Unit Two : The Gear
What are you using?
We’ve talked about the different components of any camera, but not really about the different types of cameras out there. We hope this might be useful if you’re on the edge of purchasing a camera for the photo class. Friendly reminder: we’re not trying to spark your G.A.S. If reading this fuels your need to buy more and more gear, go back to lesson one - the G.A.S. section, in particular.
We will classify cameras into six somewhat arbitrary groups: phones, compacts, mirrorless, DSLRs, film, and exotics. You can forget about the last category, as anyone using these probably doesn’t need an introduction class.
For specific camera recommendations, we recommend the friendly /r/photography Questions Thread.
Chelsea London © 2024. iPhone X | 28.0 mm | ƒ/1.8 | 1/125s | ISO 20Phones
Phones, everyone has one in their pocket these days. They are an excellent choice whether you are a beginner photographer or a very experienced one looking for a camera that is always with you.
Phones generally have quite small sensor cameras, but to make up for that, they take advantage of the processing power of your phone. Phones rapidly do large amounts of computational photography to improve their final image, with no work from the photographer necessary. This can include live image stacking to improve low light performance or to produce handheld long exposure images. A large number of phones have the ability to shoot raw, though this means you miss out on the computational ability of your phones processing. Making that choice is one we’ll help you with in our JPEG vs. raw lesson. One downside to phone cameras is there is no way physically adjust aperture, so depth of field is more of less fixed with these small sensors. That said, modern camera phones have multiple lenses, and built in tools to emulate varied depths of field.
Phones for the most part have gutted the market for compact point-and-shoot cameras discussed below and thus are usually the default complete beginner camera before a mirrorless or DSLR.
Chelsea London © 2019. Fujifilm X100F | 23.0 mm | ƒ/3.5 | 1/200s | ISO 1250Compact
Compact cameras, sometimes also called point and shoots, probably were (depending on your age) your first digital camera. Their main advantage is their low profile. When using a compact, most people will assume you are just a tourist and won’t give you a second look, whereas even a small DSLR or mirrorless camera will attract attention. Most cheap compact cameras come with downsides as a result of their small size. The sensor is usually very small, thus low light capabilities are of lesser quality, and the depth of field is always quite large. Lenses tend to be of mediocre quality and with limited maximum apertures. The LCD screen is almost exclusively for framing, which is a problem in bright light. One of the most annoying characteristics of compacts, is the infamous shutter lag – the delay between pressing the trigger and the photo actually being recorded. Compacts also assume the photographer wants the camera to make all the decisions and it is often difficult and if not impossible, to gain manual control of the various camera settings.
Phone cameras have essentially gutted the market for most of these cameras, except in high-end compacts, which usually contain larger sensors and higher quality lenses, pop-up or integrated electronic viewfinders to improve framing along with the ability to control all aspects of the camera to the degree of a DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Point-and-shoot cameras do seem to be making a resurgence with the interest in “digicams,” usually cheap point and shoot cameras from the ‘00s where the low image quality, interesting processing and “vibe” are part of the image’s look.
Sean Makin © 2020. Nikon D610| 185.0 mm | ƒ/8.0 | 1/400s | ISO 100Sean Makin © 2020. Nikon D610| 24.0 mm | ƒ/9.0 | 3s | ISO 100DSLR
A Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera is a popular choice among photographers due to its versatility, image quality, and manual control options. These cameras feature interchangeable lenses and an optical viewfinder - providing a real-time, lag-free preview of the scene.
DSLRs are equipped with larger image sensors (compared to compacts or phones), leading to superior image quality and better performance in low-light conditions. The ability to use a variety of lenses is also key to the DSLR, allowing for sharp and detailed photos with a lens most appropriate for the situation. The manual controls on DSLRs provide photographers with the flexibility to adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, enabling precise control over their shots. Another strength of DSLRs lies in their fast and accurate autofocus systems, making them suitable for capturing dynamic and fast-moving subjects, like in sports photography. The durability of DSLRs is a significant feature, as these cameras are often built with robust materials and weather-sealing capable of withstanding a variety of environmental conditions.
DSLRs do come with some drawbacks, their size and weight make them less convenient for on-the-go photography compared to more compact options. The audible noise produced during operation, particularly when using the mirror mechanism, may be a concern in quiet environments.
With the increasing proliferation of mirrorless cameras, DSLRs offer fantastic value for money on the used market, especially for someone wanting to dip their toes into photography with a “proper camera” where they can have full control of their images. In recent years, mirrorless cameras have gained popularity as they address some of the disadvantages of DSLRs, offering comparable image quality in a more compact and lightweight form. This is highlighted through Nikon and Canon appearing to have ceasing development of entry-level DSLR cameras in favor of mirrorless models.
Chelsea London © 2019. Fujifilm X-T1 | 35.0 mm | ƒ/10.0 | 1/250s | ISO 250Chelsea London © 2017. Fujifilm XT-10 | 56.0 mm | ƒ/2.0 | 1/4000s | ISO 200Mirrorless
Mirrorless cameras (or MILC, for Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera) are cameras that have gained popularity for their compact size (compared to DSLRs) and versatility in hybrid photo-video shooting since their first appearance c. 2008. These compact digital cameras lack the traditional mirror mechanism found in DSLRs, contributing to a lighter and more portable design. One distinguishing feature is the use of electronic viewfinders (EVFs) or LCD screens for composing shots, eliminating the need for an optical viewfinder. All major manufacturers now make mirrorless cameras across multiple sensor sizes from full frame to APS-C, M4/3 and 1”.
Mirrorless cameras, like DSLRs, support interchangeable lenses. The absence of a mirror mechanism can lead to quieter operation, making them more suitable for situations where discretion is crucial. Additionally, mirrorless cameras often excel in video recording, offering advanced features such as 4K recording, high frame rates, and reliable autofocus during video capture. A significant advantage of mirrorless cameras is their compact size and lightweight nature, making them ideal for travel or street photography. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) in mirrorless cameras offers a real-time preview of exposure and depth of field, aiding photographers in making decisions before capturing an image.
However, mirrorless cameras come with certain disadvantages. One notable drawback is their battery life, which tends to be shorter compared to DSLRs due to the power demands of EVFs and continuous autofocus. Some mirrorless systems may also have a more limited selection of native lenses compared to established DSLR systems, along with a more limited used market due to their newer introduction.
Some photographers also prefer the optical viewfinder (OVF) of DSLRs, providing a direct optical view through the lens without relying on electronic displays. Some cameras do offer a hybrid EVF and OVF. The choice between a mirrorless and a DSLR camera often boils down to personal preferences and specific photography needs. As the mirrorless market expands, addressing their issues and incorporating new features, these cameras are becoming the way of the future.
Chelsea London © 2019. Minolta X-700 | 45.0 mm | Portra 800Chelsea London © 2019. Flexaret VI | 80.0 mm | CineStill 50dChelsea London © 2012. Holga | 47.0 mm | Kodak GoldFilm
Film cameras use photographic film to capture images. These cameras rely on a chemical process to develop and produce physical prints. Despite the prevalence of digital cameras and smartphones, there has been a resurgence of interest in film cameras among certain photographers and enthusiasts. Like digital, film cameras take various forms including Twin-Lens Reflex, SLR, rangefinders, film point and shoot, toy cameras like Holga and Lomography cameras, and so on. With more and more photographers taking interest in film photography, used prices are significantly higher than they were even just 10 years ago.
This resurgence has been driven by the distinct analog aesthetics, offering a nostalgic and unique look. The tactile experience of loading film and manually setting exposure settings, as well as the limited number of exposures per roll, encourages a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to photography. The challenges and limitations posed by film contribute to a creative and intentional shooting process. Additionally, the appeal of vintage and unique cameras, often no longer in production, adds to the renewed interest in film photography.
Sean Makin © 2021. Mavic Air 2 | 4.5 mm | ƒ/2.8 | 1/80s | ISO 100Exotics
There are a number of cameras that are well outside the realm of a normal photographer, including big stuff. In the digital world, cameras larger than 35mm mean medium format backs or more “consumer” medium format mirrorless cameras. The cheapest and most “consumer” of these costs $5,000, while more professional models are over $10,000 without lenses. Still, their resolution and image quality are hard to beat, with sensors pushing well over 100 megapixels. They have little application if you are not printing big or working as a commercial studio photographer, as the difference between high-end DSLRs and MILC will be hardly noticeable in everyday use. They are mostly used by commercial shooters and (rich) landscape photographers.
Rangefinders 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 is the Leica M family. Photojournalists and street shooters love them, but they have a steep learning curve.