Sony RX100, mk1 or mk2?

[leglessAlex]

Hi all

As the title says really, I want a P&S camera and the Sony constantly gets good reviews. The price difference is £100 or so, and on the one hand that's a lot of money but on the other I want something decent. I know a few guys here have them so wanted to get your opinions.

So, which would you go for? Also, is there any other P&S you would consider for around £450(max). I really don't want it to be any chunkier than the RX100, the whole point of getting this is so it can go in a pocket.

Thanks gents

[Mr Will]

Do you need a zoom? There are a couple of large sensored prime lens compacts (i.e. Ricoh GR) which are worth a look if you don't.

Otherwise I think the RX100 is where it's at. There is not a lot that can match it's image quality in the same size package (and I say that as a Canon S110 owner - I would have bought the RX100 if I had the spare cash at the time)

[GetCarter]

Unless you need better low light performance, or the 'wibbly' back, then the Mk1 will do just fine. It's a stunning camera. A real game changer for compacts.

[strummerville]

I'm very happy with my Mk1. I considered the 2 but the performance difference I felt was not sufficient for the price. The hotshoe is useful, but in practice it's a small pocket camera where portability is key and the addition of an EVF would detract from that.

[strummerville]

If you get an RX, this book is invaluable too. I have tweaked the video settings on mine as a result: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Photographers-Guide-DSC-RX...

[leglessAlex]

Thanks guys. Will, I wouldn't say I needed a zoom as such, but I feel I'd regret it if I didn't have it.

GetCarter said:

Unless you need better low light performance, or the 'wibbly' back, then the Mk1 will do just fine. It's a stunning camera. A real game changer for compacts.

This is the thing, the mk1 is £320 from panamoz and the mk2 is £400(ish) from a friend who can get me a discount on a new one. £80 is a big difference to me, and I'm not sure the slightly better low light performance is really worth it. I remember someone posted up a pic of a building at night(a museum I think?) that was taken with a mk1 and it was stunning.

[strummerville]

I took this while on a weekend away at the Dinard Film Festival last year. Its straight out of the camera, set to Program mode and hand held. Note this is 50% of the original file size, but you can still see good detail in the shadows. This for me is what defines a decent camera and why a phone is never a true substitute.

[pastrana72]

I got the R100 MK2 as I wanted the addition of the tilt able screen which I use and does not add too much to the thickness over the MK1, the backlit sensor is also great. It is a great pocketable camera that produces fantastic images.

Alternatives would be the Panasonic lumix LX7 or a Ricoh GR, but I would still chose the one I have.