Are compact cameras still a thing??

I can only say that the shots my Canon GX9 mk11 take seem better than my iphone 13 mini…

Panasonic Lumix TZ100 ftw

Just realised I had another comparative picture between 2011 Olympus compact and iPhone 15. I took this sat outside a gallery while Mrs S was looking at some pictures so composition is not what I was interested in. The iPhone picture feels very ‘flat’ in the background, almost like a painted backdrop on a stage production, but the Olympus has lots of depth as well as warmth. Not sure how much flickr takes out of the original jpegs?

60832E9A-DD43-416F-B582-BADC64A8487D_1_105_c by Ian Pemberton[/url], on Flickr

P4079690 by Ian Pemberton[/url], on Flickr

Thread resurrection!

I’d like to buy a digital compact camera again, as I just can’t seem to connect with taking photos on my iPhone 12.  I never have the most up-to-date phone, and I’d prefer a dedicated camera.

I used to have a Canon Powershot G10 and I loved that camera.  Lots of hands-on control, a good-enough optical viewfinder and it was compact enough to take everywhere.  However, I lost it at a friend of my wife’s wedding when I was very drunk.  The friend has now died – which is probably what is driving the nostalgia.

After losing the G10, I bought an Olympus PEN E-PL2, which I still have.  I thought I wanted interchangeable lenses, but I ended up only using the kit lens, with a small zoom, or the prime lens with 35mm equivalent.  What I don’t like on the camera is a lack of dials / hands-on controls, and the lack of a viewfinder.  I’ve since sold all the lenses I had for it, and the kit lens is broken (doesn’t extend).

So, I’d like to buy a second hand compact camera.  I’d like dials for exposure-compensation, aperture, shutter speed and / or ISO (or some combination of these).  A view finder would be a plus.  I’m prepared to buy an older model, as the purpose is not to get the absolute best image quality, but to enjoy taking pictures.

Models I’ve looked at

• Leica X1/X2
• Leica D-Lux 7 / Pansonic LUMIX DMC-LX 100
• Fujifilm X100 series
• Canon G1X
• Canon G16 (the last version of the G10)

Any others I should look at?  Ta.

“Thread resurrection! I’d like to buy a digital compact camera again ..”

Fixed lens compacts are all compromised… the best is the RX100 v7 which costs 1050 new

For less money you can get a mirrorless compact system camera with an APSC sensor and a couple of kit lenses, with the option to add prime lenses as you go

If budget is really tight and you’re looking at second hand then micro 4/3rds are worth a look.

If budget isn’t an issue and you’re a photography nut then I’d say take a look at the Fujifilm X-T30ii, its a miniature DSLR (mirrorless) with a cult following, and there are plenty of small primes to go with.

After prevaricating for a few years, and wanting a ‘premium compact’ I’ve just got a Nikon Z50. With the 16-50 kit-lens it is pretty much compact premium size. Rumours are its due to be replaced this year.

A wealth of lenses from Viltrox, TT Artisans, 7 Artisans, Sigma etc means the photography enthusiast has a great choice of reasonably priced lenses. I cant see the point of a fixed lens compact when the iPhone pro and RX100 exist

For just enjoying taking photos I found the X100 by far the most enjoyable camera to use.  There was just something about the controls and handling of it.

Whereas something like the RX100 was horrible to use, too small and fiddly and not enjoyable at all.

I’d get an X100VI (silver obvs). Not cheap though.

A bit late, but for me I don’t like the “finish” of iPhone photos, they look great on the phone but not so impressive off.

I’ve got a Ricoh GR II, which is a high-end compact, and the quality just blows away an iPhone imo.

Problem is, I can never be bothered carrying it (and the battery life is a joke).

I’ve got a Ricoh GR, a Fuji X100, a Panasonic LX100 and a Fuji X-H1. They’re all great cameras in their own ways and all shoot terrific pictures. I use my iPhone for casual images and video. Outside of the action cams, you can’t beat the iPhone for handheld stabilised video. The images and video don’t bear much scrutiny away from a small screen, but that’s where 99.9% of them are seen nowadays. If I want something better that still fits in my cycling top pocket I’d pick up the Panasonic LX100, the Fuji X-H1 gets used when I can’t be bothered to lug my big camera around. I’ve shot professional images on all of them.

A bit late, but for me I don’t like the “finish” of iPhone photos, they look great on the phone but not so impressive off.

That is the target though.  A tiny lens and a tiny sensor overly boosted by software starts to get a bit obvious when looking at larger images.

I have an RX100 iV which I’m happy with.

I see they are going for £100 more than I paid for mine on eBay these days…

Thanks everyone. Food for thought.

The RX100 is a bit small and lacks controls. I want dials, not touchscreens!

I suppose I could buy another prime lens for my Olympus and rediscover that but, again, it lacks the control dials.

What I’d really like is a Leica Q, but they are £££!

Olympus em5iii or OM5 for more cash. Small with dials and programmable also has viewfinder and LCD. Body is weather sealed but needs pro lenses for full seal.

The RX100 is a bit small and lacks controls. I want dials, not touchscreens!

Mine has two dials – one on the lens and one on the pad on the back. You can configure them to do what you want iirc.

Can’t make it any bigger though 🙂

The controls in the rx100 aren’t big. But it is a 2 dial camera. I can note made it do what i fairly quickly. Iso on the big ring at the front, aperture in the back ring. Down press then the back ring dies exposure compensation. It’s got an every ready case which mages it much easier to hang onto

In my 8 by 10 photo book no one ever notices which photos were taken with the rx100, iphone or omd em5 ii. Zoom range is what seperates them