How many different types of camera you know?
Somewhere I read, If your eye is a window to your Soul, then your camera is surely a doorway to your heart?
We can classify cameras in 5 somewhat arbitrary groups: COMPACTS, EVIL, DSLRS, BIG STUFF AND EXOTICS.
Compact cameras (point-and-shoot): Convenient, cheap, small, light and fool proof. just point it in the direction of the subject and press the button. The camera does the rest.
Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras (DSLRs):
Though this comes at the price of a serious increase in weight and
bulk (and, well, price), they are also much more uncompromising on
everything that matters. In particular, they have interchangeable lenses
which allow you to always have the best lens for the occasion. Even
APS-C (DX) cameras have big enough sensors to allow shallow depth of
field and good low light/dynamic range quality. There is an optical
viewfinder, which allows framing in the worst light conditions and is
generally more responsive than any electronic screen.
EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lenses) cameras:
These are new hybrids which started appearing in 2008. Most are based on the micro-4/3 lens mount. The concept is to remove the bulky mirror and pentaprism necessary for the optical viewfinder of a DSLR, but to keep the other capabilities, in particular large sensors and interchangeable lenses. This allows for a drastic reduction in size, putting them closer to compacts than DSLRs.
This is a concept that manages to merge the best of both worlds. Whether the sacrifice of the optical viewfinder in exchange for a smaller size is worthwhile will be an entirely personal choice.
The big stuff :
It refers to bigger than 35mm cameras, which in the digital world means medium format backs. The cheapest start at 10-15k$, without lenses, but their resolution and image quality is hard to beat. They have little interest if you are not printing big, as the difference from high-end DSLRs will be hardly noticeable. They are mostly used by commercial shooters and (rich) landscape photographers.
Finally, Exotics is everything else, including all film cameras:-
- Large format cameras:
The wooden box with bellows and a black cloth to hide the
photographer. Their resolution can even beat that of MF digital backs
but the large negative size makes everything harder, from buying film to
developing and scanning or printing it.
- Rangefinders:
These are another alternative to DSLRs, where the optical viewfinder does not pass through the lens. This permits a smart manual focus system based on split screens. The most famous of these cameras are the Leica M family, and the last iteration, the M9, is one of the best digital cameras money can buy. Photojournalists and street shooters love them, but their learning curve is steep.
- Phone cameras - you have them with you all the time. That's about all there is to say.
COMPACTS, EVIL, DSLRS, BIG STUFF AND EXOTICS all at one place.
We can classify cameras in 5 somewhat arbitrary groups: COMPACTS, EVIL, DSLRS, BIG STUFF AND EXOTICS.
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Digicam
Compact cameras (point-and-shoot): Convenient, cheap, small, light and fool proof. just point it in the direction of the subject and press the button. The camera does the rest.
Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras (DSLRs):
EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lenses) cameras:
These are new hybrids which started appearing in 2008. Most are based on the micro-4/3 lens mount. The concept is to remove the bulky mirror and pentaprism necessary for the optical viewfinder of a DSLR, but to keep the other capabilities, in particular large sensors and interchangeable lenses. This allows for a drastic reduction in size, putting them closer to compacts than DSLRs.
This is a concept that manages to merge the best of both worlds. Whether the sacrifice of the optical viewfinder in exchange for a smaller size is worthwhile will be an entirely personal choice.
The big stuff :
It refers to bigger than 35mm cameras, which in the digital world means medium format backs. The cheapest start at 10-15k$, without lenses, but their resolution and image quality is hard to beat. They have little interest if you are not printing big, as the difference from high-end DSLRs will be hardly noticeable. They are mostly used by commercial shooters and (rich) landscape photographers.
Finally, Exotics is everything else, including all film cameras:-
- Large format cameras:
- Rangefinders:
These are another alternative to DSLRs, where the optical viewfinder does not pass through the lens. This permits a smart manual focus system based on split screens. The most famous of these cameras are the Leica M family, and the last iteration, the M9, is one of the best digital cameras money can buy. Photojournalists and street shooters love them, but their learning curve is steep.
- Phone cameras - you have them with you all the time. That's about all there is to say.
COMPACTS, EVIL, DSLRS, BIG STUFF AND EXOTICS all at one place.
About Me
I'M A PHOTOGRAPHER FROM CHENNAI
I work as an Engineer and in my free time I like to do Photography & I Love Cycling.
I haven't taken any classes although I plan to in the near future. I've read a few tips online and looked at other peoples photos for inspiration.
I've taken a lot of nature and scenic pictures. I go out with friends and we spend some time just taking random pictures. We have plans to visit many of the local tourist spot,
I'm lucky to be having such a wide range of friends who love to be photographed.
I use this as practice doing action and still shots.
My friends know that I enjoy photography and in the near future I get to capture some exciting events!
I hope you enjoy the photos I've taken while I'm learning more about Photography!
