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I'd like a lighter weight zoom camera than my SX60 HS (includes photos)

Started Jun 21, 2019 | Discussions thread
Wugzz
Wugzz New Member • Posts: 9
Re: Sony? Re: I'd like a lighter weight zoom camera than my SX60 HS (includes photos)
1

My feeling is that a lot of issues with those pocket superzooms could be fixed through  custom firmwares, removing the superfluous and sometimes funky auto-features, arranging the controls in a clearer, more straightforward and explicite fashion.

Even without custom firmwares, just well implemented user profiles systems could save a lot of hassle, but there are none AFAIK.

At that - as you say appropriately 'mass-produced' - level, maybe manufacturers care more about the whole presentation and list of marketable features, than what matters the most: the camera performance, quality and useability.

If it takes solid experience in photography (not 'just' advancing-beginner or already a bit trained-amateur), plus complete mastery of the devices to get the best out of them, then that's a paradox considering the segment/price range they're in.

Part of their potential is wasted because of that IMHO, when you see that they're still able to take great shots (which takes more 10 tries than 3 for me as I've mentioned, even considering a combination of preparedness and luck)

And it is strange that between those (SX7**, RV/RX**, SZ/TZ**) and an IQ the likes of the RX100 VI offers, there is almost nothing, nothing besides the ZS100 and ZS200 which aren't exactly mid-range wonders, either because the quality and performance aren't that big improvements over the formers when they're at their best, or because the price (esp. the ZS200's) isn't that good for what you get (comparing the two I understand why the ZS100 is still recommended)

Though get those two a custom firmware that adds more/better/finer options for controlling the smoothing or sharpening treatment of the jpegs, and they'd already be significantly more attractive.

Anyway, I guess smartphones will deal pocket superzooms the last blow the day they manage decent 200~300mm/8x~10x by whatever means, which could happen in only a few years from now, and there won't be any room left for potential better standalone cameras in that category.

@TheAlex/OP: sorry for the indeed rather harsh rant about pocket superzoooms, I did not mean to hijack the thread and discourage you to purchase one, just wanted to share my experience and I got carried away. Final word; yes, even if the IQ is often disappointing they're still convenient, but only get one if you find a good deal, definitely don't pay the full current market price for any of those.

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