Fujifilm X-M1?

That's what she said

Ok, so here's my deal.

I want to either buy a pocket point and shoot for under $300 or upgrade to a camera I can grow into as I learn more about photography. I would still like to have a point and shoot for times when carrying a larger camera is not likely to happen. I have a Sony DSC-H5 that's just ok. It's a little too big to be considered a pocket camera and it's uses are limited.

I don't want to spend $500 - $700 on the best point and shoot out there, when I could use that money towards a better Nikon in the future with interchangeable lenses.

As I look at reviews of interchangeable lens cameras, interestingly the Fujifilm XM1 is ranked higher than some of the Nikons:

http://www.dpreview.com/products/slrs/statistics

It's a really small camera, so it could potentially fill the roll of both types of camera I would like to have.

Anybody have any opinions? Should I wait for this?

WaterEngineer

I would suggest one of the Oly or Panasonic 4/3s cameras because the system is more mature and the lenses are better. The Oly OM-D is a fantastic little camera.

I have fondles and played with the files off of the Oly. They are very close to high grade consumer (DX) files. What I don't really get is why lenses cost so much.

Of course there is the Sony NEX line up. I wanted to like these cameras but the lenses just suck. Who knows what Sony was thinking.

I really like Fuji's new sensor and color rendition. I have used and played with the X10, X100 and X1-Pro. I really like them all for different reasons. If Fuji would fix their focus speed, accuracy of AF and build out a few really great lenses, I could see myself owning the X1-Pro for street and travel photography, even though I would be committing to a second line of lenses.

The DPReview.com page you link to is a "views" page. That makes sens since the Fuji you write about just hit the market. It isn't a camera rating (quality) page.

I think you need to give us more info about what you want to shoot or do shoot so we can offer more cogent, complete advice.

You will find most posting here to be DSLR-oriented photographers because that suits the need of the big, long optics some of us use for action photography.

However, if you don't need big, long optics then that opens up a lot of cameras. I also really like the Oly I cite above. It, too, would make a great street and travel camera because of its small size and light weight. And the 4/3s consortium has worked to build some good quality, mature lenses.

Also, do you have a budget in mind?

That's what she said

Thanks for your response, WE. You are right, I did not notice that the link to the DPreview page was a "views only". I was hunting around for reviews and wound up there.

I guess I would spend up to about $1200 for a good camera that is useable for the novice and has potential for being a great camera once I learn more about photography and how to use it. It's been years since I used a camera that I had to set aperture, shutter speed, etc.

I am primarily interested in nature photography, i.e. birds, wildlife, landscapes, etc.

I also travel a fair bit, which is what makes me think I should also get a decent little point and shoot. Lugging a bigger camera all over the world isn't as convenient as having one you can just pull out of a pocket.

So, essentially I want two cameras. I would rather put my money in the better one and just pick up a less expensive, but decent point and shoot.

WaterEngineer

OK, what are we shopping for, a nature/bird camera or a travel camera?

For a good camera that will last a long time, the big boys camera I would buy is a Nikon D7100 w/ 18-105mm lens, which is slightly higher than the upper limit of your budget. The Canon guys will disagree but their DX format cameras do not compare, for the moment.

Also, I stand by my thoughts about the Oly OM-D, Fuji X-1 Pro, X100s and X20 for travel/street cameras.

A Canon S110 of Sony RX100 (or whatever the latest versions are) for a pocket P&S. Unfortunately, a good P&S costs money.

An interesting and as yet, untested camera is the Samsung NX-300, small interchangeable lens and the first to market with a wifi connection direct upload from the camera, straight to your social media pages.

One thing I would definitely watch for (with the exclusion of a pocket P&S) is having as many controls at your finger tips, ready to use, so you do not have to drill down into several screens of LED menus to change settings, such as ISO or aperture. The Oly and the Fuji cameras, I cite above are made with direct access knobs just like a 35mm DSLR. The Samsung, not so much.