Is a modern 1" sensor better than a mid range APC-S from 10 years ago?

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sxz

761 posts

Ultimate Geek

#270600 17-May-2020 21:06

I haven't kept up with camera tech in recent years, and was hoping for a bit of advice.

I have a Cannon 500d (2009) and thinking about replacing it with a modern 1", purely for versatility. Right now we never use the DSLR, because it's too big. What I'm wondering, is whether a good, modern mid range camera ($600-900 range) would give me a better or similar performance from the 500d? Or would the old APC-S sensor still outperform the newer, smaller sensor?

I love the look of the sony RX 1000 models, but the top end ones are too pricey to justify. I was thinking maybe the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100

The 500d switches between two lenses, a 50mm nifty fifty, and a Sigma 18-200mm travel lens. For simplicity and size, I think I want to steer away from swapping lenses with any new camera.

Has anyone been through this exercise, and have any pointers? I'd love to keep some zoom range (up to 10x would be awesome) but I know it's a trade-off on light/image quality, and this time around I think image quality is more important to me - particularly low light.. With my mobile, a lot of the photos of my kids have been blurry since the auto shutter speed is so low.

Cheers!

labs23

35 posts

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#2485358 17-May-2020 22:05

Sensor-wise, the Canon is still way better. And I'd go that route even if it that setup is bulkier.

The 500D w/ the newer 50mm STM is still a good combo for lowlight, albeit at a narrower fov.

Personally I would consider Canon's own 18-200, and a 35mm f/2 IS for your purpose.

Might cost a little bit more, but is a solid setup. May I also ask if you have checked micro 4/3rd as options?

sxz

761 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2485359 17-May-2020 22:16

Cheers - I've looked at the 4/3, but if I'm reinvesting I don't want to have to deal with bulky or multiple lenses in future. We want something easy to take with us everywhere - so lighter and smaller the better. No good having a DSLR that's 500grams + lens when it's at home in the cupboard :)

surfisup1000

5288 posts

Uber Geek

#2485459 18-May-2020 09:31

I have the Sony RX100 mk V and it is great. Took some photos at a wedding a while back and my mates were giving me crap that I'm still living in the last decade haha. Photos were brilliant though.

Maybe you can pick up an older version of the RX100 for a cheaper price? Occasionally stores sell the 'older' models.

NZD has fallen though and a current model RX100 is now well over 2k.

timmmay

20513 posts

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#2485480 18-May-2020 10:20

The Sony RX100 series is great - it's maybe six years old. I have the v1, the only thing that's not working properly is a small plastic door for the charging port no longer stays closed, fixed with a tiny bit of duct tape. The image quality is good, I suspect the v5 or whatever version they're up to would be as good in low light as an older APS-C sensor. You can compare things like that on DPReview, side by side.

sxz

761 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2485505 18-May-2020 11:20

Awesome - yes I've been comparing the various RX100 models. I love the look of the mark 7, but it's like $2k+. I'd be interested in the mark 4 or 5 (for the right price), but my hope is that the picture quality (with modern processing) would exceed that of my 11 year old DSLR...

rb99

3415 posts

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#2485510 18-May-2020 11:32

Sony A6100 maybe ? Or getting too expensive again...

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

rb99

clicknz

463 posts

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#2485518 18-May-2020 11:48

Selection of good photos taken with the camera you have with you > no photos 'cos you couldn't be arsed carrying big camera and lenses

Cheers,
Mike

Photographer/Videographer clickmedia.nz

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kiwi_64

257 posts

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#2485531 18-May-2020 12:22

with the RX100 series, it's important to remember that the latest mkX version may be the most expensive, but it isn't necessarily the best for your needs (you'll note that Nikon still sells almost all versions still)

IIRC, the most recent version (or 2) seemed to be focused on higher zoom capability, but my personal preference (street) was better suited to an old version with faster lens

sxz

761 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2485640 18-May-2020 14:17

kiwi_64:

with the RX100 series, it's important to remember that the latest mkX version may be the most expensive, but it isn't necessarily the best for your needs (you'll note that Nikon still sells almost all versions still)

IIRC, the most recent version (or 2) seemed to be focused on higher zoom capability, but my personal preference (street) was better suited to an old version with faster lens

Yes - the mark 7 has an 8x zoom, whereas the rest are 3x. My assumption (and I may be wrong) is that each generation has a faster/better chip, shutter speed, ISO processing etc...? I love having new things and don't like the idea of buying a mark 2 or 3 for instance, knowing they are 4-5 years old already...

mudguard

2103 posts

Uber Geek

#2485652 18-May-2020 14:49

sxz:

Yes - the mark 7 has an 8x zoom, whereas the rest are 3x. My assumption (and I may be wrong) is that each generation has a faster/better chip, shutter speed, ISO processing etc...? I love having new things and don't like the idea of buying a mark 2 or 3 for instance, knowing they are 4-5 years old already...

I think the sensor has remained fairly constant. Just the extra reach on the newest one. I have the IV which I really like, the menus are awful though. I've recently gone to APSC but won't get rid of the wee one yet. The built in ND filter has been great for video, something I'm missing on my bigger camera.

There are some Panasonic and Canons worth looking at, G7mk2 (no 4K) TZ110.

engedib

254 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2485692 18-May-2020 15:39

I have bought a 2nd hand Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 about a year ago and pretty happy with it! 1" sensor, decent zoom, etc.

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz1000

It is not a small compact camera, but quite solid and still portable, also makes great images in Ai mode as well.

surfisup1000

5288 posts

Uber Geek

#2489746 22-May-2020 17:23

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CAMSNY1113/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-RX100-III-Digital-Camera---201

Rx100 III for $659.