Non P&S for the wife

I'm trying to decide on a compact, but not point&shoot camera for my wife. She knows how to handle a DSLR (kind of ) and wants to have a small camera of her own.
On those rare occasions when I'm too lazy to lag around 5dm2, I could take the camera as well, so it would serve a dual-purpose.
So far I've looked at Sony NEX-5RK, Samsung NX1000, Fuji x100. I like the size of those and she can live with it too.
There are some pros and cons for each camera and price is fairly important as well. (I blew all the money on my L-lenses)

Any recommendations, suggestions on the topic are highly appreciated.

Thanks

Olympus OM-D is getting some pretty good reviews.

This is the perfect opportunity to get a mirrorless camera for yourself, er... I mean her!

Isn't Olympus a bit big to fit into a purse?
Well, her purse is almost the same size as my photo backpack, but I'm talking about the available space/weight.

Are you planning on dropping another grand on lenses and/or using adapted manual film lenses?

If yes: OM-D or NEX-6.

If not: G1x

I'm not planning to spend another grand on lenses, but would like to have my options open to be able to upgrade lenses if needed.

Aleness wrote in post #15836683
I'm not planning to spend another grand on lenses, but would like to have my options open to be able to upgrade lenses if needed.

In my opinion, that's pretty much the worst way to go (getting a camera with interchangeable lenses, but not getting lenses and just "keeping your options open")...most kit lenses are garbage both image quality and speed-wise, especially compared to high end compacts.

I would suggest buying something with a great lens that would be perfect for your wife like a G1x or a G15 or similar (RX100?). IF and WHEN (years from now) she decides that she wants to change lenses, then get a mirrorless. In the meantime, you'll likely get better results out of a high-end compact than a mirrorless with the kit lens...and in a much smaller package.

Here's my dilemma - she won't be switching between lenses, that's for sure.
I haven't considered high-end compacts. I'll look into them. Thanks for the tip.

A bridge camera like the Panasonic FZ200 with sharp Leica glass and a long reach (24-600 mm) telephoto lens. By the way it has a constant 2.8 aperture.

LowriderS10 wrote in post #15836714
...
I would suggest buying something with a great lens that would be perfect for your wife like a G1x or a G15 or similar (RX100?). IF and WHEN (years from now) she decides that she wants to change lenses, then get a mirrorless. In the meantime, you'll likely get better results out of a high-end compact than a mirrorless with the kit lens...and in a much smaller package.

This seems like good advice. RX100 if size is the driving factor. G1X for best possible IQ. G15 for versatility and zoom.

You can also consider the Fuji X10 or X20. X10 is cheaper and seems more suited to JPEG shooters. X20 is newest version and more set up for raw processing.

The X20, G1X and RX100 are in the $600+ price range. G15 maybe $200 less. X10 a bit less than that, though might be getting tough to find.

x20 has similar to OM-D problem, battery capacity is too small.
Plus, weird skin colors in JPEG1 under low light.

OM-D is fairly expensive. I think I want to stay in under $600. (trying to save to upgrade my 24-70 to mk2)
Nobody said anything about Samsung NX1000. Any opinions?

Look for a used micro 4:3 body and the excellent 20mm 1:1.7

Something like Fuji X1-e or -pro?

Why not ask her what she'd like herself? She's the one who'll be using it.