Jersey pocket camera recommendations?

[Coluber42]

Anyone have recommendations for a waterproof point-and--shoot camera? I've had a little Canon one for some years, and what I like about it is that it's waterproof and it's fairly easy to keep it in my jersey pocket, and turn it on and take a photo with one hand.

My biggest complaint about the one I have is that it really sucks in low light even compared to my cell phone camera. I'm not expecting to get great shots on rides in the middle of the night, but I'd like to get better pictures in the evening, in the rain, or inside.

Bluetooth connectivity would be nice, too, or some other way of getting pictures directly from the camera to my phone.

Other than that, it has to be sturdy, waterproof, fast and easy to operate one-handed, and either get decent battery life or at least have spare batteries available.

Anybody have any favorites?

[joosttx]

I have ridden with the original (v1.0) Sony RX 100 camera in my jersey pocket for almost every ride for two years now. It work great, small and takes a great shot. Click the link for pictures I have taken with it. I highly recommend getting one.

http://bike-ride-pics.tumblr.com

[thirdgenbird]

An smartphone and a ziplock bag.

This is what I do. The pictures are nearly as good as budget point and shoots and I'm carrying it regardless.

If I wanted better pictures, I would look at the rx100.

[Coluber42]

Thanks for the suggestion on the RX100, I'll look into it.

The problem with a smartphone is that it's just too awkward to use with one hand, especially from inside a bag. I'm not particularly naturally inclined toward snapping constant photos, so if it isn't really quick and easy I just don't bother (and then later sort of wish I had!). With my phone, I only take photos while stopped, so that means I have lot of pictures of my bike leaning against buildings, but none of interesting roadside sights or of friends riding down the road.

EDIT:
Actually, maybe I should say more explicitly that fast one-handed operation on the "auto" setting is really my top priority - and that means it has to be waterproof, too, because anything I keep in my jersey pocket is going to get sweated and rained on. I know that means sacrificing some image quality and some control over settings, and that's fine. A much as I might tell myself that next time I'll stop to take photos of interesting things, when I actually get out on a ride I don't actually do that.
The bottom line that if it isn't fast and easy with one hand, beautiful image quality won't do me any good because I just won't bother taking any at all, except maybe one or two of people milling around a gas station.

[thirdgenbird]

I should have clarified, I take my phone out of the bag. It can be done with a single hand, but two makes it go faster. It's not ideal for on the fly shots, but it's been done.

[bcroslin]

There's been several threads on this exact subject over the last 6 months with a ton of good info of small pocketable cameras. Try searching the general discussion forum.

[joosttx]

I should have clarified, I take my phone out of the bag. It can be done with a single hand, but two makes it go faster. It's not ideal for on the fly shots, but it's been done.

My experience is that camera phone are tough to work like you say "on the fly". I think that having a small camera is better because 1) it totally easy to operate with one hand while riding, and 2) takes a better quality picture. With the RX 100 I mentioned above I put straight my pocket lens facing outward. I only put it in a ziplock bag when I ride in the rain

[R3awak3n]

I dunno, if I was to take a camera with me it would nothing less than a fuji x100 or similar but its a bit bulky for that so all I take is my phone. I fell some of the more pocketable cameras take as good pics as my iphone

[weisan]

I have ridden with the original (v1.0) Sony RX 100 camera in my jersey pocket for almost every ride for two years now. It work great, small and takes a great shot. Click the link for pictures I have taken with it. I highly recommend getting one.

http://bike-ride-pics.tumblr.com

er...joos pal, I think you better set up some realistic expectations with the rx100 or else someone is gonna be disappointed...I mean, the camera is nice and all but it's the person who operates behind the machine and knows what he's doing that counts. :p I went over and looked at some of your pictures...they are AWESOME!
obviously from someone who know a thing or two about good composition, different light conditions, depth of field...:banana: if you don't mind, this is my "favorite", thanks for sharing.
http://41.media.tumblr.com/8ccfb0af7af0184a83349654f7aaa2f9/tumblr_nlq77iCNNQ1s31ei7o1_1280.jpg

[krhea]

I have two cameras specifically for on bike use: Canon S90/95(I also have one of these in every car) and an Olympus TG-2 waterproof.
It really depends on what you're using your "on bike" pics for. I know each camera's limitations and for my use they both do an excellent job. The Canon is smaller with what I feel is better resolution but it's not waterproof, shock resistant etc. I also like the fact the Olympus lens is always "ready" and does not retract into the body and "close". Both cameras are true "jersey" pocket cameras. The last Canon s90/95 I purchased was about 4 months ago used on CL for $75.
All I'm looking to do on bike is record my ride, snap some cool pics and I'm happy. As someone mentioned, it's about the shooter as much if not more then the camera. I own a Fuji 100 series and would never use it on the bike. The vast majority of my shots are taken from the saddle so I need something I can use and still feel in control of the bike. I also don't expect the same results as my dslr's with high end glass.

Some examples:

Olympus-
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3865/15201020909_2f96fba246_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pagcVp)P8251284 (https://flic.kr/p/pagcVp) by KRhea FrzFrmFoto (https://www.flickr.com/people/87340476@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14201834323_805d661e82_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nCY7yt)P5130069 (https://flic.kr/p/nCY7yt) by KRhea FrzFrmFoto (https://www.flickr.com/people/87340476@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/14353228735_4bcfd81fe0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nSm3QX)PB210737 (https://flic.kr/p/nSm3QX) by KRhea FrzFrmFoto (https://www.flickr.com/people/87340476@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7599/16752948110_152ddefe14_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rwpeNW)P3261626 (https://flic.kr/p/rwpeNW) by KRhea FrzFrmFoto (https://www.flickr.com/people/87340476@N07/), on Flickr

Canon:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3849/14355587656_f126177a00_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nSy951)IMG_0967 (https://flic.kr/p/nSy951) by KRhea FrzFrmFoto (https://www.flickr.com/people/87340476@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5557/14375324131_236da36aeb_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nUii34)IMG_0971 (https://flic.kr/p/nUii34) by KRhea FrzFrmFoto (https://www.flickr.com/people/87340476@N07/), on Flickr

[redir]

I have a Cannon Elf that takes some really incredibly good quality point and shott pics but since I got my Galaxy S5 that's my main point and shoot. Plus I can run GPS, Strava and other apps at the same time. Also it's water proof and doesn't need to go in a bag so it's quick access.


Anyway the Elf is a good camera.

[Lewis Moon]

An smartphone and a ziplock bag.

This is what I do. The pictures are nearly as good as budget point and shoots and I'm carrying it regardless.

If I wanted better pictures, I would look at the rx100.

This. The iPhone camera is really good nd it gives you the option of mailing your epic pics to your couch potato friends on the fly.

[Lewis Moon]

I have a Cannon Elf that takes some really incredibly good quality point and shott pics but since I got my Galaxy S5 that's my main point and shoot. Plus I can run GPS, Strava and other apps at the same time. Also it's water proof and doesn't need to go in a bag so it's quick access.


Anyway the Elf is a good camera.

One of my BFFs is a photog and she likes the elf as a "carry around" camera.

[nublar]

Can't go wrong with an RX-1 or LX100

Anyone have recommendations for a waterproof point-and--shoot camera? I've had a little Canon one for some years, and what I like about it is that it's waterproof and it's fairly easy to keep it in my jersey pocket, and turn it on and take a photo with one hand.

My biggest complaint about the one I have is that it really sucks in low light even compared to my cell phone camera. I'm not expecting to get great shots on rides in the middle of the night, but I'd like to get better pictures in the evening, in the rain, or inside.

Bluetooth connectivity would be nice, too, or some other way of getting pictures directly from the camera to my phone.

Other than that, it has to be sturdy, waterproof, fast and easy to operate one-handed, and either get decent battery life or at least have spare batteries available.

Anybody have any favorites?

[adampaiva]

another recommendation for the Sony RX100. I have the Mark II version and really love it. The Mark III has a better lens.
It's not waterproof and is not cheap but very jersey pocketable and quality is really excellent - just as good as my interchangeable lens micro 4/3 camera. For example I took this shot (https://www.flickr.com/photos/adampaiva/15762016188/in/photolist-q1QsgN-qidYpg-pmDgWV-pmpEqG-q1Qrjh-qidYR8-qg7RLW-qidpBc-qidkoc-q1YsKr-qijX2L-qijZdj-q1Qqhu-fjFvM4-fjVYX1-fjXng5-fjWhGq-fjFs7F-fjVMRb-fjGGsv-fjXk8C-fjGW7e-fjFLRn-fjHfB4-fjWdqJ-fjGgUa-fjXafb-fjGent-fjVGi1-fjGo9P-fjWC9b-fjXuyu-fjX2g1-fjWuDs-pmsa6J-q1SUzL-qio855-pms9yS-qiruj6-q22zqz-pmsb6j-pmsdD5-q22xdZ-q212St-q215Ti-pmsceG-q1TwU1-pms8UL-qigtUe-q1SY5m) and printed it 11 x 14 and it is crystal clear excellent quality.

[joosttx]

er...joos pal, I think you better set up some realistic expectations with the rx100 or else someone is gonna be disappointed...I mean, the camera is nice and all but it's the person who operates behind the machine and knows what he's doing that counts. :p I went over and looked at some of your pictures...they are AWESOME!
obviously from someone who know a thing or two about good composition, different light conditions, depth of field...:banana: if you don't mind, this is my "favorite", thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the nice words. if you do a 180 turn you see a view of HWY 101 and San Quentin prison.

Except at night I rarely spend more the 15 seconds taking a picture most of the time I still riding when I take a pic. I keep the setting on auto and don't worry about Apeture settings and ISO stuff. At night the shots are setup usually.

Best riding pictures are in the momet that's why a durable sturdy small camera that fits into your jersey is best for cycling. I think thinking about it ruins the ride and the shot. Take the Dash Snow approach to it.

I download all my photos into Apeture and run them through NIK software HDR filter. Takes about 10 minutes at the most. The nik software which is $150 forgives lots of sins.

[weisan]

>>The nik software which is $150 forgives lots of sins.

That's the secret sauce. :banana:

[eBAUMANN]

ive heard good things about the latest sony stuff but i personally ride with a ricoh gr. (http://www.amazon.com/Ricoh-GR-Digital-3-0-Inch-Backlit/dp/B00CGY4N7Y)

the key is a (relatively) large sensor and good quality lens.

also easy one-handed use if you like to shoot while riding.

the GR ticks all those boxes for me.

[Uncle Jam's Army]

Neither the Sony nor the Ricoh camera is waterproof or water resistant, right?

[joosttx]

Neither the Sony nor the Ricoh camera is waterproof or water resistant, right?

The sony is not. But very durable. Mine has been wet from rain and sweat and still works great

[carlineng]

Very different from other cameras (not trying at all to take high quality photos), but a friend of mine carries one of these (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1086896&gclid=CjwKEAjw0q2pBRC3jrb24JjE8VgSJAAyIzAdHntOzvce _EUqDtcayG5PcTndKjZhSJNP0e-Ope0L7xoCOafw_wcB&Q=&is=REG&A=details) in his jersey pocket. The wide angle lens lets him take pretty good action shots at interesting angles. Here's an example:

https://instagram.com/p/007HfHjpRb/?taken-by=jason5milliron

The form factor is also perfect for riding. One button, one action. No fumbling with an expensive phone or camera.

[jghall]

Agree the Sony rx100 is a nice camera. Fairly rugged too. If truly needing water/resistant proof though, I'd look at the Olympus TG3 or the Panny Lumix.

[Coluber42]

Very different from other cameras (not trying at all to take high quality photos), but a friend of mine carries one of these (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1086896&gclid=CjwKEAjw0q2pBRC3jrb24JjE8VgSJAAyIzAdHntOzvce _EUqDtcayG5PcTndKjZhSJNP0e-Ope0L7xoCOafw_wcB&Q=&is=REG&A=details) in his jersey pocket. The wide angle lens lets him take pretty good action shots at interesting angles. Here's an example:

https://instagram.com/p/007HfHjpRb/?taken-by=jason5milliron

The form factor is also perfect for riding. One button, one action. No fumbling with an expensive phone or camera.

Wow, that looks like exactly what I want! I think I'm sold!

[bcgav]

Very different from other cameras (not trying at all to take high quality photos), but a friend of mine carries one of these (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1086896&gclid=CjwKEAjw0q2pBRC3jrb24JjE8VgSJAAyIzAdHntOzvce _EUqDtcayG5PcTndKjZhSJNP0e-Ope0L7xoCOafw_wcB&Q=&is=REG&A=details) in his jersey pocket. The wide angle lens lets him take pretty good action shots at interesting angles. Here's an example:

https://instagram.com/p/007HfHjpRb/?taken-by=jason5milliron

The form factor is also perfect for riding. One button, one action. No fumbling with an expensive phone or camera.

Wow, that looks like exactly what I want! I think I'm sold!

Thanks for sharing. I just pulled the trigger on one of those as well. I've been looking for a camera that I can use one handed to pull out quickly while riding for spontaneous shots, that is waterproof, fairly durable, and one where I wouldn't lose hundreds of dollars if I dropped it. I usually use my iPhone 6 for composed shots, and it does a great job.

Hope to have it in time for Battenkill!

[ptourkin]

Wow, that looks like exactly what I want! I think I'm sold!

Yes, thanks. I had no idea this existed. Perfect for brevets and other stuff where the idea of stopping stresses me out but I want to capture the moment.

$123 on Amazon.

[soulspinner]

I have a Cannon Elf that takes some really incredibly good quality point and shott pics but since I got my Galaxy S5 that's my main point and shoot. Plus I can run GPS, Strava and other apps at the same time. Also it's water proof and doesn't need to go in a bag so it's quick access.


Anyway the Elf is a good camera.

I have an Elf and it seems to meet my needs, but they are pretty minimal.

[eBAUMANN]

Neither the Sony nor the Ricoh camera is waterproof or water resistant, right?

resistant yes, proof, no.

i keep my ricoh in a waterproof handlbar bag when going on rides i know ill want good pics from. (http://ridemetal.tumblr.com/post/56707328582/here-are-a-few-shots-of-the-handlebar-setup-that-i) makes it super easy to access while riding and keeps your jersey pockets light.

if its just a ride around my typical routes, i just bring my iphone, which makes a pretty good camera in its own right.

[mcteague]

I have an RX100 as well but don't generally carry it on the bike. While it is small, the sensor is much larger than most of its competition, making it capable of similar quality images to DSLR cameras. Only real downside, other than money, is the LCD only viewer\display. Sony's is better than most but can still be tough to use in sunlight.

Tim

[pmac]

The current RX100 has a viewfinder, so you don't need to use the LCD back display. This also makes it easier to use, at least for me, since you can use the viewfinder to turn the camera on and off, don't need to hit that tiny button.

[mcteague]

The current RX100 has a viewfinder, so you don't need to use the LCD back display. This also makes it easier to use, at least for me, since you can use the viewfinder to turn the camera on and off, don't need to hit that tiny button.

As an option. Pretty much takes away the compact nature of the thing.

Tim

[mcteague]

As an option. Pretty much takes away the compact nature of the thing.

Tim

Nevermind, found the series III has it built in.

Tim

[joosttx]

I have an RX100 as well but don't generally carry it on the bike. While it is small, the sensor is much larger than most of its competition, making it capable of similar quality images to DSLR cameras. Only real downside, other than money, is the LCD only viewer\display. Sony's is better than most but can still be tough to use in sunlight.

Tim

Yeah, its never been an issue for me. I just quickly look at the LCD if that at all and snap then back in the jersey and keep riding.

[weisan]

http://www.apple.com/iphone/world-gallery/

[bcgav]

Very different from other cameras (not trying at all to take high quality photos), but a friend of mine carries one of these (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1086896&gclid=CjwKEAjw0q2pBRC3jrb24JjE8VgSJAAyIzAdHntOzvce _EUqDtcayG5PcTndKjZhSJNP0e-Ope0L7xoCOafw_wcB&Q=&is=REG&A=details) in his jersey pocket. The wide angle lens lets him take pretty good action shots at interesting angles. Here's an example:

https://instagram.com/p/007HfHjpRb/?taken-by=jason5milliron

The form factor is also perfect for riding. One button, one action. No fumbling with an expensive phone or camera.

Thanks again for this recommendation. This camera works perfectly for spontaneous candid shots while riding, easy to grab quickly from my jersey pocket without missing a beat. The photo and video quality is excellent, you can change the aspect ratio from 16:9 to 4:3 as well as resolution. Lots of other cool features like the ability to direct upload/backup photos over Wifi to DropBox or Google Drive.

A couple of quick shots from Battenkill yesterday. When I pulled it out to take the photo of the cows in the first shot I was still in the main field and another rider saw me grab it quickly out of my jersey to take the shot then quickly stow it all in about 5 seconds and he said, "That's so cool!".

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n576/TAG_Balllistic/88C24905-75D1-4C18-A556-8CC4BC520BE2_zpsmvyqxtsj.jpg (http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/TAG_Balllistic/media/88C24905-75D1-4C18-A556-8CC4BC520BE2_zpsmvyqxtsj.jpg.html)

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n576/TAG_Balllistic/6845D235-5F60-46AE-9460-38D3B8106D73_zpsnfwwqxkj.jpg (http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/TAG_Balllistic/media/6845D235-5F60-46AE-9460-38D3B8106D73_zpsnfwwqxkj.jpg.html)

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n576/TAG_Balllistic/E350F31D-7BBE-4599-BB06-50E4D9D91D01_zpspqf2faor.jpg (http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/TAG_Balllistic/media/E350F31D-7BBE-4599-BB06-50E4D9D91D01_zpspqf2faor.jpg.html)

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n576/TAG_Balllistic/D39D1B4E-E56C-416E-8FE6-B6FA3C33A5BC_zpscgojwfou.jpg (http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/TAG_Balllistic/media/D39D1B4E-E56C-416E-8FE6-B6FA3C33A5BC_zpscgojwfou.jpg.html)

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n576/TAG_Balllistic/DC202C38-0245-44F8-98B5-1B85050DE264_zps20rc5cjn.jpg (http://s1140.photobucket.com/user/TAG_Balllistic/media/DC202C38-0245-44F8-98B5-1B85050DE264_zps20rc5cjn.jpg.html)

[oldpotatoe]

http://www.apple.com/iphone/world-gallery/

Yup, even my iphone 4 was a way better camera than I was a photographer.

[malcolm]

Olympus TG series is a very nice point and shoot and waterproof and extremely rugged. It's a little bigger than some but still fits quite well in my pocket. Other than being very durable it has one of the fastest lenses available in pocket point and shoots, so it works well in low light. Overall takes very nice pics.

After having said all that I still use my iphone in a lifeproof case more than anything.

[Cornfed]

Olympus TG series is a very nice point and shoot and waterproof and extremely rugged. It's a little bigger than some but still fits quite well in my pocket. Other than being very durable it has one of the fastest lenses available in pocket point and shoots, so it works well in low light. Overall takes very nice pics.

After having said all that I still use my iphone in a lifeproof case more than anything.

+1 on the Olympus TG. I bought one for a trip to HI last year, intending to use it for snorkeling, and found myself using it for above-water shots, as well. Great IQ for a P&S, and takes a beating.

[AngryScientist]

i absolutely love my panasonic lumix. small, easy to use, waterproof and very rugged. perfect for all sorts of abuse.

http://static.fnac-static.com/multimedia/PT/images_produits/PT/zoom/4/3/7/5025232724734.jpg

from this weekend:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfGBtb2auxc/VTRU3dqKQ3I/AAAAAAAACAw/7F4p2Jt1g9Q/s1100/P1080466.JPG

[GeorgeTSquirrel]

I use a Canon S90... I think it's the best low-light portable camera for value. I hate using a flash, so the f1.8 is a necessity for me.

[krhea]

i use a canon s90... I think it's the best low-light portable camera for value. I hate using a flash, so the f1.8 is a necessity for me.

+1

[buckfifty]

I was wondering, do you guys do anything to prevent sweat potentially damaging the camera's internals?

[bcroslin]

Dredging this back up. I'm thinking of buying a Panasonic LUMIX LX100 for a jersey pocket camera and wondered if anyone here owns one? I've compared it to the Sony RX100 and even though the Sony sensor is a little larger the LUMIX image quality looks better and the analog controls look easy to use.

[wallymann]

I was wondering, do you guys do anything to prevent sweat potentially damaging the camera's internals?

this.

IMO these guys that are talking about using an RX100 or LX100 in a jersey pocket have money to burn and big jersey pockets. i've killed a half-dozen non-water-resistance digicams (and several phones) in the last 15 years on the bike due to sweat from being in a jersey pocket.

from an on-the-go form factor, the best i've used by far was the lilliputian sony dsc-u40 (http://www.dpreview.com/articles/1897721673/sonydscu40), long since discontinued, but absolutely perfect for the job of 1-handed operation and small form-factor took up basically zero space in a jersey pocket...but not water-resistant. 3 of these contributed to the DOA total. the 3 others were various canon elph/S-series deals. not nearly as perfect for 1 handed operation and and took up much more room in a jersey pocket, but were OK.

this HTC Re looks like the heir apparent to the dsc-u40, plus its water-resistant!

[toadbike]

i phone .....

[Steve in SLO]

Regarding sweat killing the camera: try taking a milk carton or similar thin plastic container and cutting a rectangle out of it to match your jersey pocket size. Slip it in your pocket, and voila! Instant vapor barrier.

[gone]

Dredging this back up. I'm thinking of buying a Panasonic LUMIX LX100 for a jersey pocket camera and wondered if anyone here owns one? I've compared it to the Sony RX100 and even though the Sony sensor is a little larger the LUMIX image quality looks better and the analog controls look easy to use.

I've got an older Lumix but IMHO (and I've not tried them all) it's the perfect jersey pocket camera: waterproof, small, takes great pictures, relatively inexpensive so no big deal if you drop it (unlike an iPhone).

I put the wrist strap on and leave it dangle outside my pocket. When I want to take a picture, I slip my hand through the strap, grab the camera and snap away. I can have the camera out and shooting in less than 30 secs.

[bcroslin]

I've got an older Lumix but IMHO (and I've not tried them all) it's the perfect jersey pocket camera: waterproof, small, takes great pictures, relatively inexpensive so no big deal if you drop it (unlike an iPhone).

I put the wrist strap on and leave it dangle outside my pocket. When I want to take a picture, I slip my hand through the strap, grab the camera and snap away. I can have the camera out and shooting in less than 30 secs.

Good to know. I'm looking for a camera that is small enough to tuck away but has a large enough sensor to make actual images. I'm not worried about killing the camera due to sweat or moisture. I'd ride around with my DSLR if I could but I don't think that would be practical. :)

[makoti]

Has anyone seen or used the Olympus TG-4?
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/tough/tg-4.html

I have always liked my Oly stuff & am thinking about it for a trip this fall.

[bcroslin]

I used to love my old Olympus Stylus with the 35 f2 lens. That's what I'm looking for in a digi point and shoot. I owned an XA as well and it was a killer little camera.

I did some "showrooming" today at BestBuy and the Sony RX100 III is IMO the best "pocketable" camera out there. You could stick it in a Lezyne bag and forget it's in your jersey pocket. Only drawback is that the sensor is a 1 inch and I think I want a four thirds sensor camera like the Lumix.

[BobbyJones]

I don't know if this is still the case or if its a feature that you'll use, but a few older Lumix cameras do not have intervalometers or more than a 10 (?) second self timer.

I found this out the hard way in the middle of a project- it was a bummer considering the $$$ spent.

[makoti]

I used to love my old Olympus Stylus with the 35 f2 lens. That's what I'm looking for in a digi point and shoot. I owned an XA as well and it was a killer little camera.

I did some "showrooming" today at BestBuy and the Sony RX100 III is IMO the best "pocketable" camera out there. You could stick it in a Lezyne bag and forget it's in your jersey pocket. Only drawback is that the sensor is a 1 inch and I think I want a four thirds sensor camera like the Lumix.

I have an OM-D EM5 (hardly pocketable) & I love it. 4/3 form, small, really nice pics. I use one of the Panasonic lenses, the 25mm (50 equivalent). It is just fabulous.

[bcroslin]

I don't know if this is still the case or if its a feature that you'll use, but a few older Lumix cameras do not have intervalometers or more than a 10 (?) second self timer.

I found this out the hard way in the middle of a project- it was a bummer considering the $$$ spent.

I'm looking for something to just take quick snaps while on (and off) the bike with friends. I've got my big cameras for serious stuff.

I looked at a Sony A6000 yesterday and was blow away. It used to be that I would recommend Canon rebels for friends wanting an entry-level dslr but from now on the Sony gets my seal of approval.