This document discusses the four main types of digital cameras: DSLR, point and shoot, prosumer, and cell phone cameras. It provides details on the key characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and scenarios where each type would be best suited. DSLRs are highest quality but also bulky, while point and shoots are convenient but limited. Prosumer cameras provide more features than point and shoots in a smaller package than DSLRs. Cell phone cameras are most convenient but lowest quality.
2. Introduction Welcome to “The Right Camera for You”. In this course we will discuss the types of cameras available today, and the differences between each type. When you complete this course, you should have a better idea of what type of camera best fits your picture taking style. Now let’s look at the four basic types of cameras…
4. DSLR The name comes from having what you see in the viewfinder being reflected by a mirror directly through the lens. BEST CHARACTERISTIC Lenses can be detached from the camera body and be replaced with dozens of specialized lenses and imaging adapters.
5. DSLR-Advantages Highest quality cameras available Great in low light Non-compressed photos Interchangeable lenses Lots of features/controls A DSLR allows a photographer to select a lens based on the shooting environment. You can use a wide angle lens for a landscape shot outdoors, then switch to a fast (lets in LOTS of light) lens for a low-light shot indoors.
6. DSLR-Disadvantages Bulky and heavy Steep learning curve Requires additional lenses to cover all situations Expensive A DSLR user will typically carry quite a few accessories, such as flashes, tripods, lens filters, and light meters. All together, the camera and accessories can become quite a load.
7. DSLR-Why Own One? For QUALITY over everything else Yes, you may have a lot of extra equipment associated with a DSLR, but for the ultimate ability to get the shot you want, nothing can beat a DSLR.
9. “Point and Shoot” The name alone for this category indicates ease of use - you simply "point and shoot" BEST CHARACTERISTIC Very easy to use and small enough to carry with you all the time.
10. “Point and Shoot”-Advantages Easy to use Made to be carried Does not require a lot of photography knowledge Automatic picture taking modes Good quality There are more camera models in this category than any other. Being able to carry one of these around with you all the time is worth the lack of some of the more sophisticated features of other camera types.
11. “Point and Shoot”-Disadvantages Typically do not have a viewfinder LCD screen drains batteries Limited features and modes No manual adjust for better pictures Limited zoom When you buy one of these, you are stuck with the lens and features that come with it. You cannot change the lenses or all any zoom capabilities. In addition, not having a viewfinder forces you to hold the camera further away from your eye, thereby increasing the chance of a blurry end result.
12. “Point and Shoot”-Why Own One? For the simple fact of CONVENIENCE Old Photography Adage: "The best camera is the one you have with you" You can have the greatest camera in the world, but if you don't carry it with you, it's no good. Point and Shoots are small enough to carry all the time. Sure, everyone has a camera on their cell phone, but the pictures they take are not nearly as good as most Point and Shoots.
14. “Prosumer” A "Prosumer" camera is one that fits in-between a professional DSLR and consumer model. These cameras are also in-between in size and weight as well - not quite as large as most DSLRs, but certainly not as small as the typical "point and shoot". BEST CHARACTERISTIC A camera for almost any photo taking situation, with a single lens that can go from a macro shot all the way to a very high level of zoom.
15. “Prosumer”-Advantages High quality photos sometimes rivaling DSLR Smaller and lighter than DSLR Can be used in automatic mode like a "Point and Shoot", but can be used in manual mode as well Lots of features/controls Built-in lens can shoot macro (close-up) to telephoto (zoom) with no need to switch lenses Zoom can go up to 30x and beyond Having the entire range of close-up to zoom in one lens greatly reduces the amount of equipment that has to be carried. Although you may want to use a tripod with any camera type, that may be the only extra thing you need with one of these cameras.
16. “Prosumer”-Disadvantages Too large for your pocket Somewhat heavy Not as good with low light as a DSLR Still expensive compared to smaller cameras Requires learning manual controls for the full benefit of features Although available, some features, such as manual focus, are much more difficult to use on these types of cameras versus a DSLR.
17. “Prosumer”-Why Own One? For the best FEATURES and CONVENIENCE If you want more than a Point and Shoot, but don't want to spend the extra money for a DSLR, this is the camera to have. You have a lot more features for manual control if needed, and most cameras in this category contain very large zooms with no need to switch lenses.
19. Cell Phone Finally, there are the cell phones. One of the more popular ones is of course the iPhone, but just about every cell phone made today has some sort of camera built-in. BEST CHARACTERISTIC You have it with you all the time. It's better to take the shot with a cell phone than not take it at all.
20. Cell Phone-Advantages You have it with you all the time Convenient and easy to use Easy to send photos to others Easy to upload to social web sites Cell phone photos (and videos) have become almost the norm for the way we take pictures.
21. Cell Phone-Disadvantages Low resolution compared to dedicated cameras Very few features Typically no optical zoom No viewfinder Inconsistent picture quality Everyone loves using their cell phones for taking pictures because they don't have to carry around another electronic device. Sure the quality is good enough for something like FaceBook, but it really cannot replace dedicated cameras for any serious work.
22. Cell Phone-Why Own One? The fact is, you probably already do. Why buy a camera when you have one built-in to your cell phone. Just remember that even a phone with a 5 Megapixel camera will not take as good of a picture as a 5 megapixel dedicated camera. Ever compared the size of the lens on a cell phone to other cameras?
