Time for a new camera

[_HighVoltage_]

I have finally decided to upgrade my Sony HX7V as it is now getting almost 2 years old. I have narrowed down my options to just two, and then I got confused. First, some of my criteria:

1. It needs to be relatively compact. I don't want a full-size DSLR. An interchangeable-lens camera seems like my best option.
2. I think it needs to be a Sony. I've used their cameras for years and I like them a lot. That includes the way they look and feel.
3. I don't really shoot portraits. Mostly scenery, occasional macro, and a night shot here and there.

So the two options - a Sony RX100 and a Sony NEX 3NL.

The RX100 is small - you can basically carry it in your pocket. It has a deliciously low f 1.8. It also has a 1" sensor, which is larger than my current 1/2.3" The thing is - it is not that much larger. I compared shots from my camera and the RX100 - the quality improvement is marginal, except maybe for night shots.

On the other hand, the NEX 3NL has a full size APS-C sensor, but it's kit lens is only f 3.5. It is bigger, because of the interchangeable lens, and I can't say I'm a big fan of the digital menu (Sony removed the top function circle and now everything is in the menu which is accessed by one single button. I think this could be cumbersome.)

It seems like the 3NL would be the better option, considering I could always upgrade the lens. But the RX100 is so small and easy to use...

Anyone care to weigh in or make other suggestions?

 

[M3lover]

I would get the NEX. I have my phone on me to cover what a compact would have done in the past, so I don't mind bringing a bulkier and more dedicated camera for when I know it will be useful (vacation, events etc.).

 

[Black Z Eddie]

I think, for the kind of shots you're mostly after, and for convenience, the RX100 would be a good option...that, and because I'm thinking of getting one.

The main points for me is that Zeiss f1.8 (granted it's variable), the decent zoom, and more or less pocketable.

I've seen some damn incredible landscape photos taken with smart phones so I think you could kick it up a notch or two with this...and, have pretty decent low-light capability.

 

[maxtortheone]

Doesn't Ice have an RX100?

 

[_HighVoltage_]

The RX100 is out.

Now I am debating between the NEX3 and the Canon EOS-M. The EOS-M was a dud when it came out because of its slow auto-focus, but apparently a firmware upgrade has made it tolerable. The sensor is fantastic and so is the prime 22mm F2.0 lens.

What still bothers me about it:
- the auto-focus is still dodgy.
- no built-in flash (not that I use it often, but you know - you may need it one day)
- because of the fixed lens, there is no optical zoom and apparently Canon removed the option for digital zoom as well with the new firmware.
- poor battery life - rated for 230 shots.

What it has over the Sony:
- 31 focus points compared to the Sony's 25 (does this REALLY matter?)
- 18mpx vs 16mpx (like I care...)
- Touchscreen, so spot auto-focus is really easy (but the Sony has a pivoting screen)
- The better lens (if I get the Sony it will come with a 16-50mm F.35-5.6 kit lens).

Now I can buy an additional pancake lens for the Sony - 20mm F2.8, which if we go by numbers, is worse than Canon's 22mm F2.0. Question is - will the low F really make that much of a difference in shot quality (in low light conditions) for a non-professional like me?

 

[_HighVoltage_]

It is here.

 

[_HighVoltage_]

And if it ever gets above -20C I might be able to take some proper shots with it!

But here is a few I took in the last couple of days: