Camera suggestions for hill walking/backpacking? weatherproof?

[lloydsj]

Hi,

I currently own...

Sony A65 body
Sony 16-105mm Lens (SAL16105)
Sony 35mm Prime Lens (SAL35F18)

...which I rarely use

I've only used it a couple of times this year, as I generally don't end up taking it places as I always feel its either too big and heavy to carry, or just too expensive/precious to take walking/cycling when it could rain. So I'm thinking it's time to sell up and get something more suitable.

I do a fair bit of hiking/cycling (in all weathers) and also like to go on adventure/travelling holidays. My requirements are...
Size = I'm thinking bridge camera size or smaller, so I can fit it in a small walking/cycling camelbak bag
Protection = Been looking at the weatherproof and waterproof camera's, but open to suggestions
Quality = Presume it will be below my current Sony A65, but want it better than my mobiles otherwise no point carrying it (phones = latest iphone and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge).
New or 2nd Hand = happy with either

Give me your ideas/options/suggestions please. So far, I've found the Panasonic FZ300 which looks promising, but I'm sure there are more/better options!

Cheers

PS. Don't really have a budget, as I'll be selling the above to fund it (and could add a bit if really needed, but doubt it will be).

 

[niko]

if you want quality forget waterproof compacts and bridge cameras. have a look at a Sony rx100 and a dry bag to carry it in.

 

[a1ex2001]

if you want quality forget waterproof compacts and bridge cameras. have a look at a Sony rx100 and a dry bag to carry it in.

While nothing like as good as the above for out and out image quality and low light performance the Olympus TG-4 is a fantastic performer if you just want a go anywhere survive anything point and shoot to record a few memories in what in real terms is excellent quality.

 

[Amp34]

Nikon AW1. Not much bigger than a compact with the standard lens, waterproof and shockproof and with most of the controls of a DSLR. A reasonable selection of (non waterproof) lenses and can also fit any Nikon Lens on with an adaptor.

Search on the forums for a review I did of it.

It's not perfect but it's just about the toughest interchangeable lens camera around.

Alternatively what about the Sony A7* series of camera. Small and compact but with superb IQ. Only problem is the batter doesn't last as long as a proper DSLR (same issue with the AW1 as well).

 

[wez130]

Leftfield idea alert.

Gopro hero 4 silver? Absolutely perfect for what you need with the bonus of 4k video recording and manual control. Only downside is there's no zoom, but for landscape it's great. It's completely waterproof in its case, tiny too.