Recommendation for a good compact camera.

[fredscal]

Hello.

12 years ago, I got a Canon S95 as the camera to always have in my pocket. I picked that one because at the time, it was the compact camera most commonly used by serious photographers when they didn't feel like carrying the DSLR. Alas, it just died on me last summer.

What is the equivalent today?
I've been looking at the Canon G5x/G7x. Anything else ?

Please don't answer 'an iphone'. I don't take my phone with me on walks.

Here's what I'd like in my compact camera, from most to least important:
- a generous optical zoom (I suppose 24-120mm is too much to ask, but that would be great)
  (I know I could "just get closer", but I won't)
- pretty instant shutter release
- usable RAWs (that don't require a lot of lens correction)
 

What I don't care about:
- video. It will always be good enough
- megapixels. It will always be enough
- EVF
- connectivity, GPS, etc.

Thanks 🙂

Edited September 21 by fredscal
unedited posts are boring

[Sanford]

Don't overlook a fixed focal length lens camera. I've always liked the Ricoh GR line. With 24mp you can crop the 28mm equiv to equal a short telephoto.

[fredscal]

Thanks. Yes cropping gives excellent results nowadays when it comes to pic quality, but I've always found using a zoom on the spot to be a source of inspiration. When knowing in advance that I'll be cropping, I tend to botch composition.

[Sandy Vongries]

I was given a Leica D Lux 109.  Excellent and not expensive on the used market.  Not even too bad from Leica.  With a variety of Nikons to chose from it is still my go to when I want to travel light.  Worth a look.

[Ken Katz]

Since late model smartphones have significant imaging capabilities, with the main camera sensor now larger than what was used for most compact cameras, I would look at cameras using the Sony 1 inch sensor, which includes the Sony RX100 series, Panasonic LX100, Canon G7 X and G9 X, and of course the Leica D Lux.  The issue now is that many of these cameras are still expensive in the used market, and I don't think Canon nor Panasonic has produced new versions in quite some time.  The Leica D Lux 109 that Sandy suggested is a really good option, but commands a premium price (over $800 on KEH), though its Panasonic stablemate, LX-100 is usually is priced somewhat lower on Ebay.   There are 2 models of the Sony RX100 with 24-200mm (FF equivalent) lenses, though both are still quite expensive in the used market.

Personally, I don't go anywhere without a phone, in case I fall, or get accosted by an angry racoon, or I am commanded to pick up something at the supermarket, or get lost and need to activate Google Maps.

 

[fredscal]

32 minutes ago, Ken Katz said:

Since late model smartphones have significant imaging capabilities, with the main camera sensor now larger than what was used for most compact cameras, I would look at cameras using the Sony 1 inch sensor, which includes the Sony RX100 series, Panasonic LX100, Canon G7 X and G9 X, and of course the Leica D Lux.  The issue now is that many of these cameras are still expensive in the used market, and I don't think Canon nor Panasonic has produced new versions in quite some time.  The Leica D Lux 109 that Sandy suggested is a really good option, but commands a premium price (over $800 on KEH), though its Panasonic stablemate, LX-100 is usually is priced somewhat lower on Ebay.   There are 2 models of the Sony RX100 with 24-200mm (FF equivalent) lenses, though both are still quite expensive in the used market.

Personally, I don't go anywhere without a phone, in case I fall, or get accosted by an angry racoon, or I am commanded to pick up something at the supermarket, or get lost and need to activate Google Maps.

 

Yeah I suppose I could find an old S95 for super cheap too. Video wasn't great but the photos were wonderful. Of course AF and release were pretty slow, and ISO was modest, because those were the limitations of the time.

I'm hesistant to part with the amount of cash a good compact costs nowadays. But in case I decide to pull that trigger, the Canon G5x (or is it the G7x?) has just found a serious challenger in the Sony RX100 VI (or VII) you mention. Mainly because of the Sony's 24-200mm, vs Canon's 24-100mm.

Now I would expect the longer zoom to be of poorer quality (how could it be that longer for the same price, otherwise?), which might be very well compensated by JPG processing but would deliver ugly RAWs. Could I live with that? Yeah maybe.

Do you have personal experience with them ? How are the RAWs ? How about the JPGs ?

Edited September 21 by fredscal

[Sandy Vongries]

Another sophisticated and unique compact is the Ricoh GXR.  It was what I used before the Leica, and it was / is very satisfactory.

[fredscal]

9 minutes ago, Sandy Vongries said:

Another sophisticated and unique compact is the Ricoh GXR.  It was what I used before the Leica, and it was / is very satisfactory.

An interesting solution I didn't know about. The 2nd hand choice seems to be pretty limited in the EU, alas.

[Sanford]

10 minutes ago, Sandy Vongries said:

Another sophisticated and unique compact is the Ricoh GXR.  It was what I used before the Leica, and it was / is very satisfactory.

I had to look that one up, completely forgot...one crazy camera design.

[fredscal]

7 minutes ago, Sanford said:

I had to look that one up, completely forgot...one crazy camera design.

Yeah, having a specific sensor to match each lens is pretty clever I suppose.

I am into modular synthesizers, so of course the concept of a modular camera caught my eye.

Edited September 21 by fredscal
when I don't edit my posts i get panick attacks

[Sanford]

I'm headed out now on a sunless day with a Canon SD770, low expectations but one or two acceptable photos would be fine.

Edited September 21 by Sanford

[fredscal]

Just now, Sanford said:

I headed out now on a sunless day with a Canon SD770, low expectations but one or two acceptable photos would be fine.

happy hunting

[Ken Katz]

1 hour ago, fredscal said:

Now I would expect the longer zoom to be of poorer quality (how could it be that longer for the same price, otherwise?), which might be very well compensated by JPG processing but would deliver ugly RAWs. Could I live with that? Yeah maybe.

In most image processing programs, certainly with Lightroom, RAW files will automatically included lens corrections for most cameras/lenses, when LR generates previews.  Almost all zoom lenses made for smaller sensors (very short focal length lenses) are in desperate need of processing to deal with the worst aspects of lens aberrations.  While I have worked with FF, Apsc, & m43 RAW files, plus files from various iPhones in Lightroom,  I have not owned any of the 1" sensor cameras.  I have been real close to pulling the trigger a few times, but generally the cost has been an issue.

For the Sony long lens compacts, I would check out the DP Review.  The longer zoom is certainly slower than the ones for the 24-75mm models, but there are always compromises when size is major design factor.  Sony has significantly better AF tracking than the Canon, Leica/Panasonic compacts. For me, having a camera that can get good images of moving granddaughters is a plus, but your mileage may vary.

Edited September 21 by Ken Katz

[ericphelps]

1 hour ago, Sanford said:

I'm headed out now on a sunless day with a Canon SD770, low expectations but one or two acceptable photos would be fine.

Lol a blind drunk in a wheelbarrow could be a photographic star where you live................

[fredscal]

3 hours ago, Ken Katz said:

In most image processing programs, certainly with Lightroom, RAW files will automatically included lens corrections for most cameras/lenses, when LR generates previews.  Almost all zoom lenses made for smaller sensors (very short focal length lenses) are in desperate need of processing to deal with the worst aspects of lens aberrations.  While I have worked with FF, Apsc, & m43 RAW files, plus files from various iPhones in Lightroom,  I have not owned any of the 1" sensor cameras.  I have been real close to pulling the trigger a few times, but generally the cost has been an issue.

For the Sony long lens compacts, I would check out the DP Review.  The longer zoom is certainly slower than the ones for the 24-75mm models, but there are always compromises when size is major design factor.  Sony has significantly better AF tracking than the Canon, Leica/Panasonic compacts. For me, having a camera that can get good images of moving granddaughters is a plus, but your mileage may vary.

I was thinking that because for a short while I tried the Canon S100 (24-120mm), believing it would be an improvement on the S95 (28-100mm). At the time LR didn't correct for compact cameras - not automatically anyway, and I could see the S100's RAW files were full of aberration, distortions and vignetting, way more than the S95's. Maybe that was a special case that I shouldn't generalize?

I will check the DP Review as you suggest. A slower lens is no problem for me, what with today's sensor sensitivities. If the 15y-old S95 was performing well enough for me, I'm sure a modern camera would.

(Why would I want a more expensive camera then? Well, while I say that I don't care about video performance, that's only true for modern cameras. The S95's 720p was a bit too lame for my occasional youtube videos. I'd be happy with 1080p though, as the compact would be my 2nd camera.)

Edited September 21 by fredscal

[c_watson1]

..."a good compact camera." Frankly? Ricoh GR or Fuji X-100 cameras would work. Want that zoom range? Go MILC and step away from "compact." Even the old 16mp versions of the Ricoh and Fuji models are stellar image makers.

[Sandy Vongries]

Thing about the GXR, the modules are sealed, very dust resistant.  With proper module ( not sealed) I can use Dad's M3 Leica lenses or my earliest Nikon lenses from the mid '60's.  It has been semi retired, but I keep it charged and ready to go.  Possibly the most flexible system I own.  I appreciated it early and managed to buy cameras and every accessory except the dedicated flash attachment (all used).  Fun stuff.

[Karim Ghantous]

The most recent RX100 you can afford. There is also the Lumix TZ110 which is similar. Or, if you like super telephotos like I do, a Lumix TZ80 or TZ90. 

[fredscal]

Thank you all for your recommendation.

I just pulled the trigger on a used Canon G5X I found for about half price on eBay. That opportunity was decisive - otherwise I would still be hesitating between it and the Sony RX100m7.

It will arrive in a few days, and we'll see.