New camera suggestions

[Matthew Reese]

For the last few years my hiking and backpacking camera has been a Canon S95, which has served me pretty well. I recently noticed, however, several spots that keep showing up at the same places on my photographs. Cleaning the lens didn't help, and my local camera shop said it was probably dust or dirt that had worked its way into the camera and settled on the sensor. I tried a suggestion I read in another forum to try a shop vac while cycling the zoom, to no avail. Canon estimated it would be $150 to disassemble the camera and clean the sensor. (Moral of the story,–Just because a camera will fit in a pocket doesn't mean it is a good place to keep one! At least not without a ziplock.)

I'm torn between keeping the S95 and getting it cleaned, or moving up to something new. While I like the camera, there are some areas it falls short in. My attempts at night photography really show the limitations of the small sensor. I'd also like a little better macro mode, and the ability to produce some high quality prints to give as Christmas presents.

I'm intrigued with the Ricoh GR, and have also looked at the Fujifilm X20. I've also thought of a system camera, even the Canon SL1 DSLR.

What are some suggestions? The lighter the better, but I want to be able access modes, etc. I don't mind a fixed focal length. A viewfinder would be nice but not a necessity.

[Richard May]

I shoot with the Fuji X-Pro and am very fond of the image quality. Though the sensor is much larger than it's smaller sibling the X20 it's the same technology. Color is gorgeous and, from reviews, low light quality for a sensor that size is pretty impressive. It's the camera I'd get if wanted something pocket-able.

[Misfit Mystic]

I have to second the Fuji suggestion, they are such great cameras for backpacking. Small size and weight for the image quality they provide, and a viewfinder, which is a must for me. If you don't mind a fixed lens, how about the X100/X100S? Slightly smaller form factor than the X-Pro or X-E1, with the same sensor and a really slick viewfinder. Another huge plus IMO is the predominance of dedicated mechanical control systems rather than menu-centric operations. Personally I like rings and wheels and buttons better than scrolling through menus; it's just faster for me.

[Matthew Reese]

Yes the X100 and X100s are beautiful cameras, but are out of my price range. I should have included the Sony RX100 II in my list of possible candidates, as well.

One of the frustrating things about this search is that there is not a dedicated camera store in my area; I'm limited to what is available at the big box electronics places. While I'd prefer to buy local, I will probably have to buy off the internet, without the opportunity to see the camera in person.

[patrick agius]

I just recently found and open box deal at Adorama for a Sony RX100. The camera only set me back $475.00 which I thought was an awesome deal. I love this camera so far. I came from using a Canon XSI and was tired of the bulkiness.

Everything in this video was taken with this camera.

Seems there are more open box deals available.. link to product

I have no affiliation with Sony or Adorama.

[d k]

Lovely video, Patrick.

Off topic, a couple of questions: What are the fungi/plants at 2:42? And what is the music you used?

[daniel B]

I have had a few cameras over the years, dslr and point and shoots. My RX100 performed very well on the SHR last year and I would choose it again to take pics and video

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/i-jzBvLz5/2/X2/i-jzBvLz5-X2.jpg

[Nick Gatel]

Been extremely happy with mine. Had it for almost a year. Christmas 2012 gift from my lovely wife.

[Kevin Babione]

I have the RX100 M2 and have been blown away by the quality of the images – it's my first foray into a P&S that cost more than $300 since I went digital. Well worth the extra money.

The M2 has some additional features:
– Hotshoe for mounting an external flash
– WiFi built in for transferring photos to a iPhone or Android

[Clint E]

I've got to agree with the RX100 enthusiasts. It's amazingly versatile, takes unbelievable pics, and if you're in any way serious about both weight and image quality, 8.5 oz is a pretty reasonable trade off.

What? No, you're right… I must admit that 8.5 oz is actually obscenely heavy, but it is almost worth it. And it charges from a USB cable, so you don't have to factor in the weight of a separate charger.

As others have mentioned, good deals can be found and even the (highish)price on the Sony site has dropped steadily.

Note that the RX100 II is significantly heavier and doesn't add additional image quality.

[patrick agius]

Thank you! I honestly don't know about the fungi species. If anyone can id, I would also love to know. As for the music, Video Copilot sells sets of music clips, again, no affiliation. I used these to put that together.

Sorry for the sidetrack, back on topic.

[Kevin Gurney]

Nevermind. I see the fungi being talked about now. Very pretty.

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