Can you tell which photo comes from which sized sensor?
I’ve been a photographer (both professional and hobbyist) for over 40+ years and I’ve finally come to a personal conclusion about the age old image-quality vs size debate. And my conclusion is this: Small cameras need to stay small. Period. End of discussion.
The photos shown below have been taken with a variety of cameras, ranging from the smallest 1/1.7 inch sensor on the Canon S95 to M 4/3 (Olympus) to APSC (Ricoh and Sigma Merrill DPs) to full frame (Sony Rx1Rm2 and a7r III). Of the two first photos, one was taken with the Canon S95 and the other with the a7r III full frame sensor. I took at both and I can’t even tell the difference without pixel peeping.
What do I mean by small? I mean small, as in truly pocketable. No bigger than the Ricoh GR or Sony RX series, or GM1, GM5 with very small pancake leases attahced. I used the Sony RX1r and Rx2rm2 for over 10 years, but the big lens attached to those cameras, even though they are amazing lenses, takes away from the experience. They are not truly pocketable or portable. Yes, the image quality is great, but NOT, and I repeat NOT, that much better than the Rhicoh’s and RX100s of this world. The experience suffers. With the Rx1 cameras photography becomes more purposful, more intentional, less spontaneous, and honestly, usually not as good, or fun. It’s more work, and despite the amazing lens and full frame sensor not worth the tradeoff in pocketability.
But I kept the Rx1rm2 around for 8 years thinking that I would miss out on the quality under the false impression that my photos wouldn’t be as good. Definitely a case of FOMO and total BS. I’ve never owned the famed Fuji x100 cameras, but I think it would be a similar experience to the Sony RX1 cameras, though maybe less bulky and bothersome because the lens is not as big. Still, not really very portable.
I recently sold my RX1rM2 and have no regrets. The quality difference between it and the Ricoh GRiii, GRiiix and even the Sony RX100vii just isn’t that much better that makes it worth needing to sling the camera around your body with a strap and deal with the extra weight and bulk. Especially the bulk, which sometimes makes walking in crowded areas like San Juan or NYC subways just a pain because you end up bumping the lens. Also, it’s just not as inviting to pull it out and snap a quick, fun pic, which often comes out great. I’m more likely to do that with the Ricoh or Rx100 because those cameras are already in my hand. I don’t need to pull it up from a strap on my body. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but that little bit of extra effort makes a difference. It’s the smallest thing, and yet it matters.
I guess preference is a very personal thing. But if like me you prefer smaller, less fussy cameras, don’t be afraid of missing out. Small cameras have come such a long way. Sensors have gotten so good. Denoise in LR now works miracles. Even phone cameras are pretty darn good. At the end of the day it really is about the experience of photography. What brings you joy. What you gel with. What you will actually use and want to compose with and take pics with. Some people need a viewfinder. I don’t. I do like a tilting rear screen (like on the RX100vii), but I can live without it (like on the Ricoh). The portability and image quality of the Ricoh make it easy to live with the tradeoffs.
For me, the cutoff on sensor size is 1 inch. With modern 1 inch sensors like the the one used the newer RX100 cameras you miss out on nothing. Anything smaller is not good enough and newer phones like the iPhone 12 and up will do better. Now I’m spoiled. I have both the RX100vii and the Ricoh GRiiix. I’m going to take both with me on my next vacation and couldn’t be happier with that decision ☺️.
What do you all think?
