Replace my nicked up S90 with a used Sony RX100iii?

Hi all, I've got a local line on an 8 month old Sony RX100iii that is in great shape and still under warranty. It will cost me the same as buying a new Canon G7X. I'm seeking input as to whether I'm not giving the G7X a fair shake. Here are is why I'm thinking, for similar money, that the used RX100iii may be the way to go:

Sony Rx100iii Pros (bolded the ones I feel are significant):

- slightly sharper lens (especially at wide end)

- better battery life (although still not great)

- EVF (I'm usually a VF shooter but not sure I'll be happy having to do two step set up and two step shut down over and over again so it may end up just being an occasional use thing, still nice to have.)

- much faster shot to shot times shooting RAW (and I do prefer to shoot RAW)

- slightly smaller (every bit helps as this is intended to be my "pocket"/waist pouch camera not my main camera)

-bounceable flash (nice but not a biggie as I don't use flash very often)

- better video (again not a biggie as I'm more of a photo guy)

Canon G7X Pros:

- longer focal length (would be nice but not sure I'll miss that much as have longer reach available by using my m43 system)

- better IS (from what I've read)

- less complicated menu system (almost bolded this one)

- slightly better max.aperture in middle of zoom range

- dedicated EV dial (but perhaps a bit too stiff?)

- seems like it may be a bit more rugged (especially the LCD and perhaps the lens cover blade system)

- slightly better default colours (subjective)

- comes with an external charger

The camera will get the most use on vacations when I want to leave Oly EM-5 in hotel room.  Examples: out for supper or going to an evening play while in NYC etc.   It would also be my backup camera if my EM-5 were to breakdown while on vacation.

Have I missed any performance or features advantages for which the G7X deserves more credit?   I plan to but the RX100iii this weekend unless somebody can talk me out of it!

Thanks for your input!

Have you read DPR's High-end pocketable compacts roundup (2014)? May be of some help.

The viewfinder is personal preference. Myself been using various digicams since 1998 and been enough times sunlight was bright enough that was not able to see LCD image very well.

If small size/pocket highest priority then I would forgo a viewfinder as I have the S110.

But for an enthusiast pocketable as in the use in lieu of carrying a DSLR, then I would want fast lens, definitely want a viewfinder and if available a hot shoe over another camera without hot shoe. Hence why I bought the G15 in lieu of other enthusiast pocketables available at the time.

I personally like the touch screen of the canon. It's handy for tap to focus and tap shutter. It's also much easier to hold.

I forgot about the touch screen.  I have one on the EM-5 but seldom use it because I have my eye to the EVF.   Might be different with the RX100iii as not sure I will use the EVF frequently so might find a touch screen on G7X useful.  Definitely something to think about.

No one likes the Sony RX100xx interface, it seems. Meanwhile, I love my S95 Canon interface. I find it fast, intuitive and very photographic. I speed along almost altogether by touch or a couple of quick touches on one of the wheels. Love it. So I'm looking at the G7X.

I just saw another post here with a G7X example, with terrific detail and color:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3822985#forum-post-55580008

My only hesitation is that it's April, and I'm guessing that a new iteration of the G7X will be announced by about September.  That would be the 2nd iteration, which usually cleans up some early rough spots.

On the other hand, the G7X seems quite terrific all on its own.  By the way, I'm used to working without a viewfinder on the S95.  Not a problem at all for me, so that's not a temptation for the Sony.

Check out the G7X, or maybe wait for its successor.

I understand what you are saying as the Oly EM-5 menu system isn't exactly friendly.  You do eventually get the settings to where you want them and learn the odd ackward menu dive that is sometimes necessary to change a setting that you care about.  Would I prefer the G7X's menu system?  Yes no doubt about it. I've owned several Canon cameras and that is definitely one of their strenghts!

If the RX100iii didn't have that EVF I think I could convince myself to stick with Canon.  I really wish I could use both for a week as then I'd be able to pick the one that is best for me and not have lingering doubts.

Seedeich wrote:

I understand your dilemma, also that you would prefer an EVF.

With the RX100 I never managed to make it work well. I starts with the clickless front ring. Set it to change aperture, shutterspeed etc, and you miss the tactile feedback and eventually change settings accidentally. So I set to zoom where it doesn’t do any unnoticed harm but is also useless because there is the zoom rocker around the shutter button. There are other conflicts in the menu, which I don’t remember.

This is one of the things I am concerned about.  Many reviews talk positively about the smooth ring but I wondered if this wouldn't end up causing the setting (I'd like to use it for aperture) to be bumped easily.  You are the first person, after reading many reviews, that has actually stated this does happen.  I was thinking if it proofed to be a problem I would use it for EV adjustment as I would be more likely to notice a change if I have the LCD and EVF set appropriately.  I am assuming it stays firm enough that it doesn't ever adjust without direct physical contact.  I am also assuming that since it is really an electronic adjustment dial that the camera remembers the setting it was at when last powered off (i.e. settings won't change if bumped while power is off).

So, yes, I managed to use the RX100, but often had to struggle with it. The last thing I want when taking pictures is a camera, that doesn’t cooperate and needs too much attention.

It’s quite a difficult decision because user friendliness isn’t written in the specifications and also depends on your needs and expectations.
When I bought the RX100 I was a bit optimistic or naïve, being used to Nikon DSLR, the N1 system and Canon’s excellent PowerShot interface.

No idea, what the conclusion is.
You will probably be able to make any of the cameras work for you.

I might make one more trip to the local camera store to compare them after getting everyone's input.

Right now I plan to take another look at menus, try out the touch screen on G7X and try "accidently" bumping lens ring on Rx100iii.

-- hide signature --

Seedeich in Colour
Seedeich in Black & White

I decided to go for it and buy the used RX100 mIII.  I just couldn't resist the EVF and reviews seem to suggest the lens is sharper on the wide to normal end where I feel it will get heavy use.

Both cameras are winners it was just a matter of having to decide which features were the most important to me.  If I had to buy new I likely would have gone with the G7X but for very close to the same price the used RX100 iii was just too tempting.

Thanks to all for your feedback!

Happy shooting.