YWG
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Senior Member
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Posts: 1,364
Re: Is there no longer any room for a 1/1.8" sensor camera?
geepondy wrote:
My friend asked me for a camera recommendation "around $300". What are you looking for I ask. Something like my G12 (work camera). Upon then investigating it appears both the G16 and Olympus Stylus 1S have been discontinued, I imagine others as well. I do see G16 refurbs are still available at the Canon store. Is there no room for a $300 1/1.8" camera for those that want something that's clearly a step ahead of a cell phone or small sensor camera, yet does not want to spend $500 and up for a 1" sensor camera? I see on ebay, they are getting a pretty penny for used G15 and 16's.
Enthusiasts were likely the few that tolerated the $300-500 compacts. I don't recall seeing too many around in my various travels and even to this day. It is a big divide of people either using phones and tablets or DSLRs with kit lenses.
I recall giving my brother and sister inlaw my 30D when I went to the 7D. Although it made great photos, they rarely used it due to bulk. When they started a family, they wanted video and now to take more photos. Great, the Panasonic LX7 had dropped to $300 so I made it an Xmas present . Fast 24-90mm F1.4-2.3 lens, video, lots of knobs and buttons for changing settings. While the size reduction was welcome and it continued to make great photos, they contended they'd never buy a camera that is so expensive! Now they favour their cell phones. I think no matter the image quality improvement potential, I don't think you could convince them to buy into the 1" market either. I don't think they are alone in that thought.
So, I think your friend is stuck scavenging the used pile as none of the manufacturers are iterating these premium 1/1.8-1/1.5" sensor compacts. I saw the local classifieds have a few G15/G16, a singular XZ-2 and the occasional LX7. The Stylus 1/1s on reconditioned is still quite expensive and only drops to high 300s with the occasional 20% off sale.