Device for taking decent landscape photos

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nickb800

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# 245358 30-Jan-2019 21:24

I like to go hiking/mountain biking to cool places and taking photos. Especially landscape shots from the top of big hills. These photos usually end up on my TV (Google Chromecast), as desktop images on my computer and such. Photographically they are nothing special, but they keep me going between holidays. I currently use my phone (Nexus 5X) which on the face of it is great - 12 megapixels - but the photos lack detail and just don't 'pop'. If I look closer, the detail looks a bit fuzzy. Phone is on full resolution settings - so nothing I can do there.

Here's an example - the beech tree on the left looks fuzzy when you look closely

Another example - the tussock in the foreground looks fuzzy as well

What cheap and compact options do I have to take better photos? I'm already at 12 megapixels so clearly that's not the limiting factor. Would a dedicated compact camera (i.e. basic point and shoot) have a bigger sensor than a phone, and take better photos? What about a compact zoom type camera - I don't need the zoom, but do these have slightly better sensors than a compact?

Ideally I'd get a micro four thirds type setup and be done with it, but I just don't have that kind of money at the moment. Hence looking at second hand compact or compact zoom, which are readily/cheaply available.

Is it just a case of not holding the phone steady enough?

Thanks

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324 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2170470 30-Jan-2019 21:40

Have a look at the Canon g9x ii
Jbhifi currently have a coupon bringing the price down to $449
Review says it’s ideal for landscapes

nickb800

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# 2170479 30-Jan-2019 22:02

esawers: Have a look at the Canon g9x ii
Jbhifi currently have a coupon bringing the price down to $449
Review says it’s ideal for landscapes

Thanks, I've had a look through the G9 series now and looks quite good for landscapes

I should have actually said what budget I'm working to sorry - I'm thinking sub $100 second hand - there seem to be a few point and shoots around on Trademe in this range as mobile phones have mostly made them redundant.

mudguard

789 posts

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# 2170485 30-Jan-2019 22:13

Sony RX100 series
Canon G7MK2

Senecio

572 posts

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# 2170511 31-Jan-2019 04:16

Realistically you won’t find anything for <$100 that’ll perform much better than your phone.

nickb800

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# 2170514 31-Jan-2019 06:32

Senecio: Realistically you won’t find anything for <$100 that’ll perform much better than your phone.

That's a useful finding, thanks

nickb800

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# 2170517 31-Jan-2019 06:38

mudguard: Sony RX100 series
Canon G7MK2

Good to see someone recognized the spot!

That looks like the class to aim for - decent size sensors but without interchangeable lenses

mudguard

789 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2170548 31-Jan-2019 08:27

nickb800:

I should have actually said what budget I'm working to sorry - I'm thinking sub $100 second hand - there seem to be a few point and shoots around on Trademe in this range as mobile phones have mostly made them redundant.

Ah I missed this bit. You might be able to find an older model? I think the one inch sensor is a sweet spot for mountainbiking though. Fits in a pack and can be protected. I keep banging it's drum but they're up to the sixth version of the RX100 so the earlier ones might be found secondhand cheaper.

Another option might be a Panasonic Lumix, they do a few different versions and there are probably some used ones that have dropped in price.

Gurezaemon

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# 2170615 31-Jan-2019 10:02

A totally different take on this would be to use a regular (cheap) digicam, and stitch together photos using something like Microsoft ICE, that is very easy to use and generally gives good results.

It can be similar to Google's Photo Sphere functionality, but it lets you create panoramas while utilizing the full resolution of the camera.

nickb800

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# 2170616 31-Jan-2019 10:09

Gurezaemon:

A totally different take on this would be to use a regular (cheap) digicam, and stitch together photos using something like Microsoft ICE, that is very easy to use and generally gives good results.

It can be similar to Google's Photo Sphere functionality, but it lets you create panoramas while utilizing the full resolution of the camera.

That's cool, thanks. I'd love to take panoramas that can stretch across dual 1920x1080 monitors but found the inbuilt panorama function to be too low res. Will take heaps of photos next time and give ICE a go

mudguard

789 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2170625 31-Jan-2019 10:24

nickb800:

Good to see someone recognized the spot!

Yep one of my favourite spots to go and ride.

nickb800

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# 2170627 31-Jan-2019 10:29

mudguard:

nickb800:

I should have actually said what budget I'm working to sorry - I'm thinking sub $100 second hand - there seem to be a few point and shoots around on Trademe in this range as mobile phones have mostly made them redundant.

Ah I missed this bit. You might be able to find an older model? I think the one inch sensor is a sweet spot for mountainbiking though. Fits in a pack and can be protected. I keep banging it's drum but they're up to the sixth version of the RX100 so the earlier ones might be found secondhand cheaper.

Another option might be a Panasonic Lumix, they do a few different versions and there are probably some used ones that have dropped in price.

Just had a look at Lumix on Trademe - heaps available and seem to have decent lenses (for a compact). Still relatively small sensors, but that's probably a feature of my budget.

Not many RX100's coming up but I'll keep a watch out

nickb800

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# 2170631 31-Jan-2019 10:39

mudguard:

nickb800:

Good to see someone recognized the spot!

Yep one of my favourite spots to go and ride.

I want to ride it next time and over to Moke Lake - the descent from Ben Lomond Saddle to Moke Creek looked like an amazing ride when I hiked it last.

Handsomedan

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# 2170656 31-Jan-2019 11:44

How about getting a cheap second-hand mirrorless and a wide-angle lens? Surely eBay or Trademe would have something for you in the $150-300 range? I'm talking old and maybe a little scarred, but quality, here.

Handsome Dan Has Spoken.

rayonline

1616 posts

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# 2170659 31-Jan-2019 11:53

Compact? Would be a 1 inch sized sensor like the Sony RX100's or the cheaper Canon G7X or G9X the G7x is better in aperture but for landscapes might not be an issue. ILC smallest would be maybe the Olympus OMD M10 with a wide lens?

Panasonic / Leica also makes a M4/3 builtin lens camera with a zoom.

da5id

552 posts

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# 2170960 31-Jan-2019 17:53

nickb800:

mudguard:

nickb800:

I should have actually said what budget I'm working to sorry - I'm thinking sub $100 second hand - there seem to be a few point and shoots around on Trademe in this range as mobile phones have mostly made them redundant.

Ah I missed this bit. You might be able to find an older model? I think the one inch sensor is a sweet spot for mountainbiking though. Fits in a pack and can be protected. I keep banging it's drum but they're up to the sixth version of the RX100 so the earlier ones might be found secondhand cheaper.

Another option might be a Panasonic Lumix, they do a few different versions and there are probably some used ones that have dropped in price.

Just had a look at Lumix on Trademe - heaps available and seem to have decent lenses (for a compact). Still relatively small sensors, but that's probably a feature of my budget.

Not many RX100's coming up but I'll keep a watch out

SONY seem to have a version 2 for pricing $469 (ends today?)

https://store.sony.co.nz/digitalcamera/DSCRX100M2.html

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