Types of cameras. What camera to buy? [photography nugget]

The holidays are fast approaching.. a couple of my friends and officemates are planning to buy their own cameras and are asking suggestions on what to choose. As an answer, I write this blog post for everyone who will be receiving their 13th to 16th month pays this December and will be buying a photographic tool for themselves... If you find this article helpful, please remember me when you receive your bonuses.. lol :p

~ Let's start ~

Choosing a camera to buy can sometimes be frustrating given the many options in the current market (types, brand, models, features, etc.). So before jumping into the DSLR bandwagon, let's know more about the different types of cameras that are widely popular and available today so that you can decide what type of camera will best fit you. :)

I'd like to give four categories of cameras and describe them, including their pros and cons based from my personal experience. The categories are:

1. Compact point-and-shoot cameras

2. Bridge/superzoom cameras

3. Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras

4. DSLRs

........................................

The Compact Point-and-shoot camera

Sony Cybershot HX9V
16 Megapixels, 16x zoom, 1080p HD video
(My pocket camera and food photography buddy)

The photo above is an example of a compact point-and-shoot camera. These cameras are the most bought among the other types because of their price and portability. Prices of point and shoot cameras can be as low as Php 3,000.00 or as high as Php 26,000, depending on quality of build, features and output.

Based from the cameras that I have used, these are the advantages and disadvantages I've encountered.

Advantages: 

- pocketable & light. They can fit into your pocket or bag without any problem and you can bring them virtually anywhere with ease.

- relatively cheaper (compared to bridge/mirrorless cameras & DSLRs)

- good macro. A good point and shoot camera can sometimes beat a DSLR (w/ kitlens) in shooting macro (not IQ-wise though). It's just easier to use and focuses closer.

- unintimidating because it's small. You can shoot a subject without anyone noticing. In most events like parties, conferences and the like, it's not practical to bring a big camera.

Main disadvantages:

- average to good photo quality. There are two factors that affect a camera's output. First is the lens, second being the sensor. Bigger sensors mean better image quality (but bigger lens size requirement). Smaller sensors mean worse image quality (but smaller lens size requirement). Point and shoot cameras usually have small, tiny sensors which mean.. yup, you guessed it right.

- images can be noisy or blurry. When capturing in low light situations/environment, you will notice that image noise or speckles start to appear in your image. That's because the camera is increasing the light sensitivity of the sensor beyond its optimal range. Once the increase goes beyond that range, that's when the unwanted noise starts to appear. It's like an audio speaker, for example. You can only increase the volume of a speaker to a certain extent until it exhibits the messy "basag" sound. The same concept applies in camera sensors.

- slower focus, operation and responsiveness

- longer shutter lag / slow shot-to-shot speed

- no viewfinder, just an LCD screen.

- less external controls

- less control on exposure (Manual/Semi manual modes). Though high-end P&S have full manual modes.

- less 'bokeh' / blurred background effect.

There is a saying in photography that says.."The best camera is the one that you have with you." If you are more of a 'capture anywhere anytime' person (like me) and/or you don't want people looking at you when you start using your camera, the point and shoot camera is the one to have. I own a bridge camera, a mirrorless system camera and a DSLR. Yes, they take better pictures, but the point and shoot is still the one I have with me 80% of the time. That should say something.

The Bridge/Superzoom Camera

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35
12 Megapixels, 18x Zoom, 720p HD video, RAW capture
My first camera...where I learned  how to do manual exposure, composition, etc.
This camera greatly influenced my style of photography and what I am now as one who takes photos. 

Bridge cameras look like miniature DSLRs that don't have interchangeable lenses. That's right. These cameras have fixed lenses. Because of the larger size compared to compacts, these ones can accommodate more processing chips, bigger lenses (longer zoom range), more buttons/external controls and an electronic viewfinder. It is generally better than small cameras.

Advantages: 

- smaller & lighter compared to DSLRs.

- good macro.

- long zoom range, like a sniper scope. (Warning: very addicting)

- built-in camera viewfinder (electronic)

- more physical & manual controls

Neutral:
- average to very good photo quality. Bridge cameras usually have sensors the same size as compacts.   They just perform slightly better because of the larger lens and bigger size allotment for a better image processor. Superzooms are still no match compared to DSLRs or mirrorless in terms of image quality.

Main disadvantages:

- images can be noisy or blurry when capturing subjects in low light situations. (again, it's because of the tiny sensor)

- long shutter lag (speed in taking a pic)

- less 'bokeh' / blurred background effect. (Though a good bokeh can still be achieved if you use the extended zoom range)

- not pocketable.
- intimidating

If you can't afford a DSLR, a bridge camera is a GREAT tool to start with in learning photography. I can attest to this. When using a DSLR, you can sometimes get professional-looking images with almost no effort. But when using a superzoom camera, you really need to understand the exposure formula (aperture/ISO/shutter speed) to get a good image. I didn't get amazing images right  away after getting and shooting with my Lumix FZ35. On the contrary, I was somehow frustrated because most of the images I was producing through the camera was just way below my expectations. Though after a few weeks of 'experimenting' back then, I naturally learned how photography really works and I started to get better looking images as compared before. This is just the sad truth though.. bridge/superzoom cameras are still point and shoot cameras by heart because of their tiny sensors. There will come a time when you will look for better looking images that a bridge camera simply cannot deliver, despite how good you become as a photographer.

IF you can survive for a week without having a camera in your pocket, if you can't afford a DSLR but have enough budget below that DSLR price, if you find yourself having fun in using a long zoom to shoot subjects several meters away without them knowing, and if it's okay with you to sacrifice image quality to learn photography the harder, more natural way, a bridge or superzoom is perfect for you! :)

Thing to take note: Never ever buy a superzoom/bridge camera if it doesn't have a viewfinder and full manual controls. You'd be better off with a high-end compact point and shoot camera for the same price.

The Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 + 20mm 1.7 Pancake Lens
12 Megapixels, 720p HD video, RAW capture, Hots hoe
My latest camera. Still familiarizing how to use it. I am  impressed
so far with the quality it gives for such a small size. DSLR-like!

MILCs are the closest to DSLRs in terms of image quality and features, but lighter. Why is that? A mirrorless system camera is actually a DSLR without the mirror, as its name implies. What is the mirror there for by the way? The mirror in a DSLR allows the person to see the actual image that is coming through the lens via the viewfinder. Viewfinders of DSLRs are called optical viewfinders, while those found in other cameras are called electronic viewfinders. Optical viewfinders are simply superior, but as technology progresses, the gap is starting to narrow. Another thing that makes a MILC small is that most of them don't have viewfinders. Here are the pros and cons.

Advantages:
- DSLR-like image quality.
- less noise when shooting in low or dim light.
- smaller and lighter compared to DSLRs.

- fast focus, operation and responsiveness

- virtually no shutter lag / fast shot-to-shot speed

- bokeh effect easily achievable (lens dependent though)
- interchangeable lenses!
- looks cool :p
- unintimidating (unless your lens is long)

Disadvantages:
- expensive (body + lenses)
- not that pocketable (you need a big pocket)
- autofocus for fast moving subjects is slower compared to DSLRs

These cameras are just a joy to use. They are hybrids like the bridge camera. Hybrids like bridge/superzooms can be best described as DSLR bodies with point and shoot image quality. MILCs, on the other hand, are point and shoot bodies with DSLR image quality. I can't think of other details anymore. It's just this.. If there is a camera system that I'd like to settle to, it's this one.. I'm very satisfied with the size, the price, the looks and especially the image quality. I will miss the long zoom from a bridge camera though and I'm sacrificing the autofocus speed and optical viewfinder. To get the same zoom range as my Lumix FZ35 has, I need to buy a lens worth Php 30,000 which is physically long and kinda disproportional with the camera body. Mirrorless all the way! Great choice if you always travel to places. :D

The DSLR

Canon EOS 400D/Rebel XTi + 18-135mm IS Zoom Lens
10 Megapixels, RAW Capture, Hot shoe
My first DSLR. Given by a friend, blessing from God. This one simply raised my standards for image quality
and enabled me to somehow realize my greater potential in photography :)

DSLR. It's very popular nowadays, but do you know what the acronym stands for? It means Digital Single-Lens Reflex. DSLR cameras have the highest performance and overall image quality compared to the other types mentioned here. That's what you'll at least expect for the joint compromise in expense and bulkiness. Hands down, these cameras can enable you to take great-looking photos without much effort. To prove that, check out the photos in this post again. If you think they are great,.. it's because I used a DSLR for all them, even the photo of the camera just above.


Advantages:
- superior image quality
- less noise when shooting in low or dim light.

- fast focus (including fast-moving subjects), operation and responsiveness

- no shutter lag / fast shot-to-shot speed

- bokeh effect easily achievable (lens dependent though)
- interchangeable lenses!
- can be used for professional work (when paired with a good lens)
- optical viewfinder. great also for manual focus
- physical controls/buttons/dials and full manual operation
- bragging rights???

Disadvantages:
- expensivest (body + lenses)
- absolutely not pocketable!

- large and heavy
- intimidating
- slow live view (LCD screen)

I really like the quality that a DSLR gives. It's just their size. I would not think twice in leaving my DSLR if I'm only going to a party, restaurant or in the office. In the same way,  I would not think twice in taking it with me if someone asked me to cover an event or if I need to photograph something that I want to have the best image quality. Having a DSLR can be impractical if you will no have time to use it. I have a friend, for example, who bought a Nikon D90 worth Php 40,000.00+. Then one day, she told me during our chat that she barely used this venerable DSLR. And when she uses it, her hands easily tire because of the weight. This should be a warning for people who simply want a DSLR for the sake of having a DSLR. DSLRs are great, but you still have to weigh if you'll be really able to maximize it. If you see yourself doing professional/semi-professional work or engaging into photography as a serious hobbyist, this one is for you! You need lots of money to expand your horizons though (lenses).


Before buying a camera, it's always better read for online reviews first. I usually read camera reviews at:
photographyblog.com
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_gf1_review/conclusion/
digitalcamera.info
http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-hx9v-digital-camera-review.htm
amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FZ35-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B002IKLJU0
dpreview.com
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/29


I'll try to add more information to this post if need be. I hope you learned something from it. If you are still confused on what to buy, you can always ask me. :) Please leave your comments or feedback, I'd love to hear some. God bless and happy shooting! :)