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4 Types of Digital Cameras that You Can Buy This Summer

No matter what people tell you, buying photography equipment is hard.

Experienced and amateur photographers alike, people will fluster once they see a number of brands with exponential models. Add to that numerous features and benefits they offer!

The only way to get out of this clusterfuck is to know different types of cameras and which one people need in different circumstances. At the end of the day, you have to come to a decision. To help you stay on track, here’s my guide on different types of cameras.

While I’m at it, I’ll be discussing which camera is best for which type of photography as well.

Why Would You Need Different Types of Cameras?

Very often, photographers travel the world in search of the perfect location. That is, if they’re doing landscape photography. There are places around the world which look absolutely gorgeous during rainy season or winter.

There are some people who want their cameras to have everything ready for them. Others tend to tweak them to their heart’s content. They are the “Hands On” kinda guys.

Case and point: As photographers, we have different levels of skills, different tastes, and different preferences. Naturally, our choice of cameras will differ as well. Each of these scenarios demand a different tool of the trade. You need to be prepared. Choose one (or several) depending on what and challenges you’re tackling and how.

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Different Camera Types to Explore!

Since we established that we need a particular camera for a particular job, let’s explore our options. We can pick our favorites from DSLRs, Point and Shoot Cameras, mirrorless cameras, and action cameras. Let’s learn a little bit more about these instruments and their applications.

1. How Do DSLR Cameras Do?

DSLR-Cameras-and-Lenses

As you already know by now, DSLR means Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera. These things are fairly common as every photographer tends to have one. I’m not joking! DSLRs are used by beginners and Pros alike. They have amazing set of features and benefits if you know what you want and why.

In expert hands, DSLRs are blessings. They have big sensors. That makes DSLRs perfect for low light and Bokeh-style photography. But DSLRs are pricier than normal cameras. If you don’t sweeten it with few hundred dollars, it won’t grant you “Amazing” level of performance.

Also, these products require additional apparatus like a tripod and lenses. Many of them. These things add to “Already Steep Price” of the camera. That’s a bummer for me. Also, DSLRs are offer more than you need. That’s why I prefer compact cameras over DSLRs AND I HAVE REASONS.

DSLRs are heavy. Trust me, you’ll “Almost” need a separate backpack or a separate suitcase to pack the whole thing along with accessories. Towing it everywhere you go is something of a problem.

2. Mirrorless Cameras Can be a Good Option

Sony-Mirrorless-Camera

These cameras can be quite small compared to their DSLR counterparts. The trick is that they don’t have mirrors inside the lenses. These are lightweight as well for the very reason. Currently, I own one and it’s easy to carry in a small bag that I can tow around my waist.

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Read: Does camera megapixel matter?

It’s easier to buy than a DSLR as well. No, I’m not talking about the price. Rather, Mirrorless cameras have fewer models than their upscale counterparts. Very often than not, it’s easier to choose one. Also, you have interchangeable lenses as well. Many a times, people don’t need to buy a heap of lenses.

People who are looking for variety of lenses, won’t be too happy with these cameras. Experts don’t put “Image Quality” on the same level as the DSLRs. It will suffer a bit. However, this type of cameras is great if you’re a traveler or regularly do street photography as a hobby. Don’t expect too much when doing low-light photography as well.

3. Ever Heard of the Action Cams?

GoPro-Action-Camera

Action cameras are even smaller than mirrorless ones. You can hold them in one hand. One thing I like about these is the fact that they are robust. These cameras won’t crack open even if people drop them from a considerable height. People can photograph and record extreme sports and action shots.

As you can see, the camera is small. So, the sensors and the lenses are smaller as well. One tradeoff of smaller parts is the fact that image quality and light sensitivity are going to be poorer than the other two. Also, the manual control over the camera recedes. You cannot tweak with various options.

On the other hand, these things are waterproof and can be used under water as well. If you’re a fan of found-footage-style videos, these cameras can take care of video recording as well.

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4. Point and Shoot Cameras or Compact Cameras

Sony-RX100-VII

Compact cameras can be great options if you want to deal with fixed lenses. You cannot tweak the lenses around. But on the bright side, anyone… literally anyone… can use these cameras. This is one camera that the beginners can try their hands on. Using this type doesn’t take any prior preparations.

Read: What camera do I need for photography?

Also, you won’t have to spend hours or days in the maintenance of these things. I love the battery life that these cameras have as well. The batteries are small and won’t cost you too much. A $200 compact camera is most likely to serve people for more than four years with the right type of care.

Once you guys decide to buy a compact camera, make sure to check for some of the features and benefits. If I were you, I’d look for autofocus facilities, resolution count, size, weight, viewfinder, LCD screen etc. One thing I’ll tell you that higher resolution doesn’t mean better pictures. You’ll have to rely on sensor sizes. Check out my elaborate point-and-shoot camera buying guide for more convincing explanation.

Final Words Before I Depart

Buying cameras is one of the toughest but key decisions for photographers. One simply CANNOT make risky decisions while buying these devices. However, you need to check with what features and benefits you want. Also, make sure that the type, brand, and model you choose… aligns with your budget.

There will be many choices to pick from. The only way you can sort the list and pick the right one. For that, you need to do your research, educate yourselves, and get your priorities right. Only then can you get the right apparatus for the job.

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