Looking for a new compact

[bob hopwood]

So Ive used canon for years, and up until 3 years ago I was a keen amateur photographer, then along came the kids and any free time disappeared!

I think the main issue is that I take the canon out every now and again but by the time I've unpacked it the moment has gone, so the cheap compact Sony my wife has probably gets more use.

The time has come to replace the canon and whereas I was going to buy a 550d or 600d my wife suggested that I look at one of the new compacts and I see many on the site favour the fuji x10.

The Nikon j1 also gets good reviews as does the Sony nex5 and canon s100. The problem is which one to choose.

I'm looking for a camera which fits in a coat pocket, has point and shoot qualities so we can all use it, but also has some of the features which you would associate with digital slr.

At the moment I'm drawn to the fuji, but that could be just because of the styling.

Any thoughts, comments as to which way I should jump would be greatly received

Bob

 

[Pete Askew]

Welcome to RPF Bob. Not able to offer any great advice myself but the X10 is certainly popular here and seems to be a fine bit of kit. I'm sure more recommendations will follow.

 

[Hamish Gill]

Out of the cameras mentioned the Sony offers arguably the best image quality, but the lenses would make it too big for a coat pocket!
The Nikon will give you reliability in terms of hit rate when shooting kids due to its fast AF and smaller sensor (broader DOF)
the Fuji AF might be a little less fast for shooting kids, but by no means would make it impossible
the canon is the truest "compact" camera ... No idea how good it is

If I was going to buy a non interchangeable lens compact it would be the Sony rx100 I think - very small, with same size sensor as Nikon 1 cameras
interchangeable lens I'd go for Nikon 1 or (if I didn't already have a load of Nikon lenses to mount) if prob choose one of the NEX Sonys

Thats all said, If you have canon kit and were looking at a 550d why not go for the eos m ... As far as I can work out its basically a 550d in a little body!

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I forgot to say ... Welcome to the forum!
we have a meet and greet section if you want to say hi to everyone

 

[Paul Lange]

Would a used or refurb X100 be an idea? No zoom but large sensor and a fast lens so you have some more creative freedom.

 

[Hamish Gill]

I'm actually thinking of selling my x100 ... Just throwing that into the mix ...
not 100% decided yet ...

 

[bob hopwood]

I'm actually thinking of selling my x100 ... Just throwing that into the mix ...
not 100% decided yet ...

Thanks for all the advice, will let you know how I get on

Cheers bob

 

[Hamish Gill]

No probs ...

On the x100 ... It might not be te best for shots of kids if that is the intended use
otherwise yeah, let us know!
If it is a true compact you go for and it ends up being the rx100 ... Then def let me know!

 

[Matt Jerrams]

Gotta say the X10.
I like the Nikon J1 - a lot - but lack of OVF and average kit lenses didnt impress like its focus speed did! The X10 pressed all the right buttons - lovely design and handling, EXR mode (which is bliss) and an incredibly sharp, not to mention fast, zoom lens too. No more orb's, and £200 less than when I got mine. I 100% recommend it.
To even it up a bit, there are plenty of tempting cameras that fit the bill right now...the Canon G1X has a huge sensor, the latest Olympus has a 1.8 aperture at the wide end, and yes, some great used bargains to be had in the X100 too...Hi Hamish...but your best bet is to handle each one. You'll know once you pick it up....

 

[Hamish Gill]

I've tinkered with all the cameras I've mentioned ... The Sony rx100 is my current fave!
just weighing up my selling x100 buying a proper "compact" options at the mo... The rd1s does everything I like about the x100 ... I just can't seem to sell it! :/

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... I mean can't seem to part with it, not sell it ...

 

[Hamish Gill]

You know ... I don't think I need a "compact" ... I don't think I need the x100 ...
The rd1 is such a great camera, I have no issue carrying it about ... Then the d800 for everything I can be bothered to carry it for ... Just airing my thoughts ... I do worry I don't have a camera for every situation, but when ever I have had a compact I don't use it for not liking the photos ... Or enjoy using it!
each to thier own, but I have to say, the more I think about it the more I stand by hat I have often said on here ... I just don't like compact digi cameras!
My advice, by an slr... For everything you dont want to carry it for, buy something fun! An old film compact camera like a minox gt35 would make me take way more photos than something fancy digital p&s thing ...
I know I probably sound a snob or whatnot ... But there we go

 

[Pete Askew]

I think I probably agree with you Hamish. I have a GR Digital III, but it just doesn't quite do what I want and I have yet to find something that does. The M9 is my R-D1s (and that does make me sound a snob!! ).

 

[bob hopwood]

I think I probably agree with you Hamish. I have a GR Digital III, but it just doesn't quite do what I want and I have yet to find something that does. The M9 is my R-D1s (and that does make me sound a snob!! ).

Hi thanks for the message, after careful consideration I went for the x10 and managed to pick an ex display model up yesterday for a reasonable price. Looking forward to getting to grips with it at the weekend!

Bob

 

[Hamish Gill]

... I set my snobbyness aside and bought a sony rx100
http://www.realphotographersforum.com/digital-cameras/7093-diary-sony-rx100-user.html
looking forward to hearing how you get in with the x10

 

[Matt Jerrams]

Nice One Bob. You'll be well pleased!