Looking for smaller pocketable non P&S

Edit: I realize that modern P&S are capable of offering what I'm looking for, so P&S is an option.

Hi guys, don't know too much about non-dslrs but I'm trying to find a camera that can cover the limitations that a dslr system faces due to its weight and size such as documenting my little one year old while randomly running errands, in public places, etc. I'd like something that's pocketable, easy to carry and put away, and won't draw so much attention.

I currently use my iPhone for this purpose and while it takes great pics for a phone,

-I'd like higher quality, and more control. Tv, Av, and ISO.
-Ability to shoot raw is a plus, and low light capability is a must since I probably won't be using any flash.
-Don't care too much about interchangeable lens system but more a robust and refined all in one package. Fixed lens is fine and zoom is a plus.
-Easy file transfer is important. If there's some type of wifi feature similar (or hopefully better) than the 6D's terrible wifi feature where I can send directly to phone to post on social media, that'll be very useful.
-Viewfinder is a must.
-I suppose battery life isn't important as long as I can squeeze out about 200 files regardless of settings.
-Price would be preferably sub $500 but would entertain higher prices if it's worth it.

I've looked at some of the Fujis, a few of the NEXs, but don't really know what I'm looking at and how they compare with others out there in terms of form, capabilities, and price. I've had the a7 with EF adapter once upon a time briefly, but felt like I didn't take advantage of it bc it had big canon glass on it. If I get an interchangeable lens system, I'm only gonna use a pancake.

Was looking at the eos M+22mm and Panasonic GX1X,+14-42mm. Love the form factor but lack of viewfinder really kills it for me. Fuji X20/30 are the front runners, while I still have to look at the Sony mirrorless bodies. Anyone have a preference? Also not sure how much better the X100S is than the other Fujis considering price point, but there seems to be a lot more of them for sale second hand.

I went through the same thing recently, after selling off my EOS M kit (no OVF). It's hard to find a camera under $500 with a viewfinder and acceptable image quality. The Canon G series might fit your bill. My sister really likes her Canon S90, I think their current version is the S110 (no OVF).

I also looked at other brands, but knew so little about them I decided to "stick with what I know."

It is hard to sacrifice image quality for "smaller". I ended up going with what I knew would work for me, which is the Rebel SL1, paired with the EF-S 24 pancake lens. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks, the SL1 is a good camera, but sadly not pocketable. Do you know how much "control" you have over a canon G series (in other words shooting in M mode)?.

I think my options now are a used Fuji X10/X20/X30, or a new X30 for $500. Although I haven't found any of these used. I still may be open to no VF, though.

May I ask why you sold your eos M and how you liked its picture quality?

Not long ago I was in the same situation, had decided on the fuji x30 primarily because of the evf, just wasn't going to be happy with the smaller sensor.I ended up with a samsung nx 300 with18-55mm lens for £350, also bought 30mm f2 lens,it's sharp as a razor,makes a great carry about combo and the results from the 20mp apsc sensor are superb.The price has dropped even more £300 at currys pc world Uk for camera and 18-55mm lens ,actually it's pretty good kit lens. Nobody does wifi better than samsung.I've no regrets.

p00kienrayray wrote in post #17485120
Thanks, the SL1 is a good camera, but sadly not pocketable. Do you know how much "control" you have over a canon G series (in other words shooting in M mode)?.

I think my options now are a used Fuji X10/X20/X30, or a new X30 for $500. Although I haven't found any of these used. I still may be open to no VF, though.

May I ask why you sold your eos M and how you liked its picture quality?

I had recently taken my EOS M to Chicago for a girls weekend. It was a bright, sunny day. When I tried to take a picture on the streets, the sun was shining so brightly on the LCD screen, I couldn't see what I was shooting. I also didn't like shooting from the LCD screen. The picture quality was outstanding. And it was a great sized camera. But we have an upcoming Disney trip and I am not taking the 6D due to size and was worried that I might have the same situation as Chicago with bright sunny days if I kept the EOS M.

The G series does have M, Av, TV and does a pretty good job. I really debated between the G16 and SL1. And although not pocketable (SL1), a wrist strap makes it seem the next best thing.

Just an update, I pulled the trigger on a second hand Olympus EM-5 mark I + 17mm 1.8.

I looked at all that was recommended either from this forum or just online reviews: EOS M, Canon G series, Sony RX/Alpha/Nex, Fuji X, and even the Samsung NX300/500.
For various reasons, much were ruled out.

It came down to a used X100s or a used (and very affordable) EM-5 bc I like the physical dial controls on both. I was back and forth with the two and loved the X100's form factor. Loved the idea of wifi (will be sending jpeg straight to my iphone to post up online).

Decided to go with the Olmypus due to fast AF, built-in IS and cheap lens options in case I ever wanted to expand the system. It's not pocketable, mainly due to it's protruding VF eyecup. And the body is technically smaller than the X100s all around. If I end up getting a slim pancake lens, it may be pocketable. The tilting screen is a bonus in framing shots of my baby on the ground.

I actually wanted to wait for a deal on a used NEX-6/7, but just jumped on the EM5 bc it was affordable.