A large matrix allows you to achieve the highest detail, get high-quality images in low light, provides a wide dynamic range, the ability to work with bokeh. Therefore, all system cameras (both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras) are equipped with 1 inch or more format matrices. However, they do mean buying lenses, flashes, and other equipment. An alternative is modern compact cameras. Many of them have large sensors that can give a bright and sharp picture even in low light conditions. How to choose a compact with a large matrix? We have prepared a selection of current models of 2017.

Canon Large Image Cameras

Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

Budget cameras with large matrices are a rare class of photographic equipment, because the larger the sensor, the more expensive the camera. Usually, inch sensors are installed in compacts. They are not so big, but they can provide excellent image quality. One of the most affordable inch-matrix cameras is the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II . It has a 20MP CMOS sensor.

Buy Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

The lens has a large aperture (F2 in wide-angle) and a triple optical zoom. In the wide-angle position, its viewing angle is equivalent to 28 mm on full-frame devices, and this is enough for most tasks. This viewing angle is approximately equal to the viewing angle of the lenses of smartphones. Touch screen (you can focus and shoot with one touch), but not rotary. However, if you are not a blogger and are not interested in selfies, this will not be a minus. The built-in optical stabilizer with an efficiency of 3.5 exposure levels will save from blurry shots, and smart autofocus and fast burst shooting (8.2 frames per second) will allow you to use the camera even in dynamic reporting.

Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II / 10.2-30.6 mm Settings: ISO 125, F6.3, 1/100 s

The control is convenient, all the usual automatic and semi-automatic modes, manual mode are implemented here. In the conditional flaws we write down the absence of the viewfinder. However, the screen copes well even with shooting in bright daylight. Plus, the viewfinder would increase the dimensions of the camera. Its size is 98 × 58 × 31 mm, its weight is only 206 grams! Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is perfect as a camera for every day, and the ability to charge the battery from USB will not have to carry a separate charger. Like all compacts, the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II battery runs out pretty quickly: on a single charge, you can make about 235 frames in normal and 355 in eco mode. Video capabilities are standard: Full HD at up to 60 frames per second. The clips are recorded only in automatic mode. Using Wi-Fi with NFC support and Bluetooth, the device connects to a smartphone, wireless printer and CANON iMAGE GATEWAY cloud storage . Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II can be safely recommended as an affordable and versatile compact with a large matrix.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a more advanced model. Here, an inch CMOS sensor of 20 megapixels is also used.

Buy Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II

The camera is equipped with an inclined touch screen, which rotates even in a selfie position. There are necessary automatic functions, and advanced photographer has manual settings at his disposal.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II / (65535) Installations: ISO 125, F5.6, 1/100 s

Another advantage is the wide-angle fast lens with a 4.2x zoom. In the wide-angle position, it gives a viewing angle equivalent to 24 mm, and has an aperture of F1.8, and at maximum zoom we have a 100 mm lens with an aperture of F2.8. A built-in neutral gray filter restricts the amount of light passing through the lens when shooting in bright sunlight and when using slow shutter speeds. In addition, the lens is equipped with an effective image stabilization system (up to 4 exposure levels), which is useful when shooting in low light and video recording. In terms of dimensions, the device is slightly thicker and heavier than the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II: size - 105.5 × 60.9 × 42 mm, weight - 319 grams. The device allows you to shoot at a speed of 8 frames per second, autofocus is fast and chain.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Installations: ISO 125, F3.2, 1/200 s

There is Wi-Fi with support for NFC and Bluetooth, remote shooting is available. The camera can be connected to another camera for sharing pictures, to a wireless printer, PC, cloud storage. Video is recorded in Full HD at 60 frames per second. All manual exposure and white balance settings are available. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II provides maximum functions, a rotary screen, an excellent fast lens with a reasonable zoom ratio in a compact body for relatively little money. The camera will delight a novice photographer, blogger, and even a professional looking for a second camera.

Canon PowerShot G3 X

Before us is a compact with a large matrix and zoom. True, it can be called a compact only conditionally. This is the classification: since the camera has a fixed lens, it means it's compact. Canon PowerShot G3 X is not one of those cameras that can get lost in your pocket. It weighs 745 grams due to the versatile 25x zoom lens with a focal length range of 24–600 mm (equiv.). Buy Canon PowerShot G3 X At the minimum focal length, it is a wide-angle that can capture the landscape, take a group photo or selfie at close range. At maximum focal length, this is a super telephoto lens, capable of showing close-ups of even very distant and small objects. The aperture ratio for a lens of this class is also quite good: from F2.8 at the short end to F5.6 at maximum zoom. Effective optical stabilization is especially important when shooting at long focal lengths. Built-in “stub” dampens camera vibrations and saves up to 3.5 exposure levels.

Shooting at minimum zoom, wide viewing angle

Canon PowerShot G3 X / (65535) Settings: ISO 125, F4, 1/1250 s

Shooting from the same position at maximum zoom, closeup of a building

Canon PowerShot G3 X Settings: ISO 200, F5.6, 1/1000 s

Due to the large focal length, you can achieve beautiful bokeh.

Canon PowerShot G3 X / (65535) Installations: ISO 160, F5.6, 1/200 s

The Canon PowerShot G3 X features a 20.2MP CMOS sensor.

Canon PowerShot G3 X / (65535) Settings: ISO 125, F5.6, 1/500 s

The tiltable touch screen allows you to take frames with one touch from non-standard angles. It is a pity that he does not turn into a selfie position. The Canon PowerShot G3 X is easily confused with the system camera. It has a grip like a DSLR. It contains a battery. Her resource is enough for 335 frames. A good indicator of autonomy for this class of cameras! Ergonomics on top. The camera is suitable for both advanced photographer and beginner. Unlike previous compacts, the Canon PowerShot G3 X has a hot shoe, in which you can install not only a powerful external flash, but also an electronic viewfinder (sold separately), which will be convenient when shooting in bright sunshine. There is a Wi-Fi module with support for NFC and Bluetooth.

Canon PowerShot G3 X / (65535) Installations: ISO 125, F3.2, 1/30 s

Canon PowerShot G3 X / (65535) Settings: ISO 800, F5, 1/60 s

The device records video in Full HD resolution at up to 60 frames per second. Manual settings for video recording are supported. By the way, there is not only a microphone input, but also a headphone output. Only 4K and “flat” profiles are lacking to facilitate post-processing.

Canon PowerShot G3 X - a godsend for those who need a megazoom with a large matrix (not necessarily compact).

Sony large-matrix compact cameras

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II

Sony was the first company to produce compact cameras with a large matrix. The RX-100 series currently has 5 cameras. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II is not new, but it is quite relevant in 2017, the manufacturer releases it in parallel with newer models, because it offers excellent features for relatively little money. Buy Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II Like all compacts in this series, the RX100 II has an inch 20.9-megapixel matrix. The body is metal. Weight - 281 grams. With the lens folded down, the device fits easily in your pocket. The camera is equipped with a 3.6x zoom with a range of focal lengths of 28-100 mm (equiv.). That is, we have before us a moderate wide-angle at the minimum zoom and a good telephoto lens, which can be shot at a great distance at maximum zoom. At the minimum focal length, the lens has an enviable aperture ratio - F1.8. When zooming, it decreases down to F4.9. The lack of aperture at high zoom is easily compensated by the effective optical stabilization of SteadyShot.

Maximum lens viewing angle

DSC-RX100M2 Installations: ISO 160, F5, 1/30 s, 28.0 mm equiv.

The frame is taken at maximum focal length.

DSC-RX100M2 Installations: ISO 800, F4.9, 1/125 s, 100.0 mm equiv.

The device confidently focuses even in low light, and the burst speed reaches 10 frames per second. Swivel 3-inch screen provides freedom in choosing a shooting point. Turn it into a position for shooting self-portraits will not work. By the way, the screen has a very high resolution - 1228800 pixels.

Among other devices of the Sony Cyber-shot series, the DSC-RX100 II highlights the presence of a multi-interface connector, in which you can install both powerful system flashes and additional accessories (for example, an external microphone).

There is a fully automatic mode, and a lot of story programs, and manual and semi-automatic modes. Video recording capabilities are also at the level of: Full HD at up to 60 frames per second. All wireless features in place. Thanks to Wi-Fi with NFC support, you can shoot remotely or download images to a mobile device. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II will please the photographer with excellent photo quality and reliable assembly. A good balance of price and features makes it a very attractive purchase!

Sony DSC-RX10 III

Compact devices Sony DSC-RX10 III can be attributed only formally. The photographer has at his disposal a 25x zoom with focal lengths of 24–600 mm (equiv.), Developed in collaboration with Carl Zeiss. His aperture is also pleasing: F2.4 at the minimum focal length and F4 at the maximum. Optical stabilization works efficiently, saving as much as 4.5 exposure levels! At the heart of the camera is an inch EXMOR R sensor with a resolution of 20.2 megapixels. Buy Sony DSC-RX10 III

Minimum Focus Shooting

DSC-RX10M3 Installations: ISO 100, F4, 1/30 s, 24.0 mm equiv.

Photo taken from the same point at maximum focal length

DSC-RX10M3 Installations: ISO 640, F4, 1/250 s, 600.0 mm equiv.

The camera is charged at the level of top DSLRs: well-thought-out ergonomics, comfortable grip, all modes from auto to manual, useful functions such as exposure bracketing. In terms of speed of serial shooting, it surpasses most SLR cameras - 14 frames per second! In the electronic shutter mode, ultra-fast shutter speeds up to 1/32000 s are available, which will allow you to “stop” even the fastest movement. There is an inclined display with a resolution of 1228800 pixels, a high-quality electronic viewfinder. The Sony DSC-RX10 III delivers class-unique video capabilities. The camera records video in 4K resolution at a frequency of 30 frames per second. The device is also ready for professional use: at the user's disposal S-Gamut / S-Log2, Zebra function, direct output via HDMI, time code / information bit, display of gamma data, recording control, dual recording mode, marker. The multi-interface connector allows you to install an external microphone, video light or flash. Time lapse shooting is available. In the HD format, shooting at a speed of 960 frames per second is supported, and in Full HD - 280 frames per second. The price tag may seem overly high. But are there many cameras on the market that can record 4K video with an S-Log profile and have all the professional features, and even with a 25x fast zoom in the kit? It turns out that the Sony DSC-RX10 III is quite a budget solution, for example, for a television journalist. By the way, you can save a little by choosing the Sony DSC-RX10 II. It has a lower zoom ratio.

DSC-RX10M3 Installations: ISO 2000, F4, 1/250 s, 361.0 mm equiv.

Cameras with ultrasound and a large matrix are a fairly common class of photographic equipment, but if you need a powerful tool for recording video, pay attention to the Sony DSC-RX10 III.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M5

Before us is the most current compact camera with a large matrix in the RX100 series of devices. It implements the best practices, and also has the ability to record 4K video. The body is metal, weighs 299 grams. It has an inch 20.5-megapixel matrix with backlight (BSI CMOS), which provides even higher quality images with high photosensitivity. Buy Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M5 The range of focal lengths is 24–70 mm (equiv.). The aperture ratio of the lens at the minimum focal length is F1.8, and at maximum - F2.8. A wide viewing angle will allow you to shoot beautiful landscapes, take pictures in cramped rooms and make great group photos. Convenient built-in flash and viewfinder are hidden on the top panel. The screen is not touch, but has a convenient inclined design. It can be turned into a selfie position. In auto mode, even a beginner can use the camera, but it has great potential. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M5 received a more advanced hybrid focus system with 325 focus points. Burst speed - 25 frames per second. This speed is not available for SLR cameras. Due to the large buffer, the camera can “shoot” in long bursts.

The camera records video in 4K resolution (30 frames per second) in S-Log2 and S-Log3 profiles. It implements all the auxiliary functions ("Zebra", timecode, separate video recording). Today, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M5 is one of the most affordable cameras offering video recording capabilities of this level.

The camera has several limitations. The first is relatively short battery life. On average, one battery lasts for 220 frames or 110 minutes of video recording. The second - during prolonged recording of 4K video, overheating is possible. However, these problems can easily be solved by taking extra batteries with you and letting the unit rest a bit between recording videos. The device is suitable for everyone who needs a compact gadget with professional features. It can play the role of the “notebook” of the photographer, plus it is the perfect video blogger tool.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1RM2

The size of the matrix of this camera is equal to the frame of the film, matrices of the same size are placed in the top mirror and mirrorless cameras. Sony is the only manufacturer that makes it possible to make full-frame frames compactly. Buy Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1RM2

For comparison: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1RM2 ...

... and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II.

Dimensions - 113.3 × 65.4 × 72.0 mm, weight - 480 grams. The device is equipped with a 42.3-megapixel CMOS matrix with backlight. There is a fixed lens with a focal length of 35 mm and aperture F2. The matrix has 399 phase focus sensors that provide fast and accurate focusing. Burst speed is not so high at 5 frames per second. The camera has well-thought-out ergonomics, an inclined display and a convenient electronic viewfinder.

An external flash (no built-in flash) or other accessory is connected to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1RM2 via a multi-interface connector.

Of course, not everyone can afford such a premium compact with a large matrix. However, if you want to have only the best, then the choice is obvious!

Fujifilm Large Image Sensor Compact Cameras

If Canon relies on compacts with an inch matrix, Fujifilm goes further and offers devices with an APS-C format matrix to the buyer. It is larger, therefore, provides better image quality, more confident work in low light. However, they still are far from Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1RM2 ... A large matrix entails an increase in the lens. To keep the design compact, engineers had to equip cameras with fixed focal length lenses. Somewhere we already saw it, right?

Fujifilm X70

I can’t believe that inside this baby is a very large matrix! The manufacturer tried to cut off all the optional options. The result is an impressive compactness and relatively affordable price. Here's a traditional Fujifilm retrodesign, metal case. Dimensions - 112.5 × 64.4 × 44.4 mm, weight - 340 grams. Fujifilm X70 is equipped with a wide-angle fixed lens with a focal length of 18.5 mm (28 mm in equiv.). Aperture F2.8 for fixation is small, but it is very light.

Buy Fujifilm X70

The display is tilted, touch, it can be rotated to a position for a selfie.

But shooting distant objects is difficult: the photographer has only three-time digital zoom. Note the lack of optical stabilization of the lens.

The camera has a proprietary X-Trans CMOS II sensor with a resolution of 16.3 megapixels. Skate of Fujifilm cameras - advanced color work. Fujifilm X70 has all the manual settings and the proprietary automatic mode Advanced SR AUTO, which recognizes the type of plot and sets all the parameters.

The model has a standard set of wireless capabilities: via Wi-Fi you can connect to a mobile device and transfer pictures to it, shoot at a distance. Of the additional features - printing photos on a wireless printer, autosaving pictures on a PC, shooting photos with geotags using a GPS receiver in a smartphone or tablet.

The possibilities of recording surprises do not promise: Full HD with a frequency of up to 60 frames per second. Support for the 4K format would not hurt, because the Fujifilm X70 would potentially be of interest to bloggers: good color photos and videos without processing, a convenient screen, amazing compactness. So, this is a stylish and compact camera, capable of providing excellent photo quality due to the large matrix. But camera functionality is limited by a fixed lens. However, it is compact and has a relatively affordable price tag.

Fujifilm X100F

Fujifilm X100F - the new camera line. Its predecessors: X100, X100S and the current X100S to this day. Before us is a premium compact with a large matrix. The camera captures the eye with its retrodesign.

Buy Fujifilm X100F

It is unlikely that all the advantages of the X100F will be appreciated by novice photographers, although they will also be quite able to manage it. The series is aimed at fans of film rangefinder cameras. The camera allows you to apply unique film color profiles to photos and videos. A unique hybrid viewfinder is installed here. It can operate in optical or electronic viewfinder mode. The electronic viewfinder shows a picture with the same brightness and colors that will be in the photo, but in low light conditions it can produce digital noise; Optical provides a bright and clear picture in any conditions, but the correct exposure and white balance cannot be tracked. A lens without zoom, its focal length is 35 mm (equiv.). It does not provide the usual wide viewing angle, but it conveys the perspective almost the same as the human eye. There is no optical stabilization. The aperture ratio is F2, so you can count not only on confident operation in low light, but also on a beautiful blur of the background. Due to the large matrix and advanced viewfinder, the weight of the camera is 469 grams, dimensions - 127 × 75 × 52 mm. The screen is not rotary and not touch. What is new in the X100F compared to previous models of the hundredth series? 24-megapixel X-Trans CMOS III sensor and hybrid focus system. There are 49 phase detection sensors on the matrix, with a total of 325 focus points! To quickly select the desired focus point there is a joystick.

The camera allows you to record video in Full HD resolution at 60 frames per second.

Price corresponds to premium status. But if you like beautiful and high-quality things, Fujifilm X100F is a great choice!