Help me decide: Everyday Camera
Help! I've been wanting a new 'everyday/travel' compact for quite some time and have endlessly read reviews, poured over specs and even rented. Yet I'm still very much undecided. The current everyday carry is an older Sigma DP1s which I do like but it's slow and not great in low light. In short, I'm looking for a worthy travel camera to serve as an everyday carry that meets the following criteria...
- must be compact, budget around $1,000 or less
- main mission is weekly urban exploring, secondary camera when the Fuji XT-1 is brought along, macro'ish capability for Photo Lego Dude ( https://www.instagram.com/photolegodude/ )
- fixed lens - not interested in ILC don't want to carry lenses
- limited zoom good but no mega zoom desired
- external manual controls a plus
- 1" sensor for high IQ
- USB charging a plus - tired of carrying separate charger
- fast/sharp lens
I realize a true do-it-all is nearly impossible so compromise will occur somewhere. Current leading contenders are the Fuji X70, Sony RX100 V, Nikon DL 18-50 or 24-85 (if they are ever released), Panasonic LX10 or LX100 and the Fuji X100T.
I rented the X70 awhile back and really liked it. Trouble is, I'm not quite sold on fixed focal length. While I'm a fan of 'zooming with your feet' there are times when it is physically impossible due to various things in your way. The X100T is also very interesting though the 35mm might not be wide enough (don't want the added expense or carry of the WCL). Granted, I could always stitch a pano together if needed to go wide.
So there it is, anyone use any of these recently? If you are interested in further thoughts, I wrote an admittedly lengthy blog post awhile back on the subject...
https://www.nicklasurephotography.com/blog/2016/3/6/best-travel-camera
Appreciate any input!
Comments
Of those choices the Sony RX100 V is pretty tough to beat for image quality, but the user interface is one thing people constantly complain about. Find all the reviews you can which have deep descriptions of the user interface and control/setting screens and see if that is suitable for your use. The 24-70mm equivalent zoom might be limiting for some uses.
I think that I could get used to it myself, but I would have to play with it a lot before I could get reasonably quick using that beast.
Have you also considered the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II? A bit longer zoom and similar image quality? It's also far from perfect but probably easier to operate with a fairly traditional user interface.
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I agree the RX100 probably has the best IQ overall. Like you mentioned, the lack of external controls is a turn off though as I don't want to dig through menus all the time. I did look at the G7X as well, might have to circle back to that.
Also it appears Fuji is going to release the X100F at some point along with Panasonic releasing the LX200 potentially in January. More food for thought...
I admire your diligence in camera selection. I purchased a Sony RX100 IV a few months ago for a backpacking trip, mainly based on reviews and a number of friends who've had older versions. I'm not really that picky. I knew I wanted a great sensor, manual controls, fast lens and raw image support, all in a pocketable package. Like you I figured there were several contenders, but the Sony gets rave reviews and I have friends with the older versions who've always been happy with them so I figured that was good enough for me. Ziggy is right though that the user interface could be improved, but it is something you get used to. No touch screen either which is an odd omission these days.
In case you missed it, I did a trip report with images from the RX100 here where I really took it through its paces. http://dgrin.com/discussion/comment/2039433
My RX100 IV recently came to an early demise unfortunately and I will be replacing it with the V.
Link to my Smugmug site
Ha, thanks! Must be an age thing or something but I've become much more picky in recent years. Perhaps to the point of over analyzing because the camera it is replacing still makes great shots. Yet it requires just the right conditions to do so, thus the change for something more useful in varying light & conditions. Not to mention resolution for paid work and sales.
Good shots! Looks like it was very bright and the RX100 handled it fairly well. Do you use any of the aftermarket apps at all? Some seem useful while others aren't needed if you know how to operate a camera, though they might be worth it if I have to spend 10 minutes in the menus
Thanks. The day shots were bright, but the night shots were pretty dark!
That was actually my main concern, high ISO performance and long exposure noise, both of which used to be the bane of P&S cameras.
No, I hadn't delved into any apps yet and I agree with what you said for most of them. Although I think there's a intervalometer app that would be useful. I still haven't purchased the replacement yet, so I'm a bit out of the loop right now on it.
Link to my Smugmug site
It now appears the Fuji X100F, Panasonic LX200 and Nikon DL series will be announced/released after the New Year. Might keep waiting for a bit.
Don't know if this will throw a monkey wrench into the discussion but I picked up a used Sony a6000 with a lens for about $500 and I am thrilled with it. It is really a small camera with great low light sensitivity.. Being a mirrorless camera it and the lens are very light. You can go over to the Sony camera section and see some images I've done with this camera. Best of luck to ya.
www.cameraone.biz
The a6000 and later series is intriguing but too big for this mission. I'm slowing my roll for a bit as new releases are expected soon and some other expenses came up.
Aaaand the DL Series is dead. #thanksNikon
http://www.nikon.com/news/2017/0213_dl.htm
Grumble grumble...
Well, after more research and too many YouTube reviews...the LX10 was the winner. The focus stacking, fast lens, value for the money & ergonomics were the deciding factors. Looking forward to shooting with it next week!
I hope you'll share some photos here, I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do with this camera.
Musings & ramblings at https://denisegoldberg.blogspot.com
I certainly will Denise, looking forward to seeing what it can do!
Congratulations, Nick! The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 is certainly capable.
Anxious to hear what you think of the "Depth From Defocus" AF system in different lighting conditions, and the "Hybrid OIS+". Both are unique Panasonic technologies.
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First pic! Fine ride tonight along with a stellar sunset. I'm gonna like this camera I think!
Luscious and saturated skies! Very nice, Nick.
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Thanks Ziggy!
My home in Boulder, Colorado
OK. I'm not sure how it's better than your Fuji XT-1 but if you like it that's good
flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless/
Umm...never mentioned it was better than the X-T1, just more portable and serves a different mission.
Tonight in Chicago with the LX10
Even better edit...
The 1" sensor plus decent glass, and your proper use of long exposure, really do add up to nice results!
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"Umm...never mentioned it was better than the X-T1, just more portable and serves a different mission."
Umm... OK ... you kept mentioning the X-T1 camera in your blog, it's small and light and I thought you liked it "every day"
I suppose one can have a different camera for each "mission"
And I suppose each day can be a different "mission"
flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless
Brett, completely uncalled for. Please move along.
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Yeah, really don't get this line of reasoning.
Thanks much! Going to be a fun little camera at my side for sure, might even get a few stock or print worthy moments.