Comparing different cameras, same scene

cowboymug

This tool is great  here but unfortunately it doesn't have any of landscapes - does anyone know of something similar online?

Dalesman

For sharpness
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Camera-Lens-Sharpness-Test-Card/dp/B00KVGBU2K

Resolution charts
Lens Resolution Test Chart - Bing images

Hope this helps you.

snerkler

Tools like that are only set up for 'studio' analysis to (in theory) determine the best possible resolution, sharpness, ISO/noise handling etc etc and I am not familiar with any real world examples. There are too many variables with landscapes and you cannot set up controlled environments so tests like this would be pretty useless in such cases.

What is it exactly you are trying to determine?

cowboymug

I want to figure out the optimal level of quality against funds invested, before investing of course!

roll1later

@GaseousClay is it your turn or mine I've lost track

Dalesman

Me to. Are you looking to buy invest in a landscape lens. or do you have a collection of lenses if so what are they, and camera make.
Finding the sweet spot of a lenses and at what settings is trial and error of the landscape you are photographing, try using different apertures speeds and take a few photos check them on your laptop / PC make notes of which is the one you prefer in a booklet and keep it with you.

snerkler

What is your level/knowledge of photography? The reason that I ask is that if you are starting out you're kind of approaching it the wrong way.

cowboymug

I don't own a camera or lens yet - have just been shooting with iPhone X and GoPro.

I don't want to spend too little on a poor quality camera/lens, I also don't want to spend too much when a lower priced combination would have been sufficient.

Dalesman

Are you looking for a DSLR with interchangeable lenses, or a compact camera ie pocket camera.
Hard to advise unless we know the price you have in mind, if it’s a point and shoot camera, or something with quality with weather sealing etc. Give as much detail what you intend to use it for.

snerkler

Ok so most modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are more than capable of taking fantastic pictures, you don't need the top of the range to get the best image quality. When you buy the higher end cameras you are paying for things like autofocus, weather sealing, functions etc etc, very little goes towards image quality.

Lenses 'can' make a big difference, however less so with landscapes. The reason being is that with landscapes you will generally be stopping the lens down to increase the depth of field. As you stop a lens down it usually improves sharpness and also the gap between the expensive lenses and cheaper lenses narrows.

When buying a camera you need to also thing about ergonomics (ie what it's like to hold), the functions it has, the menu structure etc etc. If you don't like using a camera you will take less photos. A camera should be fun to use.