Travel Camera Advice

[slayernine]

Hello all, I don't hang out much in this corner of AT but I figure you guys might be able to help me decide if I should invest some money in a G1X. I'm planning on heading to Europe in June and I want to be sure to capture the experience as I don't know if I'll ever get a chance to go again.

I've been really considering the Canon G1X for its gigantic sensor and because I really love the Canon G10 I've had for years. It also does video quite well compared to the very low def. my old camera that only does 640x480 at 30FPS.

Also it happens to be on sale today for $50 off list price at a local shop.
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX37505

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong1x

However despite my Canon lust I would like to know if there any other portable sized non-SLR cameras that can handle the rigours of travel. I'm not a huge fan of swapping lens but I am a fan of quality shots taken in RAW. I love taking long exposure shots of things like stars, macro shots and lots of outdoor scenic pictures. At least once a year I take my camera to an outdoor festival and I have also carried it while skiing but not so much any more since I bought a GoPro. So, any recommendations or words of caution? Should I just stick with the G10?

Some pictures I've taken with my G10 to get an idea of what kind of pictures I take.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/slayernine/

 

[radhak]

Those are nice pics.

I am a DSLR-ite, of the Nikon variety. I have tried other DSLRs, but have never liked anything other my Nikons.

But I've also owned P&S cameras - almost every brand available there. And my highly experienced advice is : when it comes to point-and-shoot, nobody comes close to Canon, for robustness, matching promise with execution, and price. Don't even look anywhere else. Keep to Canon.

 

[slayernine]

Not much replies but what-the-hell I'm going to buy it

If I hate it I can always bring it back

 

[slayernine]

Sooooooo I got impatient waiting for people to reply so I just went and bought the camera...

Here are some pictures of my messy office taken with the new camera:

 

[JohnnyRebel]

"The Canon G1 X is a rich-guy's vacation camera. You pay a premium price for its small size and superb technical image quality, and it works wonders for nature, travel and landscape photography"

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/compacts/g1-x.htm

 

[blastingcap]

G1x's viewfinder is pretty low end, and the autofocus speed is horrible. But otherwise it's not too bad. I feel that it is overpriced, though. You can google for reviews on it. No need to rush.