W e have always liked Sony's compact Cyber-shot cameras, but also been annoyed by the exclusion of some rather simple but essential features such as black and while image mode and 1:1 square image format. The new top of the line Cyber-shot RX100 rectifies all these issues. Sony then adds a few cool tricks such as 'picture effect' filters a la Olympus, and front ring control a la Canon. The biggest draw of the camera, however, is its 1" sensor that captures excellent 20MP images, and is packed in a very nice pocketable body. Interestingly, the camera looks and feels more like a Canon - i.e. more conservative - than a Sony to us, which is a good thing.

 

We took a large amount of photos with the camera during our trips to Myanmar and we are very pleased with the quality of the images. With all its features, plus ease of use, and a small pocketable body, the RX100 is the best 'all around' compact camera money can buy at the moment.

 

However, there are other compact cameras with features worth considering. For absolute-best image quality, the Canon G1 X has an even bigger sensor.

 

The Panasonic Lumix LX7, Olympus XZ-2, Canon G15, and Samsung EX2F are all excellent cameras that have much faster lens at the telephoto end which is a very helpful feature for portraiture, for example. Some people also love the extra-wide 24mm wide end of the LX7 and EX2F's lens.

 

>> myanmar photo gallery

HIGH

• compact but with a large image sensor
• excellent image quality with 20 megapixels
• quick and easy to use
• full photographic controls
• useful front control ring
• excellent video mode
• sweep panorama mode
• anti motion blur mode
• RAW, RAW & JPEG modes
• Micro HDMI output port
• fast 1.8 aperture at wide end
• good battery life

 

MIND

• slow aperture at telephone end
• it's not cheap
• no GPS

WISE

• best all around pocketable
• a nomad's favorite