Can high end digital cameras now match dslr in image quality?
High end digital cameras keep getting larger sensors. Can these high end point & shoot cameras produce entry level dslr images? For example, can the Canon SX1IS match the Pentax K-X? I am only comparing the image quality, not zoom, video, ad audio features.
Actually high end P&S cameras sensors are NOT getting bigger, they are only being jammed full of more pixels
The Canon SX1 IS still only has a tiny 1/2.3 " (6.16 x 4.62 mm) sensor, but with 10 mp populating it.
The Pentax K-X on the other hand has a sensor that is over 15 times the size of the SX1 IS or 23.6 x 15.8 mm. A better way to show this is by listing the pixel density of both
SX1 IS = 35 MP/cm²
K-x = 3.3 MP/cm²
You can see, not only are there fewer pixels per cm², but for that reason, they are much larger pixels which can collect more light upon exposure and thus produce less "noise" across the board.
This should clear up your misunderstanding about pixel counts
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm
February 9th, 2010 at 10:43 am
No there is stilla great divide between point and shoot camera’s and DSLR. You get what you pay for.
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February 9th, 2010 at 11:02 am
No way, and they doubtfully ever will.
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Experience
February 9th, 2010 at 11:35 am
i thought that i wanted to get a really advanced compact camera but im reading alot online that im better off waiting and investing on a dslr
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February 9th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Actually high end P&S cameras sensors are NOT getting bigger, they are only being jammed full of more pixels
The Canon SX1 IS still only has a tiny 1/2.3 " (6.16 x 4.62 mm) sensor, but with 10 mp populating it.
The Pentax K-X on the other hand has a sensor that is over 15 times the size of the SX1 IS or 23.6 x 15.8 mm. A better way to show this is by listing the pixel density of both
SX1 IS = 35 MP/cm²
K-x = 3.3 MP/cm²
You can see, not only are there fewer pixels per cm², but for that reason, they are much larger pixels which can collect more light upon exposure and thus produce less "noise" across the board.
This should clear up your misunderstanding about pixel counts
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm
References :
digiPro
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_sx1is,pentax_kx&show=all
February 9th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Respectfully, I disagree with the other answers. High end point and shoot cameras can match dslrs in image quality. It’s not about the megapixels, it’s about the quality of the lens, lack of noise, and the depth of field (DOF). If you want to see for yourself, google SX1IS gallery and look for sample pictures taken by ordinary people. Or check out sample galleries in the review sites, like the one here http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsx1is/page18.asp
I have owned multiple digital cameras since 2001, including DSLRs, prosumers, and point-and-shoots.
Your question was if high end digital cameras can match a dslr in image quality. Yes they can. I have some photos taken with high end point-and-shoots that you cannot tell that it was not taken with a dslr. There’s a catch, however. You have to be in the manual settings, and you have to work a bit harder for the same quality results. A high quality shot with a dslr is very easy. A similar shot with a prosumer point-and-shoot is easy if you know what you’re doing, and harder if you don’t. It’s not possible with a low-end point-and-shoot, which pretty much keeps everything at the same level of focus (because they have fewer if any manual settings.)
The SX1IS does have a quality lens and the appropriate manual settings. However, I’d still highly recommend a DSLR if you can at all afford it. A DSLR has much more flexibility because of the ability to change out the lens. I’d only go with an SX1IS for reasons of budget. If you already own a film SLR, I’d strongly recommend getting the digital version of that camera, if you can re-use the lenses you’ve already bought. If not, I’d recommend getting the low-end Canon or Nikon cameras. Their prices are similar to the Pentax, but they’re among the highest rated and popular low-end DSLRs. That also means accessories are easier to find, and more likely to be on sale due to high demand.
I’d recommend a Canon (of any kind) in particular, because when it eventually reaches end of life and breaks, you can take advantage of the Canon Loyalty Program, which will allow you to trade in the dead camera for a refurbished current model at a great discount.
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