Sony has just released a significant update to their well-respected Cyber-shot RX100 camera which adds features not yet available in any other compact. Using a relatively large 20.1MP 1”-type sensor, this RX100 III employs a new 24-70mm equivalent focal length F1.8~2.8 Zeiss lens and a pop-up electronic viewfinder. Read a thorough first impressions review here. The full feature list is truly amazing for a camera this small.
Finding the “perfect” go-anywhere camera is always a compromise. One of my personal requirements is the ability to shot RAW. Another trade-off is simplicity versus complexity. I’ve been using a Ricoh GR for some time now and am very pleased with its performance. The good part is a fixed (28mm equivalent) focal length lens matched to the sensor, and an intelligent menu system. It doesn’t have an EVF, but small slide-in optical eye-level framing devices are available if desired. Image quality is very good from its APS-C 16.2MP sensor.
As to the new Sony, I expect it will it will gain an even greater following than the previous two versions and will quickly become the digital compact standard-bearer.