In short, plan to get a new camera, upgrade from an old 5MP Nikon IXUS 510.

#1 requirement - Preferable pocketable as used for travelling
#2 requirement - Quality picture ( probably min 1 inch lens size)
#3 requirement - Preferable rm2.5K below

So I done research and targeted Panasonic GF7 Mark II as is the best bang for money
However when test it at a shop yesterday, it was not really pocketable even tho it was marketed as "compact" & "small",
Even a mirrorless like Panasonic GF7, Sony a5100 is similiar size but the lens makes it protruding. I might as well get a small mirrorless camera sized ? However that also ends up using camera straps which i am trying to avoid. The pro side, quality of picture will definitely be a jump from a compact camera.

The only pocketable with quality pictures are
Sony RX100 Mark III, Panasonic LX10, panasonic TZ110
But they are over my budget by a big sum. My initial budget was only 1.5k but i have pushed it up until 2.5K now

So my dilemma is, should add $ to my budget again to get one of the real quality pocketable camera
or get a small size mirrorless camera.

Are they any other cheaper alternative to those compact mention camera ?
Could anyone share some input & advice for my situation.

This post has been edited by onthefly: Dec 11 2016, 03:18 PM

RX100 MKII is well within your budget
http://www.lelong.com.my/sony-dsc-rx100-mk...7-01-Sale-I.htm

This post has been edited by leeweichun: Dec 11 2016, 03:25 PM

RX100 MKii leh... dont buy from any shops directly.. have a look in lelong first.. i think altechcamera, camera valley, miyamodo, the shop in Jaya 33.. these are the few shops which you can get the camera without being slaughter..

I'll pick a mirrorless.. personally i would prefer at least aps-c with a fast prime..

Since you already mention the minimum requirement of the sensor size was 1 inch, you probably have to stick with pro compact cam.
You will have better choice if you can accept second hand camera.
RX100M3 wa not bad.

Initially reluctant to get 2nd hand. But no choice now. Will try to bring a friend to check.

Yes i thought about that too. Sony a6000 a good buy fot aps c. How the portability for your case.? Anyway i dont foresee me getting extra lens. Get one lens for wide will do for traveling

portability? well just hold it with my hand and if needed slot it into my bag. Sigma 30mm f2.8 is a good start but i notice it's not good enough for me at least.. in low light. sold it to my buddy he likes it. getting samyang 50mm f1.4 or sigma 30mm f.14

i just check the size between rx100 and gx7 mark2 via http://cameradecision.com/
very marginal different.
probably i tested a GX5 or GX1 from the shop earlier without realising
If that is the case, will get a gx7 mark2

This post has been edited by onthefly: Dec 11 2016, 09:40 PM

Just a side note. Even if you do get Panasonic GF7 or Sony a5100, the kit lens won't be the same quality as RX100mkII or III. If you replace with better lens, I think already exceeded 2.5k.

Real quality pocketable camera maybe the only way to go if you don't intend to change lens unless you can find cheaper second hand.

Won't really recommend primes for amateur especially for travelling if they don't know how to "move their legs". Zoom for people like ts is preferable unless he wish to delve deeper.

if you really want to learn? Move your damn legs.

fuji x70? slightly bigger than rx100 ?

pic of the comparison
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57345978

There are people who just want to take "good" photos, don't judge. Having fixed focal is not going to make TS learn much if it ends up being his least favourite and frustration during "travel".

This post has been edited by DaddyO: Dec 11 2016, 11:36 PM

im talking about learning.. not judging.. to add on 30mm f2.8 that's pretty decent and @ 45mm that's a pretty good walk around lens. At least for me.

leg zoom != actual zoom.

.....errr 45mm on an APSC is not really that good of walk around lens, IMO. 30mm (50mm FF eqv.) is pretty good for street photo but for travelling purpose, generally I think 20mm is a good rounder cause TS will be capturing tons of scenery I believe.

If TS can get a good zoom lens 16-50mm range, it will be plenty good enough. Leave the prime to experienced unless TS wants to learn more about the art of "moving his feet".

Even though I said kit lens on a5100 is not as good as RX100mkIII, but it is plenty enough if don't care about pixel peeping.

sigma 30mm f 2.8 that's 45mm

No idea what u guys talking about leg zoom and those mm. dont see myself bringing a bag of lens while traveling

not familiar with fujifilm camera but i check its having 12.0MP 2/3" + slightly bigger
now aim for new unit of Sony powershot gx7 mark 2 or nikon DL24-85

Any recomended shop around PJ ?

This post has been edited by onthefly: Dec 13 2016, 03:26 AM

RX100mkiii mainly for the evf, electronic view finder. If you dont use evf much, G7X mkii touchscreen maybe up your ally. Img quality wise, both almost equally the same if you dont compare them too much. Either one you choose will be ok.

Nikon? Cant say too much coz no much idea on that.

X70 btw is fixed focal, if you noticed, where the leg to zoom comes in.

This post has been edited by DaddyO: Dec 13 2016, 09:42 AM

something wrong with the name there

the fuji had a big sensor but its a fixed focal length lens so i dont think you will like it.