I know that there are some expensive ($300 and up) compact camera that can take nice photos.
My question is about compact cameras in the $150-200 range vs. high-end Android phones (Galaxy s7, Huawei P9 and such). I am talking about those models with lenses that are almost completely retractable.
Excluding the optical zoom, what are the main advantages of a compact? Consider that I do not have photography experience, so my use would be mostly point and shoot.
My main concern is for low-light photos but it seems that most compact do not excel on this point.
Answer
Setting aside ergonomics, the differences are mainly in the depth of field (DOF) and low light photography. The smaller the sensor, the greater the DOF and the more noise in low light photography.
Considering DOF, using a small sensor is equivalent to cut (crop) in the image for a greater sensor.
Considering low light photography, the amount of light forming the image is directly related to the sensor size. And for the same resolution, a smaller sensor has smaller sensor sites. Hence a higher noise level.
BUT, that leaves a question does enter level point and shoot 5PS) camera have a sensor so much larger than the smartphones.
It is not always the case : the Nokia 808, had a 1/1.2" sensor (10.67 x 8 mm), most smartphones have a 1/3" sensor 4.89×3.67; some low-end PS had a 1/2.7" (5.37 x 4.04 mm).
That needs to be compared to the sensor size of higher end camera: full frame = 36 x 24 mm, APS-C = 24 x 18, 4/3" = 17.30 x 13 mm.
CONCLUSION: If you are interested in low light photography, you need to think about a higher end camera with a larger sensor: 4/3" or larger.
Two interesting remarks: 1/ Samsung for its later smartphone flagship, S7 Edge, chose to lower the pixel count from 16mpx to 12mpx. 2/ The low-end PS market is dead.
Note : For sensor size see http://cameraimagesensor.com/size/ but the site has not been updated recently.
No comments:
Post a Comment