Best pocketable point and shoot

[MVCG]

Leica D-Lux 5 / LX 5...
Small enough (fits in my jeans pocket), great lens, 1:1 format... always with me since I got it...

 

[Trius]

I can understand the definition of P&S as having to include auto-focus. For me, however, I don't limit it thus. Just my view.

 

[ankaka]

Canon PowerShot S95
This is a very popular point and shoot camera that offers excellent image quality, and also gives you the ability to shoot 720p HD videos. Low light performance is also adequate, though the battery life could be better. The design is pretty compact, but this makes it a little difficult to grip properly. Nevertheless, the 10MP resolution, the 3.0 inches LCD screen and the ton of features available make this a worthy choice. At $449, this camera may be slightly pricey, but its quality is unquestionable.

 

[racoll]

For film I'd say the Olympus Stylus Epic--its lens is outstanding! I also picked up a Yashica T4 in near-mint condition from Goodwill for $3.99. Yes, $3.99!!!

For digital I use my Canon S100, an amazing camera that goes everywhere I go. It produces superb pictures and the quality of the pictures at ISO 1600 is very impressive. 3200 is also quite usable.

 

[Archiver]

I wonder what people will say about this, seven years after the original question.


Film: Contax T3, Ricoh GR1v, Minox 35 GT, or as Petronius has demonstrated, Rollei 35


Digital: available cameras that I like for pocketability include the Ricoh GRD III, Ricoh GR, and Sony RX0. Others like the Fuji XF10 or even the Canon, Sony and Panasonic 1" sensor cameras which were only just emerging in 2012. I have the Panasonic LX10, and it's a very versatile pocket camera, albeit too slippery. The Sony RX0 is basically a small block of metal, but it's tiny, silent and capable of high quality images.

 

[Abbazz]

Film: Rollei 35 (but the Agfa Record III is also a pocketable point-and-shoot).
Digital: Panasonic GM5 with 20mm f/1.7.

Cheers!

Abbazz

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Since this thread was started in early 2012 some of the film camera models mentioned in replies have risen dramatically in price.

Chris

 

[xavyr]

I wonder what people will say about this, seven years after the original question.

Canon S95 & S100, still.
and nowadays, cheap.

 

[jsrockit]

These days I’d say the Ricoh GR3 and the Sony Rx100 V through VII.

 

[Peter_S]

Leica X1
Contax T3
Contax T, even smaller, but no AF.
Sigma DP2

 

[jmarcus]

Contax T3
I shot a photo with Kodak Ektar recently and I was blown away, it has an awesome lens. If you are looking for one try and go for double teeth version. I bought mine off of RFF and it won't load film anymore and I have put about 10 rolls through it.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Add me to the XA group. The OP did say "pants pockets"....so for those who said Rollei35....you must be wearing sweat pants & not skinny jeans
To paraphrase Mae West; "Is that a Rollei 35 in your pocket, or are you just happy too see me?"

 

[Solinar]

Add me to the XA group. The OP did say "pants pockets"....so for those who said Rollei35....you must be wearing sweat pants & not skinny jeans

They are out probably way out of fashion - but cargo pants usually have a generous front pocket. The big gotcha is the Rollei 35 is not an automated, point and shoot camera.

With regards to the XA, its viewfinder is only marginally better than an early 1950'ies 35mm folding camera - but in its favor the diminutive Olympus is one of most light weight cameras that I've used - which matters if it is in a pocket when not in use.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Solinar, I think the Rollei 35 is a great camera. I've used a few of them heavily over the years & have some great negatives. Pocketable is one thing they don't have going for them though....

 

[Jeremy Z]

Solinar, I think the Rollei 35 is a great camera. I've used a few of them heavily over the years & have some great negatives. Pocketable is one thing they don't have going for them though....

Depends on the pocket, hehehe.

Into the term "pocketable" I read that it CAN be put in SOME pockets, but was not really designed for pocket carry. So maybe a big jacket pocket. Or pants pocket in a pinch, when you REALLY need that other hand for something else, just for a bit.

I carry mine in a small USA Tamrac bag from the late 80s, for an 80s era point & shoot camera. It has a shoulder strap, on which it is nearly unnoticeable, or a belt loop. I wear it on my belt on my back, where it sits mostly out of the way.

TRUE pocket cameras, such as a Stylus or Minox, probably will have viewfinders full of pocket lint in very short order.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Just curious to see what you guys think is the best point and shoot that will easily fit into your pants pocket.
.

..... what the OP said

 

[aizan]

Add me to the XA group. The OP did say "pants pockets"....so for those who said Rollei35....you must be wearing sweat pants & not skinny jeans
To paraphrase Mae West; "Is that a Rollei 35 in your pocket, or are you just happy too see me?"

Nobody wears skinny jeans anymore.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Nobody wears skinny jeans anymore.

are those the guys wearing camouflage w/ cargo pockets? 😉

 

[Solinar]

A Vito II fits my pocket just fine

A Vito II fits my pocket just fine

are those the guys wearing camouflage w/ cargo pockets? 😉

I'm at work and wearing O.D. green cargo pants - as opposed to camos. My Voigtlander Vito II fits with room to spare.

 

[DennisM]

Yashica T4 Super D

Yashica T4 Super D

The Yashica T4 Super D would be my choice for a pocketable (film) point and shoot. Sharp Zeiss lens, excellent fill-flash capability, and excellent meter.