Which Sony RX100 (or alternative) for other half?

southernjessie

southernjessie

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My other half has a Panasonic LX3 that I gave her soon after we first met. She loves the compact size and it's pretty easy to use, plus the images are fine in good light. She did say the sun is a problem sometimes when viewing the LCD screen, and as she had used my old Nikon D40, I decided to get her another DSLR - a D5200. I think there are two main issues:

1. The size - she's fine with using a larger DSLR but it's the fact that it doesn't get taken when we go out, and I'm sure this is because she doesn't want to lug it around!
2. Using the camera in a more manual mode. I taught my GF some of the basics of exposure/aperture/shutter speed so she probably knows more than the average person. However, she just prefers to use a camera in auto mode...I don't think she can be bothered with adjusting the aperture or ss all the time.

I suggested that perhaps it might be better to sell the D5200 and use the money towards a compact camera that has better image quality than the LX3. My dilemma is what to get. I have a Fuji X-Pro1 and X-T10 that she could use, which are both good sizes and would provide excellent IQ, but again, it's the issue of adjusting settings.

I've been reading some of the pages on the Sony RX100 thread and also some travel blogs where the author has used this camera, and I'm thinking that one of these models might be a good option. At the moment it would be the mark I - III as the IV is out of budget.

So my question is for those who have used/owned these models, which one in your opinion would give the best value/performance for the money? Can you stick it on P mode and still get good results?

Are there any drawbacks that made you sell yours?

And if not a RX100, which other compact cameras would you suggest?

Thanks for any help you can give me :)
 
Stick with an RX100 you will not regret it. I have the mark 1 and it is a cracking camera giving excellent results regardless of what mode you use it in. Which model? To an extent choose whichever one your budget will stretch to. Howevber there are some differences between models. I would double check but I think the maximum zoom is less in the later models and if you need that extra reach then the mark 1 would be the choice. However the mark 2 has a faster lens, backlit rear screen and a tilting LCD. It is, I think, simply a question at what features you need most and that (and your budget) will decide the model for you.
 
Best value for money presumably is the Mark 1 now. I have had both Mark 1 and Mark 2. I didn't notice much difference in picture quality, but the tilting screen is a nice feature on the Mark 2. I gave the Mark 1 to my son, and sold the Mark 2. I now use a Nikon Coolpix A as a pocket camera. They are now reasonably priced.
 
Thanks guys - the mark 1 is best for the budget...I think used ones are going for around the £200 mark? Probably the lack of a built-in EVF is the biggest drawback compared with the mark 3 (I think the 3 also has a better processor/sensor and tilting screen). Prices of the mark 3 are still £500+ so it's a pretty big jump.

Any other really good compact cameras in the £300-£350 price range (used is fine) to consider?
 
my oh got an rx100 and used it for a while and the main bugbear seemed to be no viewfinder - how about one of the entry level fuji x series like the x10/x20/x30? the x10 & x20 even offer a "real" optical viewfinder - a rarity in this all singing all dancing electronic age!
 
Im also in the market for a replacement for my recently expired RX100. It might also be out of your budget but the Panny LX100 is very tempting. I think Ive decided on a MK 3 or 4 RX100 but the Panny is still in the running.
 
Panasonic LX100s are going for £330 on Amazon (open box) at the moment, mine is arriving tomorrow :)
 
Different beast but I just got a Nikon Coolpix A from Amazon Warehouse - with the current deal of 30% off the prices it makes it really affordable, I paid £215 for mine.
Only spent 2 days with it so far but it easily beats my RX100 iii in terms of IQ. (At 28mm.......at everything else the RX beats it obviously - other focal lengths, video, EVF, wifi). It also has a green setting for fully auto P&S duties. If you don't mind a fixed focal length then I highly recommend it to you.
As an aside I had a Ricoh GR for a while. This is just as good (better in fact for my needs), and the AF is fine for most things, including my young kids.
May be worth looking out for similar deals on other cameras you fancy - I ordered mine very late Saturday night and got it Monday tea time. It is immaculate.
Merry Christmas!
 
Last edited:
boliston said:
my oh got an rx100 and used it for a while and the main bugbear seemed to be no viewfinder - how about one of the entry level fuji x series like the x10/x20/x30? the x10 & x20 even offer a "real" optical viewfinder - a rarity in this all singing all dancing electronic age!
Click to expand...

I never use the view finder on my X10, no information in the view finder, plus parallax error is bad.
 
There's an rx100 mk2 on avforums for £235 if that's any use - I find the tilty screen handy for some shots. I've got to say that the IQ is great - probably similar to m43
 
Thanks for the suggestions - do any of these cameras have good AF for movement like kids and pets? I'm guessing not - that"s probably best left to the D5200
 
I doubt it - not to say it can't be done but dslrs are still ahead of the game here
 
The LX100 is seriously rapid, as I understand it.
 
Go here.
Choose a LX100, look at the Used ones and add one (like the Used - Like New one) to your basket. Go to checkout (you can review the order here) and a 30% discount will be applied.
 
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