Let’s discuss the best entry-level camera for photographers. In this particular article, we will compare all the entry-level camera sensors at high ISO range to each other to find out the best of all.
The list of cameras that we have included in this test starts with Sony’s most popular 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. The Sony 24-megapixel APS-C BSI CMOS sensor is being used in the following models:S
Sony A6100
Sony ZV-E10 Mark II
Sony A6400
We have selected Nikon’s famous 20-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, being used in these Nikon cameras:
Nikon Z30
Nikon Z50
Nikon Zfc
And finally, Canon’s 24-megapixel APS-C DPAF CMOS sensor, the latest generation of the sensor, is being used in:
Canon R50
Canon R10
The Canon R100 camera sensor as well as the processor used in R100 is not coming straight from Canon’s latest generation of sensors, so we are putting this camera on the sap-rate list
From the editor’s desk:
In this comparison, we will be evaluating the image sensors of all these cameras together to find out which one performs best in low-light and uncontrolled lighting environments.
Are you planning to buy a new camera for photography? Whether you’re interested in kids’ photography, shooting portraits of your family and friends, capturing landscapes, architecture, or even wildlife photography, in any of these scenarios, you will be exposed to uncontrolled lighting environments.
What does an uncontrolled lighting environment mean? It means dealing with natural light, which is not always perfect as per your requirements.
So, what does a photographer do to adjust for natural light? They generally raise the ISO level to balance the exposure.
The truth is, If your camera sensor cannot perform well at high ISO levels, then it’s likely not the right choice for you. In this comparison, we will be reviewing all these models so you can easily find the best camera for your needs.
1. Canon R100 vs Canon R10/R50
We are comparing Canon are 100 camera versus The Canon R10 / r50 by picking up the ISO 12800 now let’s see the image below and discuss the result
As seen in the test results, you can clearly notice that the image sample captured at ISO 12800 with the Canon R100 camera does not preserve details as well as the Canon R10.
What could be the reason behind this? It could be due to the older generation of the sensor or perhaps the older generation of the image processor used in the Canon R100. It could be either of these two factors, but the end result is clear: the Canon R50 camera’s sensor performs much better compared to the Canon R100.
Verdict: Winner Canon R10/Canon R50 Camera
2. Canon R10/R50 vs Sony ZV-E10/A6400
Now it’s time for the most interesting comparison. We are comparing the Canon R10 and R50’s 24-megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus sensor with Sony’s 24-megapixel Hybrid CMOS autofocus sensor, which is used in the Sony ZV-E10, Sony A6400, and Sony A6100 cameras. This comparison will be very interesting to see which one performs better under various conditions.
From the image samples, it is very clear that Sony’s 24-megapixel Hybrid CMOS autofocus sensor is able to capture slightly more detail—or rather, it’s better to say it’s able to preserve slightly more detail—compared to the Canon R10 and Canon R50’s 24-megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus sensors.
We’re not talking about a major difference, but there is a noticeable one. You can observe it in the corners and edges of the color blocks, where the sharpness and details are better preserved by Sony’s sensor at high ISO ranges compared to the Canon R10.
Verdict: Winner Sony ZV-E10 | Sony A6400 Camera
3.Sony ZV-E10/A6400 vs Nikon Z30/ Z50
Now it’s final test time, and we are comparing the Sony ZV-E10 or the Sony A6400 camera Hybrid CMOS autofocus sensor with the Nikon Z30 or Z50. We do have a slight resolution difference between them, and we will be comparing both at the same. Let’s find out the difference we have.
We have selected two different image samples at two different ISO levels. The first one is at ISO 25600, and the other set of samples is at ISO 51200. In both images, it is clearly visible that the Nikon Z30, Zfc, or Z50 20-megapixel Hybrid CMOS autofocus sensor wins by a margin. It preserves a bit more detail; the corners and the borders are a bit clearer and better preserved compared to the image samples we have on the right side from the Sony A6100 or the Sony ZV-E10.
From the test, it’s very clear that the 20-megapixel Hybrid CMOS autofocus sensor of the Nikon Z30 is able to preserve a bit more detail.
Final Result and the Winner
If you are going to combine all the tests and conclude a result, then the clear winner in the entry-level zone is the Nikon Z30, Z50, or Zfc with the 20-megapixel Hybrid CMOS autofocus sensor. If you want to shoot amazing images in uncontrolled light or low-light environments, then without a doubt, even in 2024, this sensor is best for you.
Get Nikon Z30 | Nikon Z50 | Nikon Zfc from Amazon.com | B&H Store
PS: Keep in mind that several other factors are also involved, like the autofocus system, continuous burst speed, and types of autofocus modes, but we are discussing the most important part here: the image quality, which matters the most to a photographer.
We Need Your Love and Support: How can you support TheNewCamera.com? Simply by purchasing your new camera, lens, or any other accessories through our affiliate links, which will help us maintain this website.
source image credit – www.dpreview.com/reviews/image-comparison
I really appreciate the thorough comparison in this article! As someone who often shoots in challenging lighting, it’s reassuring to see how well the Nikon Z30/Z50/Zfc sensors perform in preserving details at high ISO levels. It’s interesting to see how even in 2024, these cameras hold their ground. Thanks for making the decision-making process easier for photographers like me who are on the lookout for the best entry-level options. Great work!
I’ve been lost in all the reviews trying to find the right entry-level camera, but this article really helped clarify things for me. The detailed comparison, especially focusing on low-light performance, made me realize that the Nikon Z30 is the best fit for my needs and budget as well. Thanks
I want to say thank you for comparing Sensors and not camera models. Very more useful the way you did it (the sensor inside these cameras using the same). I wish more websites you compare like this and not body vs body.
Glad you guys like this approach, thanks for the appreciation