Different Kinds of Cameras and How to Choose the Right One
21
Apr 2023

Selecting a camera used to be such a straightforward process; when there was a small selection, choosing frequently came down to money.

There are now innumerable models available, and to further compound the problem, your smartphone already takes good pictures!

Making a choice can be difficult because there is so much technical terminology used in photography and there are so many different types of cameras available.

That's where this post will be useful!

Let’s start with a few essential points you should always keep in mind.

The Top 5 Considerations when Buying a New Camera

Better image quality than the camera on your phone

Reading camera reviews should make it possible for you to make this decision. There is little point in carrying a camera if it can't shoot better-looking photos than your smartphone, or at the absolute least, if it lacks capabilities that your phone does.

Ergonomics that are palm-friendly

If you are unable to physically handle the camera, you will just have to base your selection on the online reviews you read. How big is it? Has it got a strong grip? Are the necessary buttons spaced apart enough?

Choose a size that fits your habits

This is a crucial one. Maybe you’re a parent who is always accompanied by a child. If that's the case, your camera should ideally be portable and/or lightweight. Do you frequently travel with a bag? Could you be able to get away with a camera that’s bigger? And, etc.

The availability of lenses that fit your demands - now and in the future

There is no need to take this into consideration if you select a smaller camera with a fixed lens. If you decide to use an interchangeable lens camera, consider the other lenses that are offered. Are they within your budget? Do you need specific focal lengths? Can second hand lenses be readily available for this camera?

The newest model in your price range

Since camera technology is advancing so quickly, it is advisable to purchase the most recent models. If your budget won't allow for the most recent model, you can frequently find deals with an earlier model, but try to stay away from anything older than that. Additionally, there is the choice of secondhand goods in the market. But, buyers beware!

Various Camera Types

DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) Cameras

The term "DSLR" refers to a camera that employs the same lens for framing, focusing, and capturing pictures.

DSLRs are adaptable, comfortable to use, have long battery lives, and—most significantly—work with a wide range of interchangeable lenses.

On the downside, they lack the best auto-focus (and other) features, making them bulkier and heavier than other kinds of cameras.

Mirrorless Cameras

Because a mirrorless camera lacks the mirror that a DSLR camera contains, it has a number of advantages. They may have interchangeable or fixed lenses.

Compared to DSLRs, mirrorless cameras provide more helpful technologies, simplifying your shooting experience. They offer better value for the money as well.

They are a fantastic option if you travel frequently because they are typically smaller and lighter than DSLRs.

Mirrorless cameras have a poor battery life (about half that of a similar DSLR) and a somewhat soulless shooting experience, despite the benefits they provide.

Micro Four Thirds Cameras

Mirrorless cameras of the Micro Four Thirds type (also known as Micro 4/3, MFT, or M4/3) come in a wide range of designs and options, although they all share the same sensor size.

Micro Four Thirds sensor cameras have smaller, lighter, and more affordable lenses, and they resemble downsized DSLRs or mirrorless cameras from an ergonomic standpoint.

One thing to keep in mind is that not everyone benefits from smaller camera systems; people with larger hands are frequently hampered by the crowded controls and weaker grip.

MFT cameras are constrained by the fact that they only contain MFT sensors.

Point-and-shoot cameras or compact cameras

Digital cameras are quite popular, and for good reason: just like your camera phone, their small size makes them lightweight and easy to carry around with you all the time.

It's crucial to choose a tiny camera with superior image quality or functions that your phone lacks because today's cell phones can capture such high-quality photos.

Some examples of these features include a zoom lens, improved low-light shooting capabilities, rapid burst shooting, RAW capture, and so on.

A compact camera usually implies you're likely to carry it with you in your bag or pocket because some individuals just prefer holding a "real" camera to taking images instead of a phone.

Bridge Cameras

They are a good compromise between DSLR Cameras and compact cameras, featuring high magnification zoom lenses (not interchangeable), manual controls, and a smaller size than a full-featured DSLR.

Bridge cameras are a fantastic all-in-one choice that are well-liked by amateur photographers who don't wish to stress about changing lenses but yet want the adaptability of a long-range zoom.

They often have compact camera-sized image sensors and rarely have optical viewfinders (OVF), choosing instead to shoot pictures using an electronic viewfinder (EVF) as well as the rear LCD screen.

Action Cameras

These are frequently compact, tough, and designed with video capture in mind.

It's not a good idea to get an action camera solely for photography because the image quality is typically worse than that of the ordinary smartphone and the 'fish-eye' angle of view causes many images to appear distorted.

Smaller GoPro-style action cameras have the advantage of being able to be mounted on one's body or helmet for a distinctive first-person experience.

Compact cameras that are durable and waterproof are also available, however they often only provide images that are as good as those on current smartphones.

Final Word

It's easy to get caught up with camera sensors, zoom lenses, image stabilization, camera body type, zoom range, shutter speed, exposure settings, viewfinder features, optical zoom, video quality, video mode, kit lenses, sensor sizes, and every other factor under the sun.

Just keep in mind that while every camera is unique, the camera body is considerably less significant than your photographic abilities.

A good idea is to get a camera, study how to operate it, then practise using it until you run into its limitations. Think about upgrading only after that.