Buying a Point-and-Shoot Camera: The Thread

I figure this must be a problem for lots of people. I have owned four or five digital point-and-shoots over the past fifteen years. With each subsequent camera, I convince myself the quality will be much better. There is a honeymoon period where I'm really happy with the output, but then I start to notice how flat, noisy, and lifeless the images are. In fact, I think my dinky Panasonic DMC-FX150 from five years ago is actually much worse than the Canon ELPH camera I had back in college ten years ago.



So, I hate looking for a new point-and-shoot. However, the Panasonic really is very bad (oh god, the noise!) and I ordered a replacement: the Sony RX100. By all accounts, it is a game changer amongst compacts. It has a large 1-inch sensor and f/1.8 Zeiss-branded lens. Reviews are calling it the best compact ever made, with near DSLR performance. Of course, I've heard that before.

My one comfort is that this time around, I'll only be relying on my point-and-shoot as a companion for my 35mm film rangefinder. So, the images don't need to be the absolute best--just not terrible.

Am I in for a disappointment nonetheless? We'll find out tomorrow.

Nice, let us know what you think. The price seems very reasonable for something that may get very close to micro 4/3 and may even surpass it when using only the kit lens. I bought the olympus xz-1 and wasn't impressed with it's low light capability at all, so I'm a little skeptical still, but sony has been pushing the envelope in mirrorless lately.

Yeah, the reviews for this thing are pretty glowing. A few have said it makes the entire low-end mirrorless category obsolete. The fast lens is real asset--but then, I guess your XZ-1 was also f/1.8. My hope is that combined with the large sensor, the results will really be paradigm-shifting.

Also, it shoots RAW. Now, if only Adobe would support the files in Lightroom . . .

It just won the EISA award for "Advanced Compact Camera", too.
Here's also a test setup in all ISO-settings, if that helps.

I have also heard and read really good reviews of the RX100. Are they available yet? Or did you preorder?

EDIT: I see you said "we'll find out tomorrow." I will tune in for your exhaustive review.

Looking forward to hearing more on this. I have been thinking about picking up a good quality point and shoot also, and have no idea where to start.



gnatty8 said:

Looking forward to hearing more on this. I have been thinking about picking up a good quality point and shoot also, and have no idea where to start.

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Me too.

The Canon S100 takes amazing photos and has a whole swath of features. Admittedly, I don't know how to use ANY of them, but the pics on auto are fantastic. Very compact and easy to operate as well.

Well, Rambro, we want to see those pictures (in case you used the Canon S100 on your trip and not, say, your bathroom).

Checking in for an update from OP.

I also bought the RX100 just recently. I'm gonna take it on a trip next week with the Nex-5 so I'll be able to compare them. If performance is as good (or close enough) I'll be putting the Nex on ebay pretty quickly I think. Video mode also looks stellar (up to 1080p 60 fps), which is something that's important to me. Now if only iMovie dealt with AVCHD a little better...

you might look at an Olympus om-d. It's not a p&s but is micro 4/3 so it's still really small and has received glowing reviews.

Rambo said:

The Canon S100 takes amazing photos and has a whole swath of features. Admittedly, I don't know how to use ANY of them, but the pics on auto are fantastic. Very compact and easy to operate as well.

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I've really like my S100. Admittedly I'm new to photography but the non-reblogged pics on my tumblr are taken with it and I'm really happy with how they've turned out. This is an example taken today:



These as well - http://gezzaseyes.tumblr.com/post/29957777178/state-library-of-victoria-melbourne-extremely

If you guys are looking for a bargain, then the Olympus e-pl2 is a great bargain now - at about $300 on ebay.

Sensor is larger than RX100, and about 80% the size of an entry level DSLR. Serves up decent image quality for most pedestrian purposes (e.g. web albums, 4x6 prints, etc).

The kit lens is decent, but things start to get interesting (wide angle/telephoto) once you add lenses from the m43 line up. You can also attach almost *any* lens ever made via adapters easily available on ebay.

Any more reviews??