Thanks to digital technology in photography that enables the design of cameras in various shapes and sizes, we have many kinds of digital cameras to choose. 10 years ago, we have only two choice of digital camera namely compact camera/pocket camera and DSLR. But now there are about seven categories of digital cameras: phone camera, pocket camera, advanced compact camera, mirrorless camera, DSLR camera (divided into beginner to professional).
Before choosing a digital camera, you have to understand how to determine the camera quality criteria such as below:
1. Image quality: Determined by the size of image sensor (the bigger, the better) and image processor generation.
2. Performance: Operation speed, speed continuous shooting and perform the automatic functions.
3. Ecosystem: How complete the accessories such as lenses and flash, the quality of after-sales.
4. Ergonomics and Interface: How comfortable when held and used. The quality and composition of the contents of the menu buttons.
Well, I will discuss them in detail.
Digital Camera Types
A large selection of digital cameras makes the buyer bit confused to make a decision to buy. Each camera has the same function namely taking photos, but nothing ideal for all things, I mean there's no one's perfect. It's like a knife for cooking. There is the large one, the smaller, and there are specific knifes for certain foods. Digital cameras are also the same. Here are various types of digital camera:
1. Mobile Phone
Excelling as always brought everywhere, with small size and easy to be shared with friends or uploaded to social medias. But the picture quality is usually less sharp and non zoom lens. But it's still okay for sketches, documentation, and not to be printed in large size. But anyway, currently there are various smartphones (especially high-end smartphone) which has a nice camera such as iPhone 5S (8MP, 1/3'' sensor size), Samsung Galaxy S4 / S4 Zoom (13MP), Nokia Lumia 1020 (41MP, /1.5'' sensor size), and much more.
The future: increasingly in demand due to its simple operation.
2. Compact camera/pocket
It's used to be best-seller before its function has been replaced by smartphone camera, but since the picture quality of smartphone camera is getting better, the compact camera selling is getting declined . Some companies also had neglected to renew this type of camera.
Example: Casio Exilim, Sony Cyber-shot W series, and much more.
The future: no longer exist because its function has been replaced by smartphone.
3. Advanced compact camera
It has an image sensor which is relatively larger than a regular compact camera or mobile phone. The ability to capture crystal clear images in dark condition is better and the performance is also faster. Suitable for street photography, candid, indoor.
Example: Nikon Coolpix P7800, Canon G1X
The future: Still in demand by photography hobbyist who wants a camera that more than what mobile phone has.
4. Prosumer or superzoom camera
The main strength of this camera is the zoom lens that can reach 20 - 50x or even more. Shaped like a DSLR with smaller size and lighter weight. The price is more affordable. Performance/speed is usually standard. The lenses can't be changed, and the image sensor is usually small, a little bigger than pocket camera.
Example: Panasonic Lumix FZ100,
The future: The market segment is limited to photography enthusiasts who want a long zoom but has more compact size than a DSLR.
5. Mirrorless
This camera is currently the most widely discussed. The advantage is relatively small in size compared to DSLR, but the image quality is almost the same, some even exceeding DSLR camera. The lens is also can be changed. Disadvantage, battery capacity, lenses collection, accessories and autofocus performance has not been as good as a DSLR camera. Suitable for street photographer who don't want to carry a heavy camera.
Example: Sony Alpha Nex, Canon EOS M
The future: Potentially developed, if the price is more competitive than DSLR and lenses collection increasingly complete.
6. Beginner DSLR
The best-selling camera for beginner photography hobbyist, the price is quite affordable, has a complete collection of lenses and accessories, and many variations. The unique thing of DSLR camera is has a prism that allows us to see directly through the viewfinder just like we saw with our own eyes.
Example: Canon 1100D, Nikon D3100
7. Intermediate - advanced (semi pro) DSLR
Usually preferred by serious photography hobbyist and semi- professional photographer. The advantages of this category are the autofocus performance, completed operation buttons so that the photographer can quickly changing settings and shooting.
Example: Canon 60D, Nikon D7100
8. PRO DSLR
The mainstay camera of professionals working in various fields both in extreme condition. Professional photographers are usually want a fast camera performance with good quality physic and not really consider about the size and weight of the camera.
Example: Canon 1DX, Canon 5D Mk III, Nikon D4
Purposes
Before buying a particular type of camera , it is worth contemplating the purpose of buying a digital camera. If the purpose is to take every day and documenting daily activities, a good smartphone camera can be nice choice. Currently, the best smartphone camera owned by Nokia Lumia 1020, which has an image sensor 1/1.5 " (larger than most pocket digital cameras) and a resolution of 41 megapixels. Nokia 1020 use Windows 8 mobile operating system. Fans of Android will love Sony Xperia Z1, water -resistant, fast, and capturing enough detail in the image, especially during the day. 20 MP picture resolution and image sensor 1/2.5 inch. Otherwise Samsung Galaxy S4. For Apple fans , of course iPhone 5s has the best camera. Its performance is very fast and the number of camera applications and functions makes iPhone very popular in photography.
If you prefer for a compact/pocket digital camera, my advice is to find a light one and can be inserted into your pocket so no need to carry an extra bag. Camera's image sensor is also important because a digital camera with small image sensor don't have any advantages compared to the current smartphone camera. Currently, the most qualified compact camera are Sony RX100 II (1 inch image sensor, zoom lens), Ricoh GR (APS-C image sensor equivalent to DSLR, excellent ergonomics and interface).
Well, if you want a higher quality digital camera and flexibility of changing lenses but do not want too burdensome, mirrorless camera is the best one. Mirrorless from Sony, Olympus, Panasonic G, Samsung NX, Nikon 1 and Fuji X are complete enough and the lens quality is no less than what DSLR cameras have. Mirrorless camera usually has a LCD touch screen see and taking picture just like a smartphone. The LCD screen is much larger than the viewfinder in DSLR, so that for those who have a problem with eyes, mirrorless system will be more convenient to use than DSLR.
For photography enthusiasts who just want to learn photography such as landscape, still life, product, portrait, architecture, photojournalism, etc. I propose a beginner - medium DSLR. And for those who have aspirations to be a professional photographer or serious in making the best photographs in any field, an advanced DSLR camera (PRO) will be the best. Pro DSLR camera has a high price, but the quality, performance, and durability will be long last.
Limiting Factor
Until now, you probably already have some idea of what kind of camera is suitable for your photography purpose. Furthermore, there are some factors that limit you to get a camera digital.
Price is one of the strongest limiting factors. It's undeniable, most people have limited funds. In addition to the camera, the funds need to be prepared to buy lenses, flash and other accessories.
For some people, size and weight is a more important factor. The camera, lens or tripod which is too heavy will interfere with mobility and shooting comfort. On the other hand, small camera with small buttons bother us when changing settings and in order to remain steady when shooting.
Some people buy a digital camera is just to take pictures, but some of them are also want to record a video. Not all digital cameras are good for video recording. For those who like recording video with camera, here are some recommendation: Panasonic GH , Canon 70D , 5D mk III.
If most of the photos you want to create is action sports photography , wildlife , coverage , then the camera speed is very important. Unfortunately speed is usually obtained with a high price, pro DSLR cameras usually appropriate for these needs like Canon 1Dx, Nikon D3X, and other.
When most of the things photographed are in a dark environment such as wedding, music concerts, theater performances, sports at night or indoors, full frame DSLR cameras will be able to produce good quality images in high ISO (more than ISO 1600). As an alternative or in combination, large aperture lens and flash can be used if permitted.
WILD CARDS: Compact camera with a large image sensor but the lens can't changeable
In recent years, there is a new type of compact camera which rely on an image sensor larger than its class. As a result, the image quality is relatively better.
Fujifilm started this trend by releasing Fujifilm X100, then updated to Fujifilm X100s. The physic just like an old camera with rangefinder design. Image sensor APS-C sized and uniquely developed namely X-Trans sensor. The sensor performance is relatively good compared with DSLR cameras but unfortunately the lens attached can not be changed, but the quality is very good with 23mm f / 2 lens (equivalent to 35mm on full frame sensor camera). The success of X100 and X100s among photography hobbyist in America and Europe made Fuji developed several variants of similar cameras like Fuji X20, actually this camera is appropriately incorporated into an advanced camera that competes with Sony RX100.
Sony developing a wide range of unorthodox camera that wearing large image sensor. RX1 has a full frame sensor with Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 lens. Meanwhile RX10 is a prosumer camera with the largest image sensor in its class that is 1 inch with zoom lens 24-200mm f/2.8 constant. RX10 is quite practical for light traveling.
Ricoh GR, Nikon Coolpix A, Sigma DP: Looks like a regular compact camera, but actually they have APS-C sensor equivalent with semi-pro DSLR cameras. The lens can be changed and can not zoom. The advantages of fixed lens is a relatively large aperture f/2.8 or larger and the picture quality is very sharp.
Other Factors
Connectivity
Due to social networks are increasingly advanced, people will always want to be connected with internet. For some people, their camera must has a wifi or NFC functions to transfer images direct from camera to smartphone, tablet or other media. Some are concerned with GPS and geotagging feature for sharing photos and the location where the photos were taken.
After-sales services
What about service after the purchase? If something broken, is there a service center? Do the spareparts easy and fast? The more well-known and best-selling camera brand, the easier and faster their service. In addition to authorized technicians, usually there are many unofficial technicians who sell services and spareparts in cheaper price.
Built-in flash
Most of camera has built-in flash but some of them are not. Ironically, some advanced DSLR cameras didn't have any built-in flash so it must use an external flash. In addition to fill-in lighting, built-in flash is also as an auxiliary autofocus (in Canon DSLR cameras) and to transmit the wireless trigger signal to external flash.
Weathersealing
Love to take pictures in bad weather conditions or extreme environments? Waterproof/weather sealed camera is a must, sealed from dust and cold temperatures. In addition to the camera, make sure the lens is also weathersealed.
Creative Scene Modes & Effects
For beginner or casual photographer who wants practicality, features such as a panoramic mode, creative filters and effects variations , auto HDR (to reduce scenery contrast), and fashion scenes which may be an important variable. Especially for those who don't want to learn the techniques of photography and digital imaging. Most compact, mirrorless, and beginner DSLR cameras have these features.
Memory card slot
Currently , most of cameras accepts Memory card type SD (secure digital) or/and CF (compact flash). Memory card type SD cards are smaller and slower than the CF card, but cheaper and more widely used. Most DSLR cameras use Pro CF cards that are more robust and larger capacity. In some advanced DSLR cameras, the memory cards slot is more than one, the purpose could be as a back-up , or just for overflow.
Battery grip
This accessory is useful for storing extra batteries and also make it easier to hold the camera when shooting in vertical orientation. Beginner DSLR cameras typically don't have any original battery grip option, usually made by third party brand with a weakness that must use a special cable. In most cameras, battery grip can be used to increase the speed of consecutive photos, for example in Nikon D700 and Nikon D300s.
Some factors to consider if buying compact camera that the lens can't be changed
In addition to the size of image sensor, the following things are important to consider before buying a camera that can't changing lens:
The quality and properties of its lens are very important to note because the lens can not be replaced like a DSLR camera. High quality lenses typically have large aperture such as f/1.4, f/1.8, f / 2 and f/2.8. Lens which has smaller aperture than f/2.8 like f / 3, f/3.5 and so on is considered small. The lens performance for shooting a close subjects should also be considered, especially if your love to shoot small and detail subjects. How close can a lens to focus? The closer the better.
Is the camera nice and steady to held, whether the buttons are quite large and affordable by the fingers? And that is important as well if the camera can be inserted to the pocket. Because it will practical to carry everywhere. Does the camera have a flash installed or at least a hot shoe for attaching an external flash? Most of us probably don't need a flash when taking pictures, but for those who like to take pictures indoors may occasionally need a flash.
Conclusion
The important things to consider before buying a digital camera is the image quality (depending on the size of the sensor and camera processor generation), performance/speed, ergonomics and ecosystems (completeness of lenses, accessories, community). Then consider the type of digital camera (pocket, prosumer, mirrorless, DSLR). Consider limiting factors, such as budget, the need for speed, image quality in dark conditions, and special features are desired. If you choose a camera that the lens is not changeable as compact or prosumer camera, consider the quality of the lens, ergonomics and completeness. Good luck.
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