In my last blog post I talked about the question I'm most often asked about photography - "blurry backgrounds" - so this week I thought I'd try to address the question that comes a very close second - "what kind of camera should I buy?".
This is often a difficult question to answer as people will be looking for different things from a camera and be looking to take different types of photos. And of course, there's that all important budget to consider too (sadly photography usually doesn't come cheap). The main categories of cameras to consider are:
Which is right for you will depend on a variety of factors, so I'll look at each one in turn, but first I just want to say a quick word about the megapixel myth: the quality of a camera is not just down to the number of megapixels no matter what the camera companies may try to tell you in their advertising! Megapixels are important, they are basically the amount of detail that the photo stores from the scene, so, generally, the more megapixels the more you'd be able to crop a photo and still have a usable image, or blow it up large and maintain a quality photo. However almost all cameras these days have a good megapixel count - anything around 10megapixels or higher is fantastic for almost any use that you'll ever need. Even more is great, but unless the camera's other specifications (particularly its lens(es) and its sensor size) aren't also up to scratch then those extra megapixels will be wasted. Anyway, now that I've got that out of my system, onto the different types of cameras....
This is often a difficult question to answer as people will be looking for different things from a camera and be looking to take different types of photos. And of course, there's that all important budget to consider too (sadly photography usually doesn't come cheap). The main categories of cameras to consider are:
- compact camera
- bridge camera
- compact system camera
- dslr
Which is right for you will depend on a variety of factors, so I'll look at each one in turn, but first I just want to say a quick word about the megapixel myth: the quality of a camera is not just down to the number of megapixels no matter what the camera companies may try to tell you in their advertising! Megapixels are important, they are basically the amount of detail that the photo stores from the scene, so, generally, the more megapixels the more you'd be able to crop a photo and still have a usable image, or blow it up large and maintain a quality photo. However almost all cameras these days have a good megapixel count - anything around 10megapixels or higher is fantastic for almost any use that you'll ever need. Even more is great, but unless the camera's other specifications (particularly its lens(es) and its sensor size) aren't also up to scratch then those extra megapixels will be wasted. Anyway, now that I've got that out of my system, onto the different types of cameras....
Compact Camera
The main advantage of a compact camera is, unsurprisingly given its name, its size. They are significantly smaller than bridge cameras and dslrs, so if you're wanting something that's a step up from the camera on your phone, but still small enough to quickly grab and take anywhere with you, then this could be a good option for you. In general they will give you limited options to control settings - usually you can only choose from auto and various "scene" selections. So if you don't want the hassle of learning the ins and outs of photography then it will definitely do all the hard work for you - you can just point and shoot.
The main advantage of a compact camera is, unsurprisingly given its name, its size. They are significantly smaller than bridge cameras and dslrs, so if you're wanting something that's a step up from the camera on your phone, but still small enough to quickly grab and take anywhere with you, then this could be a good option for you. In general they will give you limited options to control settings - usually you can only choose from auto and various "scene" selections. So if you don't want the hassle of learning the ins and outs of photography then it will definitely do all the hard work for you - you can just point and shoot.
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Bridge Camera
So named as they attempt to bridge the gap between compact cameras and dslrs. They usually don't have interchangeable lenses and but do usually offer (almost) full manual controls, as well as the usual auto and scene modes. They usually have smaller sensors than dslrs, which means that image quality is not as good as the next two categories of camera in my list, particularly in poor light, however it does give them the advantage of enabling them to have incredibly large zoom capabilities. So if you're interested in snapping wildlife or sports then this would be a definite advantage.
So named as they attempt to bridge the gap between compact cameras and dslrs. They usually don't have interchangeable lenses and but do usually offer (almost) full manual controls, as well as the usual auto and scene modes. They usually have smaller sensors than dslrs, which means that image quality is not as good as the next two categories of camera in my list, particularly in poor light, however it does give them the advantage of enabling them to have incredibly large zoom capabilities. So if you're interested in snapping wildlife or sports then this would be a definite advantage.
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Compact System Camera
These are relatively new to the market and are becoming increasingly popular. They offer excellent image quality and both manual, scene and auto modes but are much smaller than a dslr or most bridge cameras. They are called a "system" as they have interchangeable lenses, therefore offering you a wider range of options for your photography than a fixed lens. They also have sensor sizes approaching (or even equalling) those of dslrs, which means that their image quality is excellent. There are a few of drawbacks though - depending on the model, you might not have quite the same amount of control over your settings as a dslr will give you. Autofocus is also slightly slower than a dslr, and there is a slight shutter-lag which isn't present with a dslr, however these issues would only really bother very serious users The only other real drawback is that, at present, the choice of lenses is very limited compared to the dslr market. Though if these cameras continue to grow in popularity then I'm sure so too will the number of lenses available. One other point is the price - this quality doesn't come cheap, so expect to pay similar to an entry-level dslr.
These are relatively new to the market and are becoming increasingly popular. They offer excellent image quality and both manual, scene and auto modes but are much smaller than a dslr or most bridge cameras. They are called a "system" as they have interchangeable lenses, therefore offering you a wider range of options for your photography than a fixed lens. They also have sensor sizes approaching (or even equalling) those of dslrs, which means that their image quality is excellent. There are a few of drawbacks though - depending on the model, you might not have quite the same amount of control over your settings as a dslr will give you. Autofocus is also slightly slower than a dslr, and there is a slight shutter-lag which isn't present with a dslr, however these issues would only really bother very serious users The only other real drawback is that, at present, the choice of lenses is very limited compared to the dslr market. Though if these cameras continue to grow in popularity then I'm sure so too will the number of lenses available. One other point is the price - this quality doesn't come cheap, so expect to pay similar to an entry-level dslr.
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Dslr
If you're looking for the very best type of camera and you don't mind its size or price, then this is the category for you. Although I should mention that entry-level dslr cameras are becoming more and more affordable and you might be pleasantly surprised by what you can get for your money. They all offer a huge degree of control to the user, but if you want then you can still resort to auto or scene modes. A dslr will usually come with a kit lens (or possibly even two), which will suffice for every day photos and satisfies a lot of dslr owners. However if you're after that blurry background look then you should budget for an additional lens, referred to as a prime or portrait lens (you won't regret it!). You can also buy dedicated macro lenses, huge zoom lenses - everything you can think of you can get. As they have large sensors the image quality is fantastic, especially in low light. They focus quickly and accurately and there is no shutter-lag. Even entry-level dslrs these days will produce excellent results.
If you're looking for the very best type of camera and you don't mind its size or price, then this is the category for you. Although I should mention that entry-level dslr cameras are becoming more and more affordable and you might be pleasantly surprised by what you can get for your money. They all offer a huge degree of control to the user, but if you want then you can still resort to auto or scene modes. A dslr will usually come with a kit lens (or possibly even two), which will suffice for every day photos and satisfies a lot of dslr owners. However if you're after that blurry background look then you should budget for an additional lens, referred to as a prime or portrait lens (you won't regret it!). You can also buy dedicated macro lenses, huge zoom lenses - everything you can think of you can get. As they have large sensors the image quality is fantastic, especially in low light. They focus quickly and accurately and there is no shutter-lag. Even entry-level dslrs these days will produce excellent results.
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So which should I buy?....
That depends - if you simply want a small camera and you don't need professional looking photos, a compact camera will probably suffice. If you'd like slightly better quality, a large zoom and don't mind a larger size then a bridge might be the one for you. If you have a bit more money to spend and are after more professional looking photos then definitely consider either a compact system or a dslr. If money is no object or you think you'd like to get into photography a bit more seriously then I'd definitely always recommend a dslr, but the compact systems are looking more and more attractive to people wanting excellent quality in a smaller body.
That depends - if you simply want a small camera and you don't need professional looking photos, a compact camera will probably suffice. If you'd like slightly better quality, a large zoom and don't mind a larger size then a bridge might be the one for you. If you have a bit more money to spend and are after more professional looking photos then definitely consider either a compact system or a dslr. If money is no object or you think you'd like to get into photography a bit more seriously then I'd definitely always recommend a dslr, but the compact systems are looking more and more attractive to people wanting excellent quality in a smaller body.
