Home Forums Gear Photography Opinions on higher end compact camera systems

My wife and I do a fair bit of fly in and back pack hunting and as weight is an obvious issue I'm getting a touch tired of packing my nearly 5 pounds worth of DSLR. Great photos but pushing the pack from 65 to 70 pounds makes a difference!

So I started looking at the Nikon AW1, the Sony RX 100 M3, or maybe the Olympus TG tough 3. But I like the RAW option so that one might be out.

Any user comments in favour of any of these? Any other suggestions?

I've read as many reviews as I could find but first hand knowledge is king.

thanks,
RC

How about the nex?

The Cadillac of the compact cameras or high end point and shoots is the RX-100 line. I originally got the RX-100M2 but when the M3 came out I felt it was worth the upgrade. You lose the hot shoe, but gain a 180 degree tilt screen and a pop up view finder. The zoom range on the M3 is a little shorter but has a faster f-stop.

That all having been said, there are price advantages to the M1 or M2 right now with the introduction of the M3. Joel always steers me in the right direction as to value. I would call him and see what kind of deals are out there right now on them. Make sure you mention you are a member of the Campfire. Image quality is unmatched by any other point and shoot out there.

Thanks for the info. I was wondering if the larger sensor really made a big difference in picture quality. In theory it should... but in real world side by sides is there a noticeable difference?

Any idea on the environmental durability of the RX? Obviously its not made to swim with but...

RC

The larger sensor makes a world of difference in noise especially. Side by side in low light would be night and day. If you chose to do any enlargements, 11x14 or 16x20, it would be pretty apparent as well. Posting on the internet, not so much.
I don't see any info on any specs of environmental durability. The construction is metal and feels great, I would imagine in a slight rain it would be fine but I can't say for sure. Many professionals are using it as a backup camera or for situations that a traditional camera wouldn't be possible.

Thanks on that. I guess I now know where I'm headed.

RC

Sony RX100MK III is an awesome camera. It's normally 799.99. Call me tomorrow morning or Friday all day for Dougs away sale price

Thanks, I will give you a call.

Thanks, Joel, for your time today. Looking forward to trying out the RX100iii!

RC

I like the Fuji EXR cameras for the bit of control they give you over the sensor, biasing for tonal range over resolution for example. And the large zoom range so you don't need to carry separate lenses. And it has to fit shirt pocket.