The article ‘Different Types of Cameras Used for Photography’ is a result of my own experience. Therefore, If you are investing in a camera for the first time, read this article before you pick a perfect camera for yourself.
Photography is not just a hobby. It’s a profession that knows no bounds. Whether you aspire to become a wildlife photographer, wedding photographer, or filmmaker, you need three things that are a must-have for any ace photographer. These are a set of skills that will help you take excellent photographs, curiosity & technical knowledge, and most importantly, the right kind of camera.
Most of us have heard about DSLRs, Point and Shoot and Mirrorless cameras. But did you know we have approximately 11 kinds of cameras that are used in photography?
Don’t be surprised if you’ve heard the names mentioned above. You have just touched the tip of the iceberg.
If you are keen on gathering detailed knowledge about the types of cameras and want to know which camera will suit your needs, this article is for you to read.
Today, we have broadly discussed the different cameras in this article and have also made a detailed comparison list of the pros and cons of each camera so that you can decide which camera to pick when you are considering buying one.
Quick Guide: Here Are 11 Kinds of Cameras used for Photography
1. Compact Digital / Point & Shoot Cameras
As the name suggests, point-and-shoot cameras are compact and easy to use. All you need to do is point the camera at the subject and click. The camera takes care of all the technical aspects of the photograph. Because these cameras are small and light in weight, they are portable and can be carried anywhere. The best thing about these cameras is they are durable, and if maintained carefully, they can last you more than a decade. And there is no need for films and lenses.
2. Bridge cameras
If you are searching for a camera with all the plus points of a point-and-shoot camera and the features of an interchangeable lens camera, you can opt for bridge cameras. These cameras are a perfect mix of point-and-shoot cameras and interchangeable lens cameras. If you are one of those who have upgraded themselves from point-and-shoot but are still in two minds about whether to invest in an interchangeable lens camera, this is ideal for you. The most significant advantage of using these cameras is that the sensors are more important than what you get in point-and-shoot but smaller than what is used in interchangeable lens cameras.
The extraordinary focal length and bright apertures deliver better images than you get in point-and-shoot. These bridge cameras are a perfect fit as long as you are okay with the slow operational speed and can do with just one lens.
3. DSLR
If you are very serious about pursuing a profession in photography and desperately want to hone your skills in photography, then nothing is better than DSLR. Digital SLR cameras are ideal for photographers who love experimenting with their photographs and want to take their passion and profession to a different level. DSLR can give you sharp and delightful images in a background you can’t take your eyes off.
The primary reason most photographers prefer these cameras is that they give you complete manual control over the settings and allow you to edit the images to your liking, which is not possible in point-and-shoot. Today, DSLR cameras are known as HDSLR.
Listed below are a few advantages of DSLR that no other camera can give you.
- You can click exceptional photographs with a DSLR even under unpredictable weather conditions.
- DSLRs come with advanced sensors that give you high-resolution pictures. They can also be used to shoot HD videos.
- The battery backup of the DSLR and the shelf life is very long.
- DSLRs are high-end cameras suitable for all kinds of people.
- The user-friendly interface and the features of these cameras make them cost-effective and suitable for professionals and first-timers.
One thing you should remember about DSLRs is that they are of two types. Full Frame DSLR and crop sensor DSLR are commonly known as APS-C. The primary difference between these two is that in crop sensor DSLR, the size of the sensors is smaller compared to the entire frame, because of which the image quality in full frame DSLR is better, and also, full-frame DSLR is costlier than crop sensors.
4. Mirrorless cameras
Mirrorless cameras are the same as the DSLRs; the only difference is that the internal mirror that is present in the DSLR is not available here. As the name suggests, mirrorless cameras have no internal mirrors to reflect light in the sensors. Over the years, mirrorless cameras have improved with time, and today, you can get high-speed shutters in these cameras that deliver exceptional photographs even without the use of mirrors.
The mirrorless cameras are designed considering the professional output and the ability to use interchangeable lenses for the better picture quality of the DSLR, along with the compact size and user-friendly interface of the point-and-shoot cameras. So, you get the best of both worlds in a mirrorless camera. It’s a perfect combination of point-and-shoot and DSLR.
5. Medium Format Cameras
If you are searching for censors that are better than full frame sensors and are very particular about the quality of the photograph, you can try using medium format cameras. The sensors in these cameras are more significant than full frames, which is why you get better-quality images. Moreover, the depth of field in these cameras is shallow compared to full frames, and they come with a very high dynamic range.
You can opt for these cameras if you wish to click larger images. The giant censors and the large pixel size allow you to capture large images. The slow autofocus and frame speeds will enable a photographer to click massive photos without any hassles.
However, are you keen on wildlife photography, or are you associated with sports? In that case, this camera is not ideal for you because the slow autofocus and frame speed make it difficult to capture fast-moving objects. But for still photography, it’s perfect.
6. Action Cameras
If you don’t like bulky, heavy cameras and want high-resolution images, try clicking a few snaps with the action cameras. These cameras are small in size and can easily fit in your palm. They are known because they deliver excellent high-resolution images and are highly durable.
If you wish to shoot with these cameras while moving, you can use accessories like mounts, helmets, and drones to fix the camera and shoot with your hands-free.
You can freely capture underwater or hilltop images from almost all angles with these cameras. The best thing is you also capture the natural sounds of the surroundings while shooting. These cameras are ideal for travel bloggers or people who like photographing moments that can be cherished later because most action cameras are water-resistant.
7. 360 Cameras
360 cameras are for people who wish to take semi or full-circle panoramic images. The lenses in these cameras are back-to-back, which allows the cameras to capture a 360-degree image easily. These cameras can be used while you are covering a sport or vacation. This camera should be used to click a subject from all angles.
8. Film Cameras
You are mistaken if you believe film cameras are out of use in the 21st century. Over the years, film cameras have managed to upgrade themselves, and even today, a decent percentage of people favor film cameras. If you wish to put up vintage-style photographs on your social media, a film camera can be of great use to you.
The sole reason for the popularity of film cameras is that the surface frame of film cameras is four times bigger than that of the standard 35mm frame used in most cameras. The large frame allows you to take wide-angle photographs that retain the natural look, and you don’t need to worry about image quality. If you are a gallery artist, this is an ideal camera.
9. Instant Cameras
Instant cameras are for people who like keeping physical copies of photographs more than digital ones. The one significant advantage of these cameras that has brought these cameras into the limelight is that you can instantly get a physical copy of the snap you take with these cameras. There is no need to store digital copies on your laptop and get them printed later.
With instant cameras, you can store the physical copy of the photographs in your albums and not worry about your photos being manipulated by others.
This particular benefit of instant cameras has made these cameras popular among teenagers and people who are not very comfortable with social networking sites. These cameras can be used in gatherings to extract instant photos that can be kept as a keep-sake at a later stage.
10. Smartphone Cameras
Smartphone cameras are something nine out of ten people have with them. These cameras are the most used today because nine out of ten people who use smartphones have access to these cameras. Smartphone cameras are the first cameras you lay your hands on, even before you know that you have a knack for photography. Many people we know identified their talent in photography the day they clicked their first photograph on their smartphones and pursued photography at a later stage.
The best thing about smartphones is that almost all smartphones have a camera. The strength of the camera depends on the cost of the phone. Therefore, you can get a high-end smartphone if you wish to click high-resolution photographs and are still not ready to invest in a camera.
Listed below are a few advantages you get from smartphone cameras
- Smartphones come with multiple lenses fixed in the front and rear, allowing you to take high-end photographs.
- The auto-editing features and the sensitive sensors minimize your efforts. All you need to do is click the photographs, focusing on the subject. Even if you are not very good at editing, you can still produce well-edited photos with these cameras—all thanks to AI technology.
- The software and hardware features of your smartphones help you take great pictures even though the censors in these cameras are smaller than the usual cameras.
- You can use extra lenses in some smartphones if you want to.
- Smartphones also have image stabilizers that allow you to click clear night shots without adequate lighting. The best part about clicking night shots with smartphone cameras is that they are noise-less and better exposed. Over the years, smartphone cameras have grown even better in terms of image resolution.
11. Rugged Cameras
If you are looking for a hardy camera, then you can choose to buy rugged cameras. Wondering what is so special about rugged cameras? Specifically, the answer to your question lies in its name itself. Rugged cameras, as they say, are a type of camera that does not fall under the delicate category.
They are sturdy, water resistant, and can be used in extreme climates, whether cold or unbearably hot or humid. These cameras are used by photographers who want to carry a rugged camera with them.
Unlike other cameras that can start malfunctioning if hit against a hard surface or completely break if dropped on the ground, rugged cameras are sturdy and can resist a few tumbles easily. These cameras are perfect for underwater or outdoor photography.
Therefore, if you are planning to go on a trek next season or are preparing for a scuba dive, make sure you have a rugged camera with you so that you can photograph the tressures you get to see on your way.
Now that we have briefed you about the different types of cameras, you must be wondering which camera to buy. Every camera is unique in its way and is designed for a specific use. Each kind of camera comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, to choose the right camera for yourself, you need first to analyze your needs and then weigh them with the pros and cons of the camera so that you know exactly what to expect from it before you buy it.
We understand that if you don’t have adequate knowledge about the camera’s functionalities, it becomes challenging to select a camera that will suffice for your needs.
This is precisely why we have consolidated a list of the pros and cons of each kind of camera below so that at one glance, you know what to expect from the camera and what not. Run your eyes through the pros and cons once we are sure this will help you decide which camera to buy and make a decision faster.
Which camera is ideal for photography?
Now that we have walked you through the different kinds of cameras and also told you about their benefits and limitations, you must wonder what we suggest. Well, if you ask us, we recommend you choose between DSLR and mirrorless cameras if you think of taking up photography professionally.
However, other cameras, like action and 360-degree cameras, are on the market. The most popular kinds of cameras are DSLR and mirrorless cameras. These cameras’ varied features and functionalities have surpassed all the other types of cameras.
But, if you are interested in analog photography, you can opt for film cameras, as these give you vintage photos better than any other.
Therefore, you need to consider a lot of factors when purchasing a camera- the use, the features, the shelf-life, and the limitations as well. Another factor that plays an integral role in your decision-making when buying a camera is the cost of the camera.
Camera Cost
Now that you are thoroughly acquainted with the cameras’ features, pros, and cons, let us walk you through the price list. This will help you frame a budget for your camera.
Final Takeaway: Now, you know all different types of cameras used for photography
Therefore, based on the needs and requirements of a photographer, there are different kinds of cameras available in the market.
It depends on many factors, like what kind of photographs you mostly click on. How much technical knowledge do you have about cameras? What are you looking for in a camera? And most importantly, what is your budget?
In order to analyze your needs and understand the camera’s features, you need to have a basic understanding of how the camera operates and what to expect from it. Also, you need to identify your ability to click photographs and rate them before investing in a camera. It will help you decide which type of camera will be ideal for you.
We hope we have answered all your queries regarding the different types of cameras available in the market through this article.