New Camera help

[tastroman]

I could use some help here. I'd consider myself an enthusiast and by that I mean I enjoy taking pictures. I don't have any high end gear but enjoy trying to get the most out of what I have. I currently own 2 cameras, a 4mp Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 with a 12x zoom, and a Samsung EX1. The Konica shoots ok in descent light but is worthless in any less than optimal lighting. The EX1 is good in low light and take sharper images but sometimes I like that 12x zoom so usually carried them both. I primarily shoot family, travel and landscapes.

Fast forward to this morning. The battery door on my Z3 broke. It's done. I guess I could buy another used one and I'm actually considering that. A nice used one would be about $30. I should say I like pocketable cameras as I just pick them up more often. I don't have a smart phone.

So here's what I've come up with as far as options

*Buy used Z3 because i'm familiar with it, I know it's limitations and it's cheap

* Buy Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII Just looking at ratings and reading reviews it seems well received but that price?

* Buy Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200. Has the zoom I'm now lacking and is probably more capable than both of my current camera's combined.

*I'm open to other considerations as long as the camera is somewhat pocketable. Staying under $1000 would be nice also. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[tastroman]

I should also add that I really like the articulating screen on my Samsung.

 

[rdavy]

It may be a good time to pick up a bargain on Olympus micro 4/3 camera and 14-150mm travel lens. It's a light setup that can easily sling over your shoulder and you don't have to mess around with motorised zoom.

Camera with hotshoe will allow you to use bounce flash and take your family photos to the next level.

 

[Tim Reidy Productions]

you can get an older model zs, they are fun to use, but have only improved so much.

I would get a new zs if you buy one.

 

[tastroman]

After much deliberation I decided to go with a Sony a6400 and a Sigma 54mm prime lense. I also purchased an adapter so I can hopefully use an old manual Tamron 28-200 zoom I had from my SLR days. It's a start. I have much to learn and I'm looking forward to the challenge of learning this new camera.

 

[Tim Reidy Productions]

i thought you wanted a pocket one, oh well.

 

[tastroman]

I did to when I began processing getting a new camera. I did a lot of reading and as much as I was trying to stay away from something with interchangeable lenses (partially for the financial hit) I decided to bite the bullet. I processed it like this. My Samsung 24-72 has me covered on the wide end plus it's pocketable. I purchased a bright 81mm equivalent prime for family shots and I'm hoping to repurpose an old zoom for reaching out. I realize that might be a stretch. I'm hoping the step up in image quality will be worth wearing a fanny pack to haul it around. Only time will tell. I do know that it's been 10 years since I purchased my Samsung and that I'm excited about the possibilities this new camera will let me explore. It's been 17 years since I've owned a camera capable of bokeh.