I'm always looking for light gear to travel with, but the most recent impetus is a planned walking trip where I'll probably cover about 175-200 miles over many days while carrying my bag. So I'm not carrying my A7R IV, A9 or Fuji XT-2 cameras + lenses. In my quest for a small camera I've owned an earlier version of the rx100 (III maybe), a Panasonic LX100 and older Canon P&S. Frankly didn't like smaller sensors on any of them, so they didn't last long. Well, the Panasonic's IQ wasn't too shabby, but the low MP was a big factor. I love the idea of the new Fuji X100VI, but it isn't exactly pocketable, and the fixed focal length would be frustrating for me as a general/sole camera.
So, I'm back to considering the newer versions of the rx100, or maybe upgrading my phone from the 11 pro to the 15. In my unscientific perusal & my own experience with the 11 pro, it doesn't seem like the rx100 provides a significant advantage over the newer camera phones. Is there any reason to consider a dedicated small-sensor P&S in this day of phone cameras with advanced processing capabilities? And while I'm considering the 15, are there big enough differences between the 14, 15, 15 pro, etc., to tilt the decision in favor of the latest, biggest and baddest?
bvphotos wrote:
I'm always looking for light gear to travel with, but the most recent impetus is a planned walking trip where I'll probably cover about 175-200 miles over many days while carrying my bag. So I'm not carrying my A7R IV, A9 or Fuji XT-2 cameras + lenses. In my quest for a small camera I've owned an earlier version of the rx100 (III maybe), a Panasonic LX100 and older Canon P&S. Frankly didn't like smaller sensors on any of them, so they didn't last long. Well, the Panasonic's IQ wasn't too shabby, but the low MP was a big factor. I love the idea of the new Fuji X100VI, but it isn't exactly pocketable, and the fixed focal length would be frustrating for me as a general/sole camera.
So, I'm back to considering the newer versions of the rx100, or maybe upgrading my phone from the 11 pro to the 15. In my unscientific perusal & my own experience with the 11 pro, it doesn't seem like the rx100 provides a significant advantage over the newer camera phones. Is there any reason to consider a dedicated small-sensor P&S in this day of phone cameras with advanced processing capabilities? And while I'm considering the 15, are there big enough differences between the 14, 15, 15 pro, etc., to tilt the decision in favor of the latest, biggest and baddest?...Show more →
15 Pro Max will give the most range if that’s a concern. It has a 120mm equivalent telephoto lens (ultra wide and normal focal lengths are common/similar between all the modern iPhones).
The iPhone uses a 1/1.28 (9.8x7.3mm) sensor, which has 61.5% of the surface area
Therefore as an estimate you should be able to print 34% bigger with the rx100 and get similar sharpness (13.2mm / 9.8mm = 1.34x)
This means that instead of an 8" print on the iphone you can do 10.7" one using the 24mm lens. Personally this is not big enough a difference for me to carry the rx100 over the iphone... Most of us here use FF cameras.
However, do note the iPhone's 5x camera is only 4.5x3.4mm, which is far smaller than the 1" one. The image on the rx100 would be considerably better at 120mm because of this
The rx100 also has a hotshoe for flash photography, you will not be able to do much flash photography with the iphone
aCuria wrote:
The 1" sensor on the rx100 is 13.2 x 8.8mm
The iPhone uses a 1/1.28 (9.8x7.3mm) sensor, which has 61.5% of the surface area
Therefore as an estimate you should be able to print 34% bigger with the rx100 and get similar sharpness (13.2mm / 9.8mm = 1.34x)
This means that instead of an 8" print on the iphone you can do 10.7" one using the 24mm lens. Personally this is not big enough a difference for me to carry the rx100 over the iphone... Most of us here use FF cameras.
However, do note the iPhone's 5x camera is only 4.5x3.4mm, which is far smaller than the 1" one. The image on the rx100 would be considerably better at 120mm because of this
The rx100 also has a hotshoe for flash photography, you will not be able to do much flash photography with the iphone...Show more →
The iPhone uses computational photography to stack images in camera so its low light performance is much better than the RX100 for casual use.
It compares the A74 (with Tamron 28-200) to the iPhone 15 ProMax
I am going on a family trip to Europe this summer and, based on my comparisons, will probably just use the iPhone (yes, it is *that* good)
Wow, I never saw this thread.
I knew the camera on my 15 was good, just never compared it. What I like is night mode, it's amazing. But, I still wouldn't go on a trip i want to remember without a dedicated camera. (Guess I'm just old school)
I say upgrade to the 15, then decide if it's enough.
It compares the A74 (with Tamron 28-200) to the iPhone 15 ProMax
I am going on a family trip to Europe this summer and, based on my comparisons, will probably just use the iPhone (yes, it is *that* good)
Thanks! I didn't see that thread. It certainly seem like the latest phones can match (and possibly beat) what you get out of small-sensor P&S cameras these days. Is there a difference between the 15 Pro and the 15 ProMax other than the 3x vs 5x zoom?
bvphotos wrote:
Thanks! I didn't see that thread. It certainly seem like the latest phones can match (and possibly beat) what you get out of small-sensor P&S cameras these days. Is there a difference between the 15 Pro and the 15 ProMax other than the 3x vs 5x zoom?
Yes, I am *amazed* at the output of the latest phones.
I always get the latest iPhone Pros when I upgrade (currently on 14 Pro) but I think there's still a place for a camera like the RX100 VII still. The main issue with iPhones is all the investment goes towards the main lens - the 26mm prime lens and it's quite good. The benefit of the RX100VII is you get reach up to 200mm so if you need that versatility, the RX100 VII still does a way better job than the telephoto lens which has a much smaller sensor.
I'm also not sure that iPhone 15 pro vs Tamron 28-200mm comparison proves anything. The Tamron 28-200 isn't a particularly good lens and the comparison was mainly at the 28mm focal length from what I can tell. I wouldn't be surprised if the RX100 VII is just as good as the Tamron or better in a similar set of comparisons but I haven't compared them directly. My experience using the telephoto end of an iPhone is it's ok but not great - you're still better off with a dedicated camera - even one with a 1in sensor.
I'm also not sure that iPhone 15 pro vs Tamron 28-200mm comparison proves anything. The Tamron 28-200 isn't a particularly good lens and the comparison was mainly at the 28mm focal length from what I can tell. I...
Actually, my thread contains comparisons at the full zoom as well. For sure not as good as the main lens, but pretty darn good for what it is.
And FWIW, the Tamron 28-200 is a *fantastic* lens. I use it on one body (for my full-time wedding business) and an 85 f/1.4 on the other.
Can't think of *any* better combo (for me) ~ especially for the weight of the Tamron
We can agree to disagree - I've used it and it's definitely not a GM zoom or prime when you look at the output from the Tamron. It's "not bad" but I've also seen a whole lot better and I wouldn't be surprised if the one tiny prime lens that Apple puts hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in every year beats it.
For the op, if you're trying to compare, I would encourage you to take a look at the dpreview sample gallery. They have photos from the RX100 VII, iPhone 15 Pro max, and lenses like the Tamron 28-200mm across different focal lenghts. You can decide if it's worth carrying a point and shoot.
To my eyes, I still see more details from the RX100 VII camera vs the iPhone 15 Pro based on the photos they've taken. I think the biggest gap I've seen consistently is that the iPhone camera struggles with resolving textures compared to a dedicated camera - there's a muddiness that's there especially on the secondary cameras.
However, with all that said, I'd still upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro before spending money on a RX100 VII since it's definitely the more convenient device to carry for sure and the 15 Pro is definitely a leap from the 11 Pro.
tzhang4284 wrote:
We can agree to disagree - I've used it and it's definitely not a GM zoom or prime when you look at the output from the Tamron. It's "not bad" but I've also seen a whole lot better and I wouldn't be surprised if the one tiny prime lens that Apple puts hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in every year beats it.
For the op, if you're trying to compare, I would encourage you to take a look at the dpreview sample gallery. They have photos from the RX100 VII, iPhone 15 Pro max, and lenses like the Tamron 28-200mm across different focal lenghts. You can decide if it's worth carrying a point and shoot.
To my eyes, I still see more details from the RX100 VII camera vs the iPhone 15 Pro based on the photos they've taken. I think the biggest gap I've seen consistently is that the iPhone camera struggles with resolving textures compared to a dedicated camera - there's a muddiness that's there especially on the secondary cameras.
However, with all that said, I'd still upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro before spending money on a RX100 VII since it's definitely the more convenient device to carry for sure and the 15 Pro is definitely a leap from the 11 Pro....Show more →
Yes, of course the dedicated camera will out-resolve *any* phone. That is not the debate.
It is a cost / benefit analysis. Are the pictures good enough on the iPhone to outweigh the inconvenience of a camera / lens combo. For me and my upcoming trip, it is a resounding "yes".
As for the Tamron 28-200. Similar scenario. Is the image quality the same as a G-Master or prime? Of course not. That is why I have the 85mm f/1.4 on the other body. The zoom is used primarily for group shots where having a lens 3x the cost and weight would NOT benefit me at all.
Also use the Tamron for ring shots. Incredible detail and rendering. Maybe the one you tested needed calibration or something (sample severely downsized for the forum).
For me it’s not about the destination ( final image ), but the ride which is the enjoyment of taking the photos. I get zero enjoyment in using a phone to take photos. The enjoyment alone would have me using the camera over a phone.
chez wrote:
For me it’s not about the destination ( final image ), but the ride which is the enjoyment of taking the photos. I get zero enjoyment in using a phone to take photos. The enjoyment alone would have me using the camera over a phone.
And I get much less enjoyment lugging (and worrying about) my system for family-oriented trips.
But I am a full-time wedding shooter and have my gear with me daily.
If you are simply a hobbyist, it may be a different story.
lightskyland wrote:
The iPhone uses computational photography to stack images in camera so its low light performance is much better than the RX100 for casual use.
I just sold my RX100VA after not using it much for a year. My heart is kind of heavy. It was my third RX100 camera. Previously I have had mk II and IV.
Even not my favourite camera, on its own right VA is a very good camera, much better than its predecessors. Fast, reasonable image quality etc. It also produces "real" images in stead of the computational plasticy pictures from iPhone.
I would have probably used the RX100VA much more if it had a well functioning link to phone. That was a deal breakes for me
if the image quality, bokeh etc. really matters to you, you will have to otp for something like Fuji XT100 (almost pocketable) or the older RX1-R II FF pocket camera to make a difference, if the image quality doesn't matter then why bother with a separate camera. the RX100 is not that much better than the iPhone 15 to make it worthwhile with all the batteries, extra charger, downloading the pics and organizing them, maybe even raw processing etc.
I have gone through the RX100 iterations several times in the past decade from original version to one before the last, every time I concluded that if the picture really matters to me I want my A1/A9/AXX FF and my GM lenses. RX100 is immidiialtey too soft, too noisy and totally lacking next to an image from these bodies... if this stuff doesn't matter then the iPhone is just fine.
I have Fuji X100V. It has good enough image quality. Fuji pictures are ok even when shown alongside with picture take with full frame Sony cameras.
But what I tried to say that despite some noise etc. 1" sensor cameras produce "real" pictures in RAW. Call me old school if you want but I think there is certain difference to pictures produced in phones.
speedmaster20d wrote:
if the image quality, bokeh etc. really matters to you, you will have to otp for something like Fuji XT100 (almost pocketable) or the older RX1-R II FF pocket camera to make a difference, if the image quality doesn't matter then why bother with a separate camera. the RX100 is not that much better than the iPhone 15 to make it worthwhile with all the batteries, extra charger, downloading the pics and organizing them, maybe even raw processing etc.
I have gone through the RX100 iterations several times in the past decade from original version to one before the last, every time I concluded that if the picture really matters to me I want my A1/A9/AXX FF and my GM lenses. RX100 is immidiialtey too soft, too noisy and totally lacking next to an image from these bodies... if this stuff doesn't matter then the iPhone is just fine. ...Show more →
