Phone upgrade/DSLR downgrade - G9X enough?
Apr 17, 2018
1
Hey all,
Having spent the weekend hanging new photos in our apartment I've found myself a little frustrated with my camera set up and looking to upgrade.
I have a Nikon D40 which I use almost exclusively with a 1.8f/35mm prime lens. It takes some really nice shots, especially of family and friends when on trips but it's only 6mp. This hasn't been too much of an issue sharing online but when it came to printing some out for the wall, 4x6 up to 8x10 I found the resolution is a little constraining when wanting to crop/rotate some of them.
My main camera though is my Galaxy S7. It's always in my pocket which is something that can't be said for the Nikon. In fact, on my most recent trip to Washington I left it behind because I was travelling hand luggage only and didn't (want to) have room. I use my Nikon less and less because of its bulk and "I'm taking a photo out of my way" feeling when using it.
The Galaxy S7 takes some really great shots in good lighting, albeit with quite a 'flat', 'digital' look. In low light, the noise means I either don't want to print them, or splat too many colour effects on them to hide the noise that I still don't want to print them ;).
I've put some sample photos into a Flickr album to demonstrate the types of photos I enjoy taking. https://flic.kr/s/aHskzuhwBu
Requirements:
- Something compact that I won't hesitate to take on a weekend trip.
- Something that is a clear step up from my Galaxy S7.
- Sub $1000 (cad) otherwise I might as well upgrade my phone.
Based on those, I've stumbled across the 1inch sensor category. Specifically the G7Xii and G9Xii due to price.
There are a couple of things holding me back which I'm hoping those you with some real world experience might be able to help with:
1. Is the G9Xii a significant step up over my (or a new) phone to warrant the price. Especially in low light or would I be better suited with the G7X.
2. Despite being much smaller than a DSLR, do you find yourself leaving the G7X, Sony RX100 sized cameras at home at times when you wished you hadn't?
3. Do some of the 1inch with great zooms (looking at you Panasonic) sacrifice too much in lens speed?
(4. Should I just suck up re size of my Nikon and upgrade the body instead?)