Advanced Digital Cameras
When you understand the basic differences of the
advanced digital camera types , as well as their pro's and con's. making the
correct decision will be simpler.
Determine what you definitely need, what are luxuries, and what are
necessities.
You will then be able to avoid some of the traps when buying a new digital
camera.
Depending on your specific requirement, you should choose your camera in a range
of types. Broadly categorized, they are:
1. Cheap compact low quality.
2. Compact limited features and quality.
3. Compact high features and quality.
4. High feature non SLR
5. SLR with high features and versatility
6. Professional High megapixel SLR
In this review, we will deal only with items 4 to
6, the advanced digital camreras, as the more basic models were
covered earlier.
High feature non SLR:
These are very similar to the compact high feature models above, with a few
extras.
Generally, the optics on these are high quality with large zoom ratios. They
sometimes use a focusing optical viewfinder . The digital viewfinder on some models
can swivel, allowing image composition, when being behind the camera is not
practical. They often have hotshoes, enabling more powerful external flashes to be
used.
Advantages: Superior optics, makes image framing a lot more
flexible, without image quality loss. Features often the same as the SLR, in a
smaller overall package.
Disadvantages: Surprisingly costly, due to the optics. Still not
as versatile as SLR cameras with nearly the same bulk. Useful for semi serious
photographers, that want an all in one solution. Definitely not to be confused with
a point and click type of camera. Although these cameras have fully automatic
settings, enabling a point and click functionality, just like the cheaper compact
digital cameras, using them for this only would be a waste.
Single Lens Reflex or SLR Digital Cameras:These instruments
have all the features and more of all the previous types of cameras, with one
important addition. You can see almost exactly the image that the sensor will be
exposed to
This is done by directing your viewfinder vision, through the actual lens on the
camera, by means of a mirror. This allows you to accurately see the effects
of different lens settings, depth of field, enlargement due to zoom etc. As such,
this will be as close a view of the final image captured onto the memory as is
possible.
Depending on the make and model, the image you see, is not quite a 100% of the
sensor image. Manufacturers seem to limit actual viewing to about 94-98% of the
full image. In addition to the actual image, there are usually readouts in the
viewfinder, displaying things like shutter speed, aperture, flash activity etc
etc.
The most important feature of the SLR viewfinder is however the ability to focus
on specific objects. You can clearly see which objects are sharp and which are out
of focus. Pointing different sensors (which are displayed in the viewfinder at
different objects, enables you full control of the picture rendition.
Most models also allow interchanging of lenses. This allows the adaptation of
magnification ratios, to suit the size, positioning depth of field etc. so
optimizing the image that can be obtained from the sensor.
Advantages: Nearly unlimited ability to evaluate the exact
image to be captured. More of a "real time" feel and connection to the subject.
Disadvantages: Larger, heavier and noisier than the compact
models.The fact that the mirror needs to move out the way when a image is recorded
to the sensor, means there is mechanical activity, which is always associated with
some noise. Price. The extra adaptability and features, as well the mechanics, do
cost more.
Professional High megapixel SLR: These digital cameras have
all of the features of the above SLR cameras, with the addition, that they have
very high resolution and large megapixel sensors for optimum picture quality. Some
other distinguishing features of these units are: More durable body components for
rougher handling ability, options for additional battery compartments, external
flash synchronization jacks for studio lighting etc.
Advantages: The highest possible quality and versatility.
Durable and tough for onsite professional work.
Disadvantages: Price. These professional digital SLR cameras cost
between 4 and 12 times as much as a "normal" digital SLR camera. also tend to be
heavier and larger.
The above is a brief summary of the differences between the various types of
camera available. Specifics will change from year to year, as more advanced
technology supersedes each model.It will however give you a quick overview to
enable a decision on which type of equipment would be most useful to you.
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