I have an aging (2 years old now) flagship smartphone and basically want a camera that’s as decent as the one I already have, but without Google servers getting pinged every time I’m traveling and want to remember where I am - apparently my phone GPS isn’t enough, Google Play Services insist they must get involved.

Some ideal requirements would include:

  • ~3x zoom
  • Solid macro photography
  • Optical image stabilization
  • Functional in low light
  • A sensor at least the same size as my phone’s (1/1.3")
  • Small enough to fit in some pocket
  • GPS tagging
  • A sub-$800 price tag?

I understand this is a huge ask, and that modern cell phones have a pocket dimension that somehow fits this hardware inside of them, but I figured I may as well check.

  • JayleneSlide@lemmy.world
    2·
    2 days ago

    If you need waterproof, the Olympus TG series has long been my phone camera/de-Googling go-to. It ticks most of your requirements. I love its macro modes and it’s definitely pocketable. Also stands up to a lot of abuse and has a strong market for accessories,

    • LWD@lemm.eeOP
      4·
      2 days ago

      I did try one of these, but I noticed that I would end up moving the camera enough for a visible “shake” effect in most pictures I took. And this was outdoors in open areas with plenty of daylight.

      Macro photos on it are great, though, and the working GPS was lovely. Shame about not having luck with most else on it. I have no idea how my phone manages to make things look better

      • JayleneSlide@lemmy.world
        2·
        2 days ago

        noticed that I would end up moving the camera enough for a visible “shake” effect in most pictures I took.

        Whoa, yeah, that would absolutely rule out a TG. Was that occurring even with image stabilization turned on?

        • LWD@lemm.eeOP
          1·
          2 days ago

          I’m not sure, sadly. I tried a bunch of different things but I’m not really a photographer, which is why I’m most interested in a camera that has a decent auto mode first and foremost

          While I looked for information, I did discover this webpage describing issues, though, and it sent me down a Lumix DMC-Z___ rabbithole, though. On paper, at least, they look promising. GPS, macro, allegedly good low light, a lot of optical image stabilization?