Travel Camera $200- $400 - Need Advice

akastyl13 on 07/02/2016 - 20:48
Last edited 08/02/2016 - 08:00 by 1 other user

Hi there,

About to go to Thailand for a 10-days trip, and as I said in a different post, I have got rid of my Nikon D90 + lenses + grip etc etc because it has been sleeping in the closest for the past 2 years, and I am now feeling all I need is a small camera with good quality and a correct zoom.

I missed on the RX100 M3 Refurbished with the CVALENTINE20 deal because I couldn't connect to my paypal, and when I did it was too late…..

Anyway, I have seen that there is a Sony HX60V for $265 refurb with 12 months warranty.
Do you think that is a decent enough quality? From some shots I have seen on Flickr, it looks quite ok.
I think the HX90 is much better but a bit out of my budget, unless someone can find a cheap price?
I already have a GoPro 2 and a cheap underwater camera, so the camera I am looking for is more for in-land travel pictures.

Thanks!

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  elvino on 07/02/2016 - 21:30

  Just my two cents. I did the same thing recently and went with a panasonic in the end (I tried the HX60V, but didnt like the flash.
  Anyway, its a pretty decent camera with wifi and all the bells and whistles - and a quick check sees Myer (ironically) have it for $225
  https://www.myer.com.au/shop/mystore/cameras/panasonic-panas…

  Just another option to make your decision harder :)

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    lisss on 08/02/2016 - 16:29

    How are you finding the camera so far? I had my eye on the DMC-TZ60 but the DMC-TZ57 is also a contender.

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      elvino on 09/02/2016 - 19:48

      Pretty happy with it. The grip and weight are good. Adequate zoom (for me), and features are on par with others in range. I like the flexibility of the shooting modes, while still being able to go full auto if I need.
      The wifi download and control is handy, but a little clunky interface wise. For the price, I'm happy.

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        akastyl13 on 10/02/2016 - 10:16

        I have finally ordered the HX60V for $260, should pick up tomorrow :)

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  p1 ama on 07/02/2016 - 22:28

  I'd suggest a Panasonic GF7 - this is a decent deal at $400:

  http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/panasonic-lumix-dmc-…

  I've bought tens of thousands of dollars worth of stuff from them, they're a very reliable seller. I wouldn't get a HX90 or any of those tiny sensor compacts if you've ever used a DSLR, their image quality just isn't as good. The RX100 series is a cult camera, people harp on about them, but I don't see any value in them as they have a tiny sensor, aren't built very well (paint wears off very easily) and don't do anything that makes them worth the premium asking price. They feel pretty flimsy as well, wouldn't want to handle one roughly.

  This Panasonic GF7 works a treat, gives you access to an excellent library of tiny M4/3 lenses and can fit in a loose pocket pretty easily. If you wear it around your shoulder, it's almost weightless. I own one and it's an excellent value option. People discount it because they don't know the value of sensor size and go for "wow, this camera has 123x zoom!" and "wow, this camera has a cool selfie mode option", but those are useless features which 90% of people will never use.

  The GF7 is a real camera packed with a quality sensor, access to an excellent library of lenses and isn't full of gimmicks. It comes with a very good 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. If you want something excellent for low light, the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 is an excellent addition. That lens is extraordinarily sharp and tiny. If you have the budget, tack on that lens and you'll have a great kit for your travels.

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    akastyl13 on 08/02/2016 - 09:18

    Can for your suggestion, but I am more after a point-and-shoot camera, without having to worry about switching lenses, and that can fit in my pocket. That is the main reason why I wasn't using my DSLR anymore, and the reason why I need something small that I can carry around :)

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      p1 ama on 08/02/2016 - 16:23

      You don't have to switch lenses with the GF7. The included 12-32mm lens is great and works extremely well if you ever only use that lens. It fits into a pocket as easily as an RX100. It's very good value at $400.

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  Marcsie on 08/02/2016 - 06:20

  I own a Sony RX100, and highly recommended it. It was camera of the year 2012 :)

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    Randxyz123 on 08/02/2016 - 12:39

    +1 I have the RX100 M3.

    I'd highly recommend looking on eBay and seeing if you can score yourself a good deal on one.

    Remember if you can get it from a Aussie retailer with a ABN you can get a extra 10% off with TRS.

    If you can stretch to that do it because it is a excellent little camera.

    Have a look at the sony store as they have a sale on at the moment.

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      akastyl13 on 08/02/2016 - 17:33

      Like I said, I was planning on buying that one at $560 from the CVALENTINE20 deal (refurb 12 months warranty) and I missed it… Thanks for the advise