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Digital Camera Buying Guide to help you choose a suitable camera at the best price. From the smallest, most agile point & shoot digital cameras to the professional level Digital SLR cameras, find the newest models from the biggest brands in photography such as Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony, Olympus, and Panasonic. You will also find a plethora of lenses and accessories for every situation.
What Do You Intend to Shoot?
Even before you get down to buying a camera, you need to have an idea of how you intend to use the camera.
Basically, what is the subject you are going to focus on more?
Will you be using the camera to shot your family members, or holiday pictures, or macro photography (insects)? Or are you planning to shoot some good photos worthy of a professional? Is it wide angle scenes such as landscapes, telephoto scenes such as portraits, or close-ups such as flowers?
It will help you to decide on the focal length and type of lens, and whether you need a macro mode in the camera.
Are you going to shoot indoors a lot? If yes, then you need better quality flash for your camera.
Will you be shooting more of action sports or more of static photos? This will determine the viewfinder and camera lens you need.
Usually it is seen that the casual user prefers more of automatic controls; they just want to click minimum buttons to take a photo.
The more serious amateur or professional photographer, however, wants more manual controls over the various photo related aspects.
Are you going to store your pictures on the computer and just use it for publishing on the web or for sending via email? Or are you going to print the pictures? If yes, how big or small the pictures would be? Knowing this will help you to choose the best resolution for your camera.
Related: Various photography styles/genres.
Related: Various photography tips.
How a Digital Camera Works
In Traditional Photography, a photographic film is used to create the physical image. A process, done inside a dark room, transforms the photographic film (negative image) into a physical photograph (using chemicals), that is no longer sensitive to light.
In digital Photography, the photographs are in a format called bit maps, which can be altered using software like Photoshop.
Digital cameras are great for most people. You can immediately see the picture, you can easily download the prints to your computer. You can store your pictures, enhance them and print them. Digital prints also make for easy storage.
Here’s an overview of the more important camera parts.
All cameras and camcorders basically use the same principle, where light that is reflected off the subject is captured by the sensor to recreate the image.
The lens is what captures the light and focuses it on the film/sensor. The lens is positioned at the correct focusing distance from the film/sensor by a focusing mechanism. On some cameras, this length is fixed however on most cameras you have control over the focal length.
A shutter prevents the entered light reaching the film/sensor until you press the release button allowing you to decide exactly when to take the picture.
The beginner models usually do not let you change the shutter speed, and it is typically set at 1.125 second. The more expensive ones however allow you to select from a range of speed settings. This way you can either “freeze” / “blur” moving subjects, or compensate for dim / bright lighting conditions.
A lens aperture is an adjustable circular hole positioned within or just behind the lens. It is used to control the amount of light / brightness of an image.
Usually, the smaller the aperture, the more parts of the scene will appear in focus, and the greater is the “depth of field”.
As you can see, this along with the shutter, are the controls you have at your disposal to adjust the light that your image receives.
A viewfinder allows you to preview the picture. There are two types of viewfinders, one that is found on non-reflex cameras (they have a direct viewfinder) and the other that is available on SLR cameras.
Single lens reflex (SLR) cameras allow you to view the actual image formed by the lens. Direct viewfinders are bright and clear, but less accurate than SLR for composing images, particularly close-ups.
The LCD is another important component that displays all the menu options and also lets you know how many pictures you have taken.
Types of Digital Cameras
Though there is a wide range of digital cameras available to the end users, most of these actually can be categorized into one of the following types, Compact cameras & Single lens reflex (SLR) cameras.
Compact cameras
These are smaller in size, have direct viewfinder, and come with no or limited focusing, shutter and aperture control. The Viewing system is optical finder or LCD screen. It usually has autofocus or fixed focusing, and comes with non-interchangeable Lens.
Point and Shoot
Compact digital cameras, also called point and shoot cameras, are designed for taking basic snapshots, and suits most casual photographers. They are the most basic digital camera design and have very few controls, and few accessory options. All models are small enough to be easily carried in a pocket or purse, but have surprising extras not available on film cameras. They are available with a wide variety of settings, editing features, image stabilizers, and features designed to help amateurs take better images. They also have limited but useful optical and digital zoom capabilities. These are not suitable for professional grade printing, or for landscapes or nature images that are taken at a great distance.
Digital SLR
Digital SLRs are the most advanced type of digital camera available, ideal for professional photographers, nature enthusiasts, and others willing to invest in serious photography. They do, however, require some training to use correctly. SLR stands for ‘Single Lens Reflex’. And a DSLR camera means ‘Digital’ single-lens reflex camera. With an SLR camera, you see exactly what the lens sees, so your picture is exactly how you had imagined. Its possible to change the lens on a digital SLR, so depending on what you want to shoot, you can use the best possible lens. Digital SLRs have large image sensors that produce high-quality photos. Users can interchange lenses to fit their specific project needs. The initial camera purchase typically comes with a standard lens and the camera body. These are larger than the bridge cameras, and have a lot more buttons and manual controls. The images produced are of a higher quality and can easily be blown up to poster size if needed.
Full-frame DSLR camera has an image sensor of the same size as 35mm format (36×24 mm) film. These have better image quality and their field of view is bigger. Full frame cameras are used by professional photographers who need the extra features. Crop frame camera has a smaller sensor (less than 35mm). These cameras can be smaller in size and also has a narrower angle of view, which increases the telephoto effect while reducing the wide angle affect.
Mirrorless cameras (at times also referred to as compact system cameras) are compact than a DSLR, allow you to change lenses, and have larger sensor (compared to entry level cameras) for much better picture quality. These are made compact by removing the traditional reflex mirror system found inside SLR cameras and replacing it with an electric shutter system. And that is why these are also known as “mirrorless” or “mirrorless system cameras”.
Bridge Camera
Bridge cameras, sometimes called advanced digital cameras, give users more control over the image they capture, but are still essentially a point and shoot camera. They specifically give the user more control over exposure, aperture, and shutter. These are also referred to as Super Zoom cameras because they come with very long zoom ranges, which enable you to shoot photos from long distances. They have a larger lens with up to 30X optical zoom. Bridge cameras have smaller sensors than DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, so they can’t match them for picture quality. The lenses are smaller than those of digital SLRs, and cannot be removed or exchanged. These cameras are ideal for users who have some knowledge of photography and camera adjustment, but do not need or cannot afford a professional grade camera.
Instant Cameras
An Instant camera uses self-developing film which physically produces an image immediately after the picture is taken. Polaroid pioneered (and copyrighted) consumer friendly instant cams and film. Polaroid had also invented an instant movie camera system called Polavision.
Besides Polaroid, instant cameras are produced by other companies like Kodak, Fujifilm, Konica, Minolta, and a few others.
Improved picture quality and ease of use makes this film ideal for snapshots and portraits. Its easy-to-file size also makes it an excellent choice for documentary or archival purposes. Cameras that use films are also a perfect gift for kids.
Polaroid SNAP Digital Instant Camera is suited for parties, posting & DIY photo booths. The great thing about this camera is that it produces an instant print and also saves a digital copy.
Disposable (single-use) cameras
A disposable camera is basically a single-use camera. Even though these look and work like a point-and-shoot film camera, disposable cameras are made only for single-use (hence the name) and becomes useless after the photos are developed. You cannot use them again.
Disposable cameras come with fixed shutter speed, aperture (you cannot adjust them) which means you can ignore all the technical aspects of photography and just live in the moment.
Disposable cameras are also a lot cheaper than standard film cameras, making them apt for one-time use.
Single use cameras are commonly used for camping and other outdoor activities, where one may not feel comfortable using their expensive camera (risk of damage).
Buying a Camera
When buying a professional camera, check the image quality it offers. Cameras in the range of 12.3 megapixels to 36.3 megapixels can serve most photographers.
The camera should have either an APS-C or full body sensor. In fact, image quality becomes better with a larger sensor because of the higher resolution, but the APS sensor may increase the focal lens length. The best professional cameras come with multi function button to give you quick control over the various parameters.
Mirrorless cameras are here to stay, they offer a good combination of pro-level build quality, excellent image quality, and superb handling. The current high light sensitivity camera technology only makes the concept more appealing.
Photographers who don’t want to go through the hassles of buying camera related things separately, or are looking for value-buys, should definitely consider digital camera bundles.
Camera Brands
Digital Camera Brands
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Canon is currently considered to be the leading brand in making top class cameras. Most professionals use it. They are popular for their DSLR as well as compact point-and-shoot cameras.
Nikon is another brand that is quite popular with pros as well as beginners.
Panasonic & Sony are more into camcorders, and known for their compact cameras.
Olympus & Pentax are also known for their wide range of digital cameras.
These are also, more or less, the more popular names when it comes to DSLRs.
Canon, Fujifilm, Kodak, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Polaroid, Sony, Samsung are popular makers of compact cameras
Nikon Cameras: Founded in 1917, Nikon manufactures a wide range of equipment related to photography, such as Consumer and Professional digital cameras, Compact Cameras, Lenses, NIKKOR optics, and Accessories. It is among the leading brands in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology.
Today, Nikon has a wide range of DSLR cameras including full frame, semi professional and entry level models. Nikon also has great range of ‘point and shoot’ cameras (they are quite popular as well) sold under the ‘Coolpix’ brand.
Nikon Coolpix series includes compact, point-and-shoot cameras from Nikon; Coolpix is another popular series, in addition to the Canon Powershot and the Sony Cybershot
A COOLPIX camera has all the features that you need to photograph children at play, shoot portraits, shoot outdoor landmarks, and so on. You just need to familiarize yourself with the various camera controls and you can get great results from your Nikon.
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A little known fact about this group is that it’s one of the companies under the Mitsubishi Group of companies.
Canon Cameras
Canon is one of the most respected brands, and they produce everything, from entry level point-and-shoot cameras all the way up to the best professional cameras.
Canon is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Canon cameras are designed to provide superior image quality and performance, and feature genuine Canon Optics and Canon’s advanced, proprietary video technologies.
Canon EOS: SLR and Mirrorless Cameras
Canon EOS series (EOS stands for “Electro Optical System”) include D-SLR and Mirrorless cameras made by Canon. The Canon EOS range include entry-level, yet highly capable cameras as well as some of the most advanced and sophisticated professional SLRs available on the market.
The entry-level EOS models are now commonly used for everyday family photography, with more people opting for an easy-to-use DSLR instead of their smartphone pocket cameras, as the photographs are of much better quality and there’s not much of a learning curve.
Canon EOS Cameras feature top-quality image processors & sensors that produce high-resolution images. These cameras provide incredibly fast and precise focusing, and provide you with all the features you need to shoot in a variety of situations
Sony Cameras
Sony makes a range of Mirrorless Cameras, Point & Shoot Digital Cameras, DSLR Cameras, Interchangeable Lens Cameras, Waterproof cameras, camera accessories and more.
From entry-level and consumer-grade to midrange DSLR cameras, Sony offers a wide selection of cameras for you to choose from. The Sony Alpha series offers great entry-level cameras for beginners.
Sony Cybershot cameras are compact, stylish and colorful cameras with high-quality lens. Packed in a compact body, and loaded with smart features, the Sony Cyber-shot Cameras are definitely worth buying.
Powerful features include low-light shooting and high zoom. Easily capture those picture perfect moments. Easy-to-use, and with good image-stabilization feature, you can easily capture sharp and crisp photos, and movies as well.
Some of the Sony cameras come with cool 3D features that go very well with 3D HDTV. The 3D stills, 3D Sweep Panorama capabilities, and HD videos make some of these cameras look like a really advanced one.
Kodak Cameras
If you thought the digital world of cameras now only belongs to Canon and Nikon, that’s not true. Kodak digital cameras and accessories are still getting sold and they’re managing to stay alive in this cut-throat field. Kodak is known for its imaging products and, most notably, for its internationally recognized photographic film.
The Eastman Kodak Company was founded in New York state in 1892 by George Eastman, camera innovator and inventor of the roll film. Since then, Kodak has had a long & successful history with cameras. Kodak had also invented the world’s first digital camera in 1975 and was among the first to release a digital camera to consumers.
Kodak’s EasyShare line of digital cameras allows you to easily transfer images to a computer using a bundled dock. Kodak EasyShare cameras are user-friendly and are currently divided into three series:
- C-Series models – Basic, entry-class cameras
- M-Series models – Comes with more advanced features and sleek designs
- Z-Series models – higher-priced & performance line of cameras, these cameras offer powerful zoom lenses, manual options, and other tools designed to appeal to camera enthusiasts.
Best DSLR Cameras
Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) refers to the viewing system…light passes through the lens, is reflected off a 45 degree mirror, into a glass prism and here it is turned right-way-round for viewing through the view finder.
It also has the ability to connect different lenses.
A DSLR sensor is larger than that on your compact enabling them to gather light and produce a well-exposed image. So although your compact may have a similar Mega Pixel rating, the results of the DSLR will be better.
With a range from 100 to a few thousand (ISO setting), the ability to shoot in low light has increased dramatically and with a much reduced degradation of the image.
Best Mirrorless Cameras
Style and ease-of-use are the two other factors that make this category of cameras quite popular. Modern design, combined with several color options, make the Sony NEX, Panasonic Lumix G-Series, Nikon 1 System, and Olympus PEN digital cameras look much more stylish and desirable (even by many woman photographers).
Sony Alpha a5100 (Best Beginner Mirrorless Camera)
Sonly Alpha a5100 is a tiny mirrorless camera is all of 4.3 x 2.5 x 1.4 inches in size and 7.9 ounces in weight. It comes with a DSLR-size APS-C sensor. Where the a5100 lacks is in the optical viewfinder, however its 3-inch LCD touch screen that flips up 180 degrees for selfies, just about makes up for the lack of it.
Sony Alpha a7 II (Best Pro Mirrorless Camera)
Sony A7 II is compact, easy to carry and fits most bags, it is user friendly with its customizable buttons and knobs, it features in-body 5-axis image stabilization.
Digital Camera Maintenance, Cleaning & Repair
Here are useful tips and suggestions on how to maintain & clean your Digital Camera for best results & longer life.
It is important that you take good care of your camera, so that it continues to operate at peak performance, and also stay you with for a very long time.
Here are some tips on how to clean, maintain, and take good care of your digital camera. Some of these could be boring to do, but it indeed helps your camera stay in good shape.
- Always use a good carry case / bag to protect your camera from jerks, shocks, dust, moisture and other elements. Water and other liquids are a “strict no” for all electronic items.
- Ensure that your expensive digital camera is kept away from children & pets.
- Avoid keeping your camera in direct sunlight and away from high temperature areas, as it could impact the internal circuit board.
- You should always clean the equipment with a muslin/soft cloth and remove the dust particles using a brush; do this preferably before every use or as often as you can.
- You should clean the LCD screen properly with a soft cloth or you may even cover it with a scratch guard. Avoid direct contact of the screen with your hands, as far as possible.
- Be careful while cleaning the lens, as it is an important and sensitive part of the camera. If possible, preferably use professional lens cleaning paper or else you may even use fiber cloth or soft brush for cleaning the lens. Using paper towels or napkins is actually not recommended.
- Always remove the batteries from the camera when not in use and store them in a dry place.
- Use a soft brush for cleaning the memory card slot of your camera. Always remember, not to disconnect the camera from the computer when you are in the middle of transferring files as it may damage the memory of your camera.
- Another good habit is to periodically take your digital camera to an authorized service centre for servicing, especially if you own a professional product.
How often to service a camera?
Any DSLR camera, and most professionally used equipment, need to be serviced at least once in a year. Some professionals may do it in 6 to 8 months also, if they observe any change in the images clicked or in the working mechanism.
But in general, once a year is a good rule to follow, for cleaning, servicing and maintaining your camera. General recommendation for amateurs (who don’t use their cameras much) is every second to third year.
Based on SRT count
Another indicator that tells you whether its time to service your camera is Shutter Release Time (SRT). Most cameras have a shutter counter in them, and every time the shutter unit is fired the camera increases a count. This count gives a good indication of the type of service that your equipment may require.
Low shutter release count: Equipment may require basic cleaning, servicing and preventative maintenance.
High shutter release count: Cameras that have a high SRT (100,000 or above) usually require full cleaning and servicing, where the major moving parts of the camera is inspected for wear, by the technician. This is pretty much all entry level/mid range DSLR’s. So even though your camera may be fine, the shutter is likely to fail and will need to be replaced. Depending on the amount of wear, the equipment may also require the major moving parts to be replaced – Camera Shutter, Camera Aperture, Lens Diaphragm, Lens Silent wave motor, Lens Ultrasonic motor, Flash Tube.
Items included in a service will vary depending on the camera being serviced. But in general, the following are checked for a D-SLR camera:
- The main functionality of the camera
- The Autofocus system
- Metering is calibrated
- Firmware is updated where necessary
- Image sensor and mirror are inspected and cleaned
- External cleaning, removal of fingerprints, oils, greasy materials.
Got a New Camera? Things to do Next
- Study, practice, shoot more
Reading the manual is the best way to get acquainted with your particular camera’s features and controls, but it’s also worth looking elsewhere for general knowledge on photography and how cameras work.
But nothing is more helpful than simply getting out there and shooting. The more you shoot, the more you will come to understand lighting, framing, and how your camera works.
- Lenses: Most of the time, its not about the gear
The kit lens that likely arrived with your camera is made to handle the basics. It covers a modest zoom range, with a focal length of somewhere around 18 millimeters on the wide end and 55mm on the telephoto end (this can vary slightly by manufacturer and format).
While a kit lens is decent option for snapshots and family photos, it won’t perform as well for any one given photographic scenario as a lens designed specifically for that type of photography.
- Zooming in (or out) more
The first thing many people will notice about the kit lens is that it doesn’t zoom in far enough for capturing action at a distance. For outdoor sports or wildlife shooting, a telephoto lens is the way to go. Fortunately, many manufacturers make telephoto lenses designed to pick up right where the kit lens leaves off, starting around 55mm and zooming in to 200mm or longer.
This is perhaps the most common “next lens” for casual photographers, and tends to be one of the more affordable options, as far as lenses go.
- Brighter is better most of the time
Beyond having a limited zoom range, kit lenses also tend to have what’s known as a “slow” aperture, something in the range of f/3.5 to f/5.6. If you commonly take pictures indoors or outside in low light, you may run up against the limits of your lens’ aperture. In general, lenses with maximum apertures of f/2.8 or larger (f/2, f/1.8, etc.) are considered “fast”.
Lenses that offer both a long zoom range and a fast (or wide) aperture tend to be prohibitively expensive for non-professionals. Fortunately, fixed focal length (or “prime”) lenses offer a way to get a fast aperture at a more affordable price, although you will give up the flexibility of a zoom.
One side effect of a larger aperture is a shallower depth of field. That is, the amount of depth in the photo that will appear to be in focus. Shallow depth of field is often preferred for portraiture, as the subject stands out in sharp focus with everything in the background blurred away. The lenses listed above are therefore good for shooting portraits in addition to their low-light capabilities.
- Use Tripods: To get the creative edge and not just for stability
Tripods can actually help you take better pictures. It’s a requirement for certain types of photography but will help in a variety of other situations, as well. Just look for a tripod that meets your size and budget requirements.