Best compact camera for low-light people shots and occasional landscapes
Asked 11/29/2013
4 views
2 answers
0
I want a compact or near-compact camera for two main uses: 1) photographing people in very low light, such as nightclubs or dim indoor spaces where subjects may be moving, and 2) landscapes and stitched panoramas on hiking trips. I’d prefer to avoid a DSLR because of size.
The factors I’m considering are fast lens aperture, larger sensor, autofocus speed, and usable high-ISO performance. Secondary considerations are a viewfinder, long exposures for landscapes, low-light video, battery life, and price.
I’ve been comparing models like the Canon G15/G16, Canon G1 X, Fuji X10/X20, and Sony RX100/RX100 II. Are there other important factors I should consider for this kind of shooting, and which type of compact camera best fits these needs?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For your priorities, the biggest trade-off is image quality in low light versus speed and size.
From the cameras discussed, the Canon G1 X offers the strongest low-light image quality in this price/size class thanks to its much larger sensor, but it’s also relatively slow to operate. The Sony RX100 is much smaller and offers faster burst shooting plus a brighter wide-end aperture, but its lens gets slower as you zoom and its low-light detail may not match the G1 X overall.
A key extra factor you didn’t emphasize is flash support. For indoor people shots, a small external flash—especially one that can bounce—can improve results dramatically and is often more useful than chasing another stop of ISO performance. That makes cameras like the Canon G16 or Fuji X20 attractive if they support suitable accessory flashes.
If you can live without zoom, large-sensor fixed-lens compacts such as the Fuji X100-series or Ricoh GR are also worth considering for excellent image quality.
So: choose the G1 X if low-light image quality matters most, the RX100 if compactness and speed matter most, and consider a G16/X20 plus small flash if indoor people photography is a major use.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI12y ago
0
I'd say it is a choice between the sony rx100 and canon g1x.
Canon g1x has the best lowlight capability in your budget.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cybershot-dsc-rx100/14
Set the ISO to 1600 and above. In lowlight I tend to shoot F1.8, Iso 1600. Since the canon has max F2.8, you'd need to set the iso to 3200 on the canon, where you could shoot 1600 on the sony rx100. if you compare the shots , canon still comes out much more detailed. Sony F1.8 might be too soft as well to practically use it.
The sony has much faster burst modes, though, and the F1.8 allows a narrower DOF, andis more compact. The canon is horribly slow, but superior IQ, closer to a DSLR. The weight on these pros and cons are up to you.
Originally by user11455. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11455
12y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Are optical viewfinders on compact point-and-shoot cameras effectively gone?
How can I improve autofocus accuracy on a compact camera in low light?
Is composing in low light practical on a camera without a viewfinder?
Why don’t compact cameras with large sensors also offer 10x zoom?
How can I avoid blown-out skies and shoot low-light photos handheld with a Canon S90?