Fixed Lens Compact Camera with Great JPGs?

I'm mulling over picking up a fixed lens compact camera. Basically, I'm looking for a "snapshot" camera that provides better photo quality and user experience than a cell phone camera. I'm looking for something that could go every where with me. I normally don't carry a large purse. I typically use a small leather sling bag.

I do not want to have to process RAW files from it. I basically just want to be able to send the JPGs as captured by the camera off for budget 4x6 printing to fill our family photo albums.

I do have an Olympus TG-2 iHS, but that one is pretty much limited to residing in my flyfishing vest or being strapped to a PFD. Image quality is a bit lacking with the camera, and I'd like a bit more control over functions.

I thought about just using my 6D with the 40 pancake (which is a combination I quite like). But, I think that combo is still a bit large and I know I would shoot RAW.

The budget for this camera is quite modest. The Fujifilm X100t looks to be exactly what I want, but I am not comfortable with the price point. I just purchased a 5D III and an 85L, in addition to more studio lighting equipment. I think I'd really like to come in under $1000 CAD (preferably well under $1000 CAD).

Does anyone have any suggestions for a camera I should consider?

Edit: Note that I am open to almost any brand . . . I might like to avoid Canon, though.

I owned a Olympus XZ-1 and was very impressed with it's image quality. Surely, it's an older camera, but there's a XZ-2 with the same fantastic optics and an even better sensor.

Other than that, the Sony RX100 series seems to be very well regarded.

Too bad you've nixed the X100T. I bought one last summer and love it to bits. Makes shooting fun again! If you catch them on sale you may be able to pick one up for $1000.

RobinSchouten wrote in post #17949362
I owned a Olympus XZ-1 and was very impressed with it's image quality. Surely, it's an older camera, but there's a XZ-2 with the same fantastic optics and an even better sensor.

Other than that, the Sony RX100 series seems to be very well regarded.

I can't turn up the Olympus, but I've been able to turn up the RX100 III for under $1000.

Snafoo wrote in post #17949384
Too bad you've nixed the X100T. I bought one last summer and love it to bits. Makes shooting fun again! If you catch them on sale you may be able to pick one up for $1000.

It is on sale at a few places now for $1299.99, reduced from $1,424.99. It does seem a bit silly to pass it up for $300 (plus additional taxes). If I do it, I might wind up looking for husband #4. That would be unfortunate, as #3 is a really good one!

I've also come across the Panasonic LX100, which is CAD $1000, and looks to be a great camera. But, it also looks like the JPG engine was originally rubbish. I don't know if that has been fixed in a firmware update or not.

neacail wrote in post #17949398
I can't turn up the Olympus, but I've been able to turn up the RX100 III for under $1000.

It is on sale at a few places now for $1299.99, reduced from $1,424.99. It does seem a bit silly to pass it up for $300 (plus additional taxes). If I do it, I might wind up looking for husband #4. That would be unfortunate, as #3 is a really good one!

I've also come across the Panasonic LX100, which is CAD $1000, and looks to be a great camera. But, it also looks like the JPG engine was originally rubbish. I don't know if that has been fixed in a firmware update or not.

I did some research and I can confirm that the XZ-2 is also discontinued, bummer.

The RX100 III offers fantastic features for it's price, really hard to beat. The Fuji X100T is great, but expensive for a secondary camera.

After driving around over half the city, and trying a few different cameras, I picked up the Fuji X100T.

I tried the Sony RX100 III and IV. That is one awesome little camera. It just didn't feel right in my hands. It felt too small. I do see why people love it, and I can see why it has such a great reputation.

I tried the LX100. It was a better size, but the lens sticks out too far. Physically it felt a bit awkward, and the JPGs are too flat. I would wind up using that one in RAW, which I don't want to do.

The Fuji X70 was great. It is basically a smaller X100T, but it doesn't have a view finder, and I really felt I'd miss it.

The Fuji X100T feels wonderful in my hands. It kind of feels like my old Canon AE-1. There was a definite emotional connection, the JPGs are great, the film simulations are awesome, and it has a nice viewfinder. It is the largest of the cameras I looked at, but it does fit in my jacket pocket and my sling bag. It just squeezes into the Think Tank "Little Stuff It."

I think I'm really going to love it. Now, I just have to figure out how I'm going to explain this one.

Congrats! Hope you don't have to start looking for Hubby #4!

Snafoo wrote in post #17949887
Congrats! Hope you don't have to start looking for Hubby #4!

I get to keep #3 (at least for now).

He's doing some maintenance on his N-Scale train right now, and I snapped some photos of it with the Fuji. He likes the photos. I've already uploaded them to be printed for him.

Our living room is pretty dark, which resulted in a wider aperture. His train is actually our living room coffee table. It has a glass top, which he has to remove to do maintenance. It won "People's Choice" at a train show here in Calgary a few years ago. I keep meaning to whip out the 100 macro to take shots of it, but I haven't done it since he started the table eight years ago.

neacail wrote in post #17949744
After driving around over half the city, and trying a few different cameras, I picked up the Fuji X100T.

I tried the Sony RX100 III and IV. That is one awesome little camera. It just didn't feel right in my hands. It felt too small. I do see why people love it, and I can see why it has such a great reputation.

I tried the LX100. It was a better size, but the lens sticks out too far. Physically it felt a bit awkward, and the JPGs are too flat. I would wind up using that one in RAW, which I don't want to do.

The Fuji X70 was great. It is basically a smaller X100T, but it doesn't have a view finder, and I really felt I'd miss it.

The Fuji X100T feels wonderful in my hands. It kind of feels like my old Canon AE-1. There was a definite emotional connection, the JPGs are great, the film simulations are awesome, and it has a nice viewfinder. It is the largest of the cameras I looked at, but it does fit in my jacket pocket and my sling bag. It just squeezes into the Think Tank "Little Stuff It."

I think I'm really going to love it. Now, I just have to figure out how I'm going to explain this one.

Excellent choice!! Well done