What type of camera is right for you?

There is no doubt that you need a good camera to take great pictures. But that doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive and professional device right away. In today’s article, we will tell you how to choose the best camera for different purposes. And if you want to pick the best hand grip camera strap, read the article on Skylum’s blog!

Smartphones

Well, let’s start with cameras that you can carry in your pocket. Many users don’t treat smartphone cameras very well, believing that they are not capable of taking high-quality photos. However, things are changing rapidly. Today’s manufacturers are making smartphones with professional cameras, and apps like Snapseed allow you to significantly improve the quality of your pictures.

Photos taken with a smartphone will look great online and in small print sizes (such as 6″ x 4″ or 7″ x 5″). However, it is worth remembering that the quality may not be as good at larger print sizes. By comparison, DSLR and mirrorless camera models can produce much larger images, so images can be printed at larger sizes without looking soft or pixelated.

Pros:

• low weight;
• no requirements for technical knowledge;
• photos are great for posting on the web;
• no grip camera strap is required.

Cons:

• limited amount of creative control;
• lower photo quality than with DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

Compact cameras (point & shoot)

Earlier such cameras could only take pictures of low quality. Now many of them are capable of taking great pictures and are definitely worthy of consideration.

Instead of looking through the viewfinder like a DSLR, you’ll be looking at the live view on the LCD screen on the back.Since there is no mirror, this camera will be lightweight, so you can easily take it with you. These cameras are also great for beginners who don’t have enough technical knowledge yet. You will be able to see if you want to continue taking photographs without spending a lot of money on professional equipment.

Pros:

• lightweight and inexpensive compared to DSLRs;
• well suited for small pictures to be published on the web;
• good for beginners.

Cons:

• possible real-time delay;
• lower image quality compared to mirrorless cameras.

DSLR cameras

These cameras appeared in the 90s and caused a furor in the photosphere. There are two types of DSLRs. Those known as “cropped sensors,” which are designed for entry-level photographers. The other is known as “full-frame” sensors” for the more upscale and expensive professional models. The critical difference between these two main types of sensors in SLR cameras is their size. Full-frame sensors replicate 35mm film, while a cropped sensor is simply a smaller version of a full-frame sensor.

Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll get images of excellent quality. Remember, to keep your device safe from damage, you need to choose the best camera wrist straps.

Pros:

• excellent image quality;
• full creative control;
• a choice of accessories and lenses that is breathtaking;
• a wide range of models: from low-budget to very expensive.

Cons:

• high weight, so sometimes it will be uncomfortable to carry;
• if you choose a full-frame model, then be prepared to pay a lot of money.

A mirrorless camera

These cameras have no mirror or optical viewfinder. When newcomers hear about them, they immediately wonder about the difference between them and DSLRs. With SLR cameras, the mirror is in front of the sensor. When you look through the viewfinder, you see a reflection of what the lens is pointing at. It’s as if you’re holding the mirror and looking at the reflection. With mirrorless cameras, however, what you see in the viewfinder is a live digital image created by the camera. This gives the photographer the ability to create images of great quality in burst mode. The price of good mirrorless cameras has almost equaled the price of DSLRs.

Pros:

• you get a photo in perfect quality;
• has a small weight compared to DSLRs;
• support for interchangeable lenses.

Cons:

• quite a lot of cost;
• dust on the sensor when the lens is removed;
• the delay between what happens in front of the camera and what you see in the viewfinder.

Drones

Drones make it possible to shoot from angles that have never been possible before. However, there are some disadvantages to drone photography. There are restrictions on where you can fly the drone. Flying in some places can bring you fines. It is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with local laws and restrictions before you go for a drone ride. Image quality, on the other hand, will be lower than with a DSLR or mirrorless camera. However, drone photography is still a fantastic way to capture a whole new and unique view of the world.

Pros:

• the ability to shoot from unique angles, which is not possible with other types of cameras.

Cons:

• inability to shoot photos in some places;
• lower quality compared to DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

Let’s summarize

As you can see, there are many important things to consider when choosing a camera. Picture quality is not everything. For example, for a street photographer, a small weight of camera is important, so a smartphone will be enough for him.

And if you decide to buy a DSLR or mirrorless camera, read the tips on choosing a hand grip camera strap on Skylum’s blog. There’s a lot of advice on how to choose accessories.