Welcome to the first article dedicated to my new column #LearnWithSara!
Each week I will post an article with the aim of providing you with a solid foundation on digital photography.
This is a guide to getting the best out of your camera in a simple but effective way!
I WILL START THIS GUIDE BY TELLING YOU ABOUT THE TYPES OF digital CAMERAS!
If you are interested in photography but do not yet have a camera, continue reading you will find out which type is right for you.
If you already own one, you can find useful information about it or discover other types of cameras that may interest you!
But without getting lost in further talk, here are the main types of digital cameras!
1) SMARTPHONE
This is not a real camera, but in the absence of anything else it can be useful to start experimenting and practicing on composing photos. I am of the opinion that expensive equipment is not essential for good photography, so if you can’t buy a camera for now, don’t worry and use your phone!
If you own an Iphone here you will find an article in which I provide 10 tips on how to use it to take the best pictures!
PROS:
– Small
– Simple to use
– Easy to share photos on social media
CONS:
– Fixed photo lens
– Little manual control
2) COMPACT
Compact cameras have the advantage of being small, discreet and always close at hand.
Their key feature is the presence of a fixed lens, which cannot be replaced.
Obviously there are different types of compact cameras, from the simplest to the most advanced.
The “Point and Shot”, are the basic compact, used above all by those who are not particularly interested in photography, but who want to immortalize the past moments on some special occasion.
Overall, if you already own a good phone, I don’t recommend them, as they don’t offer better performance.
On the contrary, the most advanced compact cameras can be very useful in all those occasions when it is not possible to use more bulky cameras, such as in museums or concerts and they can offer a superior quality to the camera of your smartphone.
I myself have a small compact that I always carry with me so I don’t miss any shooting opportunities!
PROS:
– It can have manual shooting mode
– Creative controls
– Raw format (in some cases) or JPEG
– Small and discreet
– Often cheap
CONS:
– They often don’t have a viewfinder
– Small buttons
– Fixed photo lens
– Poor versatility
In conclusion, I recommend a compact camera if you are a beginner and want to get higher image quality than you would get with your smartphone.
3) BRIDGE
Bridge cameras are a sort of middle ground between compact cameras and dSLRs, which we will see later. They are very reminiscent of a dSLR, both in terms of body and controls, but they have the sensor and the dimensions of a compact.
They come with a fixed lens and usually a zoom that covers all focal lengths, making them very versatile cameras.
PROS:
– Every zoom extension
– Automatic and manual shooting modes
– Numerous creative controls
– Often equipped with a viewfinder
– Handy and versatile
CONS:
– Fixed and non-interchangeable lens
– Sensor like that of a compact
I recommend this type of camera if you are interested in starting to take good quality photos and want a versatile camera.
4) CSC (Mirrorless)
If you are interested in superior image quality and an interchangeable lens I recommend the CSCs.
Their main feature is the absence of a mirror between the optic and the sensor, unlike the dSLR.
This makes them more compact than an SLR, maintaining image quality and allowing the use of interchangeable lenses.
PROS:
– Interchangeable lenses
– High quality dSLR sensor
– Automatic or manual control
– It supports Raw or JPEG formats
– Lightweight and compact compared to dSLR
– Great for shooting videos
CONS:
– Fewer lenses and accessories
Mirrorless cameras are perfect if you plan to travel and take high-quality photographs with different lenses.
5) DSLR
Last but not least the dSLR cameras, better known as reflex cameras.
If you want to take professional photos of the highest quality while taking full control over every aspect, this is the camera for you.
PROS:
– Wide range of lenses and accessories
– Manual control over every aspect
– Optical viewfinder
– It supports Raw and JPEG formats
– Ergonomic
CONS:
– Expensive
– Bulky
I recommend this type of camera if you intend to become a professional, or in any case if you want to take professional photos.
I hope I have been helpful in choosing your camera, or in any case I have provided you with additional information!
See you with the next article!