Sony RX-100 Series

[iLLbiLLy]

Looking to pick up something small but capable to shoot in the backcountry with this year. I've found that trying to shoot with your friends using a DSLR is just more work than anyone wants to do, especially when the snow is deep. I'll only be using the footage for web edits, so bringing out a 5D III is way overkill anyways.

Did some research and came across the Sony RX-100. From what I can tell it shoots pretty damn good video. The sub $500 price tag is really nice too. Anyone have any experience with this camera (specifically in cold snowy conditions)? My big concern is how it will hold up in cold or wet weather.

Sample Footage:
https://vimeo.com/64782774

Also sony has a newer model, the RX-100 III, that has some pretty big improvements on the video side of things (EVF, higher bit rate, image stabilization, low light), but the price tag is roughly $800. I'm tempted to drop in on it but it seems like a lot to spend on a point & shoot that I might break.

 

[hcaulfield]

The thing I would be scared about with those would be how cold/weather resistant they are. You don't wanna get out there and have the thing not work cause it was a bit damp then froze.

 

[iLLbiLLy]

The thing I would be scared about with those would be how cold/weather resistant they are. You don't wanna get out there and have the thing not work cause it was a bit damp then froze.

Yea, like I said, thats my biggest concern.

Worth mentioning the RX100 III also has a ND filter. I know the III is the far superior choice for what I want to do, but I feel the higher price tag may make me more reluctant to take it out in bad weather.

Maybe I should just hold out and see if prices drop before winter.

 

[ROCHEMAN]

as long as you give it some time to adapt it should be good or you could maybee keep it in your iner most layer. the rx100 iii is nice not as much zoom as the rx100 i/ii if your woried about having a view finder you can get an lcd view finder. but i think that would be a pretty nice pakage you could also get a mirorless camera. the fujifilm x30 is suposed to be decent on video not a 100 percent shure tho

 

[iLLbiLLy]

as long as you give it some time to adapt it should be good or you could maybee keep it in your iner most layer. the rx100 iii is nice not as much zoom as the rx100 i/ii if your woried about having a view finder you can get an lcd view finder. but i think that would be a pretty nice pakage you could also get a mirorless camera. the fujifilm x30 is suposed to be decent on video not a 100 percent shure tho

Yea, I've basically been looking at every class of camera besides DSLR. My top priorities are in this order:

* Compact

* Video Quality (Good AF, low artifacts)

* Stabilization (will likely be shooting mostly handheld. Occasionally from a mount on a sled)

* Cost

* Durability

* Decent Zoom

* Bonus for taking quality photos

Cost and durability are very intertwined. If I'm paying more for something than I need to the durability to be good. If I was only dropping a couple hundred, then I'm not real concerned if it breaks.

Found this thread on TGR. http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-257926.html . Gives me some confidence that I can hold up in winter conditions.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC LX100 also has potential. Apparently it shoots 4k @ 30p which is quite impressive.http://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/compacts/panasonic_dmclx100

 

[PacificRimJob]

Yeah, I'm going to say definitely no if you're seriously intending upon using it for video.

Get a Sony NEX 5N or something. Would be far better for video, and won't be much bigger than this thing.

 

[iLLbiLLy]

Yeah, I'm going to say definitely no if you're seriously intending upon using it for video.

Get a Sony NEX 5N or something. Would be far better for video, and won't be much bigger than this thing.

The NEX 5N does seem like a decent choice. Its pretty cheap used, but lenses aren't.

Why do you say that the RX-100 couldn't be "seriously" used for video? Especially considering for the most part it will just be complimenting POV footage. The demo reals (link in OP) I've seen seem pretty good for web quality.

 

[ROCHEMAN]

they fujifilm x30 is suposed to be grate it has a really nice lens and its a good size that you can hold thats not to small plus it has a view finder not shure what video is like im guessing its decent considering the new x100t that just came out is said to have pretty good video.

the photos on an x30 will be very nice tho

 

[iLLbiLLy]

they fujifilm x30 is suposed to be grate it has a really nice lens and its a good size that you can hold thats not to small plus it has a view finder not shure what video is like im guessing its decent considering the new x100t that just came out is said to have pretty good video.

the photos on an x30 will be very nice tho

Past fujifilm models (the X20) have had pretty lousy video (at least according to DP Review).

Too many flipping choices. I wish there was a place I could go and hold each one of these in my hand.

DAMN YOU INTERNET!!!

 

[PacificRimJob]

No point and shoot that I know of is particularly good for video whatsoever. They lack audio support usually, film with even worse codecs than DSLR's, the lenses have no manual focus controls, and they're prone to focus on the exact wrong thing at the wrong time like a crappy old camcorder. I've filmed with what's considered probably a pretty decent option for P&S cameras when it comes to video - the Lumix LX5... and it's pretty much the worst haha. It's hard to keep stabilized, the rolling shutter effect is balls. Is it usable? I guess.. but it's probably worth going with something else.

I highly recommend something like the NEX 5N, simply because you can get old manual SLR lenses which are small, and cheap, and adapt them for use. Something like a 28, a 50, and maybe a 135 or 35-70 zoom wouldn't cost more than 40-50$, and the adapters are maybe 5-10 bucks depending on the mount.

Native E-mount lenses aren't particularly cheap, but stuff like the 16mm f2.8, which would be a decent complimentry wide angle wouldn't cost over 150-170ish.

You might even be able to find someone selling their 18-200 for cheap, seeing as that's the kit lens on stuff like the VG20's and such.

 

[division.bell]

I have the RX100 first gen and I think it's the best point and shoot I've used for the money. I needed something compact with a fast lens low shutter lag with the ability to easily capture action shots (ski/bike). The Canon's I compared this to did not even come close. The colors and image quality surprised the shit out of me when I first uploaded shots to my computer. The display screen does not do the pictures justice.

Coming from Canon DSLR's, the button and menu configurations are bit tedious to maneuver at first. But with time everything begins to make sense and you can flow through the settings easily.

I use this camera when I don't to carry my DSLR; so the RX100 comes with me skiing, touring, mountain biking, hiking, etc. It's been crashed on skiing and biking and still functions perfectly. I have not noticed any adverse effects due to the weather that you wouldn't find on any other digital camera. But the coldest I've had the camera out was probably 5-15 degrees F.

My only gripe besides the Sony vs Canon natural button intuition and layout is the zoom. It's amazing for macro and close up shots, but it just doesn't do much in regards to bringing you closer to the action unless you are already in the action. If this is going to be a major consideration, definitely plan out your shots in relation to the camera accordingly.

All in all, I'm quite fond of my RX100 and use it every time I'm out the door on an adventure.

 

[iLLbiLLy]

No point and shoot that I know of is particularly good for video whatsoever. They lack audio support usually, film with even worse codecs than DSLR's, the lenses have no manual focus controls, and they're prone to focus on the exact wrong thing at the wrong time like a crappy old camcorder. I've filmed with what's considered probably a pretty decent option for P&S cameras when it comes to video - the Lumix LX5... and it's pretty much the worst haha. It's hard to keep stabilized, the rolling shutter effect is balls. Is it usable? I guess.. but it's probably worth going with something else.

I highly recommend something like the NEX 5N, simply because you can get old manual SLR lenses which are small, and cheap, and adapt them for use. Something like a 28, a 50, and maybe a 135 or 35-70 zoom wouldn't cost more than 40-50$, and the adapters are maybe 5-10 bucks depending on the mount.

Native E-mount lenses aren't particularly cheap, but stuff like the 16mm f2.8, which would be a decent complimentry wide angle wouldn't cost over 150-170ish.

You might even be able to find someone selling their 18-200 for cheap, seeing as that's the kit lens on stuff like the VG20's and such.

I see what your saying, even thought the Sony RX 100 is in a completely different class (Enthusiast Large Sensor Compact Camera) from the LX 7.

With the old lenses won't I lose image stabilization and AF? Since I'll almost always be shooting hand held, these things are important to me.

 

[iLLbiLLy]

I have the RX100 first gen and I think it's the best point and shoot I've used for the money. I needed something compact with a fast lens low shutter lag with the ability to easily capture action shots (ski/bike). The Canon's I compared this to did not even come close. The colors and image quality surprised the shit out of me when I first uploaded shots to my computer. The display screen does not do the pictures justice.

Coming from Canon DSLR's, the button and menu configurations are bit tedious to maneuver at first. But with time everything begins to make sense and you can flow through the settings easily.

I use this camera when I don't to carry my DSLR; so the RX100 comes with me skiing, touring, mountain biking, hiking, etc. It's been crashed on skiing and biking and still functions perfectly. I have not noticed any adverse effects due to the weather that you wouldn't find on any other digital camera. But the coldest I've had the camera out was probably 5-15 degrees F.

My only gripe besides the Sony vs Canon natural button intuition and layout is the zoom. It's amazing for macro and close up shots, but it just doesn't do much in regards to bringing you closer to the action unless you are already in the action. If this is going to be a major consideration, definitely plan out your shots in relation to the camera accordingly.

All in all, I'm quite fond of my RX100 and use it every time I'm out the door on an adventure.

Thanks for the info. The zoom isn't crazy important to me, but thats good to note.