I live my life in terms of images. Photographs are memories playing through my mind. So, I count myself very fortunate that I’m able to have and maintain gear that allows me to capture my daily life and images in the way I envision them.
Whether that’s thru a fisheye lens or my beloved 70-200 zoom…I use what’s available to me to document my family’s life.
But, I realize many people either don’t have that gear or simply aren’t interested in learning how to use it. Both, are a-okay. Because of this, I’m often asked (by both clients and friends) if there are any more reasonable compact cameras. The short answer? Yes!!!
The past few years have been truly revolutionary as far as compact cameras are concerned. I think back to the very first digital camera I ever owned (a little 8 megapixel Panasonic Lumix). This was before I made the switch from a film SLR to a digital one. So, that little Panasonic saw a ton of use!
Let’s face it, lugging a big camera around isn’t always the most practical…but we still want to document what’s happening to us and around us. So, I’ve done a bit of the leg work for you.
May I present, my top five compact camera recommendations:
1) Sony Cybershot RX100ii, RX100iii, RX100iv
Sony was among the first to introduce a more advanced compact camera that allows both hobbyists and enthusiasts or pros more control over their image making. I own the Sony RX100ii, but Sony has since released two new updates to the camera line. It is a great little camera. It is also the camera for which I have underwater housing. So, anytime you see images of mine taken underwater, this little baby is what I used. Below are the stats.
Megapixels: 20.2
Battery Life: 320-350 shots
Zoom Range: ii – 28-100mm. iii/iv – 24-70mm.
Touch Screen: NO
Tilt Screen: ii – NO. iii/iv – YES.
Shoots Video: YES. Fully HD capable.
Wifi: NO
Shoots in RAW: YES
Max Aperture: f/1.8
Max ISO: 12,800
Price: $498-$948, depending upon whether you select an older or newer model.
2) Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100
I have to say, I’m a fan of the Panasonic Lumix line. It’s grown leaps and bounds from when I bought that first little point & shoot so many years ago. The image quality is outstanding. This is due, in part, to Panasonic’s usage of Leica lenses for their Lumix line. It shoots more frames per second than the Sony, and has greater light sensitivity, though its resolution is lower.
Megapixels: 12.8
Battery Life: 240 shots
Zoom Range: 24-75mm
Touch Screen: NO
Tilt Screen: NO
Shoots Video: YES. Fully HD capable.
Wifi: YES
Shoots in RAW: YES
Max Aperture: f/1.7
Max ISO: 25,600
Price: $698
3) Fuji X100S/x100T
Let me say this: this is a camera I drooled over. I’ve used it and it is beautiful. The color rendering, the wide aperture. It’s fabulous. Even though it is a fixed lens, no zooming, 35mm is a great all-around focal length for capturing environment, portraits, and more documentary style images. In short, it’s a great everyday focal length. So, if you have a bit more money to spend, the Fuji is a great option!
Megapixels: 16.3
Battery Life: x100S- 330 shots. x100T- 700 shots.
Zoom Range: 35mm
Touch Screen: NO
Tilt Screen: NO
Shoots Video: YES. Fully HD capable.
Wifi: x100S- NO. x100T- YES
Shoots in RAW: YES
Max Aperture: f/2
Max ISO: 6,400
Price: $895/$1299
4) Canon Powershot G7X
I’m clearly a Canonista. So, I am duty-bound to include at least one of their offerings on my list. The G7X is a very capable mid-range compact camera. It offers a wide zoom range, with a nice wide maximum aperture. These things will offer you more options in a wider variety of situations. While the first three cameras I mentioned are generally sharper, with finer image quality, the G7X is a great camera for all-around use.
Megapixels: 20.2
Battery Life: 350 shots
Zoom Range: 24-100mm
Touch Screen: YES
Tilt Screen: YES
Shoots Video: YES. fully HD capable.
Wifi: YES
Shoots in RAW: YES.
Max Aperture: f/1.8
Max ISO: 12,800
Price: $599
5) Olympus TG-4
While not as inclusive of bells and wells, or as fine an image quality, as the above cameras, the Olympus TG-4 offers a great entry level alternative to compact cameras. Don’t expect this to do particularly well in low light conditions, as the max aperture and max ISO don’t offer enough flexibility. However, it is waterproof to 50 feet! So, if you don’t want to spring for underwater housing or a GoPro with housing, this is a good alternative. It’s also rugged enough to withstand drops, should little fingers get ahold of it.
Megapixels: 16
Battery Life: 380 shots
Zoom Range: 24-100mm
Touch Screen: NO
Tilt Screen: NO
Shoots Video: YES. fully HD capable.
Wifi: YES
Shoots in RAW: YES
Max Aperture: f/4.5
Max ISO: 6,400
Price: $349
Joyful & Honest Rockland County Photographer
Gina specializes in modern & emotive family imagery. By focusing on the relationships of parents and their children, she is able to go beyond the standard pose and capture the true emotion of her clients’ relationships. Visit the Session Info page for more details.
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