Hi Lynn, the G1X definitely has better image quality in low light than the P7100 due to its larger sensor, it has excellent image quality up to 2 f-stops higher than the P7100 according to DXOMark benchmarks.
The other suggestions to look at the Sony NEX line is a great idea, they're perhaps halfway between the G1x and a DSLR, since they have APS-C sensors, and interchangeable lenses, but are much smaller.Which camera do you recommend for Lynn-Rhodes?
Nikon P7100 - $299
10 MP|7.1x f/2.8|1/1.8" CCD|3" LCD
Canon G1X - $649
14.2 MP|4x f/2.8|Four Thirds CMOS|3" LCD
14 Answers
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Intermediate III
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Intermediate III
I am a Nikon DSLR user like you and I also have P7100 but between the two, I'd have to go with Canon Powershot G1X. Although P7100 is a fine camera in its own right, I find them to be tad slow in overall response time when compared to even lesser P&S cameras.
P7100 has excellent IQ and plethora of advanced settings and has larger sensor among P&S cameras (1/1.6 versus 1/2.3) but Canon has even bigger sensor than P7100; in fact, it has the biggest sensor among all P&S cameras currently in the market (unless you consider Fujifilm X100 a glorified P&S). Why does this matter? Beacuse camera's low light capability is strongly related to sensor size, among other things. Your emphasis was on low light capability and portability. Now, both P7100 and G1X are rather hefty as P&S cameras go, although they are smaller than D300 and should fit ok in a large purse.
Here are links to relevant reviews from DPreview.com:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong1x...
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonG12...
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikonp71...
For about same money or less, why not consider Nikon D3100 with 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX lens (about $200) for about $600. D3100 has much smaller footprint than D300 and is almost as capable as D300 and overall has much better low light capability than either P7100 or G1X, especially paired with 35mm f.18 lens. And it will be compatible with all your D300 gear. If you already have 35mm prime lens, then just a body can be had on Nikon site or B&H/Adorama for around $400. Then there is D3200, which is an update of D3100, but can't just get the body now ...
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Beginner I
Sony NEX C3 is a great camera with a small body and interchangeable lenses. It's one of the best mirrorless systems available.
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E2SNNEXC3ABIs the system I just purchased, for 748.00, free shipping and no taxes. It takes phenomenal pictures and you can put it in your pocket.
The NEX C3 will do everything that those other cameras do and give you the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.
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Beginner Iover a year ago Lynn-RhodesI hadn't even considered anything but Canon or Nikon but will look in to the Sony NEX C3 based on your recommendation. Thank you for your input! -
Beginner Iover a year ago Caleb-BareI used to own a Canon G9 (older model in the same line of cameras) and it was a great little camera that took pretty good pictures. Unfortunately the camera died and I bought the sony nex 3. I have to say that the nex three is by far superb and the iso performance is excellent (even compared to entrey level dslrs). However, there are a few important differences: the Canon G series cameras have excellent macro, wide angle, and zoom without having to change the lense. The Sony nex cames with interchangeable lenses, so if you plan on taking macro, telephoto, wide angle, and night shots, you'll probably need to be getting another lense. Also, I've noticed that the pictures I've taken with the Canon G9 are simply better when it comes to color and balance (Although this can be corrected in photoshop or using the custom settings in the camera. Overall, the only thing I liked about the Canon G series cameras better than the Sony nex was the macro ability, smaller size, and great colors. Other than that, the Sony nex is an awesome camera with plenty of great features that I love and in my opinion, a great user interface. If you don't care about the size too much and don't care about the macro shots, I'd recomend one of the sony nex cameras with the 14-55 lens kit. - Beginner Iover a year ago Lynn-RhodesYou've given me a lot to consider. I forgot about all of the equivalent lenses. I have to remember my primary reason for buying (before getting too confused). It is to take great night shots. My main camera is the Nikon D300 which I will use during day light hours. My secondary reason for buying a second camera is for backup in case of an accident with/or loss of the D300. So, with night use as my primary purpose, excellent low light capability is of the top importance. So with that in mind, I probably won't need a macro & the 14-55 lens kit would probably suffice...but I do hate to give up the versatility of the G1X's equivalent 28-112 mm lens. Let me ask you this... Is it even possible to answer this Question?: At night - without a tripod - but using higher ISO), am I likely to want to use (& be able to get decent shots) with the G1X's additional zoom capability (55-112mm) over the Sony? I'm also concerned about Luminous-landscaptes.com's review of the G1X: "Probably the less said about the G1X's viewfinder, the better. It is simply a joke in the context of 2012 cameras. It's a simple optical tunnel viewfinder of small size and with no information (as well as having much of the image blocked by the lens). I suppose that it's better than nothing, but not by much." then he continues: "I did not do much low light shooting with the G1X. It just isn't a camera that I find suitable for this use. The lens is far too slow, except at its widest, and working in low light conditions with a bright LCD is counter productive to be unobtrusive. I would much prefer an EVF for this, and the camera's tiny optical window just isn't up to the task, especially in poor light."
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Intermediate IIIover a year ago John-KimD3100/D3200 make perfect back up to D300. Small and LIGHT enough to carry in a purse ... - Beginner Iover a year ago Caleb-BareI could take excellent night photos with my G9 (wich has a much smaller sensor than the new G1x), but only with long exposures, so I would have to have it on a tripod or stabilizing it against another object. I've never used the G1x, but since the sensor is a bit smaller than a micro 4/3 sensor, the shots should be good, but not anywhere near as good as the sony nex. Also keep in mind that during night, if you take a picture while zoomed in, the aperature will be even smaller at f/5.8 instead of f/2.8, so you will be getting even less light (same goes for the nex). I'm not sure, but it look like the G1x doesn't have a bulb setting, so it's slowest shutter speed it 1/60 whereas you can buy a remote shutter for the nex5n and keep the shutter open for a much longer time in the bulb mode. Because the nex has interchangeable lenses, you could also buy an old cheap manual lense, such as an Olympus OM or Canon FD. If in good condition, these lenses can achieve great quality photos and at night, using an olympus OM f/1.8 lense (with an adapter) will let in even more light. They're fun to use if you don't mind using manual focus (and the nex's zoom assist mode makes maual focusing much quicker and more precise). Hope this helps some.
- Beginner Iover a year ago Lynn-RhodesGreat idea - Thank you
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Beginner II11 months ago Michel-Schreuderagree, d3200 so much sharper images.
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Beginner II
Agree with the Sony recommendation, if you want something that is great in low light you just cant beat a bigger sensor. I'd go NEX-5N and the Sigma 19/30mm f/2.8 lens rather than C3 though.
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Intermediate II
The internet has made the decision making process much more difficult than it used to be. I shot primarily with my dSLR and carry an S95 in my pocket. There is only one way to know for sure. You will have to go to a store and see if you are comfortable carrying the camera of choice. If you feel that these are still too big then it won't matter how good it is in low light if it is back at the hotel with your D300. I was looking at the LX-5, but I was willing to give up a little quality and versatility for portability. Very glad I made that choice. True, it is not the best in low light, but I can take it with me everywhere. I often get asked which camera is the best and my answer is always the same. There is no best of anything. There is always a compromise (speed vs zoom, versatility vs portability, better body vs more accessories). Seems like you are leaning toward the Sony. I belive you will be happy with it :)
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonynexc3
Some shots with my S95. There are a few taken at night.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31657193@N04/sets/72157627112031677/with/6756384787/
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Beginner I
Do compare also the SONY NEX 5N,
The high ISO -images are supurb!! Really !ISO 3200 - 6400 - even higher without the dangerous noise...The combination of a large sensor & the BIONX processor!It's my most favourite camera for Concertphotography!erik O,
http://erik0.wordpress.com-
Beginner IIf we are going for small cameras with interchangeable lenses you should also take a look at Nikon's J1 and V1. It depends how much you want to spend on the system. - Beginner IThanks Vlad. I'll look at that one too.
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Expert IIIBut also note that Snapsort incoporates DxOMark scores which are VERY thoroughly tested. - Beginner IHi Erik, my response to you (& questions) shows up way below on this page. Your pictures are very impressive!
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Beginner II
I'd buy a refurbished Nikon Coolpix P7000, with pretty much the same specs as the P7100 for $240 from Cameta,Camera and save $559 over the G1X. -
Beginner I
As far as I know, Nikon is better at high-ISO than Canon.
I have a Nikon myselft and I've tried different cameras also. It seemed to me that Nikon has better high ISO performance than Canon.
Just check the reviews for high ISO shots :)
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Beginner I
The Canon PowerShot S100 is much better for low light with high ISO and boosted ISO and it's thinner, lighter, and cheaper. I have a Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS that I love!- Beginner IBob, Are you saying the Canon PowerShot S100 is better than the G1 X or the Nikon P7100....or both?
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Intermediate IIIThe S100 is highly rated, but the G1X has a much larger sensor, scores better on low light ISO tests, and shoots raw too. - Intermediate IIII hear you, the S100 is the best small camera out there!
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Beginner IWith all that said if someone is heading to Paris you should be renting a Nikon D800 and living it up! A camera designed for a large purse is not what Paris is about. :-) - Beginner IDo you really think it's a wise decision to use HDR at night?
- Beginner IThat's sounds awesome!
- Beginner II'll check out the site - Thank you. Have a great time in Bermuda!!
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Beginner II
I would choose Powershot, because technically, it has sensor cmos, good for low light. and it can reduce noise at high iso (644)
- Beginner IThats what I've read.....but do you think its worth the extra money? $799 vs $384 - I am willing to pay for quality - if its significantly better.
- Intermediate IIIRule of thumb is that a shutter speed of 1/focal-length is needed to avoid hand-shake! e.g. 1/200s shutter speeded needed if you are shooting at 200mm.
- Beginner IAwesome picture! Is that in Lucerne? Were you using the 5N or C3?
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Intermediate III
Hope I'm not late with this answer...
I recommend considering also Sony's RX100. It is half the size of G1X but image quality almost as good. G1X is slightly better in low-light but the RX100 is shirt-pocketable with much better macro capability. If low-light image quality matters more than size, choose the G1X.
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Intermediate I
I would also recommend the Sony NEX 3 or NEX 5... both are Excellent in low Light, and with the 16mm pancake lens, are not larger than a Cheapo point and shoot... meaning you would look hip, not touristy.
The 16mm lens also works extremely well at Capturing Scenery, and because of its large Aperture of 1.8, can really make great use of available light.
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Beginner II
sharper, more bokey and detail
- Beginner II
g1x, twice the price, but much more warmth in evening low light pictures
Summary
| 5 |  | Recommendations for Canon PowerShot G1X |
| 2 |  | Recommendations for Nikon Coolpix P7100 |
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