Choosing Your First Advanced Camera

If you’re reading this guide you’re probably the kind of person who takes photos with a standard point-and-click camera? And so far, you’re impressed with your snaps, but looking for something better for taking photos?

If you found yourself nodding your head to any of the above questions then this guide is for you.

With so many different types of camera now available, its easy to get bogged down with the complicated terminology and intimidating features that come with many cameras today.

In my guide I will evaluate all current trends of camera and help you decide which camera is best suited for and your needs.

In this guide, I have whittled today’s popular devices down into three main categories;

•Bridge Cameras for the beginner•Compact System Cameras for the novice who knows a little more about the features on a camera•and finally, the fully-fledged DSLR Camera for the more-confident user

Introduction

‘Bridge’ CamerasThe term ‘bridge’ camera was effectively coined because these types of devices bridged the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and more advanced models.

Bridge cameras are essentially seen as the most popular first choice for the budding photographer. While the interface, control panel and overall appearance may seem intimidating to those experienced only with ‘point-and-shoot’ models, bridge cameras are designed with the amateur in mind.

Bridge cameras come with a wealth of adjustable options which offer limited control over shutter speed, aperture, colour balance and ISO sensitivity.

While bridge cameras do not have Interchangeable lenses, the stock lenses on these type of cameras feature great zoom ranges. This feature makes bridge cameras ideal for the photographer with a penchant for close-up shots.

These types of camera operate on disposable AA alkaline batteries, meaning they are easily replaced when the battery is drained – making Bridge cameras ideal for taking outdoor shots at a moment’s notice.

Bridge cameras are widely available commercially and often at competitive prices, making them conveniently upgradeable.


While bridge cameras do not have Interchangeable lenses, yet the stock lenses on these type of cameras feature great zoom ranges. This feature makes bridge cameras ideal for the photographer with a penchant for close-up shots.



The term ‘bridge’ camera was effectively coined because these types of devices bridged the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and more advanced models.


To help you better understand the camera's features, I have highlighted each of the main features to help you ascertain a better

understanding of the device.

The whole one-part structure of this camera is referred to as the 'body'

‘Bridge’ Cameras







‘Bridge’ Cameras

Bridge cameras often have a bigger flash unit than point-and-shoot camera. An improved flash unit is capable of taking photos in low light conditions. The flash is also easily disabled which saves on

battery life.







‘Bridge’ CamerasBridge cameras have one lens which is permanently affixed to the camera. This lens is larger in size than a point-and-shoot camera’s lens but offers much more creative capabilities, such as superior zoom and stabilisation features which eliminate blur in photos..

Compact SystemCameras

If you’ve looked over the past few pages and still want something more intricate than a bridge camera which will offer more of a creative output, then consider a compact system camera.

Compact system cameras, or CSCs. are a relatively new yet popular technology which have emerged in the past few years.

CSC models are very similar in function to DSLRs yet similar to point-and-shoot cameras in appearance - meaning they are much smaller and lighter than the standard DSLR . A CSC's quasi-retro appearance makes this type of camera an ideal choice for the image-conscious snapper with little storage space. If you're the kind of photographer who travels often then CSCs are ideal.

CSC's are a great mid-level option as they offer more much creativity than a point-and-shoot camera because of such features as interchangeable lenses and video recording.

The idea that CSCs are accessible to all levels of knowledge means models can vary in price depending on what specifications are available, but are generally suited to any budget.

The market for lenses for Compact System Cameras is rapidly growing, and here are a few examples of the most popular type of

lenses currently available.

Wide-angle LensOne of the most popular One of the most popular

aftermarket lenses, the wide-aftermarket lenses, the wide-angle angle lens does exactly what its does exactly what its

namesake entails, and namesake entails, and photographs a wider field of photographs a wider field of image than that of a regular image than that of a regular lens. This type of lens is ideal lens. This type of lens is ideal

for scenic landscape shots.for scenic landscape shots.

This shot demonstrates the comparison between This shot demonstrates the comparison between a regular lens, and the wider scope of a wide-a regular lens, and the wider scope of a wide-

angle lens.angle lens.

Pancake Lens



Pancake lenses break away Pancake lenses break away from the norm of digital from the norm of digital

camera lenses because they camera lenses because they are significantly smallerare significantly smaller

A pancake lens is a general A pancake lens is a general lens, and can be used for a lens, and can be used for a

multitude of different shots. Its multitude of different shots. Its small size combined with the small size combined with the

CSC slim body makes for a CSC slim body makes for a compact package.compact package.

Macro LensA macro lens is used primarily A macro lens is used primarily

for close-up photography. for close-up photography. These type of lenses will allow These type of lenses will allow

typical subjects such as typical subjects such as flowers, insects to be shot up flowers, insects to be shot up

close in great detail and close in great detail and focus.focus.



DSLR Camerasnot impressed with the features of bridge cameras or a CSC, and you're after something with a bit more longevity? If you've already brushed up your knowledge of photography and consider yourself to be a keen and fast learner, then a DSLR camera could be the ideal option for you.

DSLR Cameras are considered as being the optimum in technology in today’s photographic environment. DSLRs are used by professionals and amateurs alike. These camera’s prominence on offering full control over the camera’s controls gives users the ability for utmost creativity.

What pits a DSLR in a different classto other types of camera available lies in its reflex design scheme, in whichInside there is a 'mirror' which reflects light in to the image sensor of the camera, resulting in more sophisticated photos.

In recent years, DSLR cameras have been utilized as an inexpensive method of producing film. High megapixel resolution and high-definition video capture features in recent models have meant that DSLRs are a great choice for a photographer who also cherishes the benefit of being able to record quality video.

Even though you may know your 'macros' from your 'micro-four-thirds' , take consideration as DSLR Cameras are the most expensive option of all the choices considered in this guide.

DSLR Cameras What pits a DSLR in a different classto other types of camera available lies in its reflex design scheme, in whichInside these is a 'mirror' which reflects light in to the image sensor of the camera, resulting in more sophisticated and life-like photos.

In recent years, DSLR cameras have been utilized as an inexpensive method of producing film. High-spec megapixel resolution and high-definition video capture features in recent models have meant that DSLRs are a great choice for a photographer who also cherishes the benefit of being able to record quality video.


If you’re not impressed with the features of bridge cameras or a CSC, and you're after something with a bit more longevity. If you've already brushed up your knowledge of photography and consider yourself to be a keen and fast learner, then a DSLR camera could be the ideal option for you.


DSLR Cameras may be the bulkier choice out of cameras DSLR Cameras may be the bulkier choice out of cameras considered but there are definitely other advantages which considered but there are definitely other advantages which

counterweight its size. Lenses and accessories are all counterweight its size. Lenses and accessories are all available at cheaper prices as there is a thriving market for available at cheaper prices as there is a thriving market for

third-party manufacturers creating peripheralsthird-party manufacturers creating peripherals

What pits a DSLR in a different classto other types of camera available lies in its reflex design scheme, in whichInside these is a 'mirror' which reflects light in to the image sensor of the camera, resulting in more sophisticated and life-like photos.





DSLR models also houses what is known as a 'hotshoe' – a DSLR models also houses what is known as a 'hotshoe' – a mounting tool at the top of the camera which allows mounting tool at the top of the camera which allows

upgrades of the flash unit and other camera accessories upgrades of the flash unit and other camera accessories such as microphones.such as microphones.

DSLR Cameras






Many DSLR cameras now feature a 'flip-out' Many DSLR cameras now feature a 'flip-out' or 'free-angle LCD viewfinder lens, which or 'free-angle LCD viewfinder lens, which allows for more accuracy when filming in allows for more accuracy when filming in

creative angles.LCD lenses, such as this one creative angles.LCD lenses, such as this one turn 360 degress, and often touchscreen, turn 360 degress, and often touchscreen,

allowing easier accessibility to controls such allowing easier accessibility to controls such as focus or zoom when filming in front of the as focus or zoom when filming in front of the

camera for example.camera for example.

DSLR Cameras






The viewfinder on a camera such as this will not be digital, but instead be optical,The viewfinder on a camera such as this will not be digital, but instead be optical,Allowing uses to photograph shots without draining the battery using the largeAllowing uses to photograph shots without draining the battery using the largeLCD viewfinder. The optical viewfinder is much higher quality than that of otherLCD viewfinder. The optical viewfinder is much higher quality than that of other

cameras and provides the user with a greater sense of clarity.cameras and provides the user with a greater sense of clarity.

DSLR Cameras

I hope that in reading this guideI hope that in reading this guideYou have ascertained a greater You have ascertained a greater knowledge of the current trend of knowledge of the current trend of camera available.camera available.

This guide was primarily written as a This guide was primarily written as a starting point for you, the reader, to starting point for you, the reader, to research more about the three types of research more about the three types of camera available to see which model camera available to see which model better suits your needs.better suits your needs.

Having a good skill of the field Having a good skill of the field photography can open doors to greater photography can open doors to greater career and academic prospects,career and academic prospects,as well as being a worthwhile and as well as being a worthwhile and valuable hobby.valuable hobby.

It is then important to consider all aspects It is then important to consider all aspects of a camera's capabilities before making a of a camera's capabilities before making a final decision.final decision.

Conclusion Image Credits• ceasedesist (2010) Sugar Lumps (Flickr)• McCullough,Don(2013)Red Balance(Flickr)• Baikovicius, Jimmy (2010) My first sunsetphoto with the Voigtlander Pancake (Flickr) • Everson, Bart (2006) Wide Angle (Flickr) • Hampson,Callum(2009)Macro Lens(Flickr) • avlxyz (2010) Money-tree flower 1 –macro lens, daylight (Flickr)• 600d (2010) Canon EOS 600D / Rebel T3i & EF-S 18-135mm IS & SPEEDLITE 270EX II (Flickr)• 600d (2011) EOS 600D Rebel T3i (Flickr)• Nguyen, Marie-Lan (2009) Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC Macro lens hood (Wiki) • TonyTheTiger (2013) Canon EF 40mm STM lens telephoto version (Wikimedia) • Серый, Бродяга (2010) Fujifilm FinePixS2500 HD (Wikimedia)• Rama (2010) Olympus IMG 2163 (Wiki)• Bührmann, Axel (2009) Meeting the new Canon EOS 7D (Flickr)

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Choosing Your First Advanced Camera