I am being driven mad by all the camera choices that are out there vying for my attention. I’m pretty sure that technique is far more important than megapixel. In a perfect world I would have one thing that did everything and in truth it’s possible that my phone, an Oneplus 11 would do everything. Still I’m interested in the art of things. I also like value, but am willing to throw out redundancy for value and quality sake.

Yesterday I was cleaning out my junk drawers and came across two point and shoots. One is a Sony Cyber shot I bought about fifteen years ago or more. 14.1 mega pixels with HD 740 video recording. The size makes it perfect for putting in your pocket, roughly half the size of my phone.

I actually used this camera in my former life as a PI. When I looked on eBay to see what they’re selling for I was surprised that $150.00 was an average. I plucked out of the trash where I had deposited it earlier.

I’ll be leaving Mexico next month for an Amtrak adventure and have to decide what equipment to take to document the journey. I have to keep in mind that when traveling, less can be more and when I come back to Mexico I’m allowed one camera, or a duty will be charged for any additional.

Just for fun I want to compare shots with my choices. All scenes are on easy settings with no editing. First up is the Cyber shot.

What was difficult about this shot is the sun kept me from seeing the screen so I had to, well, point and shoot.

No matter what, my phone will go with me so it’s a default. Here is a photo of the same location and at the beach. Wow! The phone has 50 mega pixels and lots of settings. The image is sharp and clear. The video too. I have a microphone that would help volume if I needed. The only downside is, again, with the sun, I can’t see the screen when shooting.

Next the GoPro 13. Photos are 27 mega pixels 8×7 ratio. Video here is 1080. The problem again is the sun keeps me from seeing the screen. Additionally there is no real zoom. This is an action camera ideal for video stabilization. Photos have a purpose, but not ideal for photography. Maybe it will grow on me. I like GoPro for the mounting systems. I can put this on my chest and take videos or photos without being too obnoxious.

Here’s the Canon G7X mark ll. This is a very sought after camera. Three years ago I paid $400.00 for this and now it’s around $1,000.00, if you can get it. 20 mega pixels and shoots video in 1080. While the phone will shoot in 8k and the GoPro in 5.2, 1080 is what most professionals use because it’s much easier to edit and render. I’m ok with 1080. I use my phone to edit and render videos and while it can do 4k, it’s a struggle. Uploading would take hours.

One of the best things about this camera is the articulating screen which allows me to position so I can see in any conditions. I added a cage with a wooden handle that gives a firmer grim. There’s also a cold shoe for a microphone or light.

No doubt the zoom is a huge help as well. It has plenty of functions I haven’t even used, there isn’t the best auto stabilization at least compared to GoPro. The phone is supposed to have stabilization, but I haven’t used it yet.

Conclusions? The old point and shoots might be a good entry for kids or someone on a budget. Likely any phone would do a better job though. I would love to take both GoPro and G7X ll, but the idea is to do with less. Maybe just the phone? I’ll decide after I change my mind 100 times. Hmmm…maybe I can find an old Brownie and film.

I put links for the items in the content so you can see specs if you like. I am not affiliated with nor receive commission from anyone for reviewing these things. Each has its own appeal except price. Bestbuy had the G7X ll on its website for $799.00 but is sold out. Amazon has one for $1,499.00, which is crazy. eBay is all over the place. You can pick-up Sony Cyber Shot for $99.99 on eBay, or best offer. Like I said, if want something that works and don’t want to spend stupid money, this may be a good choice.