so which is the "best" pocketable compact then?

dangermouse

New Member
Ran some searches, did n't really get a clear idea of current thinking and was n't sure where to put this question.

So I have a GF1 which I use for family and local landscape stuff with the P14, P20 and O45. I think I'd like to move up to the G6 but then would loose that pocketablilty factor. I could wait for the prices of the GX7 to drop or by a separate pocket compact but which one, Sony RX100 and Ricoh GRD look great but each with there weakneeses, apparently. Or I could wait for the Panasonic GM1 and stick to my pancakes lenses?

What the current wisdom?

Thanks,

DM
 
I think the RX100 is great - providing you don't want a huge amount of zoomage. The RAW files tidy up really nicely (sometimes the JPEGs are a bit flat), and resolution is superb for a camera of its size. It's very pocketable but you do need to add a grip eg Richard Franiec or you'll be constantly terrified of dropping the thing. I've seen a lot of nice comments about the Panny LF1 on here too, so that might be worth a look if you want some sort of viewfinder and a slightly longer reach.
(Welcome to SC by the way!)
 
It's too personal to have one answer. My choice for pocketability is also the RX100. Check the image thread, and note you also get a zoom and lots of toys (like sweep pano). There are cameras of similar size with better IQ (Coolpix A, GRD), but they are fixed lenses. If you want the best possible IQ, and are OK at 28mm, then those are great choices. If you prefer 35mm. and a bit bigger than pocketable, there is also the Fuji X100. m43 is always a good choice, too. I used to be very vested in m43, but buying the RX100 replaced that entire system :)
 
for a pocket compact, I don't think the RX100 can be beat. The GR is amazing, but the ability to zoom is quite valuable for a pocket camera (and this from a guy who 99$ of the time prefers primes or fixed lenses!).
 
dangermouse,

How big is your pocket? And how bad do you need/want zoom? Can you live without a viewfinder?

The G12 will slide into a jacket pocket. Unfortunately, I've become addicted to the 24-600 (equivalent) reach of the FZ200. I sling it over my shoulder in a bag intended for small binoculars. It strikes me that none of the interchangeable lens cameras is very pocketable if you use a lens bigger than a pancake.

I've never seen or handled one in person, but the LF1 looks promising.

Cheers, Jock
 
Define your needs & work within them ie too many variables. After that you always end up with a compromise. Perhaps the better question is

What is the best pocket to have for your camera
 
Even the RX100 is not very pocketable due to the lens protrusion, especially with a more snug pair of slacks or jeans. The GM1 is not going to be really pocketable either unless you are using the Oly body-cap lens.

Here's a pocketability comparison of the XF1, RX100ii, LF1, S120 and GM1 with kit lens (it's slightly smaller with the 14/2.5)

Compact Camera Meter
 
Even the RX100 is not very pocketable due to the lens protrusion, especially with a more snug pair of slacks or jeans. The GM1 is not going to be really pocketable either unless you are using the Oly body-cap lens.

Here's a pocketability comparison of the XF1, RX100ii, LF1, S120 and GM1 with kit lens (it's slightly smaller with the 14/2.5)

Compact Camera Meter

I dunno. Maybe try the back pockets?

freak-in-tight-jeans-shorts.jpg
 
I find the RX100 in it's form fitting Sony leather case squeezes into all my pockets. Even Levis Jeans. Of course I don't wear the skin thigh 'skinny jeans' that are so common now.
Went from Panasonic LX series to Canon 95-120 series to the RX100 and I am super pleased with it.
Rarely misses and usually amazes with JPEG straight from the camera. Has some really fun built in filters. Sony came up keeper with this camera.
 
If strict pocketability is not required, I would buy a Panasonic GX1 (they are cheap now), its good electronic viewfinder, and use all my three m43 lenses with it. With the Panasonic 14 and 20 mm, you can fit the thing in a coat pocket. And you can carry the Olympus 45 mm in the opposite one. Apart from the 20 mm, which I still did not buy, it has been my everyday system, and I could not be happier with it.
 
By far the best pocketable camera I have owned to date is my latest acquisition, the Richo GR. I cannot believe how tiny, how powerful and how well made is this little digital gem. I can literally slip it into my jacket pocket and pretty much forget about it. The IQ at base and up to about 1600iso is outstanding.

LouisB
 
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