Cameras & Tech Gadgets

When shopping for a new Digital Camera, there are several types to consider such as Compact Cameras, MIL Mirrorless Cameras, tough Action Cameras and DSLR Cameras. Each camera is suited to a different user with varying degrees of complexity and automation in each model.

DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) Cameras are a more popular type. When the camera is pointed at something, it shows what the lens sees through an optical viewfinder rather than a rendered image on the screen like a Smart Phone. This helps with timing as an optical view has no latency.

DSLR Cameras give users more control with the option for automatic settings. They tend to be bulkier than other camera types which may not be suited to people looking for a small, lightweight camera to carry around. DSLR Cameras have models suitable for beginners, professionals and everyone in between with the option to switch lenses.

As photography skills develop, you may become interested in using a wider variety of lenses for different types of shots. In addition to a standard lens some of the different types of lenses include wide angle, macro, fisheye and short, medium and super telephoto lenses. If you have a DSLR or MIL (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens) Camera, then you'll be able to purchase additional lenses and swap them out for different types of photography and situations.

Always check the compatibility of the camera with the lenses you wish to use. DSLR Cameras and Mirrorless Cameras have different mounts which means that lenses designed for one type generally won’t work with the other. Different lenses may also not be compatible with different brands even if the type of camera is the same. Some manufacturers have lens converters to overcome this though this can sometimes result in image cropping or a loss in picture quality.

Mobile phone cameras are constantly improving and easy to use. Because we carry our phone around with us we always have a camera ready to go whenever to snap a quick photo. Smartphones are convenient all in one devices well suited to everyday photography but can’t match a good Digital Camera.

Digital Cameras are better at taking high quality images using long zoom features. Because smartphones are designed to fit in a pocket, they lack the physical space to include a long zoom camera lens. Digital Cameras are also more ergonomically designed and easier to hold steady.

The versatility, image quality and control afforded to DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras is where they come into their own. These have larger sensors, higher image resolutions, offer much more manual control and are compatible with a variety of high quality specialized lenses. DSLR and MIL Cameras also perform better in low light environments or capturing a moving object.

Finding the right camera largely comes down to how much control is needed over each shot, weighed against getting easy high quality pictures. Basic models are great for beginners, designed for quick and easy use with a lot of automation and minimal manual control. These models are also smaller and lighter than other camera types so they can be carried around easily.

More advanced camera models have a broad suit of automatic and manual options, making them great for developing photography skills. These cameras perform well in low light settings and be capable of capturing a lot of colour contrast. For a responsive camera that is ready quickly, aim for a model that starts up in under 2 seconds and a shutter speed of less than 0.3 seconds.

Cameras with a manual focusing option are great for adjusting when the automatic focusing isn’t cutting it. Image stabilisation features are great for reducing image blur.