The words “compact camera” or “point-and-shoot” have long been synonymous with convenience. You can slip them in your trouser pocket, drop them in a bag along with your wallet and keys, and even sneak one into a concert if you have a knack for putting on a poker face – all things you cannot do with a DSLR.
However, even only two or three years ago, convenience called for compromise. The image quality and performance of compact cameras, though much improved over the years, was only enough to satisfy the most casual of users; people who cared about capturing memories and sharing them online. A professional photographer would never have considered dumping his DSLR for a compact on informal occasions, much less for professional work. If worst came to worst, he would simply use the camera on his smartphone for casual shots. In fact, in recent years smartphones have become the most popular cameras because of how easy and immediate it is to share content with the world.
[Read more…] about Fujifilm X20 vs. Sony RX100 II: Compact no longer means compromise