Seattle Forrest

Here's what I'm after:

* 24 mm field of view
* Good 8x12 inch prints
* Able to frame the shot in 2x3 mode
* Comfortable in a pocket while riding (why I'm asking here instead of on dpreview)

Mostly I'll use it on the bike. Also occasionally on hikes when I don't want to bring my SLR. I'm looking to spend $300 or less because I'm hard on point and shoots, it probably won't last a year.

My phone takes disappointing pictures, I finally have a gravel bike, and spring is in the air which means some of the nicer rides are starting to open up.

johnny99

A used Sony RX100 will go for about $300 (or $400 new) and will fit in a jersey pocket or saddle pack. I can't think of any cheaper cameras that will take sharp and detailed 8x10 prints.

tiiger

Not to be flippant, but I'd get a better phone. No idea what the FOV is on the iPhone 6S, but the thing does take great photos. Plus, you probably already would have it with you.

I'm sure there are plenty out there with great camera suggestions, but I hate carrying extra stuff if I don't have to.

WalksOn2Wheels

The RX100 was my first thought as well. I don't know if it does 3:2 format shots (what I assume they mean by 2x3). Either way, it's the undisputed champ of pocket cameras if you can find one used for that price. I think they're on mark IV or something like that now.

redfooj

Ricoh gr

Its smaller and lighter than the sony rx
And by smaller not just on paper dimension, but overall design is more streamlined than the rx
Has better grip on the body texture and design, and far superior 1-handed operation, than the sony
Has a snap-focus feature. Essentially you arent relying on AF for each shot.
Has a 28mm (equivalent) field of view
Should be slightly faster in operation than sony...

As far as printing 8x10....there hasnt been any camera in years that cant print sharply at that size. But at any rate this ones got a 16MP resolution captured on a large 2x3 aspect aps-c sensor

ypsetihw

x2 on a smartphone, doubles as a camera AND gps and strava will geotag your pics :-)

Dan333SP

I posted a similar thread a few months back-

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...le-riding.html

I ended up getting a Canon S110 used on Ebay for about $150, they are even cheaper now.

I enjoy it and it takes photos that are noticeably sharper than my iPhone 6S, even though they're the same resolution. It's also tiny and fits into my jersey in a baggie without even being noticeable.

Since your budget is higher, you could easily afford an S120 which is improved in some areas. They're both still smaller sensors than the Sony Rx100, though, so the Sony's shots will a bit sharper in 8x12 prints but I have some perfectly lovely 8x12s at my desk right now that I shot with my S110 in Hawaii.

There are a couple of other options to look at.

The Ricoh GR is very pocketable and has a much larger sensor than any of the cameras mentioned here, it's APS-C so the same as many DSLRs, but it's fixed at 28mm focal length so you may not want that.

You can also look at the Canon G9X, it's the same size as the S110/20 but with the same 1 inch sensor as the Rx100. It's relatively new and I don't think you can find it for under $300, but worth checking.

Last thought- Nikon just announced a line of 1-inch sensor fixed lens cameras. There's one that has an 18-50mm lens that looks extremely interesting, but they will probably be $600+ when they are released.

dcsix

Me too-the Sony RX100 is highly capable, has a larger sensor than the vast majority of P&S cameras, shoots RAW, 20 MP, has great auto and manual modes, etc. I didn't jump right in because it is heavier than many P&S, though I do occasionally carry it with me without a problem. $398 right now at B & H. I would highly advise a grip for it, which will allow easier one handed operation. Excellent camera, better than a phone if you need that capability!

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 Digital Camera (Black) DSCRX100/B B&H

Sony AG-R2 Attachment Grip AG-R2 B&H Photo Video

banerjek

I've been liking my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5. I take it on ski and kayak trips all the time and it takes decent shots. Performance in the dark is subpar, and although I've rolled my boat with it out, I wouldn't want to take it snorkeling despite waterproof claims. The 5x optical zoom is nice.

This thing takes way better photos than any phone I've ever seen (iphones don't hold a candle to these), and it's way tougher and easier to use. It's not GoPro tough, but GoPros take such miserable pictures that they're not worth messing with. I'm taking my Lumix off the coast this weekend where storms will make for wild seas.

WalksOn2Wheels

Yeah, I'm the LAST person to ask about pocket cameras. The last pocket camera I bought was the Panasonic LX100. It DOES fit in a pocket. If I really want it on the bike, I have a fuel tank type bag I put it in.

BillyD

That was my first thought, too.

Dan333SP

I'll post a couple side by side photos from my 6s phone compared to my little S110 Canon, at normal web sizes they look similar but if you're printing you'll notice the far greater detail smearing on the iPhone photos. To be honest, I think my wife's iPhone 6 takes better shots than the 6s, they went up in resolution from 8 to 12 megapixels but it just adds noise and smudge.

dim

I just bought a used Panasonic Lumix (Leica lens, 10 megapixels, wide angle, macro etc etc) .... paid £33 .... and am well impressed with the quality and much better pics that an Iphone ... nice and small aswell

Seattle Forrest

Did a little research real quick, it looks like the RX100 iii is when this camera got a 24 mm lens. Can't seem to find it for less than $700 new. Older ones are cheaper but they only go to 28 mm so they're off the table. Any thoughts where to look for a used one, if the local shops and craigslist don't pan out? I just checked adorama and keh, no luck. But this looks really promising.

RPK79

My phone takes great photos (Note 5)

Seattle Forrest

That makes a lot of sense, but there are a few issues I can't get over. Like I don't think any phone has a 24 mm wide angle, and that's a deal breaker right there.

Thanks for the suggestions! This sounds like a winner. I have a 5D3 and a 24 mm f/1.4 v2, I like the way Canons render colors and their low noise generally. And obviously the fact that these have the right wide angle.

I like the price too. My last three P&S cameras died after being abused in ways I knew would be really bad for them. But I got some pictures that were worth more to me than I paid for the cameras.

Thanks!

Elvo

Rx100 mk3, lx100, gr

Dan333SP

It sounds like the 24mm wide end is important.

Look for the Canon S120- it starts at 24mm and they are selling for less than 300-

Canon PowerShot S120 12 1 MP Digital Camera Black Boxed 013803228991 | eBay

The G9X is just outside your price range, but it has the same sensor as the Rx100 and it starts at 24mm, it's also notably smaller/lighter-

Canon PowerShot G9X 20 2MP Compact HD Digital Camera w 3X Zoom Lens Superb 0013803247466 | eBay

Dan333SP

Didn't see this, no problem!

Here's DPReview's sample gallery, you can view it at 8X12 size on your monitor to decide whether it meets your print needs.

Sample galleries: Digital Photography Review

It isn't as good in low light as the Rx100/G9X, but if you're using it on the bike that shouldn't be an issue since who the hell rides at night? Oh, wait...

redfooj

most cell phones shoot at ~28mm equivalent fov

CliffordK

I've went with the Samsung S4 Zoom Phone. It works with GSM Networks (ATT/T-Mobile).

It is a little bulky for a phone, but well worth it.

The S5/K Zoom is a little slicker, 3x the cost.

S4 Zoom Specs:
4.3" 540x960 screen
16 MP, 10x optical zoom camera 24 - 240 mm
Android
8gb memory + MicroSD
GSM (ATT/T-Mobile)

S5/K Zoom Specs
4.8" 720x1280 screen
20.7 MP, 10x optical zoom, 24-240mm
8gb + MicroSD
GSM (ATT/T-Mobile)

I use E-Bay phones. I get a significant discount on monthly rates based on using my own phone.

One other option I've experimented with is the Samsung Galaxy GC110/120/200
They are a nice smart camera with full Android features. The GC120 is Verizon (CMDA) enabled, allowing roaming internet connectivity, but lacking the phone features. The other two are just WIFI enabled.

The GC110/120 are quite a bit bulkier than the S4 Zoom.
16.3 MP
21x optical Zoom
f = 4.1 ~ 86.1mm (35mm film equivalent : 23 ~ 483mm)

melloveloyellow

iPhones only offer optical image stabilization (IS) w/the 6S. The Canon S100, S110, or S120 have it as well as the 24mm FOV you want. IS is a must in a small, light camera, IMO. I've used the S100 for several years and am satisfied.

Keep in mind that any posted example photos are irrelevent when your objective is printing. Screen resolution is low, while you'll need a minimum ~200 dpi for quality prints (~3.2 megapixels for an 8x10 print from the full frame). I use RAW format and PhotoShop/LightRoom to make sharp 14 x 17" prints from the S100. You may be satisfied w/results from the Canon jpegs - many are.

There are many pocketable quality cameras out there. The Canon S100/110/120 is one good choice, IMO.

bobwysiwyg

Not your price point, but the Samsung S6 (16mp) takes great pictures. Back to your price point, consider looking at Canon Elphs, very compact. My wife has an older version, smaller than a deck of cards.

gsa103

Canon Powershot N would be a budget option (only 28mm though). Very small and perfect for a jersey pocket.
https://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSho.../dp/B00AWYN2CW
I just bought one for exactly this purpose. Cheap, compact, and just beats my phone for pictures (Nexus 5X, generally considered a good camera).

Smartphones have decent cameras, but usability really fails. Its basically impossible to use a smartphone one-handed (try it). Oh, and if I drop/damage it, it was $130. I've got a 6D for when I really want to take good pictures. The Sony and Ricoh options looked good, but I personally couldn't justify the cost for marginal uses. I've already got a smartphone and DSLR, buying another ~$400 camera is a bit too much.

CliffordK

I'm not sure why one couldn't do most of the S4 Zoom operations with one hand. It has a real button for taking photos. The around lens zoom feature is odd, but pretty easy to use. Anyway, it doesn't seem to be any more complex than any other camera with a multitude of features.