Buying a camera a few decades ago was a difficult task. However, we knew we had to choose between a camera for amateur and a camera for professional use, and the two categories were totally different, which made the selection easier. Advances in technology have totally changed the situation. Nowadays, professionals and amateurs can buy the same devices. With different research resources like these Tech Podcasts, you don’t need professional expertise to choose the right device. Of course, the intend can differ, as professionals usually do so for financial reasons. It is quite possible to find excellent models in the amateur category who will give great professional pictures. So, why spend money we don’t have? Amateurs buy these cameras to enjoy a maximum of features, even if they don’t always know how to use them. There are so many categories of cameras these days that it’s easy to get lost in them, which is why I would start with digital cameras.
Different digital cameras
To choose the ideal digital camera, it is necessary to understand what type of cameras are currently available on the market. I would overlook action cameras which are also cameras, but which do not fit the subject.
So, we distinguish :
– Compact Cameras;
– Zoom Compact Cameras;
– Advanced Compact Cameras;
– Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras (DSLR);
– Compact Mirrorless Cameras;
– Medium Format Cameras.
Each of these categories has advantages and disadvantages that the future buyer will have to take into consideration if he wants to make a successful purchase.
Medium format cameras
This category of cameras is mentioned only because it is a digital camera. In everyday life, its use is extremely rare, even among professionals. It is called a medium format camera because of the size of the film that was once used in cameras with this type of film, format 120. This camera is mainly used to film very high definition images. It is mainly used for advertising photos. If this camera is useless to almost all professionals, novices definitely do not need it. For those who want the best of all, even if it’s useless for them, I already announce that this camera has the particularity to be expensive. At least $40 000 for a single device.
DSLR cameras
DSLR cameras are mainly reserved for more or less experienced or professional photographers. They are quite heavy, not very compact and often equipped with a framed sensor. The lenses of this type of camera are not static. They are interchangeable, which allows selecting the one that suits the intended purpose. Although initially designed for professionals, DSLR cameras become more and more popular. Indeed, many manufacturers are developing models for amateurs, or at least that they will use more easily. These models, although less powerful than purely professional devices, have the advantage of being less expensive. That’s why even the professionals sometimes ignore the professional range in favor of the amateur range.
Compact Mirrorless Cameras
Compact mirrorless cameras are DSLR cameras, but lighter and more compact. They also have the advantage of being less expensive. They owe their name to the absence of an internal mirror. The function of the latter is to reflect light on the sensor. This means that in these cameras, the light passes directly from the lens to the sensor. Professionals appreciate these cameras because they are almost perfect. They are equipped with a wide range of features, including facial recognition. They offer a very high definition and can be easily connected to Wi-Fi, which allows to control the camera remotely. Are they difficult for beginners to use? I wouldn’t say so. However, I would still recommend that beginners who wish to buy them should practice.
Compact Cameras
If one needs to learn how to take pictures with a camera that is not costly, but more powerful than a simple smartphone, this is the device to choose. These devices have a minimum of functions and standard settings. Some of them also have automatic settings. They are compact, without optical viewfinder, with an LCD screen, with zoom and integrated flash, I recommend this type of camera to adults and children.
Advanced Compact Cameras
Besides being very light and compact, these cameras also allow you to take high definition pictures. They are equipped with a manual focus and exposure mode. Easily transportable, I wouldn’t recommend them to beginners. They require a minimum of knowledge and experience. They are more suitable for advanced users.
Zoom Compact Cameras
Those who like to photograph from afar will particularly appreciate this type of camera. As the zoom function is considerably improved (from 28 to 300 mm), the lenses of these cameras are not interchangeable. On the other hand, they are still equipped with several manual options. Totally useless for professional use, they are ideal for personal use (family photos and others). I would recommend these cameras to those who are taking their first steps in the world of photography.
