From point-and-shoots to fancy DSLRs, there are so many different types of cameras that it can make choosing one extremely confusing. Here is a brief look at types, giving their pros and cons as well as a suggestion of a recommended camera within each range.
CAMERA PHONE
A camera phone makes it so simple to take photos and share them easily. Camera phones are coming out with better and better sensors all the time but they still do not offer the quality of mirrorless or DSLR. If you are quite happy with having a way to keep a visual record of daily life, grabbing a quick snap here and there, a camera phone is all you need. You can buy a camera phone at a very good price with a fairly decent camera. Here is a comparison of the specs of nine different camera phones. However, the fact that they have small sensors and a fixed focal length means that the quality of the photos is limited. You will not be happy with a cell phone camera if you are intending to practice photography as a hobby.
POINT-AND-SHOOT
PROS:1. Light in size and weight, making it easy to carry around.
2. Simple to learn how to operate with automatic settings.
3. Far less expensive than other models.
CONS:
1. Lens is fixed so no opportunity to experiment with different lenses.
2. No manual controls for key settings so less creative control.
3. Small sensor so quality of image is not as good, especially in dim light.
4. Autofocus speeds are generally slower
CONCLUSION: If you are a beginner photographer, you may benefit from starting with one of these and experimenting a bit. However, if you are serious about photography you will soon outgrow a point-and-shoot due to its limitations.
MIRRORLESS CAMERA
PROS:
1. They have interchangeable lenses. The quality and variety of these lenses is steadily improving.
3. They are smaller and lighter than DSLRs.
4. In the middle of the range, some models are even able to match DSLRs in focus speed, especially when it comes to video.
CONS:
1. They are speedily catching up to DSLRs but they are not quite on a par with the best yet.
2. They do not have mirrors.
3. Sensors are generally smaller than those in DRLRs so they are not as good at shooting in low light or registering depth of field.
CONCLUSION: This may be a good step up from a point-and-shoot, offering many of the same features as a DSLR without being quite as heavy to carry around or as expensive to purchase. The Sony Alpha a6000 is one of the best-selling mirrorless cameras.
DSLRs (DIGITAL SINGLE LENS REFLEX CAMERA)
PROS:
1. It is made up of two parts – a body and a lens. The lens is removable. There are so many different lenses that can be used, giving plenty of options with regard to creativity and variety.
2. It has a large sensor so it provides good performance in low light.
CONS:
1. The large sensor and removable lenses mean that this camera is heavier and bigger than other models.
CONCLUSION: If you want to take up photography as a serious hobby, this is the kind of camera you need to look for. It may be a bit more difficult to carry around but it gives great opportunity for creative control and takes excellent images in all kinds of light. Using different lenses for different purposes gives far better results. The Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera Body is a well-recommended entry level DSLR.
I think I have decided to purchase the Sony Alpha a6000 as it is a good price and offers more than enough options for me to practice my skills. Once I am more confident I will possibly go for the Nikon D3100. I am excited about making a purchase and beginning to practice. Are you also a newbie photographer? I would love to have your comments.