Camera For Ireland Honeymoon - Fujifilm x100s

If you're happy with the X100S's fixed focal length (35mm FF equiv.) then it would be an excellent choice. Personally I prefer something with a bit of zoom as a travel camera for a bit of flexibility, but I'm sure you have prime lenses for your DSLR and know if that single focal length is going to be enough for you.

If you want something a bit smaller, there's the Nikon Coolpix A or the Ricoh GR. Both have APS-C sensors and a fixed focal length like the X100 but they do away with the viewfinder and have a much more compact body as a result.

If you wanted something a bit more versatile, you could grab a Sony NEX or Samsung NX (both of which also have APS-C sensors in very compact bodies) and 2 or 3 lenses under your budget. There's also the Micro 4/3 system by Olympus and Panasonic, which has a slightly smaller sensor but a better selection of lenses.

If you don't want interchangeable lenses but still want some zoom, there's the Sony RX100 and RX100 MK2. These have 1-inch sensors, which are smaller than any of the above but far larger than any other compact. Brilliant little things - pocket rockets.

I love the fixed focal length on the x100s, I think it forces a different way of looking at composition, but I'm not married to it. I might have to look into those Sony Pocket Rockets. I do love Sony.

At this point my mom would obligatorily sing the Sony Of My Own-y jingle from when I was a kid....

Image quality of the x100 is quite a step up from the Sony. I shoot my Sony in raw only which I then convert using DGN.
The workflow compared to my Nikon is lousy, because Sony in-camera jpeg are bad, their converter software too.
Great little camera but the workflow after to get the best out of it is really a handicap.

Fuji in-camera jpeg is very good, dunno about their raw software, never used it.

Still, if you don't mind the price, extra size and the fix 35 - I prefer 28 - then the Fuji is for you. The viewfinder is a great plus too and the s model has a capable autofocus, unlike that slow boat the original x100 was.

The Nikon A fixed lens might be an alternative, loosing the viewfinder however, but jpeg is good as is workflow using Nikon software.

Never mind the zoom of my Sony 100, very limited use, you can't get narrow DoF shots with it, I use it maybe for 10% of my shots, if not less.
Needless to say that my next little one will be a fixed lens.

I don't own the Fuji, but admire it a lot. I will probably get the Ricoh GR within the next few months, because I am addicted to Ricoh (love the controls and its pocketability, and I can use the external viewfinder I have already from my GRD3). However, from what I have seen, the Fuji is far superior in lowlight situations. I have seen some outstanding examples. Also a
n acquaintance, who still primarily uses film with quality cameras (Leica, Rollei), has succumbed to the Fuji. If you do decide on the Fuji x100s you won't be disappointed with results.

Olympus m4/3 like the EPM-2 with the 20mm 1.7f Panasonic lens makes for a combination that comes very close to the specs of the Fujifilm.

http://yattang.blogspot.in/2013/02/panasonic-20mm-f17-experience.html

Of course, the sensor is not quite as large as the Fujifilm and you get exchangeable lenses. It's a little cheaper though and very 'pocketable'

Thanks guys! I think I've tentatively decided on the Fuji IF our sales at Christmas are good enough for me to justify the cost. (AKA If my wife allows it) There's something about the fixed lens and old-school look that is sucking me in like a siren. Luckily, the image quality, especially in low light looks phenomenal. (We plan to hit a lot of Trad music in pubs while we're out there) I just wish I could find a place to get some hands-on time with it first.

In the meantime, I have a lot of alternatives to look into if I decide to go with a smaller lens-swap style or a compact. Keep up the advice!

The Fuji X100S is a beast of a camera. I prefer a traditional DSLR as it shoots faster. Be sure to take a peek at the store before you buy one because I was unimpressed with it vs a DSLR in terms of speed. No arguing about image Q. I travel with a Nikon DSLR and prime lens and its just a shade bigger than the X100. I also tote around a Canon S110 for my smaller "pocket" camera. It take amazing photos, and you can't beat the under $300 price.

If ya want to save a few $$ and still go w the Fuji, the Fuji X100 costs a lot less than the X100S and is pretty much the same thing. You can even buy a used one and probably sell it for what you payed for it when u get back.

Good luck!

The X100s has better autofocus and better lowlight performance. In my opinion, if you have the money, go for the newer model over the original X100. Comparisons in this article: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/fuji_x100s_review___fallinin_love_all_over_again.shtml

The x100 I used for a while is sold now and its owner bought the x100s; AF speed was the main reason for the upgrade and I would have done the same. X100 is just painfully slow.
I would spend the extra money on the x100s any time.