Need recommendations: best P&S for indoors with no sounds no flash

I'm having a rough time determining the right camera, so I figure this is the place to get some great ideas!

I do evaluations on people with disabilities... lots of kids with autism and sensory issues. My assistant takes pictures of the testing. Shots are both indoors and outdoors, but because of the distraction factor, we cannot use a flash. Also, the camera we are using now, a Sony NEX-3N is way too loud with that clicking sound that is, again, very distracting for some of our clients. The smaller P&S cameras (and we've tried ones with "better" CMOS sensors, like the Sony WX-50) just blur any action indoors without using the flash. Now... here is the tough part: Assistants come and go... usually they know little to nothing about photography, so I need a camera that has a very good Auto mode. It will always be used on Auto. The next thing... it has to be silent or very very quiet. It has to do well indoors without flash, including capturing movement with minimal blur. Has to be small enough to carry around the neck all day (no big DSLR's). And the kicker... we are vendors for the gov't., so pay is pathetic, so need a camera under $300.00. VERY receptive to an older camera (used). I have bought some of my best cameras old and with lower megapixels and take better pics than newer cameras. O.k.... open to suggestions! Thanks!

panasonic fz200 may be found for 300 and can do alot is quiet too.

I am a psychologist and thus can appreciate your shooting conditions, If the distance to the subject is relatively close, say 10 feet, I would suggest a Panasonic Lumix LX-7, which is now discontinued but might be remaindered somewhere at $300-$350 new and found used for less. It has a full frame equivalent 24 f1.4 (!) - 90 f2.8 fixed zoom lens. Sensor is not as big as m43 but bigger than most P&S.

remember that auto mode may not render your images very well you may want to try a custom mode to get your shot. dark conditions and motion are very hard for auto mode.

Thank you, I will look into the Panasonic!

Thank you for the suggestion. Since multiple people use the camera and lighting conditions vary, we cannot pre-set, so have to rely on a good Auto mode. The Sony did better with indoor shots than outdoors, which I thought was odd since outdoors usually means better light. Indoors, did a good job, although when using the zoom, of course, the images were less sharp but I was able to remedy well with pp. The Sony has served us well if not for the annoying click, click, click sounds.

Refurb or used RX100. Refurb, it often goes on sale for $300. It's $450 new MSRP, but often goes on sale new as well, where it's usually $400 or $380 or so.

Used, it's often even sub-$300.

Yes, I was thinking possibly Sony RX100 and even looking at Nikon V1 as well. I got a bit "concerned" when looking at Ebay and seeing a ton of RX100 "for parts or repair." Way more than I usually see for most cameras. No big hurry, but trying to narrow down the choices and make a good decision. (Personally, I am enjoying an old Sony DSC-R1, but nobody lays hands on my R1 LOL!).

Not a great choice, the V1. The Nikon 1 system has no reasonably-priced fast lenses. RX100 has an f/1.8-4.9. Nikon V1 you'll be stuck with much worse. And aside from that, older Olympus and Panasonic MFT cameras do quite well. EPL1 is under a hundred bucks now.

The RX100 is built like a tank. I wouldn't worry about the parts/repair. I suspect it's just a super-popular camera, so there are more of them out there. And there hasn't been much need to upgrade.

After days worth of research and figuring out the pro's and con's and prices and availability, ended up winning at auction an "excellent condition" Panasonic LX7 with upgraded EVF-2 viewfinder for outdoors in bright sun, extender lens, integral cap that opens automatically, strap, original box, paperwork, CD's, adapter tube, and leather Leica case for $260 out the door! Owner is photographer upgrading to 4/3 camera with assorted lenses. Happily awaiting its arrival to put it through the paces. Thank you for all your input and recommendations! Especial nod to PSCL1 for recommending the LX7 :0)

Tishpit said:

After days worth of research and figuring out the pro's and con's and prices and availability, ended up winning at auction an "excellent condition" Panasonic LX7 with upgraded EVF-2 viewfinder for outdoors in bright sun, extender lens, integral cap that opens automatically, strap, original box, paperwork, CD's, adapter tube, and leather Leica case for $260 out the door! Owner is photographer upgrading to 4/3 camera with assorted lenses. Happily awaiting its arrival to put it through the paces. Thank you for all your input and recommendations! Especial nod to PSCL1 for recommending the LX7 :0)

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Panasonic has a bright focus assist light when you half-press the shutter button that automatically activates in low light.

You might want to test that in a dark room and see if you need to de-activate it or cover it with a small piece of black tape. It can really catch the attention of pets at portrait distances.

Just turn the camera toward your face in a dark room and half-press. You'll see what I mean.

Thank you, BBbuilder467, I didn't realize that. Hopefully, it won't be too distracting to our clients as pictures are done mostly in portable classrooms, so florescent lighting. Will give it a try and see!