In this article, we will share the complete guide about how
to choose the right cameras. Most students who come to our classes already have a camera.
Some have even bought it especially to be able to take the course. On some
occasions, as classes progress, the student himself realizes that his camera
does not meet his expectations.
This is why, if you are thinking of buying a bridge camera or
changing to another model, we recommend that you read these tips, so that you
answer all the questions that we will explain, in order to get the one that best
meets your needs.
Currently, there are more and more brands that are taking
new models of great quality and many functionalities, such as Sony
(manufactures the sensors mounted by Nikon), Olympus, Fujifilm, etc.
The brands with more years in the market have a wide range
of objectives. Almost always, the limiting factor when deciding on one
model or another is the budget. Normally we only consider the option of
acquiring a new camera, when in reality, there is a very large second-hand
market that can allow us to access higher models. In this case, it must be
recognized that the brands with the largest market share are Canon and Nikon.
What Types of Cameras are in the Market?
The compact cameras are the smallest, have a built-in
non-interchangeable lens and are the worst quality.
They do not usually have options for manual exposure
control, so we can simply use them automatically. It is the typical DSLR camera with flip screen that
we can take anywhere, although, with the rise of mobile phones and their
increasingly better cameras, it seems that they make less and less sense.
The philosophy of the SLR camera is the same, they have the
same design and the size is due to both the mirror and the pentaprism that inverts
the image so that we can see it well through the viewfinder.
Known worldwide, they give very good quality due to the
sensors they incorporate. They allow us to exchange different objectives, we can shoot
in RAW format, and they have more and more functionalities.
One of its strong points is ergonomics since they adapt to
the hands, and the buttons are strategically placed in the most appropriate
position. There are also many accessories and a range of objectives. Its size can be a problem for someone who is not used to
carrying the camera with them.
SLR system gets its name thanks to the mirror that reflects
the light. They are the last type of camera that has gone on the
market, and they are a mix between compact camera and SLR since its size is
reduced by not carrying a mirror or pentaprism, but it allows you to exchange
lenses.
Specification of Cameras
The image quality is very good, compared to the large models
of SLR cameras. In the beginning, there were several reasons why many
photographers did not take the step, although little by little the new models
are solving them.
The focus speed is slower than the SLRs, so it is something
they are trying to improve. The issue of ergonomics is something that some people don't
convince, first because being so small they don't have the feeling of a good
grip. Also, because to modify some parameter you have to access menus due to
the lack of buttons, which delays the shot.
They have a digital viewfinder instead of an optical
viewfinder, which, perhaps, is difficult to get used to. Although in favor you
can see many options directly on the viewfinder screen.
Being 100% electronic consumes more battery. In addition,
the batteries are smaller, so they last less. Some models are sensitive to low temperatures, so it is
another aspect to consider.
On the other hand, they also have many advantages, such as
the small size, which allows them to go unnoticed and take them almost
anywhere. The objectives are consistent with the bodies, taking up little
space, although the range is still a little reduced in some brands.
In addition, the objectives that sell these brands are
quality, unlike the objectives that usually go in the SLR kits. Weight is another aspect to consider, especially if your
thing is to walk with the team in tow.
When the budget is not a problem, there is an urgent need to
buy the "best" of the market, thinking that in this way, our
photographs will be better. This is the first mistake since the one who makes
the photographs is you. The camera is only a means, a tool that makes life
easier for us in certain situations, which helps us capture what we have in our
heads.
We always recommend buying a camera that has basic features
to take the photographs we want to take, and later, if the bug of photography
bites us and we want more quality or new features, sell it and buy another
camera.
What Kind of Photography do You Like?
We know that you will have heard this countless times, but it
is the most important of all since depending on the type of photography we
take, we will need the camera to have specific functionalities.
- Below are some aspects to consider-
We must look at the size of the sensor and the results of
its photographs if we are looking for quality. When we talk about quality in photography, we are not
talking about the number of megapixels a photograph has. Megapixels only
indicate the size that the photograph will have, that is, width by height.
For example, if we have a sensor that produces photographs
with a size greater than 5760 pixels, and a side less than 3840 pixels, the
resolution of the camera will be approximately 22.1MB, as is the case with the
Canon 5D Mark 3.
Megapixels determine the size at which we can print a photo
without losing quality. Quality is related to the sensor and its technology.
Currently the most widespread is the CCD and CMOS sensors (give better
quality). Without going into too many technical concepts I will say that, in
theory, the sensor that has a larger size will have more quality (Full Frame
will be better than APS-C).
Related to the size of the sensor is the multiplication
factor, which will affect the focal length of the lenses. Remember that a 35mm
lens on a Full Frame sensor equals 35mm, but on a sensor with a 1.6x factor, it
equals 56mm.
When we talk about quality we must also think about the
objectives. If we buy a camera we must think that we are linked to the brand in
one way or another, especially when acquiring new lenses, so it is interesting
to see if they have variety, quality objectives, and that we can afford to buy.
