Compact Travel Camera Recommendations - Best Performance

ThadtheChad on 24/05/2017 - 00:12
Last edited 28/05/2017 - 11:15

Hi Folks,

We're heading off to Europe to travel for our first anniversary. Thus far, we've being relying on our smartphone cameras to capture pictures and videos. While this is adequate in most circumstances, this time around, we want to capture some amazing memories. Especially since we're going to some phenomenally beautiful places (Austria, Iceland etc). We do have pretty decent smartphones (Galaxy S8+ and an S7 edge), but we need something better for this trip.

While I'm a tech-head, I'm pretty clueless about cameras. I see there are quite a few photography hobbyists (and even some pros) over here.

Have been tossing up between the Sony RX100 Mk V, a Panasonic LX10 and the Canon G7ii.
Key requirements are:
1. Top tier IQ - a big plus would be great performance in night-time street shots (and also landscape shots).
2. Small form factor - we'll be traveling a fair bit and are trying to keep encumbrances to the minimum.
3. 4k video recording - we're going to be taking a few short clips (so 5 min recording restrictions are fine).
4. Good image stabilisation performance for video recording.

I'm leaning towards the RX100 Mk V. However, since it's substantially more expensive that the other two, I'd appreciate an informed opinion from people who are more clued up re photography gear. :)

Moreover, if there are other alternatives, please feel free to pitch them. Again, size is a fairly important constraint, else we would have likely gone for a mirrorless with additional lens kits.

Thank you for your time.

=============
UPDATE: I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Sony RX100 Mk V. Paid about $1465 for the camera and another $100-200 for accessories (spare batteries, SD card, carrying case etc). Went for a few little "photoshoots" and colour me impressed. :) Very happy on all fronts. While the UI could have been better, it isn't really as "deal-breaking" as some reviewers make it out to be. The EVF is a brilliant tool in extremely sunny/bright areas.
All in all, very happy with the purchase. Thank you all for your inputs.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • zrach on 24/05/2017 - 00:37
    +2

    I have the Rx100 mk3 and I love it but I'm just a regular person, not a photographer or anything. :)

    • ThadtheChad on 24/05/2017 - 08:55

      Same here. Thanks for your input. :)

  • [Deactivated] on 24/05/2017 - 00:43
    +1

    rx100 mk4

    • ThadtheChad on 24/05/2017 - 08:58

      From what I understand, the hybrid autofocus is very fast (phase detect and contrast detect) on the mk V. Hence my reason for considering the latest iteration.

      Is it noticeable enough to spend and extra 500 bucks for… I dont know.

  • L0zBargain on 24/05/2017 - 08:34
    +1

    I want the mkV but the cost is pretty prohibitive.

    • ThadtheChad on 24/05/2017 - 09:03

      Aye. Definitely making me do my research and give it careful consideration. I need to make sure it's worth it.

      I saw another thread re travel cameras on ozb, but OP there was looking for the best bang for the buck. Which is most likely not the mkV.

      • edwardsajl on 24/05/2017 - 09:13

        aye is said "eye" as in aye aye captain.

        • ThadtheChad on 24/05/2017 - 09:19

          Yes that is correct. Very good Edward.

  • KitchenSink on 24/05/2017 - 09:19
    +2

    Rx100M5 is ridiculously expensive - touching on Mirrorless/DLSR cameras. Don't get me wrong its a stellar performer but unless you're more into photography and know what you're doing, you would understand to get its best features out in comparison to the Panasonic LX10 at half the price.

    G7X ii doesn't do 4K, so if that's important for you then skip this. But this is also a good little camera.

    Have you considered the RX100m4, its cheaper than the mark 5 and does most of the mark 5 at a cheaper cost.

    If you're on a budget, the LX10 is a good little performer and can rival the Rx100m4/5 at its price point.

    Main things to consider here between the LX10 and RX100.
    LX10
    - touch screen - get focus right faster.
    - longer 4k recording (I read it can record up to 15 mins but that depends on the weather etc).

    RX100
    - Electronic view finder - very handy for composing shots in bright daylight when you cannot see the screen.
    - has a built in ND filter (but you can buy separate filters) for getting longer exposures if you know what you're doing.

    • ThadtheChad on 24/05/2017 - 09:48

      Thanks for your response mate.

      The mkV does look substantially more expensive. However, if the zippy AF is significant, I can potentially justify the "jump" over the MKIV. I don't really care about slowmotion videos (which appears to be one of key selling points of the camera).

      The pros you listed for the LX10 are very compelling indeed. Especially the touchscreen UI on the screen. However, I also like the EVF on the RX100.
      I did read that the RX100 has a tendency to heat up a fair bit while shooting videos. In addition the SONY non-touchscreen UI is supposedly shite.

      As you can see I'm still quite unsure between the LX10 and the R100. If I do go for the LX10, I can splurge a bit on accessories (multiple SD cards, battery packs, case etc).

      Also, I would like to slowly learn the ins and outs of the camera and start learning a bit more about photography, so something that allows this "transition" would also be great.

      My wife has a DSLR, but owing to the bulk of her camera bag (2-3 lens), that isn't going anywhere. However, it will allow me to "stretch my legs" when I am clued up enough. :)

      • KitchenSink on 24/05/2017 - 10:44
        +1

        I saw this youtube video a few weeks ago comparing the exact two cameras. Check it out here

        It doesn't make the choice easier, but at least you can see the comparison between the two and their problems respectively in terms of handling and performance which can hopefully help in your decision making. Honestly I don't think you can't go wrong with either, the best camera is the one you have with you.

        • ThadtheChad on 24/05/2017 - 13:17
          +1

          Thanks again mate. I watched that video a couple of weeks ago. :)

          Perhaps I should just stop overanalysing it and just get the mkV.

          The lack of touchscreen is probably the most offputting thing about the mk V. :(

  • dasher86 on 24/05/2017 - 10:27

    Curiosity have you spent some time researching photography or attending photography classes?

    • ThadtheChad on 24/05/2017 - 13:13

      Not at the moment. Once I have a camera of my own, my SO should be able to give me a few primers so I can start experimenting on my own.

  • Randxyz123 on 24/05/2017 - 11:06
    +1

    I have the RX100 M3. I'd look at Casey Neistat's review on the MkV

    It's such a massive price jump from the Mk3. I think I paid $725 plus I got a bonus voucher ($100) plus a bonus sony store voucher for $30.

    I also did TRS which took another 9% off.

    Anyway from what I've read the mkV is better than the G7Xii that would be my pick. It's a hard choice though.

  • the hammer88 on 24/05/2017 - 21:11
    +1

    RX100 Mk4 I have a mate who bought one for his parents to take overseas, they took it used it and loved it. Didn't give it back, he went and bought another one and also loves it.

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