>Sony RX100M3>RX100M5, and now RX100M7. The last three cameras I have bought used, because they are not cheap.

The Sony RX100M3 was bought here in the Items for Sale section. It was bought for the increase in quality over the Canon, and also for the electronic viewfinder. I bought the RX100M5 used too, for the many small improvements, but mainly the much better AF. I used the M5 for the first trip post lockdown last year, and found I was using it a lot more than previous trips with the other compact cameras.

After using the AF and the 24fps of the M5, I wanted a bit more reach, and so got a used M7, and so 24-70 to 24-200. There are obviously compromises with the lens to get that zoom range in the same form factor of the RX100 camera body, but I haven't used the M7 enough yet to see if the compromises make a big difference to the way I use them.

The reason I got the M7, rather than the M6, was because the M7 is slightly improved in some areas (no blackout during a burst for example), but the main thing was the Timelapse/Intervalometer option, which the M6 does not have. I bought and installed the Timelapse app into the M3 and M5 cameras, and it does a great job. The M5 was the last camera able to use apps, so them bringing Timelapse/Intervalometer back, and built in was a bonus.

I have a Nikon D500 and the M5 and M7 for my next trip. They all have 20Mp sensors, the D500 has the ultimate image quality, but the Sony's better the Nikon in fps massively, and the AF, particularly in the M7, is comparable. Imho, I have the best in each area, best crop sensor DSLR, and the best compact camera. My GAS is satiated.

A D200, 18-200mm lens, and a modern 1" sensor based camera, may be quite close in terms of image quality.

 

[garryknight]

The R100M7 is great for travel and most other things, IMO. The only small drawback with it is the pop-up viewfinder, which some people don't like. In fact, the mark 6 had a problem where the diopter wheel wasn't tight enough, resulting in blur, but that was fixed with the 7. Anyway, you have to remember to put it away before you put the camera in your pocket. The camera is so small it's easy to forget about the VF.

 

[viewfromthenorth]

The difference in sensor sizes is the main factor complicating my choice.
Can the Sony RX100's 1'' sensor print images with the same quality as the Canon G1XM3's APS-C sensor?

Hard to say, I’ve not printed anything from an RX100. I’d have thought at lower ISO’s they’d be broadly comparable up to about A3 size, beyond that size and / or higher ISO’s then I would imagine you’d see a difference. Depends on how much you pixel peep or how big you print and what your expectations are I suppose.

The G1X Mkiii sensor is the same one you’d find in the 80D DSLR and the M5 mirrorless by the way.

 

[lmatias]

Are you intending for the Fujis to be a complete replacement for your Nikon DSLR? Because they could be. However, with lenses, they are not a "travel compact".

I switched to Fuji (from a Canon DSLR) because I wanted a smaller/lighter set-up, without compromising on quality - I also considered some of the cameras on your shortlist, or at least their predecessors. The trade-off seems to be between size and quality, I decided that quality was more important.

Four years on, I am glad I made the switch, Fuji is a great system, lots lighter than my old Canon and with better image quality. However, I still found it too big, so I bought the X100V, which trades size for flexibility, as it is a fixed 35mm equivalent lens. Fortunately, that is a focal length that works well for me.

I totally agree with you. The Fuji system is excellent. My son has machines from this system and the results are excellent. Really to replace the D200 the Fuji are one of my first options since Nikon has not yet released any machine to replace the D500. I also consider the Nikon Z fc similar to Fuji's but it doesn't have IBIS...
Nikon should have opted to maintain a line of cameras with an F mount, even if it was only for the APS-C format and thus all existing lenses (DX and FX) were used. The Z slot is monstrous for the APS...

 

[lmatias]

I always take a compact camera with me whilst travelling. I want a quality camera that fits in my pocket whilst carrying the larger DSLR about for those unexpected moments.

I've gone from Fuji F31fd>Canon S95>Sony RX100M3>RX100M5, and now RX100M7. The last three cameras I have bought used, because they are not cheap.

The Sony RX100M3 was bought here in the Items for Sale section. It was bought for the increase in quality over the Canon, and also for the electronic viewfinder. I bought the RX100M5 used too, for the many small improvements, but mainly the much better AF. I used the M5 for the first trip post lockdown last year, and found I was using it a lot more than previous trips with the other compact cameras.

After using the AF and the 24fps of the M5, I wanted a bit more reach, and so got a used M7, and so 24-70 to 24-200. There are obviously compromises with the lens to get that zoom range in the same form factor of the RX100 camera body, but I haven't used the M7 enough yet to see if the compromises make a big difference to the way I use them.

The reason I got the M7, rather than the M6, was because the M7 is slightly improved in some areas (no blackout during a burst for example), but the main thing was the Timelapse/Intervalometer option, which the M6 does not have. I bought and installed the Timelapse app into the M3 and M5 cameras, and it does a great job. The M5 was the last camera able to use apps, so them bringing Timelapse/Intervalometer back, and built in was a bonus.

I have a Nikon D500 and the M5 and M7 for my next trip. They all have 20Mp sensors, the D500 has the ultimate image quality, but the Sony's better the Nikon in fps massively, and the AF, particularly in the M7, is comparable. Imho, I have the best in each area, best crop sensor DSLR, and the best compact camera. My GAS is satiated.

A D200, 18-200mm lens, and a modern 1" sensor based camera, may be quite close in terms of image quality.

I'm hoping that the images with the Sony RX100iii or Canon G5Xii or Canon G1Xiii will be better than the D200+18-200mm...

 

[Nod]

At ISO values over 800, they will be!

 

[lmatias]

At ISO values over 800, they will be!

D200 ISO >800 sucks. So on my D200 the automatic ISO has a maximum ceiling of 800
Normally on D200 I try to shoot at native ISO 100...

 

[Topsy]

Hello everybody

I've been an amateur photographer for a long time (since the days of 35mm film. I even used a Nikon F...).
I currently use a Nikon D200 with several DX lenses (and some old manual FX).

When traveling I usually use the D200 + Nikkor 18-200mm set but the weight (1.5kg) is starting to be unbearable and the camera is out of date.

I want to buy a light, compact machine with easy access to the main commands available on DSLRs (bracketing, exposure compensation, exposure and/or focus memorisation, etc). It may or may not have interchangeable lenses, but I want to have some zoom to get some range.

Must have viewfinder...

Image quality should be the best possible so I'm leaning towards sensors at least 1'' and at most APS-C. I give some value to image stabilization, in the body and/or in the lenses.

My preferences go to the models below but I accept your suggestions:

• Canon G1 X MARK III 15-45mm f2.8-5.6 (23-69mm FX)
• Sony DSC-RX100 VII 1'' 9-72mm f2.8-4.5 (24-200mm FX)
• Sony DSC-RX100 VI 1'' 9-72mm f2.8-4.5 (24-200mm FX)
• Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II 1'' 8.8-44mm f1.8-2.8 (24-120mm FX)
• Panasonic LX100 II 4/3 10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8 (24-75mm FX)
• Fuji X-S10 or X-T30 II with XF 18-135MM F/3.5-5.6 (27-203mm FX)

I'm quite inclined towards the Canon's but the 1'' sensor, which I've never used, raises some doubts and the volume/weight of the G1 Mark III also limits me a bit.

I think the Fuji set would be the best option in terms of image quality and versatility, but the high price and volume/weight are negative points

What are your opinions and suggestions?

Thanks

LM

The LX 100 would be my choice given your perameters either the Mk1 or 2 since yo go back to the film only days the shutter on the body and aperture on the lens will be familiar to you.. I have the Leica sister to the Mk1 the D-Lux Typ109 and with the M4/3 sensor I find the IQ plenty for travel stuff, it (same as the LX100s) has a zoom range od 24-75 (35 equiv) with a f1.7 Leica lens (that goes to f2 at about 28mm eq and 2.8 maxes at 50mm eq. It has easy exp comp, shutter and aperture are on the body and lens and it has easy swappable aspect ratios (that are loked even in RAW) of 4x3 (native), 3x2, 16x9 and 1x1. As a bonus it has a great macro feature (another switch on the body) that is 1:1 and gets really close.

Downsides; No Weather Sealing and fixed LCD screen.

 

[Faldrax]

If you've not done so, I'd thoroughly recommend going into a shop and physically trying one or two of these.
Several years back I was in a similar position of wanting a travel camera, and had pretty much decided on a Sony RX100, but when I actually picked one up to try I found it was actually too small - it just didn't feel right, and instead ended up with a Sony A6000 (which I find great as a travel camera) - not quite as small, but still small enough to fit in a decent sized coat pocket.

 

[wornish]

Have you looked at the OM-5.

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[vintageman]

IMHO 4 essentials for any always with me travel camera

• a viewfinder for sunny days
• foldout screen for discreet street photos
• RAW images
• easy to carry when not wearing bulky clothing

Limitations of sensor size and lens quality may require more extensive post processing, but at least you will have shot an image acceptable to most people and a good reminder for your memory

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

My current "go everywhere" camera is a Sony HX90, that lives on my belt, day in, day out.

For those who demand "perfection", it won't do - but see my signature. On the other hand, it works well for me and that's what matters...

 

[Deleted member 68495]

Four years on, I am glad I made the switch, Fuji is a great system, lots lighter than my old Canon and with better image quality. However, I still found it too big, so I bought the X100V, which trades size for flexibility, as it is a fixed 35mm equivalent lens. Fortunately, that is a focal length that works well for me.

I too have one of these and do kinda wish is was equivalent to 28mm rather than 35mm, but it does for me.

I totally agree with you. The Fuji system is excellent. My son has machines from this system and the results are excellent. Really to replace the D200 the Fuji are one of my first options since Nikon has not yet released any machine to replace the D500. I also consider the Nikon Z fc similar to Fuji's but it doesn't have IBIS...
Nikon should have opted to maintain a line of cameras with an F mount, even if it was only for the APS-C format and thus all existing lenses (DX and FX) were used. The Z slot is monstrous for the APS...

Have Nikon dropped all development of non-Z cameras? That's a shame.

FWIW I have just bought a 18-200mm lens for my wife's Nikon D5000 and it works perfectly well for travel. She has very small hands and finds the combination fine for her needs. I would have thought that one of the later DX Nikons (the D5000 is very old hat) with this lens might be an option for the OP.

I wandered through the bridge camera minefield for days before deciding that the small sensor was a restriction too far Bridge search

 

[lmatias]

My current "go everywhere" camera is a Sony HX90, that lives on my belt, day in, day out.

For those who demand "perfection", it won't do - but see my signature. On the other hand, it works well for me and that's what matters...

The sensor is too small for me

 

[Sangoma]

I get the idea you are not in the UK, if not, are there facilities where ever you are for repairs should they be needed?

Reading back, I would suggest the one you like best for what you want is the one to go for.

 

[piper]

Hello everybody

I've been an amateur photographer for a long time (since the days of 35mm film. I even used a Nikon F...).
I currently use a Nikon D200 with several DX lenses (and some old manual FX).

When traveling I usually use the D200 + Nikkor 18-200mm set but the weight (1.5kg) is starting to be unbearable and the camera is out of date.

I want to buy a light, compact machine with easy access to the main commands available on DSLRs (bracketing, exposure compensation, exposure and/or focus memorisation, etc). It may or may not have interchangeable lenses, but I want to have some zoom to get some range.

Must have viewfinder...

Image quality should be the best possible so I'm leaning towards sensors at least 1'' and at most APS-C. I give some value to image stabilization, in the body and/or in the lenses.

My preferences go to the models below but I accept your suggestions:

• Canon G1 X MARK III 15-45mm f2.8-5.6 (23-69mm FX)
• Sony DSC-RX100 VII 1'' 9-72mm f2.8-4.5 (24-200mm FX)
• Sony DSC-RX100 VI 1'' 9-72mm f2.8-4.5 (24-200mm FX)
• Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II 1'' 8.8-44mm f1.8-2.8 (24-120mm FX)
• Panasonic LX100 II 4/3 10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8 (24-75mm FX)
• Fuji X-S10 or X-T30 II with XF 18-135MM F/3.5-5.6 (27-203mm FX)

I'm quite inclined towards the Canon's but the 1'' sensor, which I've never used, raises some doubts and the volume/weight of the G1 Mark III also limits me a bit.

I think the Fuji set would be the best option in terms of image quality and versatility, but the high price and volume/weight are negative points

What are your opinions and suggestions?

Thanks

LM

Have you tried any if these out in a shop ?

RX100’s really capable but I tried a iii and a later one somewhere Currys or LCE - the ergos were all wrong for me ( as well as the price )

Dont know the power shots - recent ones

Had you thought about a z50 twin lens kit ? Havent got one but it has the D7500 sensor and Nikon colours and ( I hear ) the same ‘feel’ as the FF Z’s like my Z6 which again is not a mile away from a dslr. ( apart from the typical differences between AF-C systems in MILCs and DSLRs. )


Used to use m43 a lot and I still think it is the best compact system however I switched over to old Nikon 1 and that is my grab and go light system. Not recommended for the faint hearted unless you are OK with sending lenses to Taiwan to be rebuilt.

Just picked up a d200 for fun - wanted to try the CCD sensor. I still prefer this and my D500 and D300s for their ergos to anything else but - yes - part of that is that they are heavier.

 

[Snapsh0t]

Have you considered Micro Four Thirds? Something like an Olympus/OM System E-M10 IV or Panasonic GX9 with a Panasonic 14-140mm lens makes a nice travel companion. Going up to a Panasonic Leica 12-60mm is another option if you're prepared to trade focal length for a wider maximum aperture.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

The sensor is too small for me

On the other hand, consider the very old maxim: "the best camera in the world is the one in your hand, when the shot is in front of you".

 

[Sangoma]

Have you considered Micro Four Thirds? Something like an Olympus/OM System E-M10 IV or Panasonic GX9 with a Panasonic 14-140mm lens makes a nice travel companion. Going up to a Panasonic Leica 12-60mm is another option if you're prepared to trade focal length for a wider maximum aperture.

The 14-140 is hardly any bigger than the 12-60 too, so it goes well with the GX9.
The beauty of the system is that there are numerous other smaller and lighter cameras that can share lenses, and the 100-300 gives you 600mm eq in a small and light combination with the GX9, with dual stabilisation (if the lens is Power OIS)

Or use the 12-32 for something quite compact.

There is a combination for just about any outing

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

There is a combination for just about any outing

I agree.

I have two of Panasonic's (now discontinued) GM5s. Extremely light weight and inconspicuous, so ideal for travel. They're capable of providing excellent results...

 

[lmatias]

Have you considered Micro Four Thirds? Something like an Olympus/OM System E-M10 IV or Panasonic GX9 with a Panasonic 14-140mm lens makes a nice travel companion. Going up to a Panasonic Leica 12-60mm is another option if you're prepared to trade focal length for a wider maximum aperture.

Yes I considered GX9+14-140mm but is little heavy. I want something lighter <=500g

 

[lmatias]

On the other hand, consider the very old maxim: "the best camera in the world is the one in your hand, when the shot is in front of you".

I agree

 

[lmatias]

My current travel camera is the G1X Mk III which is actually an APS sensor. The zoom range is a bit limited but it’s still a small camera however you look at it, and the image quality is as good as you’d expect from an APS sized sensor - at least as good as the Fuji X-T2 I had. They’re overpriced new but are good value second hand. I did consider an RX100 as they are smaller still but opted for something with a bigger sensor.
I did previously have an LX100 Mk 1 but never quite bonded with it. I did consider the Mk2 but thought it was overpriced.
In terms of the Fuji’s - nice cameras and the 18-135 is a decent lens but it is BIG. I had one that I used on my X-T2 and it felt big and unbalanced on that, definitely not a compact option. There are far smaller alternatives from the Fuji range.

Why "never quite bonded with it (LX100)" ? Compared with G1Xiii

 

[jpgreenwood]

I use the LX100 Mk II and it’s never failed me. Took it to Thailand, Gdańsk, New York twice and really performed well. I have a little tabletop tripod and a screw on ND filter and that’s all I needed.

New York 22

Explore this photo album by Jase Greenwood on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[viewfromthenorth]

Why "never quite bonded with it (LX100)" ? Compared with G1Xiii

I don’t know, maybe it was the menu system or the handling, I just didn’t get along with it. The zoom mechanism also failed on me which didn’t help - it was working fine one day and the next day it wasn’t. The G1Xiii is just better all round, and the image quality is better also thanks to the bigger sensor. I can’t compare it to the LX100ii as I’ve not used one.

 

[lmatias]

I use the LX100 Mk II and it’s never failed me. Took it to Thailand, Gdańsk, New York twice and really performed well. I have a little tabletop tripod and a screw on ND filter and that’s all I needed.

New York 22

Explore this photo album by Jase Greenwood on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

I looked at your pictures of New York and I liked it. It's incredible, I've walked the streets of New York intensively on 3 different occasions/years and there's always something new that surprises me...

 

[Snapsh0t]

The problem with the LX100 II (apart from the zoom range) is that it's not available new and MPB's 'Like new' price is the same as the new price.

 

[4wd]

It's interesting there's a trend for youtubers to hype up the image quality on older compact cameras and suddenly the used prices rocket up.
They do have a point though as lower megapixels can give a more film-like look.
Some of the older canon powershots are strong contenders must say I enjoyed my tiny Canon S100 and it did good HD video too.
Still have it in fact was playing around with it again recently.
If I go somewhere wanting pocketable camera it's the Rx100v every time though.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

must say I enjoyed my tiny Canon S100 and it did good HD video too.

Some of those older cameras were quite remarkable and still provide features that are as good as, sometimes better than, their later counterparts.

My favourite in that class is the tiny Canon Ixus 70, which I discovered when I exhausted an infatuation with the Minox "spy" camera. The size of the two cameras is close enough for the Ixus to be a reasonable replacement for the Minox but the output from the Ixus is a great deal better...



Some sample images from the Ixus...