Have your say: Best Fixed-lens Compact Camera of 2013: Digital Photography Review

Have your say: Best Fixed-lens Compact Camera of 2013

Published Dec 18, 2013 | dpreview staff

Have your say: Best Fixed-lens Compact Camera of 2013

2013 saw the release of five cameras in a (relatively) new class, which we're calling 'fixed lens compact cameras'. Specifically, large-sensor fixed-lens compact cameras. Fujifilm's X100S is one of our favorite cameras of the year, addressing many of the faults of its predecessor. Sony followed up on the RX1 from last year with the RX1R, which shares the same 24MP full-frame sensor but minus an AA filter for superior resolution. Meanwhile, both Nikon and Ricoh released APS-C 28mm equivalent cameras, while Sigma's DP3 offers a 75mm equivalent lens. Click through for a chance to cast your vote and decide which is best.

Have your say

What was the best fixed-lens compact camera of 2013

Fujifilm X100S47.4%
Nikon Coolpix A3.1%
Ricoh GR16.6%
Sigma DP3 Merrill5.2%
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R27.6%

Total voters: 5,113

Comments

All (82)

Most popular (4)

Editors' picks (0)

DPR staff (0)

Oldest first

TheNomadWay

So why would you choose a fixed lens camera over something else??

http://www.thenomadway.com/

Jan 1, 2014*permalink

DanK7

Without doubt the audience for these polls is a select group of interested, engaged and (mostly) well-informed readers, so it's no surprise that Fuji and Pentax do well against Canon, Nikon and Sony. If it were based on sales numbers and general opinion, the outcomes would likely be very different. Interesting despite the survey's limitation.

Dec 30, 2013permalink

remo1232

I think you are wrong about that. Have you actually ever hold a Fuji X100S?

Jan 18, 2014permalink

Low Budget Dave

All of them take good pictures. The differences come down to usability, depth of field, autofocus and so on. I carry around a Sony RX100 because I like the size and autofocus speed, and am willing to give up the rest.

It would be interesting to see a comparison of autofocus speed and accuracy. I am told the X100S is blazing fast and that the Ricoh is not too shabby. The Sony gets good reviews, but some people claim it gets distrated too easily. As far as the other cameras in the class, I couldn't even start to guess.

Nothing is worse than carrying a pocket camera around all day and coming home with 100 pictures that focused on the trees behind your subject.

Dec 30, 2013permalink

ZoranHR

Recently I bought X100 and Ricoh GR I use for 6 months now. With latest firmware update Fuji can't match autofocus speed of Ricoh,especially in poor light. It is generaly slower camera.
For X100s model,I cant tell by experience. What I read,new camera is more responsive,but af performace still same in low light.
One thing much more important: Ricoh is much easier to operate than Fuji. It is just amazing. And this aspect will not be changed with new Fuji model.

Jan 1, 2014*permalink

SergeyMS

In my opinion, Sony RX1R is the best camera of 2013. I compare it with all cameras, not only with fixed-lenses cameras, and no doubt, it is absolutely brilliant.

Dec 29, 2013permalink

kodora

The RX1R sounds interesting, but I would never buy one.

Dec 28, 2013permalink

flumpet

I loved my X100, sold it to buy my X100S. No complaints. Love the way it shoots, the way it feels, and the way it looks.

At the end of the day, it's how you use your equipment no? Think about the DigitalRev Pro-photog Cheap Cam challenges....

Dec 25, 2013permalink

Alan Chan

I vote for Sony RX1R, with the good sensor and great len in a compact body. I sold my Canon 5D2 and EF100-400L to get this camera, it worth it!

Dec 25, 2013permalink

ZoranHR

According to "I own it/I want it/I had it" the most Popular Fujifilm 100S also has the greatest pourcentage of people wich sold it. Good look seems to be a sword with two blades. Interesting to notice.

Dec 24, 2013permalink

ragmanjin

Probably sold them to buy X-Pro 1s. Either way, there are more than three times as many people that tried the X100s and sold it, whether to upgrade in the Fuji X system or not, than there are people who bothered with the "Coolpix" at all. That alone says something HUGE and in fact contrary to your implied interpretation. Besides, if every person who "wanted" these cameras bought them, Nikon will have sold almost enough to cover shipping of one crate of them from some factory in China to a Best Buy outlet; while only 886 people would have kept them, Fuji would have sold just four shy of 1000 X100s cameras.

Dec 25, 2013*permalink

Frank De Carlo

Sony RX 1 & and Sony RX-100II. Period.

The RX 1 has has a full frame 24MP Exmor sensor coupled with an EXCELLENT Zeiss 35mm f2.0 lens and full manual control. Images are UNBELIEVABLE!

The RX-100II has a 1" 20MP Exmor sensor & a Zeiss 10-37mm (24-100mm) zoom lens in a package that easily fits into your pocket making this a go-anywhere camera that takes great stills and video.

Dec 24, 2013permalink

Northgrove

I agree, this is an incredible combo. I use a Fujifilm X100 and have been wondering about a compact zoom to complement it, but the great part with this Sony duo for performance + flexibility is that it's a step up or two in image quality.

Jan 14, 2014permalink

bartovsky

I prefer the 28mm angle of view above the 35mm (which is not wide, neither close enough) perspective. So without a doubt then the Ricoh GR is the camera to have! I am using this camera for two months now (next to a canon EOS 5D MK2..therefor I know how a quality image looks like :-P ) with a lot of pleasure and surprise! It really gives the right kick in many sceneries. The way this GR lights up shadows and finishes the ends within the dynamic range is impressive. For the price 700 euro (here in Europe) it is also the cheapest of the bunch! A bargain. A tool of Art. Thanks Ricoh, you have made me very happy.

Dec 23, 2013permalink

discbrake

Easiest pick. No brainer. Sony RX1R hands down. Full-Frame sensor with 35mm F/2.0 Zeiss lens. Perfect combination.

Dec 23, 2013permalink

MMS

Exactly....FULL FRAME in a very small package with an awesome Zeiss lens.

Dec 23, 2013permalink

MMS

Superior IQ? Enlighten me please as to which camera you are referring to?

Aug 27, 2014permalink

GurcemZekai

I did voted for GR, only because price/value. Fuji x100s is great camera but when you compare vs Gr which has very similar spects (if not better) the price becomes important.

I believe Gr is like 600 british pounds while x100s is 900

Dec 23, 2013permalink

(unknown member)

It's more about ergonomics and operation when it comes to practical use. The specs won't tell you that both cameras are totally different concepts. I personally love Fuji's direct control of aperture, shutter speed and exposure, which feels very intuitive. Others like program modes. When image quality is that similar, you should really try which one suits your personal style of shooting most.

Dec 30, 2013permalink

gooseta

The fact that the first three cameras are all incredibly similar means that there is some fuji rigging going on :)

Dec 22, 2013permalink

kodora

Why are they incredibly similar?

Dec 28, 2013permalink

hip2

it seems like everyone is voting for the camera they own, and not objectively for the best camera :D

Dec 20, 2013permalink

Harry S

I would guess very, very few people have used all of these cameras, therefore the only meaningful way to vote is what you've experienced. Otherwise we would be voting by specification, or ordering them by DXO score, which is madness.

Dec 20, 2013*permalink

Stacey_K

Isn't that always the case? Brand loyalty and defending a purchase choice rules online. :P

Dec 20, 2013permalink

hip2

you could think that having bought the camera, it's normal for people to vote for their own.
but if you think about it, voting with your wallet has at least two limitations :
1. the most obvious one is money, you cannot always afford the camera or lens you really want. we experienced it at least once :p
2. the release dates. when you buy one camera, maybe the others were not available yet.

Here DPR is asking people to vote for the camera they really think is the best, without limiting themselves with cost and availability.
so people should vote for the camera they would have bought NOW, if someone handed them enough money to buy the most expensive of the list.
(some of you might argue that removing the cost factor is unfair, but then this vote is unfair to begin with :)

Dec 22, 2013permalink

JackM

Sour grapes. 35mm is so much more useful than 28mm or 75mm.

Dec 23, 2013*permalink

AbrasiveReducer

I haven't used a 35mm lens in 30 + years. But you know best. I had a 35mm on my M2R because I couldn't afford a 28mm.

Dec 23, 2013permalink

TitusXIII

Actually, I own the Ricoh GR but voted for the Fuji X100s.
Disclosure: I do own the Fuji X100.

Dec 28, 2013permalink

anthony mazzeri

Except the X100S and RX1 aren't compact cameras. I think the very least definition of a compact camera is it is pocketable, both in dimensions as well as collapsible lens. They are neither of these and not even in the same category as the Coolpix A or GR.

Dec 19, 2013*permalink

abluesky

Very good reply.

Dec 20, 2013permalink

Revenant

The definition of compact camera that is used by practically all review sites as well as the camera manufacturers and the CIPA organisation, is simply "fixed lens camera", as opposed to interchangeable lens camera. It's just a name for this category of camera, and not meant to be a literal description. In other words, not all compact cameras are compact.

Dec 21, 2013permalink

JackM

Incorrect. Carried my X100S in my pocket for 4 days at Disney, it was great.

Dec 23, 2013permalink

Dogonit

Why in the world did you include the Sigma DP3 Merrill and not the far more common and standard DP2 Merrill?

Dec 19, 2013permalink

E_Nielsen

I also think the DP2M is the better of the two, but it was introduced in 2012. I own a DP2M, by the way, and wouldn't trade it for any of the cameras in this list.
Sadly, the Sigmas will not lead in this category because despite their stunning results (like a medium-format camera!), most people think in terms of which camera would be the best all around. The Sigmas can't win that race -- it would be like entering a Lamborghini in a comparison of family cars.
Somewhere in the description or in the comments, it was said that the DP3M would be great for portraits (with its telephoto lens), but I have found that most people are shocked at how many blemishes and wrinkles show up in the DPxM photos. That's why I use the DP2M almost exclusively for travel and landscape photography, and a lower-res enthusiast camera for family photos and portraits.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Johan Borg

I have both the DP3M and the DP2M and the colors and skin rendering of the DP3M are significantly better than DP2M. In fact, if Sigma comes out with a DP2Ms with the color improvements from DP3M, I'd probably buy one.

Dec 20, 2013permalink

unlearny

I have the RX1R, the Fujifilm 100s and the Sigma DP3. I voted for the Sigma, because, you know, it's a cult, right? Actually I voted for the DP3 because, in comparison to several incremental products in a market they founded with the DP1 (large sensor fixed-focus wide-angle P&S cameras) they broke new ground by using a 75mm equivalent lens for portraiture and macro shooting. Yeah, the macro could be more macro and it is a Sigma camera, without the tech edge of FujiFilm or Sony, but still, they are attempting something new, and I think that is what brings it to the fore.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Matt Random

Can I vote twice? I have the Sony RX1 and FujiFilm X100S. Both are excellent cameras and each has their merits.

The RX1 seems to be better for things. The DR range is excellent for landscapes and sunsets. The sharpness of the RX1 is excellent for catalogue style shots of cameras and such. The LCD on the RX1 is beautiful and I've never had a problem using it outdoors. The RX1, like the Sony a65 I also use, can oversaturate reds. This will often affect skin tones. Using a hotshoe flash does clear this up and results in excellent portraits.

The X100S seems to be better for people. Skin tones are great. Focus is often faster and I tend to get less motion blur even when all other things are equal - at least according to the numbers. The X100S is more portable so I tend to take it with me more often. The X100S does tend to miss focus more often, but that may just be my learning curve.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Matt Random

Both cameras will remain in my arsenal and both will probably be my main workhorses since I'm finding I really like the 35mm FL.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Seagull67

The best fixed lens camera is probably the iPhone 5. Literally anyone can now take an excellent photo using it & applying an Instagram filter, you can make calls, email on it and browse the web too. Can't do that on any of the above, but the 100XS is a very lovely 'dad necklace', goes well with a Harris Tweed jacket.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

MMS

If you are going that route, then I would take the HTC One, Galaxy 4 or the Nokia 1020 over the IPhone 5 any day.

Dec 20, 2013permalink

new boyz

I'll vote for 41mp Nokia (any 41mp Nokia phone).

Dec 23, 2013permalink

NancyP

I have a blast shooting with the DP3 Merrill. Images are sharp and color is subtle. This is a great landscape and near-macro camera, very well suited for nature photographers who like shooting a mix of "intimate landscapes" and close-up photos.

They are all good cameras, I would expect, but the comparison is odd - 4 wide angle fixed lens cameras, one mildly telephoto fixed lens camera. The choice of camera will depend on choice of focal length, and not everyone would find a use for a telephoto fixed lens camera.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

MMS

Hands down Sony RX1R. Smallest FULL FRAME camera in the world with an amazing lens, DXO score of 93!

Dec 19, 2013permalink

plq

X100S
Fabulous camera, I have one. Goes with me almost everywhere, fits in jacket or briefcase, whatever the case may be.
Seldom misses a shot, in fact most frames are so good at the first take, that I actually shoot fewer frames with this camera than others.
Image quality is outstanding.
Fixed lens - fine, as some restrictions on your tools actually fosters creativity.
Get one, and carry a spare battery, because when it goes, then you need a new one.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

RFC1925

I could give my vote to any of them except the Nikon because I consider GR the better camera because of its handling.

All great cameras for sure.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

CameraLabTester

If Sony had put an OVF ala Fuji, it would change the game.

The two, Fuji and Sony, would run away in the sunset and leave the others coughing in their dust...

Dec 19, 2013*permalink

mumintroll

I know it's not year 2013, but the best fixed lens camera is Sigma DP2 no doubt. IQ is FAR!!! better than all other fixed lens cameras on the market. All Sigmas Merrill are superior.

Don't believe? Check this photo of Prague from merrill DP3.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1196562

Dec 19, 2013*permalink

zodiacfml

The DP series could have win it by default by being the father of large sensor, fixed lens cameras.
Yet, I voted for the Ricoh GR for the unusual balance of performance, price, and usability.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

rsf3127

The poll is for best camera and not better IQ.

And the Merrils are not that practical and versatile. But I agree they have unmatched IQ @ low ISO.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

bluequartz

Another way of choosing them if size and budget aren't major concerns:
15 MP (effective) @ 75 mm? DP3
24 MP @ 35mm? RX1R
16 MP @ 35mm? X100s
16 MP @ 28 mm? GR or Coolpix A

They have similar image quality to begin with, and anyone looking at them are likely well-versed in post-processing to tune the camera's nuances/colours to their own liking.

They're further apart in terms of controls and operations, seeing how only X100s has a built-in EVF and the DP3 can be a slower (going by others' opinions), but pragmatically none of them are committing major usability no-nos. Still, I'll recommend testing cameras in person to see how they feel In (Your) Real Life.

Size and cost can be judged more objectively. If there's already a strong reason why only the GR is affordable, then stick to it or wait for price drops/new products.

Hence, I feel it boils down to how much resolution one wants at a given focal length (and range for cropping). That's the one thing that these cameras can't change.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Kendall Helmstetter Gelner

The DP3 is 30MP (effective), not 15... is 15 million photo sites TIMES 3. The 16MP cameras you list, have 16 million photo sites total... It's pretty well understood at this point that a Foveon sensor has as much detail as a bayer sensor with about 2X the amount of photo sites in a single layer.

Furthermore, the DP-3M is super sharp across the whole image. None of those other cameras can make the same claim.

Dec 19, 2013*permalink

bluequartz

I meant the final output when I said "15 MP effective". The generated JPEG photos that people will ordinarily see measure 4704×3136, and not the underlying pixels per R, G, B channel.

The reason why I'm pointing out the resolution is not to rekindle the Megapixel myth/race in this category of cameras, but to highlight the fixed lens limitation and the maximum viewable resolution one can get out of them.

Hypothetically, an infinite amount of firmware upgrades can give these cameras better noise control or usability enhancements, but the upgrades will do nothing to improve what they capture in the most raw sense.

Dec 19, 2013*permalink

CarVac

@Kendall:

"None of those other cameras can make the same claim."

Clearly you haven't used a GR, the lens of which may as well be perfect corner-to-corner and at all focus distances.

Unless you consider it below "super" even in the center...

Dec 23, 2013*permalink

SansPeurVJ

Even though this started off as a fun exercise, it became a bit frustrating as I realized that one is in fact comparing apples and oranges. Sometimes one wants an orange. At other times, an apple! One isn't really "better" than another, is it? X100S has an APS-C size frame and a Xtrans array sensor which eliminates the need for an optical low pass filter and it leverages the power of using a randomized pattern of pixels to simulate image capture similar to that of exposing analog negative film. On the other hand, RX1R is full frame thus potentially capable of greater dynamic range and uses a conventional Bayer array sensor and, further, deliberately drops the AA to enhance resolution at the expense of some moire. These different characteristics alone make it somewhat of a dubious task comparing the cameras with the sole aim of determining which is the "best". Actually, each camera has its own place in a photographer's repertoire. One's objective and taste will determine which suits.

Dec 19, 2013*permalink

Richard Franiec

Don't forget that Sigma has 3 cameras in the form of DPMerrill. Not sure if the other two were released in 2013.
The DPM's are wolf in ship skin if you think about sheer Image Quality (sensor and optics). What kills the appeal is the performance on the slow side and lack of some features the competition has.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

NancyP

DP1M and DP2M were released in 2012, only DP3M was released in 2013.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Vinc T

How can I view the results without voting? I am not familiar with the cameras here and I will not vote.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

edu T

Your honesty is laudable, you want to see the score but don't want to skew the poll with a vote you humbly believe is not qualified.
So I suggest you pick one at random (6 candidates beg a dice) and vote; I can tell you that, since 1000+ votes are already tallied at his moment, a single vote will hardly bias the results.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

2eyesee

@edu T
My thoughts exactly. I'll put my hand up as one who was forced to 'skew the poll' just so I could see the results. I wonder how many other there are like myself and Vinc T? It diminishes the value of the poll to construct it this way - but I guess it's more important for DPR to artificially inflate the number of responders.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

mpgxsvcd

Is there a non of the above option.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Richard Murdey

Oh so little love shown for the Coolpix A!

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Richard Murdey

No bad cameras in the batch, only the Sigma is perhaps a little behind. Still, it was an easy choice for me. Ricoh GR : for pulling off what us GRD owners dreamed of but considered impossible: putting an APSC sensor in that oh-so-slim case.

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Ricardo Maia

Yes, but only at certain ISO values, since it is terrible at high ISO...

Dec 19, 2013permalink

mcshan

I wonder how many voting have tried or at least picked up and handled each camera?

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Richard Murdey

(Raises hand...)

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Adamaflex

yeah i work in a camera shop ive used every camera on every voting list

Dec 19, 2013permalink

new boyz

I own none of the above mentioned cameras, but my vote goes to Sony RX-1R because it's an FF in a small package. Nobody has achieved this before. If I can vote more than one, they will go to x100s(cool factor) and the merill(sharpest lens+sensor combination of any format, period).

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Kendall Helmstetter Gelner

The Sigma DP-3M is just amazing in terms of sharpness:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kigiphoto/8731086248/sizes/o/in/set-72157633459763493/

Dec 19, 2013permalink

jimi1127

Sony RX1R - Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2.0 mated to a 24MP full frame sensor.
Expensive? Oh yea, however images are superb - all in a very carryable package. Fixed lens cameras allow engineers to optimize the glass/sensor relationship. Hope more are on the way.

My Sony RX1R snaps --
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejosephs/sets/72157635738589763/

Dec 18, 2013permalink

optongo525

nice photos

Dec 19, 2013permalink

KGP

It was very easy to choose the best mirrorless, dslr and enthusiast zoom compact, but this is a hard decision. Fuji X100s and Ricoh GR. Both excellent cameras, but i can only vote one. Well... Fuji.

Dec 18, 2013permalink

Cailean Gallimore

X100S is the best overall package.

Dec 18, 2013permalink

Ecorone

Hard to answer the question. The RX1 has the best IQ but you can buy 4 GR's for the price of it. As for handling, the Fuji and GR are excellent.. they're both a bit more elegant than the RX1.

The Fuji has a 35mm focal length and it's got a faster lens than the GR, but it's a bit bigger and more expensive. I've never touched a CoolpixA so I won't comment on it.

Best bang for the buck: GR. Best absolute IQ: Sony. Best compromise (and yes, prettiest): Fuji. (I opted for bang-for-the-buck and bought a GR and I love it.)

Dec 18, 2013permalink

hexxthalion

Best absolute IQ gives Sigma - there's no comparison ;)

Dec 19, 2013permalink

Ecorone

Am I getting old or was the Sigma added to the poll after the fact? I could have sworn when I posted that there were only four choices: Nikon, Sony, Ricoh and Fuji.....

Dec 19, 2013permalink

hexxthalion

that's fine, all of these cameras are brilliant in their own right and nobody could go wrong with either of them and each fulfils different needs

Dec 19, 2013permalink

MooseBorrowdale

x100s - own it, love it. Forgot there were any other cameras out there.

Dec 18, 2013permalink

mike kobal

X100s by a landslide :) glad the results reflect the overall superiority of this cam out in the field

Dec 18, 2013*permalink

Samuel Dilworth

Scott Schuman just bought one of these.

I’ve used a friend’s similar X100 quite a bit, and it grew on me. Is it better than the dream-come-true Ricoh GR, though? The Ricoh does so many things right if you like a twenty-eight. Tough one.

Dec 18, 2013permalink

mike kobal

as a pure street camera, the GR beats the X100s, just barely, IF you like the 28mm equiv
overall the X100s is the better, more versatile camera

Dec 18, 2013*permalink

tinternaut

The results don't surprise me. Soft spot for 28mm, so I voted for second favourite.....

Dec 18, 2013permalink

Hentaiboy

The X100S is the purdiest ;-)

Dec 18, 2013permalink

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Fujifilm recently unveiled the second in its series of affordable cine lenses, the MK50-135mm T2.9. We got our hands on it for a couple days and took it for a spin.

Jun 22, 201729

Hot mess: Remembering the Leica M8

Leica's first attempt at an M-series digital rangefinder was rough around the edges, but set a pattern for all of the cameras that came after it. In this week's Throwback Thursday article, Barney remembers the M8.

Jun 22, 2017124

Jimmy Chin talks climbing, filmmaking and family

No stranger to extreme situations, legendary climber and filmmaker Jimmy Chin talks to Outside Magazine about his career, and the challenge of filming Alex Honnold's rope-free solo climb of El Capitain.

Jun 22, 2017outsideonline.com 2

Meeting Owl robotic video offers 360-degree views of conferences

A company backed by Android co-founder Andy Rubin is attempting to make video conferencing less terrible.

Jun 21, 20176

There's no 'right way' to use Instagram as a professional

Rangefinder magazine asked five professional portrait and wedding photographers about posting on Instagram; no surprise, they got five different answers.

Jun 21, 201714

Video: mesmerizing stop motion film of raw wood being shaved away layer-by-layer

This captivating stop motion film was created by stripping away one layer of wood at a time. It's hard to look away.

Jun 21, 201737 video

The Photographer's Emphemeris will launch a 3D app for iOS on June 27

It will enable users to simulate the presence of the sun, moon and Milky Way and see how they interact with an area's topography.

Jun 21, 201710 mobile

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Hot Air Balloons Over Bagan by User9320321874 from balloons	Yellow Warbler by LeeS from A Big Year - birds	Waiting for the Parade by tcoker1103 from - La Vida Loca - (Black and White Street Photography+ A Border)