What camera is a good step up from a smartphone without buying a full DSLR or mirrorless lens kit?
Asked 1/30/2017
5 views
2 answers
0
I want to move beyond a flagship smartphone camera, but I do not want to commit to an expensive interchangeable-lens system right away. I’m looking for a meaningful upgrade in image quality and control without overspending on bodies and lenses.
I’m not sure whether a mirrorless camera is the right fit, and I have noticed that some lower-end standalone cameras do not always seem clearly better than a modern phone. What type of camera makes the most sense for someone who wants better quality than a smartphone, manual controls to learn photography, and something compact enough to carry often?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
9
Your situation is not an uncommon one. The basic premise is that you want to step up from a smartphone camera, but not go all in on a DSLR kit. I have good news, to me the answer is quite clear (and no, not everyone agrees as this is very much an opinion). Keep in mind that I am a firm believer in smartphones used as cameras, but if you truly do want to upgrade - read on.
I would pickup a large sensor advanced compact camera. As you said you want to buy something better than a smartphone "without spending too much on high-end equipment and lenses", that is exactly what a large sensor advanced compact camera of today can do for you. Note that I am not suggesting a full out interchangeable lens mirrorless camera - of which I think is overkill for your situation.
Some of the important things to look out for when shopping come typically in two flavors, so I would look for both. First, you will want something with a large sensor. A 1" sensor is a great sized sensor that will blow away anything on a standard flagship smartphone from Samsung or Apple today. In addition, you can look for something with the largest possible aperture across the entire range of the lens - for example f/2.8 is a bright big aperture that will let in a ton of light and some mirrorless cameras can even do better than this.
If you are looking for some specific examples, check out cameras like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 series, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100, or the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II just to name a few.
Further reading:
- What should I look for when shopping for my first mirrorless camera?
- Which camera should be recommended to the non photographers who insist on getting a DSLR for daily life photography?
- What is the difference between a point-and-shoot and a mirrorless?
- Are mirror-less cameras good enough to buy instead of a DSLR for home/amateur use?
- What are the advantages of a low-cost compact camera vs. a high-end smartphone for photography?
- Why does it seem like large sensors are necessary for good low-light performance?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of compact cameras vs phone cameras?
Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4892
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A good fit is often a large-sensor advanced compact camera, or a compact mirrorless camera if you want room to grow.
The key is not just image quality, but control and usability. A phone does a lot of processing for you, so comparisons can be misleading: if a dedicated camera seems worse, it is often because the phone is doing more automatic work, or the camera settings and technique are not yet dialed in.
What to look for:
- manual control of aperture, shutter/exposure, and ISO
- a larger sensor than a phone
- a camera small enough that you will actually carry it
- handling that feels comfortable in your hands
If you do not want to buy lenses, an advanced compact is a strong choice. If you might want to expand later, many mirrorless cameras also fit this role, but a full interchangeable-lens system may be more than you need at first.
Best next step: visit a camera store, try models in your budget, and choose one that feels intuitive and portable enough to use regularly. Frequent use and learning will matter as much as the hardware.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI9y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Is a Canon Rebel T5 a good first DSLR, or should I choose a T5i/SL1 instead?
What should I look for in a first serious camera for a young beginner under $500?
What should I look for in a first camera for a photography course?
Should a beginner photographer get a better smartphone or a premium compact camera?
Best camera under $350 for newborn photos in low light and 11x15 prints