New Camera Suggestions

I have a a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS 30. Paid about $400 three years ago. There may be a newer model. It's small even in a case and has good zoom which is important to me. There's lots of auto modes. I especially like the museum mode for shooting through glass and the hand held night shot mode when you don't have a tripod. It has a horizontal level line to so you can avoid tilty shots. Also has manual setting options and wifi capability. Haven't used the wifi yet. Had to get used to internal battery charging but I have a portable charger I carry if I think I will be taking tons of pics. My husband uses a DSLR and we both shoot some with our phones as well so lots of photos for us.

500 pounds or dollars? I haven't checked lately but 1£ seems to be worth a bajillion Canadian dollars even after brexit.

I suggest you look at a Sony RX100. (I am actually a Canon fan). There are at least four versions with various levels of features which should fall within your budget. This is a camera that many professional photographers will carry instead of their pro DSLR's.

The two features which make the RX100 stand out are:

1. A big 1 inch sensor. The bigger the sensor, the more details it can capture with less noise. 1 inch is huge compared to point a shoots. This is almost getting to DSLR territory.

2. Large aperture lens. It has a low "f-number" which means it has a big hole in the front to let a lot of light into the camera. In photography, the amount and and quality of the light is what allows you to take good photgraphs. And f-number of less than 2.0 is an indication of a good lens.

As far as i am concerned the other features are fluff and convenience. Big zooms, wifi, gps are often thrown in. Nice features to have, but usually do not improve image quality. If you look at a 30x or 60x zoom, you will find that the f-number increases substantially e.g greater than 6.3 (hole gets smaller compared to length of the lens). You can take pictures of things that are far away with a mega-zoom, but only under very bright conditions and often with fuzziness. But if the pictures from a big zoom camera look good to your eye, then go for it.

A final note, a sharp and composed photo on a cheap point and shoot always beats a blurry and crooked photo on an expensive pro DSLR. The point is to learn some basic techniques and you will have nicer images.

What funpig said. I realize I'm like a broken record with this, but I love my Sony RX-100. The Wifi version would be nice, but for $499, the base model is a whole lot of camera for the reasons mentioned. This shot was taken in the easy to use manual mode, but auto is a snap too, it has proved indispensable to me for quick, easy shots.

https://thecedarchest.smugmug.com/Provence-2014Gordes-Roussillon/i-VD9GB9R/A

So here is some advice that was given to me by a photographer who worked at a camera store. Stick to the companies that specialize in making cameras not companies that make electronics. I have a Cannon point and shoot which I adore it has a great zoom and you can play with the settings, and a Nikon DSLR that is my baby. I would not recommend the DSLR for you as you said you don't like lugging things around. So, I would stick to the P&S.

Apple makes a device that allows you to stick your SIM card into it and hook it to the Ipad, It might be able to hook to the Iphone, but since I have a older ipad, I cant try to use it for my phone. It is about $20.00, I don't know how much it would be in pounds.

Scott Kelby does some Digital Photography books that are easy to read and apply to taking pictures for your blog, I have read books one and two and noticed a big difference, your library might have them.

The one thing I don't like about my iphone for photos, is the ISO settings. So in low light i get a ton of noise (aka a grainy look) I know the iphone advertises sharp images, but I just can't get them sharp enough for my liking. But in a pinch I will use it.

Here's another vote for the Panasonic Lumix cameras. We've owned quite a few of them over the years as I like to lost them as I travel around. They are just so simple to use and the pictures look great. I've tried a few other brands and I just find the Panasonic ones to be the simplest.

Apple makes a device that allows you to stick your SIM card into it and hook it to the Ipad, It might be able to hook to the Iphone, but since I have a older ipad, I cant try to use it for my phone. It is about $20.00, I don't know how much it would be in pounds.

I think you mean SD card. This is the Apple "SD Card Camera Reader" that I use. I haven't tried it with the iPhone, but it works great with my iPad: http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJYT2AM/A/lightning-to-sd-card-camera-reader

The one thing I don't like about my iphone for photos, is the ISO settings. So in low light i get a ton of noise (aka a grainy look) I know the iphone advertises sharp images, but I just can't get them sharp enough for my liking. But in a pinch I will use it.

There is software available to get rid of "noise" in a photo after you download it to your computer. I use "Aurora HDR" by Macphun, a $39 package that does a lot of great enhancements to photos besides just noise reduction, or "Noiseless CK" ($60) which does an even better job of eliminating noise without ruining detail.

I suggest looking into a camera in the Micro Four Thirds product line (made by several vendors). I have been very happy with mine. There is an article about them at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro_Four_Thirds_system

The sensor is much larger than the ones in point-and-shoot cameras, although not quite as big as you'll get in a DSLR (as shown on that page). The word "micro" comes in because these types of cameras don't have the mirror used in a DSLR. In a DSLR the mirror sends the image from the lens to the eyepiece you look thru, then swings out of the way when you take a picture and the image hits the digital sensor. In these cameras they instead turn the sensor on and display the image on a LCD screen. Without the mirror the camera becomes significantly smaller and lighter.

But since the sensor is much bigger than a point-and-shoot you can take good pictures in dim lighting. Micro Four Thirds cameras typically offer interchangeable lenses if you want that, or you can use a single lens that goes from wide-angle to modest zoom. While these cameras are not pocket size, mine is jacket-pocket size so its not a burden to carry. As for wifi and sync mine doesn't have that but it's a few years old; the newer ones likely do.

I'm like you, not very sophisticated, and I'm cheaper than you. I'm happy with my Canon ELPH 350 HS, which I think cost about $200 a year or so back. Fits in my pocket, generally does fine on "automatic" setting, has a 12X optical zoom which is plenty for me. The battery has a separate plug-in charger.

I like to keep the camera in my front pocket where it's handy but not conspicuous. I know I'm not fooling anyone about being a tourist but I don't see the point of advertising it. My friends with their big DSLRs take better pictures than I do, but I think it's about talent as much as equipment. Lacking one, I see no point in investing in the other. ;-)

from what you have said, I think your on the right track. one thing you probably enjoyed with your phone is how compact it is. easy to put in your pocket and get out at a seconds notice. not heavy to carry etc.
These features are what makes a travel camera a delight to have. so as others have said have a good hard look at the the sony rx100, canon gx7 ( or anything similar, newer variants etc, to these, or like the older canon s series, ie s100 etc) that are good to use in LOW light, with wide angle ( 24mm for taking in more scenery) telephoto can be overrated IMO. digital cameras can zoom using digital, if required and your lens is to its limits.
(while I can see why people like interchangeable lenses ( mirror less etc), I have yet to see one that still offers the compactness as mentioned above. ) For what you are asking for !

IMO stick with a good compact camera. try one in a shop to see if you can easily carry it around and don't be fooled by 'bigger is better' unless you are happy with carrying a bigger camera??
forget about how many megapixels, all of these types of 'good' compact cameras will be good.
buy yourself a couple of say 8- 16gbit memory cards, and swap them during your trip so you don't keep all your trip on one card.
wifi can be suspect sometimes , so don't rely on downloading/backing up photos by wifi. look at an alternate method.

hope this helps.

In case OP is unaware of these recent threads:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/small-cameras-for-travel

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/camera-for-europe-trip-nikon-d3300-vs-canon-rebel-sl1

Regardless which camera you end up with, heed these advice:

http://www.zdnet.com/article/why-you-should-never-buy-a-new-camera-right-before-a-vacation/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0uoFNTVgaM

If all you want is to put your snapshots on a blog then an inexpensive point and shoot camera will do the trick as the picture is quite small so I would suggest you stick with your iPhone and buy a lens for it. However, as you are already thinking bigger maybe you need more than this...cameras are like boats, IMO, you keep buying larger ones, and they are lots of fun. (My husband keeps buying better cameras so we have quite a selection.) So, if you have any thought that you might want to take good photographs, rather than tourist snapshots, I will suggest a different avenue. When I travel without a car, I take our inexpensive, essentially introductory camera, a Canon EOS T2i (they will have a new model now). I suggest this one because it can work like an automatic camera, but as you branch out, you can use a few manual settings or all of them to make your photographs even better. This camera with lens fits in my purse or daybag. It is not particularly heavy, but it is larger than a pocket camera. I choose a lens for travel considering strongly the weight of the lens as the weight of the lens is a consideration rather than choosing the perfect lens. I find it is not the camera base that is so heavy but some lenses (purely talking EOS camera here). If there is any chance you will want to print a decent size photograph or might actually enjoy photography, I recommend this DSLR. For example, I have taken my camera with the 50mm lens only. I have not been disappointed with the photographs...it does require you to compose your picture and move your body rather than your camera lens, but that works. This time I am considering the kit 15mm-70mm lens... I'd rather have the good camera base than multiple lens capabilities. So, to summarize, the weight of the camera is not necessarily the camera base, but rather the the choice of lens...stick to one (or two small ones, and carry one at a time). This camera will allow you to grow over time as maybe you'd like to print some cards or put a print on your wall someday, if so, get one to take photos that will look good beyond your computer.

I'll add that my husband also has one of those versatile, expensive, point and shoot cameras, which I keep picking up and putting down. It just doesn't do enough for me...and he hasn't really used it. It is a Nikon Coolpix P7800. Picking it up it is about the same weight as the EOS with the kit lens...and it is limiting in size of prints, etc. It would fit in a man's pocket...not any I own. Of course, it would easily fit in a purse.

There is no right answer, just many, many considerations. Wray

PS: And I'll add, the best camera is the one you will have with you.

Thanks for the tips so far! Since adding additional lenses to an iPhone was brought up, has anyone done this? Unless they cost a small fortune, most online do not seem well reviewed.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

My wife was looking through some rewards for some expiring reward miles and asked if I wanted a camera. I have ordered a Pentax K-S2, an entry level DSLR. As the price with shipping was free, the price was right. If it works out for me, great, if not, I guess I will flip it and try to find something that will work better for my needs.

Cheers.

IWN, good for you. With the exception of a recent pancake lens, all my camera equipment the last 10 years have been via Airmiles reward.

That Pentax is a lot of camera. Take the time to learn all of its features and photography techniques. The beauty of digital is that you can snap away and learn from mistakes without worrying about film or processing costs.

... the best camera is the one you will have with you.

AND one you know how to operate well.

I have a point and shoot Canon; it is a few years old now. It has 18 times zoom which I love and I would like to trade up to more zoom. I like architectural details, so the zoom is well used on my camera. It does not have a wide angle mode. Very easy to use. Mine was under 300 at least 3 years ago. I have seen wi fi models since then.

I suggest that you go to a good camera store, where you can ask a pile of questions and get some instructions on the usage. I have taken a couple of continuing education courses on photography with a P&S and they were very helpful. I mostly use the camera on the auto mode, though I have an option to work in Manual.

I agree with another poster is that you have to know how to work the camera. If you have a good camera and cannot use it well, it is fairly useless to you.

Have a good trip.

Get the latest iPhone. Learn to use it. Done.

I am totally serious. I have blown up stuff for billboards from an iPhone 5. You would be surprised with what you can do if you spend 30 mins to 1 hour reading about it.

And besides being your camera it is your phone/internet connection, translator, travel guide, etc.

Full disclosure: I use a Canon MKIII, carry a g10 backup, an iPhone 6S, with an iPhone 5 backup. Heavy (esp. with the tripod I carry to CRAZY places).

I have blown up stuff for billboards from an iPhone 5.

You mean like these?

https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/15/shot-on-iphone/

“A lot of photographers think that if they buy a better camera they’ll be able to take better photographs. A better camera won’t do a thing for you if you don’t have anything in your head or in your heart.” - Arnold Newman

“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.” - Ansel Adams

“The important thing is not the camera but the eye.” - Alfred Eisenstaedt

Amen.

I think some people have provided some good suggestions but until you are happy with your iPhone shots I wonder if you will be happy with pics taken with a (high-end?) point-and-shoot camera. And keep in mind that your iPhone, at least 4S and up, IS a good point and shoot camera. I have the Canon G10 & G11, both p&s's, and while they are incredible on a tripod it takes A LOT of effort to get them to consistently produce what I get off of my iPhone 5 & 6S and my MKIII without a tripod.

Also, no matter what p&s camera you buy, your iPhone will still be easier to carry, easier to get out, and easier to get a shot off from.

I love my MKIII and my 5 & 6S. They are incredible. If you are willing to go big, get a decent full-frame DSLR. If not, go iPhone, get to know it, take a lot of pics in the run-up to the trip, LOOK AT those photos, and then take it on the road. Your iPhone photos will look much better than the poorly frame but crystal clear photos of the rest. And they will be pretty crystal clear to boot ;). My $0.02.

Also, esp. for blog use, use the iPhone's panoramic mode every now and then to 'really capture' your environment.

Here is a quick place to look for some quick tips:

http://iphonephotographyschool.com/quick-tips/

Also check out 'golden ratio' and 'rule of thirds'.

While the OP has settled on a choice, this recommendation might be useful for others who view this thread. I'm really enjoying the Canon G9X which contains a 1 inch sensor yet truly fits in my pocket. It's the most travel friendly of my collection. It helps me keep my carry on weight under 26 lbs while offering better quality than my phone and its results have rivaled those of my larger DSLR. The retro silver is super attractive as well. http://www.trustedreviews.com/canon-g9-x-review

Thanks again for all the help.

As I mentioned in the OP, I am pretty happy with the results of my iphone photo's, and feel like I have gotten pretty proficient with the iPhone camera. What I looking at was trying to expand on what I was already producing.

Since I actually already stated, but seems to have been over looked a bit, I already ordered a DSLR for free using some air miles that were about to expire. As the price was free, I am not really losing anything by trying something new.

All the best.

IWN, how do you like the Pentax?

Well, I have yet to develop into a professional photographer and am not sure I can provide much of a review.

I am still getting accustomed to the camera but it is much better in low light situations than my iPhone. It seems easy to use for the most part. The wifi capability and app are terrible and actually use an SD card reader as mentioned above to transfer photos to my iPad/iPhone. In terms of picture quality, I have taken some winners and losers. In very bright light, sometimes my iPhone is actually better with regards to glare and sun spots.

Portability is a factor as well. I will be travelling to Morocco soon on a very small luggage restriction, 8kg, and may just leave it at home.

So far I am happy to be able to experiment with an essentially free camera, but also happy I did not shell out for a very expensive DSLR. I am also happy that I have been actively trying to take better pictures which has yielded greater results than any camera.