russelljtdyer
Writer
In the past couple of years, I've gotten away from taking pictures. This is partly because my focus in life has shifted. However, there are still times when I'm out and see scenes and moments which would make for a good photo, but I don't have a camera with me. Although I like my Leica cameras and lenses, they're too bulky for every day use for me--or when traveling for work. What I want is a small camera that fits in my pocket and makes good photos.
There are many choices in general. The most convenient choice is a camera phone. To that end, last year I bought a Sony Xperia Z3+ mobile phone. It's an excellent phone and has a 20 megapixel camera built in, but the lens and small sensor aren't at the quality level that I want. I considered getting a point-and-shoot camera, but the quality is not much better than my camera phone.
To get to the minimum quality I want, I decided I would need to consider a mirrorless camera. A few years ago I had a Lumix micro four-thirds camera. I liked it, but they're still a little bulky for my pocket and taking with me wherever I go. I decided what I want is a compact camera.
After researching the compact cameras available, I decided to buy the Sony RX100-M3. It's been out for a while and the price is more than most compact camera, but I think it's a good choice.
Its sensor isn't as large as a micro four-thirds, but the 20 megapixel 1-inch sensor is much better than a camera phone. The lens is the best component for such a small camera: it has a Zeiss f/1.8 to f/2.8 lens, which is much better than a phone. As for controls, I'd prefer separate knobs for exposure, but that isn't the trend in this market. With some configuring and getting to know the camera, though, I'm able to make adjustments fairly quickly. On Aperture mode, I can adjust aperture with the main dial. A right-click of the dial and I can adjust ISO with it. There's an Fn button, that displays all settings that I can change easily from there.
It's not the best camera I own, but the RX100-M3 is an excellent camera that fits in my pocket--even my pants pocket. It's moderately agreeable to use and not very cumbersome to control. The result is that I'm taking more photos and good photos.
Below are a few photos I took in the first month I've owned a Sony RX100-M3. They were taken around and during meal times, at times when I might not normally have had a camera with me.
I took this photo of the Klipper Restaurant on the Spree River in Berlin, Germany, where I was having dinner with colleagues.
This is a photo I took of St. Basil Cathedral in Moscow, Russia while on the way to a business lunch.
A shot of my girlfriend's daughter while at dinner in Moscow with the two of them and the girl's grandfather.
There are many choices in general. The most convenient choice is a camera phone. To that end, last year I bought a Sony Xperia Z3+ mobile phone. It's an excellent phone and has a 20 megapixel camera built in, but the lens and small sensor aren't at the quality level that I want. I considered getting a point-and-shoot camera, but the quality is not much better than my camera phone.
To get to the minimum quality I want, I decided I would need to consider a mirrorless camera. A few years ago I had a Lumix micro four-thirds camera. I liked it, but they're still a little bulky for my pocket and taking with me wherever I go. I decided what I want is a compact camera.
After researching the compact cameras available, I decided to buy the Sony RX100-M3. It's been out for a while and the price is more than most compact camera, but I think it's a good choice.
Its sensor isn't as large as a micro four-thirds, but the 20 megapixel 1-inch sensor is much better than a camera phone. The lens is the best component for such a small camera: it has a Zeiss f/1.8 to f/2.8 lens, which is much better than a phone. As for controls, I'd prefer separate knobs for exposure, but that isn't the trend in this market. With some configuring and getting to know the camera, though, I'm able to make adjustments fairly quickly. On Aperture mode, I can adjust aperture with the main dial. A right-click of the dial and I can adjust ISO with it. There's an Fn button, that displays all settings that I can change easily from there.
It's not the best camera I own, but the RX100-M3 is an excellent camera that fits in my pocket--even my pants pocket. It's moderately agreeable to use and not very cumbersome to control. The result is that I'm taking more photos and good photos.
Below are a few photos I took in the first month I've owned a Sony RX100-M3. They were taken around and during meal times, at times when I might not normally have had a camera with me.
I took this photo of the Klipper Restaurant on the Spree River in Berlin, Germany, where I was having dinner with colleagues.
This is a photo I took of St. Basil Cathedral in Moscow, Russia while on the way to a business lunch.
A shot of my girlfriend's daughter while at dinner in Moscow with the two of them and the girl's grandfather.
JOCO34
Established
Good thinking and a very logical aproach to a concern that many photographers probably think about but won't openely discuss. I love my Leicas, Nikons etc but really hate taking pictures with my cell phone when they are not handy due to size of the bag etc. I found my X100s with leather case is just right to carry everywhere but it's not pocket friendly.
SteveM(PA)
Poser
It's a nice step up from a phone, and so easy to carry. From my battered V1 on the Ohio River last friday, pre-Kentucky Derby ...
RedLion
Come to the Faire
Rx100 M1
Rx100 M1
The original RX100 Mark 1 still takes fantastic photos. Here's a few from Mother's day:
Rx100 M1
The original RX100 Mark 1 still takes fantastic photos. Here's a few from Mother's day:
SteveM(PA)
Poser
A grab from 60p video. From behind the decks I often don't have time to frame, the video is GREAT in low light and gets me nice promo stuff I can use.
