UKH

Debating upgrading to a decent compact. I know there’s quite a few of you really rate the Sony but I’m wondering whether the Fujifilm or Panasonic are worth considering? I already have a TZ60 and quite like the feel and how it functions so the TZ200 would be an easy transition.

I’m also wondering whether I’ll actually see a difference in the quality of my pics. I’m pretty much a point and shoot person but would hope a better camera would give me better photos.

Any thoughts anyone?

Something to consider is to find the right balance between between brightness (lof f-number) and focal length of the lens. 

I personally find the Panasonics to be better performance for price and by far better in terms of control, especially if you're used to it. The Sony didn't even have a touchscreen for a long time, while the Panasonic touchscreen control is the best on the market. The latest RX100 is superb in quality and autofocus I think but very expensive.

Maybe this will help you: https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/buying-guide-best-cameras-for-travel

Another option would be a Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camera (e.g. the Lumix GX850), even if you don't plan on changing the lens. Much better image quality and much cheaper than the latest RX100.

Thanks. I’ll have a look at those options 

Yes, the GX800/850 is a valix contender, and with the stock lens (12-42mm) quite small... with the smallest real pancake lens (pany 14mm 2.5) it is really small, almost the size of LX100/RX100.

The added bonus is, that you can get another lens for it, like a telezoom... for when you need it, unlike the LX100 or the RX100.

Forgive my ignorance/stupidity but given the price difference between the GX850 and a TX60 would they not be of similar quality? ie the GX850 wouldn’t really be an improvement?

For me, external controls that are accessible even with gloves on are most important. Especially exposure compensation dial, and protruding shutter button. Consider that if you take photos in the mountains and in the cold.

The Fuji 100 series is great, and reasonably controllable in gloves (especially if you add a third-party bigger screw-in shutter release button, I took some quick snapshots even with down mittens on  ), although you would be limited by the 35mm fixed lens in the mountains. It's more of a specialised camera, but I like it a lot.

The zoom reach of the RX100 VI is very nice (24-200mm) for the mountains, although you do pay for it with smaller aperture than the predecessors, and the controls are for me just too small and fiddly for comfortable use with gloves (it's the smallest camera out of them all, though). Also it's so expensive for a compact.

If you never intend to switch lenses, and 24-75mm zoom is ok for you, consider the Pana LX 100 II as well, m4/3 chip and pretty nice controls. Otherwise, most m4/3 cameras with compact lenses would be still pretty smallish, and most offer enough external controls for use in the cold (plus the zooms would be mostly mechanical, as I don't really like push-button motorised zooming).

Nowadays, most of the cameras are so good I think you better find one that really suits you and your style with its controls, rather then pore over the technicalities.

yes on no...

The TZ series uses small sensors, where as the GX-series uses a much larger MFT size sensor.

So in fact, the has the potential to produce greatly better quality images.

And if indeed, you meatt TZ60, from the specs the GX800 is a better camera... it also happens to be cheaper and more modular (cause you can change the lenses). The cheapness cames from the size (GX is bigger) and also for the lens (the kit lens is quite basic, or no lens compare to a superzoom lens on the TZ).

I had the RX100 but got rid of it because of the lack of 'reach' (24-70mm I think). I replaced it with the TZ100 (24-250mm) and have been very impressed. It lacks a tilting screen and ND filter but other than that, is a great climbing camera,

Chris

Thanks all. Def food for thought 

The DPReview articles are a good start, if you have a rought idea on what you want (and of yer budget).

Then a visit to the local camera shop to try the actual (shortlisted) ones for real would be adviced. Something (especially the smaller ones) can seem perfect on paper, but when you actually have it in your hand, you'll soon realize that this will not work in the mountains.

Ta.  Yeah I don’t fancy spending up to £1K online just so I can save a few quid. Think I’ll def want to ‘try before I buy’