Budget RM2K
Need a light and dummy proof camera
Works without much accessories

I was eyeing the Sony RX100 series for a dummy proof photography experience but those are about the same as a flight ticket or two.

Should I get an RX100 M3 instead of an RX100 M5? Would a newer camera be supported for a longer time? Is the warranty period the same for both?Should I just put that money towards getting a phone that comes with a decent camera instead?

This post has been edited by Current Events guy: May 5 2018, 06:48 PM

M3/M5 I assume is Canon but they are not PnS. They are mirrorless in case you missed that. Though they are small, you still need to carry lenses. If mirrorless are your way to go, Olympus or Pana would be in favor for me as lenses is exchangeable between them. 2K budget might be limited lah.

If 2k is your budget, PnS you can a Olympus Tu range of cameras (slim) or hyper-zoom cameras (bulky). I guess slim one better since you use it for travel.

Sony A6000 kit. Good all rounder. Lightweight and small.

U can add-on lens in the future if you want to expand your photography interest.

Sorry, I was referring to the Sony RX100 M3 and M5.

I can't find the Olympus Tu. Are you referring to the Olympus Tg?

Get Canon G7x enough already, I took a lot of pictures from New Zealand especially their starry night.

I just bought RX100-3 recently after my 100-2 spoiled after 3 yr, I am using it only for traveling casual shooting purpose. Yes I am a happy return customer to RX100.

Reason for not going for mk5:
1. cost (!!!)
2. not really need all those feature, end result quality not too much different.(for my skill level)
3. Mk5 battery life is crappy compare to my deceased Mk2, I just can't accept that nor i willing to carry more battery during traveling.

2 options in mind..

rx100 m3 & canon g7 m2.. if I'm going for rx100 m5 might as well look into something more serious like a6300 with a sigma perhaps.

I would recommend the RX100 m3 for budget + reliability + quality. It's been my go-to travel camera... until I got myself the Google Pixel 2 phone. I've been trying to just rely on my phone to take photos these days. Hence, if you're keen on a 2nd hand RX100 M3, let me know it's just sitting in my drawer not using it - don't mind selling it to someone who would use it more

a5100 + 50mm oss settle..

https://www.flickr.com/photos/williamleong/...157651382516041

https://www.flickr.com/photos/williamleong/...157650978218710

https://www.flickr.com/photos/williamleong/...157651385677052

All taken with RX100m3

This post has been edited by lwliam: May 20 2018, 03:35 PM

Not sure what do you shoot, but 50mm on APSC for travel is definitely a NO-GO. You'll end up with pics of people's heads with blurry background (which could be taken any where).

not necessary pics of heads with blurry background, depends on far you stand n what aperture u set. but if you do need some bokeh food or gf pics that stands out from the rest for your instagram n fb posts (i assume most photography in modern days are for that purposes) then you're covered. if you want take landscape pic or group photo just use ur phone la, most people wont notice the different in social media.

there is no flexibility in zoom in zoom out.. which is inconvenience for a basic travel camera. Apart from that 50mm is way too cropped in and not suitable for landscape.

You can try Nikon P900 (downside only no raw), otherwise just get Sony rx100 III

http://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-Co...t-DSC-RX100-III

Agreed. If there is one focal length that I have to choose if I were to go purely prime, it would be anything between 24mm to 35mm.

Of course, zoom is definitely the way to go.

I'm using RX100, my sister using Canon G7x

I think you can consider RX100 III, G7X or Panasonic LX10 or LX100.

RX100, G7x Mark I or Mark II & LX10 have same sensor size (1")
LX100 has micro4/3 sensor size, which is almost double of 1", with very bright lens (F1.7-2.8, focal length 24-75mm) but 12MP resolution output, and this model quite old.

Specs comparison here https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-...x-dmc-lx10-lx15

Have you had the opportunity to test the RX100 M3 in cold weather? I'd like to take some stills when skiing and was wondering if the battery would die quickly.

? How u planning still when skiing?

Mirrorless (unless lastest A7 sony series) battery kinda suck in cold. Would probably consider old mirror dslr for the job.

I'll just stop, bring the camera out, take pics of scenery/friends, put the camera back in, and continue skiing.

I usually do this with my phone and gopro, but the battery drains quickly for these.

Like i said, any mirrorless (unless the lastest model with bulky grip) will have same problem. However i believe if worse come worse probably reduced to 200 shots in freezig temperature (have to check specs) so should be enough as long you dont go trigger happy. However i belive rx comes with usb charging so bringing a powerbank would help.

Secondly......may have to take note, if you wearing glove, have to take out everytime using that smallist rx100. Or get a add on grip.

Thanks for that powerbank tip, haven't thought of that before. Hope that I wouldn't need it either because I don't want to add to the bulkiness while skiing.

For gloves, not an issue since I take pics using my phone anyway.

Had 3 incidents when my RX100 failed on me, luckily just temporarily
- Korea Mt. Sorak, camera too cold and battery stop functioning and the lens sticking out. Change a fresh battery and it came back to life. I didn't count how many photos taken but definitely battery life shorter. Later I just keep it under my armpit when not taking photo, and it's fine.
- There is a function when I long press the play button to review photos without switching on (also lens not moving). After reviewing for 30+ minutes, the camera won't start anymore. Remove & re-insert battery will solve the problem
- Change button too quickly and it hang. Remove & re-insert battery will solve the problem

hmmmm......probably won't recommend keeping it warm then taking it out in the freezing cold due to condensation issue. Perhaps better take out the battery and keeping that warm separately in your pocket and use sparingly when you want to take pictures.

One thing though, better bring a camera bag and put your camera inside. If you suddenly go from freezing cold to your warm lodging, the water may form inside your camera and lens. The bag helps retain some coolness inside and gradually warm to equivalent temperature before you take it out.

i 2nd to this suggestion. would really like to have a p900 but personally i went for a canon sx50 for the raw capability and budget limitation.

use to travel with a D90, D7000, and a Olympus mirrorless (forget the model name ady), seriously for travel purpose, compare to those conventional dslr or mirrorless, it is way more practical and fun to use these superzoom.

Was in Kuraisawa early this year with the XT20 shooting at -15C. I don't feel that there's significant battery drain.

ok i know i'm going to get alot of shit for this but;

for a 2k budget, why not stick with your smartphone? Or get a better smartphone as it's extremely mobile, lasts the whole day, and discreet.

Nothing wrong with smartphone. In fact I get a number of good shots with my half a decade old phone.

But smartphone itself is limiting like low dynamic range, unable to control shutter speed and aperture and no matter what it's fiddly to handle compared to a dedicated camera and nothing discreet about it. And unlike smartphone, a point and shoot may actually save you more money cause you don't have to change it like you change phone every 2 to 3 years, .