Cameras are optical instruments that can capture 2D as well as 3D images. A camera consists of three essential components: the camera body, the aperture, and a digital sensor. With numerous camera options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this post, we will explore the various types of cameras used in photography to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to discover more about these cameras.
Types of cameras
Different camera types have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a look:
DSLR camera
A digital single lens reflex camera or a DSLR is a type of digital camera and is one of the most widely used types. It combines a single lens and a digital imaging sensor. A DSLR can have a full-frame sensor, a 35mm sensor, an APS-C sensor (a crop sensor), or a combination of two. You can record pictures in RAW format with this camera. The two most widely used brands are Canon and Nikon. DSLR cameras typically cost around $719. However, their price can range from about $100 to $6,000 or more.
Mirrorless camera
Digital mirrorless cameras don’t have a mirror, as their name suggests. You can only see an electronic screen while looking through the viewfinder. By doing this, anything you are viewing becomes visible. The use of mirrorless cameras has increased recently because they maintain the same degree of quality, but are lighter and smaller than many DSLR cameras. The Fujifilm X-Pro1 was the first mirrorless one with an integrated optical viewfinder. Compared to a DSLR, the mirrorless camera’s construction naturally reduces camera shake. The latter is quieter than the former due to the less moving parts. The selection of lenses, however, is constrained.
Point and Shoot Camera
A DSLR could be too complicated for photography in some situations. They have numerous dials, wheels, and settings. These kinds of cameras are heavy and pricey. Here’s where ‘point and shoot’ or compact cameras come in. These cameras are much lighter than DSLRs and can easily fit in your pocket. They also have automatic photo settings, so you won’t have to adjust them whenever you want to take a picture, reducing the chance of missing the perfect shot. There are two types of compact cameras: zoom and advanced. As the name suggests, a compact zoom can be very powerful. This enables the user to enlarge their scene and cover distances that other tiny cameras are incapable of. Point and shoot type typically costs between $300 and $900.
Bridge camera
As the name suggests, a bridge camera is positioned halfway between point-and-shoot and DSLR cameras. They have a fixed lens that covers the telephoto focal range. It is a great option to consider if you have a tight budget or are not interested in a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. A bridge camera is more manageable, lighter, and smaller. The lens on this kind of camera is fixed and cannot be exchanged for another one. Zoom lenses come with all bridge cameras, and those on the more expensive versions offer extraordinary zoom ranges, from very broad to hyper-telephoto.
Action camera
These are a no-brainer for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. Action cameras are ideal for outdoor captures. They are incredibly durable, shockproof, lightweight, and can handle harsh weather conditions. Small action cameras of this sort have displays, 4K footage, and fast frame rates. Depending on how you intend to utilize these types, you should pick the appropriate model. However, most action cameras on the market share the same features. The GoPro Hero camera line is the most well-known. They keep improving designs and introducing new features to enhance the user experience. If you are wondering where to buy these, search the online stores for popular brands like Sony RX0, DJI Osmo, and SJCAM SJ8.
Instant/Polaroid camera
As the name implies, instant cameras can print pictures right away. This category was first offered by Polaroid Corporation. So, Polaroid cameras is another name for these instant cameras. They encompass a wide range of photographic techniques. Instant cameras resemble a cross between old-school analog and modern digital photography. So, when you utilize them, you’re getting the best of both worlds. Films were used in the initial generation of instant cameras, but they were later replaced by paper printouts. A variety of models are offered by Polaroid and other instant camera manufacturers. Kodak and Fujifilm are well-known brands for these types. A modern Polaroid camera typically costs between $65 to $350 at retail.
Conclusion
We hope this post motivates you to research the various camera types further and choose the best option that suits your needs.