Best Small Backpack Camera?

[DoyleWDonehoo]

I did not see a ready made topic to look at, so I started this one. Or maybe someone could point out a thread and the Mods can delete this one.

Anyway, I am researching for a new backpack camera. This is what I would like to see:

>About the same size and shape as the Sony RX-100, which is on my list to check out. And this is about the top of my price range too.
>Has a leveling cursor (I am really tired of leveling photos in post).
>Can take a decent amount of HD movies with room left over for stills.
>Has a panorama function.
>Somewhat weather resistant.
>Decent battery life.
>Lens protected and retracted.
>An on/off button that is not miniscule.
>Good color reproduction.
>USB port that access the camera that does not require proprietary software to download the pictures.
>Tripod mounting hole.
>Lanyard hole.
>Decent sound recording.
>Decent sized sensor.
>Delivers toys on Christmas (optional).

Opinions?

[caddis]

I would add: Can be charged by PC (USB) or uses disposable batteries

[Brien]

Personally I take my GoPro. Lightweight and great quality.

[richlong8]

Nothing is perfect, there are compromises with every camera, in my opinion, but the Sony RX3 is nice, esp. if you value a viewfinder, like I do. The newly released Panasonic LX-100 is another compact that has impressive specs/reviews, except the weight is somewhat heavy for a compact. I just ordered the Panasonic GM-5 for Christmas. That allows me to use my existing micro four thirds lenses. The body only weighs eight ounces! It comes standard with a 12-32mm lens(24-64mm) that reviews say is a little better than a standard kit lens, and it only weighs a couple of ounces! Backpacker's dream? I hope so.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NHZ ... UTF8&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSC-RX100M-C ... +rx100+iii" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_ ... nics%2C333" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[SSSdave]

Easily the best forum currently for asking questions about digital cameras with lots of serious photographers:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/1018?utm ... f=mainmenu" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The new Sony RX100 III model has many fans so your questions have probably been tossed out numbers of times. Just be sure to buy the newer III model with its larger sensor. Note I use an A6000 mirrorless that has some similar software functions.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cy ... c-rx100-m3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[DoyleWDonehoo]

Nothing is perfect, there are compromises with every camera, in my opinion...

Very true. I come from a family with several pro photographers, but a backpacking camera has certain specifics. Hence my search.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NHZ ... UTF8&psc=1

A little too expensive. But wait!

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSC-RX100M-C ... +rx100+iii

I have decided. I have a Sony-DSC-RX100 on back-order for half that price. But I got the II, not the III. The II has the same size sensor as the III, and the pictures are just as good as the III (many reviews say so), and the extra cost of the III does not justify the few and largely inconsequential new features. An easy call for me.

[richlong8]

Seems like a great choice to me, and with your family background, you no doubt know more about it than I do. I tried the Sony RX100-3, and there was a lot about it I liked, including the viewfinder, but it was very $. It was used for the pics on this trip report, which were raw photos converted to smaller jpegs for this website. Merry Christmas.
http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... z8Bkm.dpbs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[JWreno]

I am glad you found what you want at the price you want. The OLED display on the RX100 version III was the feature that made it my must have compact. I loved the OLED and I can see more detail on it than I can see on the LCD. I also don't need to put on glasses or shield my screen from the bright sunshine on the OLED. I may never buy a dedicated camera in the future without a viewfinder optical or electronic.