Buying a new compact views on this sony or canon camera

martian1

Hi all hope i have found the right place to post this. I am looking at replacing my 10 year old 8 mp camera with something better and have decided on one of these 2 cameras the older Sony RX100 model looks like it would give better pictures but lacks a couple of up to date features canon SX740HS has wifi and a better zoom and 4k video i also think it looks the better camera and has a grip which the sony does not. Is there a huge difference in image quality between the two models i think the sony might be a little complicated for me as i am basically a point and shooter i can get the sony for under £250 which is actually cheaper than the canon for around £299 thoughts advice appreciated.

12harry

You omitted to give us a Budget for this new camera...-or- is £299 tops?
  It would be useful to know what you plan to be photographing... Is Compact important, or Zoom...etc.
Cheers

martian1

Hi yes budget around £300 its just for general photography usually holiday scenery like the lakes etc I would like to be able to take decent photos in low light as well which my old canon is atrocious at compact is important I don't like to cart big cameras about tried that and felt the results although good did not justify the inconvenience. I was also thinking about just updating my phone and get a model with a good camera but I hate to rely on the phone alone so would end up taking a backup camera anyway I've decided its pointless going that path. I recently had a couple of family events a graduation and a birthday and really wished I had taken a better camera
Photography is not a hobby but things have moved on a lot compared to my old camera and just feel its lacking and I have regretted not having a decent camera at times.

AMc

There are 6 generations of the Sony RX100 with varying features and prices
Obviously the Mark VI is several years 'better' than the Mk 1
Digital Cameras | Small & Compact Digital Cameras | Sony UK
Given your budget I guess you're looking at the Mk1?

The Canon has a 1/2.3 inch sensor and the Sony a 1".  The Sony's larger sensor should cope with lower lighting but it makes it harder to build in a long zoom.  The flip side is the Canon can zoom further with a smallish built in lens.
Sensor sizes explained: what you need to know | TechRadar

The Sony Mki was first released in 2012, the Canon in 2018 so you can expect some technology improvements along the way.  You can get around the Sony's lack of WiFi with a WiFi enabled SD Card.

My gut feeling is you'll struggle to see much difference between them outdoors in good light but the extra zoom on the Canon might be useful.
Indoors the Sony's larger sensor and fast lens (smaller aperture "f number") should mean it does better.
You'd really do well to go and try them both if you're near enough to a real shop that will let you get hands on.

martian1

Thanks for help useful information and I never knew you could get a wireless enabled memory card.

snerkler

In terms of IQ the Sony will be much better, it has a considerably larger sensor, the Canon will give you photos similar to a smartphone (which to be fair are good in good light).

IF you can stretch to the RX100-III (should be close to budget if you're happy to buy used) it would be a better option imo as the f1.8-2.8 aperture lens allows for more light than the previous generations and therefore will be better in low light.

Another option worth looking at is the Canon G7x, it has the same 1" type sensor size as the Sony RX100, has a similar fast aperture lens to the RX100-III but has a bit more zoom.

snerkler

A quick look shows that a 'like new' G7x is going to be around £324
Used Canon PowerShot G7 X Digital Compact Camera - mpb.com

And an 'excellent' RX100-III is going to be around £349. This one has an added grip too.
Used Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark III


You may be able to find cheaper if you look around. Stores that sell used gear that I'd be happy to buy from include MPB, WEX, Harrisons, LCE, Camera Jungle, Calumet, and maybe a couple of others I've forgotten

martian1

Thanks I might buy second hand having a think about it.

snerkler

I saw that you'd mentioned warranty prior to your edit, most (if not all the companies I mentioned) offer at least 6 months warranty on used, some of them 12 months warranty.

Obviously it's down to the individual, but buying used you are generally going to get a better camera for your money. I only tend to buy excellent, mint, or as new though, although you can sometimes get some real bargains if you are willing to buy 'well used'.

steven76

If you’re not set on those two cameras I have a Panasonic lx15 for sale on gumtree