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Types of Digital Camera
Digital cameras fall loosely into seven different categories.
Camera Phones
The cameras in mobile phones have improved immensley over the last couple of years and can actually take a reasonable picture now. Of course, the main advantage is the speed at which you can have that picture uploaded to Facebook or Flickr. Image quality is usually not of the highest importance for camera phone users and the best on the market can just about match an entry level compact. |
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Compact
These range from basic point-and-shoot to more sophistocated models with a range of creative shooting options. They typically have very small image sensors which while fine in good light conditions, will struggle to capture a decent quality image in low light unless you use a flash. In nearly all cases, the image quality of a modern compact will still exceed the quality of the best camera phones. |
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Prestige Compact
A prestige compact is a camera similar in size to the previous category however they sometimes have significantly larger sensors (like the Canon G1X shown which has a DSLR sized sensor). It will also usually have a greater range of creative options and is often aimed at the experienced photographer who wants a second camera which is smaller and lighter.
The difference between a prestige compact and a CSC camera is that the former does not have an interchangeable lens system. |
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Superzoom / Bridge
These usually look similar to a DSLR and often have many of the features of one. However in a few key ways, they are more similar to a compact (the lens can't be changed, they usually have a much smaller image sensor, and the viewfinder is a tiny LCD screen rather than a true optical viewfinder). In terms of image quality, they are also closer to a high-end compact than a DSLR, sometimes suffering from high noise levels in low light.
We careful, I've seen some catalogues list these under the DSLR category.
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Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR)
As you can see from the price range, this covers the widest range of cameras, and is aimed at enthusiastic beginners to the most serious professionals. When you buy a DSLR, you are buying into a complete camera system. As your requirements grow, you can upgrade to better lenses, external flashguns, battery grips, etc.
When buying a DSLR it is important to consider what you require in a camera and which company might offer the best 'system' for you. |
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Compact System Camera (CSC)
These cameras are often no bigger than a prestige compact camera, however they have their own interchangeable lens system (and often additional accessories such as a detachable flashgun).
The usually have a larger image sensor than a prestige compact camera as well (although the Pentax Q is an exception as this utilises a sensor that is even smaller than most prestige compacts).
They have a definate size advantage over a DSLR while giving similar image quality. Unfortunately, they are often more expensive too.
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Medium Format / Specialist
We only mention these cameras for completeness and envy. These are often very expensive pieces of kit (costing tens of thousands of dollars/pounds/euros).
A medium format camera is one that uses an image sensor that is larger than the size of a 35mm negative, the most famous maker being Hasselblad who have been producing medium format film cameras since 1948. Prices are astronomical though, so these are clearly for the professional photographer, or lottery winner.
Another type of camera that started life in 1916 (film, of course) is the rangefinder, the most well known manufacturers being Leica and Nikon. The first digital rangefinder (by Epson) appeared in 2004 but fans of the classic Leica rangefinder had to wait until 2006 for the release of the Leica M8.
They make use of a range-finding focusing mechanism allowing the photographer to judge the focusing distance usually by showing two images that, when coincident, give the proper focus distance.
They may sound primitive these days, but as there is no moving mirror like in a DSLR, they are usually smaller and quieter, yet still benefit from interchangeable lenses. The downside is price - it may well be a very high quality camera with a low noise image sensor, but the cost puts them out of reach of almost everyone. |
above: a Hassleblad H3D
39 Megapixel camera
above: a Leica M8
digital rangefinder |
What does a DSLR offer over a high-end compact or bridge camera?
If you look down the feature list of many high-end compact cameras and prosumer cameras you may wonder why you would want to carry around a large DSLR. They can match them on megapixels and features - in fact compacts can offer many features simply not possible on a DSLR.
With some prosumer cameras even looking like a DSLR, it's easy to confuse them. So what does a DSLR offer for the extra money and weight?
- Buying into a complete camera system: expandability
- Much faster autofocus
- Faster continuous shooting modes
- Larger sensor means much better image quality in low light conditions (ie. the ISO 800 and 1600 settings are actually useable)
- A true optical viewfinder
- Higher quality optics (even on the standard kit lens)
- Usually more rugged and better sealed from the elements
- Greater creative control over depth-of-field due to larger sensors.
Does the superzoom offer anything over the DSLR?
- Considerably cheaper
- A long zoom range without the need to change lenses
- Live-view (the ability to compose your picture on the LCD screen). This is starting to appear on some DSLRs and it's only a matter of time until it's standard on all new models
- Macro mode - a DSLR's closest focusing distance is lens dependent and with the standard kit lens is usually about 30cm. Superzooms can often focus as close as 1cm
- Movie mode / sound recording (also starting to appear on DSLRs)
- Complex computer algorithms such as face recognition, panoramic stitch assist, etc.
- Naturally larger depth-of-field due to the smaller sensor.
A general comment about DSLRs versus any compact is that under ideal lighting conditions when you’ve got time to compose the shot, the image from a DSLR and a compact will be very similar (eg. taking a picture of a landscape in bright sun). Where a DSLR comes into its own is when the conditions start to vary and you need the speed and creative control a DSLR offers. Try capturing a bird in flight on a compact: it becomes more of a hit and miss affair.
Basically, a DSLR's priority is to capture the best image possible, with speed and image quality the utmost importance. A superzoom offers nearly all the features of a DSLR and even some additional ones however it has the speed and image quality of a compact (albeit a very good one).
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Photographs
This is a site about photography so I'm sure you are expecting to see plenty of pictures.
For now, why not take a peek at the flickr galleries belonging to the two authors of this site.
Colin's Flickr Page
Phil's Flickr Page
"I gaze at the sunset with the woman I love and think f/8 at 1/250 - you know when you are ready." - Canon advert
for EOS 40D
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