One other thing to note though is that you don't have to match focal lengths as larger format sensors crop better in PP. I've never done a comparison test but I would be surprised if you used a FF camera with 300mm lens and cropped it to the 750mm field of view and still didn't end up with a better image than the SX710 at 750mm eq, especially in poor light.
As you asked about price though, the Tamron 150-600mm G1 is about £550 used in good condition and weighs a whopping 1.9kg (although this is considered light for a 600mm FF lens data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Completely agree - you have to try and find some common ground though data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7.
I guess my TLDR answer is 563mm full frame equivalent with a fidgeting subject, indoors will always be a big ask no matter what camera you're using, so don't expect miracles!
No idea what TLDR is but agree with everything else data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
Too
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Sorry, you lost me at too
You got that far? data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
Are you anywhere nearer to flashing the cash? I wonder, as the issue appears to be the indoor dog-shows where lighting is relatively poor ( although getting better with the new LED floods ). Your existing camera is perfectly OK for outdoor events.... is this still correct?
Clearly you are going to need a Budget soonish -and then some idea of the Zoon/focal length that will suit the size of dog/distance, etc.
I'm guessing the Pros can get ring-side seats, as their pics will be "publicity" - and benefit the Show. Have you thought about doing this, perhaps for a smaller group ( like specific breeds - you can tell I know NOWT about Dog Shows!).
Such seating-benefit should help with lens choice.
I don't think having a DSLR is the main issue... although it helps with focussing if you are a competent Pro. There is no reason you can't use a mirrorless, just that you may need an eye magnifier to get the best focus, esp. if the lens has a large aperture.
The Lens cost will determine the Zoom range and Aperture ( & Image Quality ).
Using 35mm eq. lengths... Are we talking about 300mm - but at the same time saying the shutter-speed will require an aperture of f/4?
.....Therein may lie the starting-point ...
- determine the lens and then how you can best get that image filed....You may find that a s/h DSLR with a modest "kit-zoom" will be available at a good price . . . 16 - 20Mpx should be OK - then budget for a long-lens that isn't a zoom, as this will lower the price and up the aperture.Of course if it isn't connected to the Electronics, then you have to drive it manually.... but the exposure shouldn't change indoors. If your eyesight prevents using Manual focus, then your camera choice changes . . . but we've not been told this.
Good Luck, perhaps tell us where things stand now...?
Why do you have to be a competent pro to benefit from the AF systems of DSLR? data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 I'm not a pro and I certainly can benefit from it, as do most other hobbyists. The difference between AF on a consumer compact camera and a good DSLR is night and day. Also there are mirrorless cameras that can match the AF of DSLR these days, and you don't need to magnify the image.
Why would you buy a lens in this day and age that isn't connected to the electronics? data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Also, if your eyesight prevents you from being able to manually focus it's going to pretty much hinder everything else too data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
Well, right now the answer to the question to "where am i" is...."confused". I've realised that there is a lot more to consider than just type of camera. So thanks for all your comments so far.
I just had a wonder around Currys looking at Washer/Dryers and cameras, the latter was not expected by my wife! Saw a deal on a Canon Eos 4000d with 2 lenses (18-55mm & 75-300mm) for £369.99, not sure if it is good or not. But my line of thinking is that I would not replace my current camera as it does what I need for holiday time, instead I'd have a different camera for the dog shows.
Thoughts still evolving.....
I also need to consider using my current camera differently, getting physically closer where I can (use less zoom) and keep the camera more still. Also stop being so lazy and try some manual settings when I get the chance.
To be fair, short of getting a lot closer there wouldn't be much you can do to improve the quality at the extreme end of your camera's lens. Even then, if lighting is low, the smaller sensor still won't perform well at higher ISOs.
If i were you I'd set myself a budget then let us spend your money for you! We do like a bit of spending other people's money.
In all seriousness though you could probably look at a micro 4/3 setup that will likely be small enough to be general purpose, while improving the quality of your show pics. All depends on budget and whether you're willing to buy grey or second hand too.