Camera recommendation for an easy to use point and shoot

[cptwhite_uk]

I've been using my smartphone for my photos for a good few years now. I previously had a Sony Nex-3 which could take amazing photos, but the charging was always fiddly, and the transferring of files was a pain, and the dialing in of settings was interesting at first but then became a chore, and the UI was slow and dated.

After owning that I realise what's important to me - I just want a point and shoot than takes DLSR style photos with a simple point and click operation, in as compact a body as possible. The Sony RX100 (?) compact line was always appealing, but I just couldn't justify the outlay.

If I had a budget of £300 for something that's going to get me superior image quality, and is easy to use and (ideally) automatically uploads my images to my Google Photos library, is there anything that would fit the bill, or am I asking too much from too little a budget?

[kalniel]

What do you need that you can't get with your smartphone camera? Just better image quality? If so, in what circumstances in particular?

[cptwhite_uk]

I miss the DSLR quality you got from the NEX3. While phone cameras are great for everyday use, usetimes I do wish I had a dedicated shooter. So yeah just generally better image quality for everyday use.

[kalniel]

Panasonic Lumix LX15 is close to your budget at £350 from John Lewis - 1" sensor (like RX100) etc. Or look for second hand RX100s as they have had several models but they all have great image quality - I have an early one and still use it.

You won't get automatic synching to google photos by default, but it should be possible to set that up via your computer and Google Drive so it happens when you plug the camera in.

EDIT: or maybe you can - later models and the Lumix LX15 have wifi so you should be able to transfer to your google drive over wifi and thus your Photos library.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The Panasonic LX15 and Sony RX100 III are around £350,so are worth a gander at IMHO. Also it might be worth checking in your local Cash Converters,etc as I managed to get a a very good conditon RX100 for under £100. Have you also looked at a secondhand compact mirrorless camera? Something like one of the Olympus Pen line or a Fujfilm XE3.

[g8ina]

I use a Canon G series for my infrareds, the G11 and G12 are amazing if basic. The 12 has RAW, thats the only difference.

[cptwhite_uk]

Thanks eveyone I'll check out all the models mentioned

[Bobster]

if you want instant upload to google, you're probably better off sticking with your phone and a smart lens?

how about https://www.maplin.co.uk/kodak-sl25-...f=157&fp=51768

[ik9000]

do maplin still exist? Who knew!