PowerShot or EOS? Quadriplegic user

Hi there,

I am a nature photographer and have had my canon power shot for about 8 years. I upload my photos to a print on demand site that prints my images on different products. One product that I tried to print says the image needs to be 82500 x 6415. My current camera width is only 4200 width so my thought is I need to upgrade. But as I began looking at cameras I'm realizing a camera that can produce 82500 x 6415 may not be in my price range. But I'm still thinking a upgrade would be good.

I'm looking at the Canon PowerShot SX420 ( https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1210599-REG/canon_1068c001_powershot_sx420_is_digital.html ) as it's built similar to my current camera. I have hand function limitations as I'm a quadriplegic so can only really use one good hand, so I can't handle every camera.

I am also interested in the Canon EOS M100 ( https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1358090-REG/canon_2210c011_eos_m100_mirrorless_digital.html ) as a friend mentioned mirroless to me. Would this camera take better quality photos than the first one? Does the zoom work the same as far as just pushing the lever with my finger the same as the point and shoot? I appreciate your recommendations and if you think there would be a better choice for me please let me know.

Thank you. Sincerely, Ian

Ian_abaco wrote:

Hi there,

I am a nature photographer and have had my canon power shot for about 8 years. I upload my photos to a print on demand site that prints my images on different products. One product that I tried to print says the image needs to be 82500 x 6415. My current camera width is only 4200 width so my thought is I need to upgrade. But as I began looking at cameras I'm realizing a camera that can produce 82500 x 6415 may not be in my price range. But I'm still thinking a upgrade would be good.

I'm looking at the Canon PowerShot SX420 ( https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1210599-REG/canon_1068c001_powershot_sx420_is_digital.html ) as it's built similar to my current camera. I have hand function limitations as I'm a quadriplegic so can only really use one good hand, so I can't handle every camera.

I am also interested in the Canon EOS M100 ( https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1358090-REG/canon_2210c011_eos_m100_mirrorless_digital.html ) as a friend mentioned mirroless to me. Would this camera take better quality photos than the first one? Does the zoom work the same as far as just pushing the lever with my finger the same as the point and shoot? I appreciate your recommendations and if you think there would be a better choice for me please let me know.

Thank you. Sincerely, Ian

Hi. Interchangeable Lens Cameras won't give you the option to zoom using a lever with the same hand you're holding the camera. When it comes to Canon, only PowerShot cameras will give you that option. There are some models that would give you better image quality thanks to their larger sensors. Such as the G5X Mark II, G7X Mark III and G1X Mark III.

Zoom lever will not work with the EOS M100, or any of the EOSM series.

However, they do have the wonderful 22 and 32 prime lenses... Those are wicked sharp and 22mm on a crop is 35mm FF which is the perfect "street" lens.

Depends what you want. If you plan to zoom though, Powershot.

If you want ultimate image quality, and 35mm works for you, M100 + EF-M 22mm f/2 STM is a vicious combo.

Both the M100 + 22 and a G series powershot should be on your (short) list. Comes down to reach though.

If you're not sure, Powershot is the safer bet.

I'm a former EOS M user and current PowerShot user. My gut says it depends on what kind of output you want.

Edit: Saw your price range.

What model do you have now? Gives me a feel of what you expect, what works, and if/what you should bother with...

Ian_abaco wrote:

I jut looked up the gx 5 mark 2, not in my price range today. Does the eos zoom by just turning the lens? Wondering if I could brace the camera against my body and zoom with my good hand???

I guess it will depend on you. You can try that with a friend's camera if available. Or check the G7X Mark II as it might suit your budget. As for the m100,  f you wouldn't mind using it with only a prime lens and thus getting rid of zooming, you'll have to see if you can find it body only and buy a separate prime lens. Or look on the used market. The m100 will give you even better results than any PowerShot camera.

Ian_abaco wrote:

Right now I think I have the sx 20. The zoom is very important as my wheelchair limits how close I can get to certain places. I photograph lots of flowers and outdoor scenes including beaches and woodsy parks. Quality is important but zoom just as much. I think any upgrade from 8 years ago will be an improvement. What do you think of the first one I posted? $200 looks nice to me but is there a similar camera with more pixels? I doubt it but thought I'd ask. Thank you.

Hmmm. This is a tough one.

The SX30-50 doesn't give you much.

The SX60 gives you a 16MP BSI, but at nearly $400

The SX70 gives you 20MP BSI, but once again around $400.

You might want to have a peek at used copies of the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 or PowerShot G3X

https://www.cpricewatch.com/product/05817/Canon-PowerShot-G3-X-price.html

$484 is a good price (used) for the G3X. EVF not included though.

$419 used for like new on the FZ1000 is a good gig if you're willing to look outside Canon.

A $200 budget for a bridge camera is a unique problem.

Truthfully, not a lot has changed with image quality on "bridge cameras" unless you go 1" ala the FZ1000 or G3X. The SX70 is definitely a "level up" with the 20MP BSI sensor, but at nearly $500? Ouch. You can do half the reach but more than double the image quality with the FZ1000 or G3X but half the reach. However, it's on par with the reach you have now I believe.

Tough.

Ian_abaco wrote:

I'm looking at mirroles cameras on bet buy with retractable lenses. What does that mean? To me it looks like they might zoom similar to powershot.

It's not a power zoom... Means it retracts, with your help, so it's out.

I personally would be really stoked if they made a mirrorless with a retracting lens, be good for video application.

What about refurbished?

Ian_abaco wrote:

best buy has open boxed items that are pretty decent priced. Do mirroless camera have the best image quality in general? And are there any downsides to that type of camera?

Mirrorless will be small, light, and powerful (good image quality), but for your ergonomics? I wouldn't. You probably should stick to a point and shoot, but a powerful one.

Let me ask you this...

What focal lengths do you shoot at most? What do you shoot most? What do you want to shoot but can't? I gather this started with your printing pictures but has morphed into a greater desire to upgrade an 8 year old camera. Ironically both much has changed, and, not much at all in that time frame.

I in your shoes, I'd have a hard-hard look at the PowerShot G3X and Panasonic FZ1000... They both carry the Sony 1" BSI sensor which will give you a huge lift in image quality, and bump you to 20MP.

An important differentiator; do you do much video? And, do you do any RAW edits/post processing?

Also, touchscreen use. The FZ1000 (mark I, which is around $400 used) lacks touchscreen. The G3X, has a touchscreen. How do you feel about touchscreens? That can be a deal breaker for the Panasonic. Likewise if it's not, I don't want to say the FZ1000 is just a better camera (the mark I) than the G3X, but well, it is?

I think for someone like you, the fine details are really going to matter so I'd do your homework and try to hunt one down in store to play with (the G3X and FZ1000)

Don't overlook the possibility of a refurbished model direct from Canon. I've bought several pieces of gear this way and never been disappointed. Right now, you could get a refurbished G7 X Mark II for $399, if the last model version does what you need.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/powershot-g7-x-mark-ii-refurbished