Digital Cameras
‘A camera is a piece of equipment that allows a photographer to record moving or still images.’
There is a huge range of different types of digital camera, in a wide variety of design and level of sophistication.
On of the most important features of the camera is how it controls the amount of light getting to the digital sensor or film, this is called the exposure. You can learn more about the elements of exposure here.
The simplest type of camera is the the pin hole camera or Camera Obscura. The pinhole camera has been used by draftsmen and artistes to trace images that they see in front of them for centuries. When film was invented the Camera Obscura was able to produce a permanent image.
The pin hole camera is made by using a small box with a hole in it and a piece of black and white light sensitive paper to record the image. The light sensitive paper is loaded and unloaded in complete darkness or under a darkroom safe light. The shutter speed is controlled by a flap that covers and uncovers the pin hole. The shutter speed for a pin hole camera usually lasts minutes, hours or even days. The pinhole camera is one of the inventions that has led to cameras and photography as we know it today.
Digital Cameras.
There are literally thousands of different types and models of the modern digital camera. With technology moving at a rate of knots, companies are updating and bringing out new cameras all the time. When your deciding on the camera that is best suited to your needs, you need to first choose between the three best types cameras for travel photographers, the compact, the bridge and digital single lens reflex(DSLR).
When choosing the right camera you need to contemplate the advantages and disadvantages in relationship to your individual travel style and photographic needs.
The Compact Digital Camera.
Compact digital cameras are also known as a point and shoot camera or digicams. This is the range of cameras that is particularly mid boggling with so many to choose from. Because they have relatively small sensors and fixed lenses, manufactures are able to have optimum creativity with design. Compact cameras come in all shapes, sizes and colours. The compact camera is perfect for the traveling photographer who wants no, or minimal, fuss and weight.
Advantages of the Compact camera
-Light weight
-Easy to use
-Range to suit all budgets
-Huge range of sizes and styles
-Images sensor range, 8MP-15MP
-Most have auto modes, built in auto flash and a zoom lens
-Most have removable and reusable memory cards
-Underwater housing can be available. Waterproof models available
-Video mode
-Quiet shutter
-Retractible lens means even more compact
-Easy to clean and fixed lens means no sensor dust
-Great as a second or back up camera for a DSLR user
Disadvantages of the Digital Compact Camera
-No interchangeable lenses
-Cheaper models have low quality lenses
-Battery capacity, in general, is low and lower when the LCD screen is used a lot.
-Lenses produce a much greater depth of field automatically. Achieving a small depth of field(when the background of your subject is out of focus) can be difficult.
-Optical view finder may not be accurate, your framing may be out.
-Many compact cameras only have LCD screens and no view finder.
-Some models show a delay between shutter release and the picture being taken, this is known as shutter lag.
-Photos taken with a high ISO can be much more grainy
-Photographs not so good in fast moving or low light situations
Entry Level Compact Digital Cameras
The compact digital camera range starts with the entry level cameras. These cameras are aimed at people who want photography to be as simple as possible. Entry level compact cameras are usually totally automatic. Sensor sizes range from 6MP-10MP, this would produce good quality prints up to 6in X 8in. Entry level cameras have low zoom capability and work best when the light is bright as they are prone to high photographic noise in low light. Prices range from US$80 - US$200. (April 2011)
Features of the Entry Level Compact camera include;
3x optical zoom lens
Automatic focus Lens
Built in flash with settings that may include red-eye reduction, fill flash, night flash and forced flash on/off
2.5inch LCD screen
Automatic exposure modes such as, portrait, landscape, portrait indoors, action and close-up
Quick delete and review buttons
Face recognition
Image stabiliser
Video
Mid Range Compact Digital Cameras
I would more highly recommend the mid range digital camera for travel photography. If you just spend a little bit more the creative opportunities and the cameras specifications are greatly improved. The sensor size ranges from 8MP to 12MP and are great for holiday and family photography. You can expect the same results from the mid range compact camera as you would from a film camera. In automatic mode they are point and shoot cameras but they do offer a number of controls that give you control over exposure. Prices range from US$200 - US$300. (April 2011)
Features of a mid range digital compact camera include;
4x optical zoom
Auto focus lens, some may include manual focus presets
Macro capability to 10cm or less
Built in flash with options that include, fill flash, night flash, forced flash off and red eye reduction
Adjustable settings for exposure, ISO and white balance
Focus lock
Large LCD viewing screens, 2.7in to 3in
Scene modes that include, night, sports, portraits, landscape and close up
Self adjusting picture sensor, to rotate vertical shots
Quick delete and view buttons
Removable memory card
Three image quality settings
Face recognition
Image stabilisation
Video
Advanced Compact Digital Cameras
Advanced compact cameras offer another step up in regards to image quality, amount of control and amount of creative settings. With sensor sizes ranging from 8MP - 15MP, fantastic quality zoom lenses, large LCD screens, fast photo processing, manual exposure modes and multi point auto focus sensors. Advanced compact cameras are a great option for photographers not wanting the bulk of a DSLR. You can expect excellent print quality up to 16inX20in. Cameras are usually very sturdy and very well made. Some models offer 6x, 8x, 10x, or even 12x optical zoom. I would highly recommend anyone wanting to get a great selection of travel photographs, but who doesn’t want the weight and bulk of a DSLR, to opt for a advanced compact digital camera. Prices range from US$300 - $450. (April 2011)
Features of an Advanced Compact Digital Camera;
-6x-12x optical zoom
-Optical view finder
-JPEG, TIFF and RAW file capture
-Able to take high capacity memory cards
-Burst mode
-Excellent quality lenses
-Controls to adjust colour, contrast and sharpness
-Large LCD screens, 3inch plus.
-Quality build and construction
-Focus and Exposure lock
-Hot shoe, for external flash gun
-Image file data display that includes histograms
-Large ISO and white balance range
-Manual exposure modes
-multi point auto focus sensor
-Self timer
-Clip on converter for different lens and filters
-Video with sound capture
-Flash exposure adjustments
-Image stabiliser
-Face recognition
Bridge Cameras
Filling the gap between compact cameras and DSLRs, and possibly my favourite category, the Bridge Camera.
There are two types of bridge camera, the super zoom and the micro four thirds.
Superzooms
Superzooms have a very similar design and look to that of the DSLR. The superzoom is also known as an Electronic viewfinder(EVF) or ‘all in one cameras’. The superzoom camera is great for a photographer wanting the features of a DSLR, but not the bulk or weight. Superzoom cameras have fixed lens so the user can not interchange and use different lenses. Although lenses are fixed, they are very powerful.
Superzooms feature an electronic viewfinder which shows the same live images though the viewfinder as is on the LCD screen. When a photo is taken it can be viewed though the viewfinder and on the LCD screen, meaning you don't need to take the camera away from your eye to see the image you have just taken. Some of the best superzoom cameras have features that rival DSLRs.
There are a few downsides to the superzooms, the LCD screens and electronic view finder can be low in resolution, meaning in low or high light the image you see can lack detail and quality. There is a slight lag between pushing the shutter button and the photograph being taken. Other problems with cheaper superzooms can include, difficulty in seeing properly though the view finder in dark light, difficulty in focusing manually and poor colour quality which can be distracting when composing an image. The electronic viewfinder also uses a lot of battery power. The quality of the EVF and the LCD screen does vary considerably between models so you have to look around and check different cameras carefully. Sensors range from 10MP to 20MP. Prices range US$300 - US$550 (April 2011)
Advantages of the Superzoom
-Advanced features that are similar to mid range SLRs
-Fixed lens means no problem with sensor dust
-More compact and light compared to a DSLR
-Manual settings and controls
-Extended zoom range of 12x
-Accurate framing of close-up subjects
-Able to view images though the viewfinder
-Live view
-Video
Disadvantages of the Superzoom
-Same sensor size as a compact camera therefor more susceptible to photographic noise.
-Less control over depth of field than a DSLR
-Fixed lens, no interchangeable lenses
-Small ISO range
-No optical view finder
-EVF and LCD screen have a low resolution
-Camera uses a lot of battery
-Some cameras can be just as bulky as entry level DSLRs
Micro Four Thirds
The latest in technology for the bridge cameras, developed jointly by Olympus and Panasonic, the Micro Four Thirds is the size of a compact camera but has the capability of a DSLR. The camera has interchangeable lenses and uses a Four Thirds-type sensor. The sensor is smaller than the APS-C sensor used in DSLRs but is about nine times bigger than the sensors used in compact digital cameras.
Micro Four Third cameras do not have an optical viewfinder like a DSLR, instead they have an electronic view finder, like a superzoom camera. Some Micro Four Third cameras not have a viewfinder at all.
Micro Four Thirds cameras are perfect for someone who wants the flexibility of interchangeable lenses and the quality of a DSLR but with out the weight and bulk.
The cost of a Micro Four Thirds camera and one lens will cost US$500 - US$900. (April 2011)
Advantages of the Micro Four Thirds Camera
The smallest and lightest camera system to have interchangeable lenses
Larger sensor than a compact camera
Four Thirds sensor provides more depth of field control compared with a compact camera
Four Thirds sensor provides less noise than the sensor in a compact camera
Fast lenses
Four Third system lenses can be used on a Micro Four Third camera with an adapter
Video mode on selected models
Quality build
Disadvantages of the Micro Four Thirds Camera
-If lenses aren’t changed properly sensor can be prone to dust
-Larger and heavier than a compact camera
-No optical view finder or no view finder at all
Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras
If your serious about Travel Photography and you want optimum control over all aspect of photography then you can’t get past the Digital Single Lens Reflex, DSRL.
The camera is based on the 35mm film single lens reflex camera format, SLR. Quick focusing and framing is achieved as the subject is viewed though the lens. The versatility and sheer number of settings, programs and modes along with the huge range on lenses to fit every subject makes the DSLR a great travel camera.
Use the complete AUTO settings to avoid worrying about the technical side or use the manual size for complete creative control.
DSLR cameras vary hugely in price, sensor size and build quality. The greatest draw back with DSLRs and lenses is the size, weight and the bulk. Don’t just access the cameras features, feel the camera and notice the size and weight. You don’t want a camera that is so heavy you don’t want to take it out.
Don’t compromise lens quality for camera features. If you opt for the DSLR system buy the best quality lens you can afford. The lens determines the sharpness, contrast and quality of colour. The fastest lens you can afford will give you superior optics, strong construction and the best images in varying light conditions. Often cameras are sold in kits which includes a zoom lens, consider other ways of buying the camera as offend the lens you get are of a low quality.
There are currently four commonly used DSLR sensor sizes measuring between 22mm and 44mm. They are know as Four Thirds, APS-C, 35mm and 6 x 4.5cm. You can find out more about DSLR Sensor Formats.
Advantages of DSLR cameras
All DSLRs have fully automatic settings so can be used by beginners.
Interchangeable lens suitable for every subject possible.
Large ‘buffer’ memory to minimise time between each frame
Built in flash
Sophisticated light meters
Auto focus lenses
Shoot in RAW and JPEG
Wide ISO range
Body and lenses can be brought separately meaning its easy to just upgrade the body
Great performances in low light conditions
Range of models include, entry level, semi pro and pro cameras
Disadvantages of DSLR cameras
Much more weight and bulk than a compact or bridge camera
Upgrade of computer software and possibly even computer may be necessary due to large file size
To achieve a a great range of photos you may need a range of different lenses
Lenses can be expensive
More expensive that compact or bridge cameras with the same MP sensor size
-Small range with video mode
-Prone to sensor dust if lenses are not change properly
-Live view can prove difficult to use
-Entry level cameras may not show 100% of the image that is being taken
Entry Level DSLRs
The entry level DSLR is aimed at someone who has not used an SLR before or someone who wants a lighter and more compact DSLR. They are usually sold in kits coming with a zoom lens, usually 18mm-55mm The lenses that come with the camera kits are usually slow thus making them cheaper and more appealing to someone who has a smaller budget.
These cameras can be brought body only meaning a better lens can be purchased if your budget allows. The APS sensors sizes ranges from 10MP - 12MP and are capable or producing really great quality prints up to 13in X 19in. Prices range from US$500 - US$700 for a camera body and zoom lens(18mm-55mm) (April 2011)
Entry Level DSLR common features;
-Built in flash and hot shoe for external flash gun
-Adjustable view finder diopter
-Burst mode
-Removable memory
-Controls that let you adjust sharpness, colour and contrast
-Focus and exposure Lock
-Histogram
-Scene modes that include, landscape, portrait, sport, night and close up
-Large LCD screen
-Live view on LCD screen
-Multipoint auto focus points with focus lock and selection
-Automatically rotates photographs
-Image stabilisation
-Self timer
-Range of file qualities and sizes
-Range of compression settings
Midrange DSLRs
The midrange DSLR or the semi pro DSLR, is slightly heavier and bulkier than the entry level DSLR, but are packed full of features. The midrange cameras are aimed at the real enthusiasts and are available to buy with a standard zoom lens or body only. They are built well and should withstand the varying conditions that you will face when travelling. They preform well in all lighting conditions. Midrange DSLRs have either APS, Four of Thirds or Full frame sensors, capturing between 10MG - 25MP. Expect brilliant quality prints up to 16in X 20in.
At the top end of the mid range DSLR, cameras are capable of producing photos of the same quality as professional DSLRs. Cameras range from US$600 - US$3000 for the body only. (April 2011)
As well as the features of a entry level DSLR, mid range cameras also include;
-Fast capturing, 3 frames per second or more
-Large buffer memory
-Depth of field preview button
-CompactFlash Type II memory slot for high speed cards
-SD memory card slot
-Semi automatic exposure programs
-Manual exposure programs
-Range of file sizes and compressions
-Colour space options
-Automatic sensor cleaning systems
-At the top of the range high definition video capture
-Range of creative flitters
Professional DSLRs
Made for the professional photographer. These cameras have 10MP or more sensors and are capable of producing data rich quality prints up to 20in X 30in. These cameras are built to the highest spec and using the best materials and alloys, protecting them against moisture sand and dust. Batteries are expected to last a lot longer than in midrange DSLRs.
The list of controls and settings is extensive and the image-processing controls are very sophisticated. Scene modes are not included, these cameras have almost no automatic settings and no built in flash. Prices range from US$4000 - US$9000. (April 2011)
Features of the Professional DSLR
-Very fast image capturing, 10 shots per second
-Advanced light-metering systems
-Fantastic build quality
-Huge ISO range
-Extended white balance options
-Two or more memory card slots
-Fast auto focus
-Precision controls for sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation
-Large memory buffer
-Large range of file compression and size options
-Higher and lower working temperature
-Internal automatic sensor cleaning system
The Digital Rangefinder
The digital rangefinder is another camera that you may want to consider for travel photography, but its not cheap. The rangefinder is aimed at professionals and real enthusiasts. There is currently only one maker of the digital Rangerfinder, Leica. The camera uses the focusing system where the image is split or doubled at the focusing point, correct focus is achieved by manually superimposing the double image.
The camera is popular amongst photojournalists and street photographers as the Rangefinder is small, discreet and virtually silent. The rangefinder doesn't have the options and setting of a DSLR or the lens range making it not such a popular camera. The focusing system can take some time to learn to focus quickly. You can achieve professional DSLR results with the rangefinder camera and is really great for candid portrait photography. The price of a Leica M8 will set you back US$5,000.
Advantages of the Digital Rangefinder
-Interchangeable lenses available
-Smallest and lightest professional camera on the market
-Lighter, less bulky and more discreet than a professional DSLR but with the same results
-Exceptional build quality
-Very quiet operation
-Image is seen though a view finder not the lens
Disadvantages of the Digital Rangerfinder
-Expensive
-Limited interchangeable lenses
-Limited features compared to a DSLR of the same price
-Unsophisticated metering
-First time users find manual focusing slow
We always love to hear from you. Get in contact and let us know about your choice of camera and why its great for Travel Photography.
