Sony RX100 $568 with trade-in for any old/broken camera YMMV

Great Pocket Camera, trumps the S100 IMO, but it does cost more also. Was hoping this drops to the $400 range but I am thinking by the time that happen, I may be better off keeping my S100 and looking for a nice DSLR.

Quote from MOkoFOko : I had wondered why the s100 price was falling like a rock, until I read about the rx100. Shutterspeed only gets you so far if the AF system is no good--as good as the RX100 is, I'm not that impressed with its ability to lock and keep a lock on fast moving targets. The LX7 does have some important points that set it apart from the RX100--features a much faster lens, with a wider max aperture at the long-end FL. I also prefer the front-ring design for the LX7 over the RX100. If the LX7 weren't such a behemoth (and had powered lens cover), I might prefer the LX7.

Now you're talking about locking object, that's some high-end stuff people who carry a pocket size camera don't usually need for. I explained precisely what's the market of RX100, it still doesn't replace a DSLR if your need to capture for example sport. Having said that, I found its focusing on moving object (a running dog for example) fairly quick and accurate, and it does come with a moving locking feature once you set it it locks.

the faster aperture of small CMOS of lx7 doesn't make it an edge. the large aperture in this kind compact is primarily used to capture more lights than anything else (so you can have a relatively higher iso), but a small CMOS defeats it all. The physics still beats the electronics in our day, that's the ugly truth no matter how the manufacture likes to market it.

Quote from GTVIPER : Great Pocket Camera, trumps the S100 IMO, but it does cost more also. Was hoping this drops to the $400 range but I am thinking by the time that happen, I may be better off keeping my S100 and looking for a nice DSLR.

A DSLR is not a replacement for a P&S. A P&S is not a replacement for a DSLR. My DSLR setup is always my first choice, but my P&S goes with me everywhere--my recommendation: do not limit yourself to one or the other. iPhone camera is not nearly good enough to ditch a proper P&S.

Quote from MOkoFOko : A DSLR is not a replacement for a P&S. A P&S is not a replacement for a DSLR. My DSLR setup is always my first choice, but my P&S goes with me everywhere--my recommendation: do not limit yourself to one or the other. iPhone camera is not nearly good enough to ditch a proper P&S.

iphone probably doesn't ditch all P&S especially the high end kind such as s100 or lx7, and definitely doesn't come close to RX100. But you'd have a hard time to convince 99% of consumer the iphone doesn't ditch the average P&S these days. Spending anything in $100 - $200 on a P&S is simply waste of money if you have a smartphone now.

Quote from worthmining : Now you're talking about locking object, that's some high-end stuff people who carry a pocket size camera don't usually need for. I explained precisely what's the market of RX100, it still doesn't replace a DSLR if your need to capture for example sport. Having said that, I found its focusing on moving object (a running dog for example) fairly quick and accurate, and it does come with a moving locking feature once you set it it locks. the faster aperture of small CMOS of lx7 doesn't make it an edge. the large aperture in this kind compact is primarily used to capture more lights than anything else (so you can have a relatively higher iso), but a small CMOS defeats it all. The physics still beats the electronics in our day, that's the ugly truth no matter how the manufacture likes to market it.

The target market? I would say that most people who buy this camera have a dslr and wants a companion camera that they carry when they don't want to lug a dslr (just look at the comments of people in this thread who have this camera...pretty all have said they own a dslr also). For these people, focus and locking speed is something they are quite use to on a dslr and thus should be a consideration. Your comment about people who carry a pocket camera will not care about that is just not true.

This camera is a good deal at the $350 price range (somewhere just above top end PnS).

Quote from sdallnct : Oh lord.....you are right. I have a NEX and just assumed it is the same sensor. My bad and apologize for any confusion. In that case, I'd say more than the lens is an issue. For that money I'd get the new 3n and pancake zoom and get the APS-C sensor.

Try putting that combo in your pocket. This camera is the best image quality in its form factor category. Comparing it to even a micro 4/3 system is inappropriate.

Quote from hamarabajaj : If I have to pay so much, I will buy a SLR camera. Even tough SLR is bulky and all other so called cons, but atleast I will have a better camera and better pictures.

the attraction of this is SLR level capability and image quality at a
POINT AND SHOOT SIZE

I'm really tempting to get this camera as after shooting with DSLR I can't go back to the grainy quality of a normal point and shoot (currently have a Canon T3i and a SD940is)

Quote from worthmining : Now you're talking about locking object, that's some high-end stuff people who carry a pocket size camera don't usually need for. I explained precisely what's the market of RX100, it still doesn't replace a DSLR if your need to capture for example sport. Having said, I found it focus on moving object (a running dog for example) fairly quick and accurate, and it does come with a moving locking feature once you set it it locks. the faster aperture of small CMOS of lx7 doesn't make it an edge. the large aperture in this kind compact is primarily used to capture more lights than anything else (so you can have a relatively higher iso), but a small CMOS defeats it all. The physics still beats the electronics in our day, that's the ugly truth no matter how the manufacture likes to market it.

It's not just about capturing more light--there's also the depth of field aspect of this. At the long-end, max aperture f/2.3 vs f/4.9. It does make a significant difference from my own comparison shots, despite the difference in sensor size. There are plenty of instances where I may be shooting long, and either want shallow DoF, faster shutter, or lower-ISO. Sure, I can zoom out to 28mm f/1.8 on the RX100 and crop in, but the LX7 will end up winning that round--and the higher-ISOs on the RX100 (say 12k+) are essentially garbage.

Quote from TheOldDude : This camera is a good deal at the $350 price range (somewhere just above top end PnS).

What are you talking about? This is $550, normally $650. Are you saying this camera SHOULD be priced at around $350?

Quote from superflysocal : The target market? I would say that most people who buy this camera have a dslr and wants a companion camera that they carry when they don't want to lug a dslr (just look at the comments of people in this thread who have this camera...pretty all have said they own a dslr also). For these people, focus and locking speed is something they are quite use to on a dslr and thus should be a consideration. Your comment about people who carry a pocket camera will not care about that is just not true.

I care--but that's just not something I can expect in a compact camera at this point. The Nex series is coming really close--the Nex6 and Nex5r hybrid focusing systems are darn good when paired with compatible Sony lenses. 5r + 16-50 (or 16mm pancake) combo is quite pocketable, or close enough.

Quote from MOkoFOko : A DSLR is not a replacement for a P&S. A P&S is not a replacement for a DSLR. My DSLR setup is always my first choice, but my P&S goes with me everywhere--my recommendation: do not limit yourself to one or the other. iPhone camera is not nearly good enough to ditch a proper P&S.

I agree, I was just thinking about upgrading from my P&S to something like the rx100. But at the current price point, I rather put the money towards a new DSLR. Cellphone cameras are not that bad in Good lighting, but if the lighting is bad forget about it , better off taking mental photograph lol. Hopefully the price will drop sooner then later for the rx100.

Quote from superflysocal : The target market? I would say that most people who buy this camera have a dslr and wants a companion camera that they carry when they don't want to lug a dslr (just look at the comments of people in this thread who have this camera...pretty all have said they own a dslr also). For these people, focus and locking speed is something they are quite use to on a dslr and thus should be a consideration. Your comment about people who carry a pocket camera will not care about that is just not true.

Your comment is truthful in a way that everyone who's had a DSLR likely has better understand of photography and necessity of DSLR in certain conditions, such less than ideal lighting or running kids, if not for the image quality alone.

However, that doesn't limit everyone else who struggling with P&S and wonder why they couldn't get a sharp shoot on moving object and dark evening etc. and opted themselves into the marketing of DSLR to think they must buy one and carry the heavy brick with big bags around. That's about a lot of us who found our way into DSLR world in the old days,

With RX100, there is more option now. If someone even want to buy a DSLR, check RX100 first, you don't have automatically go spend a lots money on DSLR or lenses while RX100 is still a pocket P&S. It's astonishingly an eye opener. It's one of a kind, create an all new P&S category by itself.

For others who're genuinely satisfied with non-RX100 P&S, my advice is just settle with a smartphone, as you'll not get much more than an iphone from what you paid for a separate P&S.

Quote from GTVIPER : I agree, I was just thinking about upgrading from my P&S to something like the rx100. But at the current price point, I rather put the money towards a new DSLR. Cellphone cameras are not that bad in Good lighting, but if the lighting is bad forget about it , better off taking mental photograph lol. Hopefully the price will drop sooner then later for the rx100.

That's doubtful. It's very likely that there won't be a replacement for about 2 years. I don't believe you'll see any meaningful drops until the other camera manufacturers launch some real competition (RX100 is sitting alone at the top--G1x doesn't count). It'll be a while yet. I got mine used for $475, and couldn't be happier with it.