Nikon is supposed to come out with their DL compacts at some point, and they look mighty tempting (DL18-50 in particular)... if it weren't for the add-on viewfinder, I'd think it was your perfect camera.
Beyond that, I can't really think of important options that haven't been mentioned yet.
Good to see you again, by the way!
Hey Bart! How are you my old friend?
Mate I have seen the Nikons and noting that would see me stay on-brand with my dSLR then it would be a good choice - maybe keeping some consistency with the UIs. But, yes, my preference would be to keep all things integrated.
Great to see you again mate.
And on the other end of the spectrum would be a camera like the Canon G5X.
Built-in viewfinder, 1inch sensor, 24-100mm 1.8-2.8 lens...
Does anyone have experience with that one?
Mate this one is quietly on the list too. I'd far prefer it to the Sony RX100-series. Obviously my issue is that once you start down the road where the like of LX100 and mu43 live, then you start becoming a little of a sensor size snob
A few ILC options, although not quite perfect in terms of ultimate compactness.
For smallest size, two come to mind:
Pen-F on GX80/85 w/ the Oly 9-18mm
New Canon EOS M5 w/ 11-22mm
Both options offer a nice focal range, but with slower glass, as well as good EVFs.
If you are willing to carry more size, an X-T2 with the 10-24 would be a great choice.
These options don't quite have the range of the Nikon DL18-50 (if it ever appears), but offer much larger sensors.
Compact Camera Meter
The XT2 is also high on my list - as mentioned above re: Nikon DL, being a X100T user I think will see an easy transition to the UI. Only issue I think will be the size. But, again, having it in-hand will tell.
I'd discounted the EOS earlier for some reason, I'll need to go back and revisit why. Having said that I've always found Canon not quite for me. Can't quite put my finger on why, but a short dalliance with the 5D Mark II saw me back to Nikon rather smartly, and travels with both the S120 and then the G1X found me listing these cameras within weeks of returning. I know I shouldn't get fixated on the brand, but I have the same aversion with Sony.
I'm looking very forward to seeing the PEN/GX options in the flesh.
Mark,
It's GREAT to hear from you again! My recommendation is not going to be popular, but it is what has worked for me. Knowing your shooting style, I would get a Leica M Typ 240 or 262, a 24mm Elmar, a 35mm Summarit and call it a day. Find a used Olympus VF-2 (for the 240, cheap and plentiful on Ebay) or 24mm optical viewfinder (for the 262) to use with the Elmar and stop looking at camera review sites.
I am recommending this from experience. The camera is small, but not so small to be cumbersome to use. Menus are extremely simple and straightforward, and (save for formatting sd cards or setting white balance) very infrequently used. Image quality is top notch, and the Elmar and the Summarit are two little jewels of lenses.
I have been shooting with mine for over two years now (and the two years before with the M9) and it has quashed my desire for other cameras. I also have a Nikon system built around a Df (which I can also recommend with no reservations) for doing things that are better done with a DSLR (extreme low light, fast action and things that require 200mm in focal length). Between the two, I have no need (or desire) for any other camera, and have focused my GAS on lens acquisition instead.
Cheers,
Antonio
Oh Antonio. It has been too long. I will never forget you're being one of the very first people I met on Serious Compacts so, so many years ago (back when our icon/mascot was the original GR). I was blown away by your images then, and I continue to be so as I spy them pop up on my Flickr stream. Mate the Leica suggestion is a very good one indeed as I miss my film Leicas every second day. Best VF in the business - and so I don't think I'd not need the EVF with that luxurious RF (maybe a hot shoe OVF for the 24mm FL). Oh and your lens choices are spot on! I only just sold the Summarit 35. Such and under-rated but capable lens. But the realities are, alas, as Sue mentions:
I want what Antonio said. And sadly its way way beyond my meagre financial capacity.
If I could muster the funds I would need to make the jump I would. And I know I'd likely save money in the long term by less switching, but the realities are I don't think I can stretch just yet....even just for the body
However I will continue admiring your images my friend.
Great to still see you around these parts...