26/03/2026 9:01 pm
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Im trying to figure out what to pack for my trip to Seattle next month and I really want something better than my iPhone but I cant go over $400. Ive been looking at used stuff on eBay and Im torn between a Sony ZV-1F which is super light or maybe a used Canon G7X Mark II if I can find a deal.
The Canon seems better for the zoom but the Sony is newer tech I think. Or maybe the Lumix ZS100 for the bigger sensor? I mainly want decent low light for when we go out to dinner and street shots. Which one do you guys think gives the most bang for the buck right now...
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26/03/2026 9:02 pm
If you want to beat an iPhone in low light for under $400, you gotta look at the lens speed and sensor size data. The 1-inch sensor is basically the minimum for a real upgrade over a phone.
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II 20.1MP 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 is the strongest contender here for your dinner and street shots. The f/1.8 aperture at 24mm combined with the 1-inch sensor provides a massive advantage for gathering light. Its zoom range is way more versatile for street photography compared to a fixed lens.
- Sony ZV-1F 20.1MP 20mm f/2.0 is super light but the fixed 20mm focal length is extremely wide. It is mostly a vlogging tool. It lacks optical image stabilization and uses a contrast-only autofocus system which can hunt a lot in dim restaurants. Modern Sony tech usually refers to their phase-detect AF, which this specific model actually omits to keep costs down.
- Panasonic Lumix ZS100 20.1MP 25-250mm f/2.8-5.9 has the sensor size you want, but the lens hits f/5.9 really fast as you zoom. Youll end up with tons of noise if you try to use that zoom at night in Seattle. For a $400 budget, the Canon is the most balanced tool for what you need. If the price on the G7X is too high on eBay, definitely check out a used Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III 20.1MP 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8. It has the same sensor size and fast aperture as the Canon but usually goes for a bit less right now.
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26/03/2026 9:25 pm
TIL! Thanks for sharing
