First, I want to say is that I used to be into photography in a big way, back when 35mm film was the thing. But circumstances change, life gets in the way, and I haven't had much time for it over the last 15 years or so. I now want to get back into it, but now it's all digital, and I am very much a noob as far as the technology and features and acronyms go. So I come here seeking knowledge...
My current question is around high end digital compact cameras. For example (I'm only naming Sony because the store is close to my office and I was in there a few days ago - I'm not necessarily fixated on Sony as a purchase) the DSC-RX1 looks like a great camera with a great fixed focal length lens, but for $3500 ($4000 for the RX1R) I think you should expect great things. At that price it's obviously not designed for the average compact camera audience. Is there a specific purpose or niche that it is supposed to fill, or is it simply to have a professional quality camera that fits in your pocket?
Compare it with the A7, with the same 35mm full frame sensor, which comes with a 28-70mm lens (and the abilty to add/switch lenses if desired) for $2400. The $1100 difference could buy another lens or two, or some other accessories (or a few good dinners or overseas flights or mortgage payments, depending on your priorities). So who is something like the RX1 intended for?