Suggestions for a zoom fixed lens compact camera with large sensor
Dec 30, 2016 23:34:22 #
I am thinking that I would like a small camera to complement my Nikon D500 and 80-400 lens. I do have a Nikon 18-140 lens I can pop on for wide angle but I am thinking maybe a compact fixed lens zoom camera with a 1.5" or better sensor might be a useful supplement.
My thought is to use this in my hobby of taking ship pictures. I have little interest in brokeh so superfast lenses have little appeal. I usually shoot in daytime light and if a 900 foot ship is close and angled towards me, I want the front & back to both be in focus. It's happened a few times where I have lost picture opportunities as I change lenses and worry about juggling lenses and caps. When I take pictures of approaching ships, I need the telephoto, then they get too close for the telephoto, then they recede and I need to return to the telephoto. I would of course want very good picture quality, a viewfinder, a range of at least 24-80 and under $800. I am fine with not having the latest model. Hopefully it could fit in a large coat pocket at minimum.
Thoughts?
My thought is to use this in my hobby of taking ship pictures. I have little interest in brokeh so superfast lenses have little appeal. I usually shoot in daytime light and if a 900 foot ship is close and angled towards me, I want the front & back to both be in focus. It's happened a few times where I have lost picture opportunities as I change lenses and worry about juggling lenses and caps. When I take pictures of approaching ships, I need the telephoto, then they get too close for the telephoto, then they recede and I need to return to the telephoto. I would of course want very good picture quality, a viewfinder, a range of at least 24-80 and under $800. I am fine with not having the latest model. Hopefully it could fit in a large coat pocket at minimum.
Thoughts?
Dec 31, 2016 00:01:25 #
brokeh
noun: (1) the budget impact of purchasing high-end photography lenses to get better bokeh (2) the feeling you get when your spouse discovers the price of your camera gear
noun: (1) the budget impact of purchasing high-end photography lenses to get better bokeh (2) the feeling you get when your spouse discovers the price of your camera gear
Dec 31, 2016 00:44:06 #
I have several P&S cameras, one of them is the Canon G1X II. It's been on the market for a couple years now and it's a pretty well built camera. I've taken mine to the beach many times and it goes with me into the woods quite often. I also carry it on my quite often. It fits your needs and you can pick up a new one for around $650 or a good used one for around $400.
I also have an older Canon G10 that is a great pocket camera. I also have a Canon SX60HS that will do what you want and more. It is a little larger than a point and shoot pocket camera, it's more like a mini DSLR without interchangeable lens. It will fit in a large pocket.
I also have an older Canon G10 that is a great pocket camera. I also have a Canon SX60HS that will do what you want and more. It is a little larger than a point and shoot pocket camera, it's more like a mini DSLR without interchangeable lens. It will fit in a large pocket.
Dec 31, 2016 00:58:36 #
It looks like the Canon lacks a native viewfinder and the optional one is expensive. I dislike being limited to a LCD when out in bright sunlight. But it looks like a very good camera in other respects. Thanks.
Dec 31, 2016 06:04:14 #
Sony RX100 - either Mark IV or Mark V. For a really good review of the Mark IV and its capabilities go to YouTube and search Sony Mark IV + Jared Polin.
Dec 31, 2016 07:07:03 #
epd1947 wrote:
Sony RX100 - either Mark IV or Mark V. For a really good review of the Mark IV and its capabilities go to YouTube and search Sony Mark IV + Jared Polin.
The more recent RX100s have 24-70 zoom but the earlier ones zoomed to 100mm (equiv), which might be closer to the OP's requirements. So might the Nikon DL 24-85.
Dec 31, 2016 07:13:53 #
Another possibility that could turn out to be cheaper than a premium compact would be to buy a cheaper DX camera from the D5xxx range, or one of the D3xxx range, and mount the 18-140 on it permanently. That would give better image quality than even the best premium compacts. The cameras would be able to share their batteries, and you could leave the 80-400 on the D500 permanently (sensor spots would be a thing of the past).
Dec 31, 2016 07:16:27 #
I have a Panasonic TZ100 (ZS100 in the US) and I am very please with it. It's small enough to put in a pocket, depending on the size of the pocket of course, has a 1inch sensor, a 10x zoom and gives great results. It does have a viewfinder. I always like to have a camera handy and keep this one in my handbag (purse) for those days when I am not carrying my camera bag and OMD kit. Might be worth a look.
Dec 31, 2016 07:37:43 #
Dec 31, 2016 08:17:00 #
GoofyNewfie wrote:
brokeh
...the feeling you get when your spouse discovers the price of your camera gear
...the feeling you get when your spouse discovers the price of your camera gear
"Oh, I've had this for years." Worked like a charm.
Dec 31, 2016 08:21:59 #
Here are some comparison links. Be aware that a smaller camera will have smaller controls that are closer together, and it will also have a different menu system. I have a couple of compact Sonys, but I prefer my D750.
Pictures of approaching ships can be exciting, sometimes too exciting.
https://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses
http://lenshero.com/lens-comparison
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx
http://www.lenstip.com/lenses.html
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare
http://www.lenscore.org/
Pictures of approaching ships can be exciting, sometimes too exciting.
https://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses
http://lenshero.com/lens-comparison
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx
http://www.lenstip.com/lenses.html
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare
http://www.lenscore.org/
Dec 31, 2016 08:31:14 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Dragonophile wrote:
I am thinking that I would like a small camera to ... (show quote)
Yes, the Sony HX50V MINT off ebay is still a bargain.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V is a 30x compact superzoom camera that includes both Wi-Fi and GPS. It's built around a 20.4MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor, sitting behind a 24-720mm F3.5-6.3 lens. It includes 3-axis SuperSteady Shot image stabilization and can shoot at up to 10 frames per second for 10 frames. Its battery is rated at around 400 shots-per-charge and the Wi-Fi can be used for both file transfer and remote control.
Dec 31, 2016 09:50:11 #
Algernon
Loc: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
GoofyNewfie wrote:
brokeh
noun: <snip> (2) the feeling you get when your spouse discovers the price of your camera gear
noun: <snip> (2) the feeling you get when your spouse discovers the price of your camera gear
Perfect. I rarely laugh at UHH posts, but I did upon reading this.
Dec 31, 2016 11:06:30 #
I use the D500 with a variety of lenses too. When I don't want to "shlep" them all with me I use the Panasonic FZ1000 which gives me 25-200mm at f2.8 and 200-400 at f4.0. Its a very good bridge camera with excellent IQ/sharp images with crisp focal depth front to back. About $800 new. I think it may be worth a try for your ship photos. You could probably rent one for a week or so.
Dec 31, 2016 11:12:28 #
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