If you’re planning to use Lunar Novel Year money to purchase a new camera, experts advise prioritizing models with two key specifications to ensure optimal image quality and shooting experience.
According to Digital Camera World, a large-sized image sensor is paramount. The publication recommends a sensor size of at least 1 inch – more than double the area of most smartphone sensors – with APS-C offering even better performance. Larger sensors provide increased light gathering capabilities, enhancing low-light photography and creating a more natural bokeh effect.
The second crucial feature is optical zoom. This allows photographers to capture distant subjects without cropping or repositioning, preserving the unique spatial compression characteristic of telephoto lenses. Optical zoom remains a differentiator for dedicated cameras, as smartphones often struggle to achieve continuous optical zoom.
Digital Camera World highlighted the Canon G7X Mark III, Sony RX100 Mark VII, and Leica D-LUX 8 as noteworthy options. The Fujifilm X100VI, Ricoh GR IV, and Sony RX1R III were also mentioned, noting that while these models forgo zoom functionality, they compensate with larger image sensors for superior image quality. This trend reflects a growing emphasis on sensor size as a key factor in achieving professional-level results in compact cameras.