Orange
I want to upgrade from using my iphone4(youtube.com/user/justinsinthewoods), I'm a novice, and I film during cloudy days and dark evenings.
still cameras, dslr, slr, I don't know what any of that are.
Answer
All digital cameras come down to three types; DSLRs, Mirrorless, and Compact cameras.
DSLR means "digital single lens reflex", and is what most non-photographers call "professional cameras" (although there is a professional - advanced amateur - and beginner level for these cameras). Examples are a Nikon D7100, Canon T3i, etc. These are also the higher cost cameras. Costing anywhere from $500 to $20,000 or more, depending on lenses.
SLRs, which are similar to DSLRs, are the original 35mm film cameras. When digital came about, manufacturers took the existing SLR format (which means you can use the same lenses) and converted them by replacing the film mechanics with a digital sensor. the "D" in DSLR means it is a digital version of a SLR.
Mirrorless cameras are typically one step down from a DSLR, and are generally lighter and smaller - although some of these cameras can use the larger DSLR lenses with an adapter. For some, these cameras combine good performance and a smaller package (than DSLRs). Examples are Sony NEX, Micro Four Thirds, and Nikon 1. These are the mid-cost cameras, and range from $300 to $2,000, again depending on lenses.
Compact cameras are the smallest and cheapest of the digital cameras. They have non-interchangeable zoom lenses (although there are a few exceptions), and sometimes high power zooms, up to 50x and beyond. Compact cameras range from $50 all the way up to $1,000.
First and foremost, the main difference between these three types of cameras is the sensor size. This is not the number of megapixels, but rather, the physical size of the sensor. DSLR sensors are around 300~800 sq mm, Mirrorless range from 100~300 sq mm, and compact cameras range from 25~50 sq mm. Compare that to your iPhone which is around 4 sq mm.
Therefore, the best DSLRs will have a physical sensor size 200 times the surface area as your iPhone.
Generally speaking, a larger sensor lets in more light, as there is more surface area that can gather light. So the primary improvement as you move up in camera type is the low-light capability.
Next come lenses. DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras have interchangeable lenses, while compact cameras do not. These lenses can be quite large and expensive. But like the sensors, larger lenses can let in more light. "CAN" is the key here though as there are some lenses that let in more light than others. Also, the larger lenses tend to be optically better; sharper, better contrast, and other factors that produce a better photo.
DSLRs and to a degree, Mirrorless cameras give you the most flexible control over the camera. In some modes, you have total exposure control over the camera. However, this requires you to learn about the fundamentals of photography, as with these powerful cameras, some knowledge is needed. Some of the very best compact cameras have a limited subset of this control.
Finally, compact cameras. Due to the pressure from iPhones, this market - the lower-to-mid end of the market is shrinking, so manufacturers are all trying to one-up their competition to retain market share.
Unfortunately, this is leading to less than quality results in some cases as the manufacturers push the envelope with megapixel counts, high power zooms, and dubious features. Not all of these results produce good cameras. So at this point, compact cameras are like the wild west when it comes to marketing. Still, there are a lot of good cameras in this segment - there is just a lot of duds as well.
Compact cameras - most of them anyway, are totally automatic, so you do not need to know anything about photography to use. These are referred as point-and-shoot cameras, and are not unlike your iPhone when it comes to control over the camera. However, many people don't want to be bothered by having to know photography, so most compacts don't offer such flexibility.
If you go to a well established camera shop, you are likely to get better advice than the Best Buy salesman. Hopefully they will steer you around the lower quality cameras.
There are a few specific cameras that do not fit this generalization, but this is mostly accurate.
All digital cameras come down to three types; DSLRs, Mirrorless, and Compact cameras.
DSLR means "digital single lens reflex", and is what most non-photographers call "professional cameras" (although there is a professional - advanced amateur - and beginner level for these cameras). Examples are a Nikon D7100, Canon T3i, etc. These are also the higher cost cameras. Costing anywhere from $500 to $20,000 or more, depending on lenses.
SLRs, which are similar to DSLRs, are the original 35mm film cameras. When digital came about, manufacturers took the existing SLR format (which means you can use the same lenses) and converted them by replacing the film mechanics with a digital sensor. the "D" in DSLR means it is a digital version of a SLR.
Mirrorless cameras are typically one step down from a DSLR, and are generally lighter and smaller - although some of these cameras can use the larger DSLR lenses with an adapter. For some, these cameras combine good performance and a smaller package (than DSLRs). Examples are Sony NEX, Micro Four Thirds, and Nikon 1. These are the mid-cost cameras, and range from $300 to $2,000, again depending on lenses.
Compact cameras are the smallest and cheapest of the digital cameras. They have non-interchangeable zoom lenses (although there are a few exceptions), and sometimes high power zooms, up to 50x and beyond. Compact cameras range from $50 all the way up to $1,000.
First and foremost, the main difference between these three types of cameras is the sensor size. This is not the number of megapixels, but rather, the physical size of the sensor. DSLR sensors are around 300~800 sq mm, Mirrorless range from 100~300 sq mm, and compact cameras range from 25~50 sq mm. Compare that to your iPhone which is around 4 sq mm.
Therefore, the best DSLRs will have a physical sensor size 200 times the surface area as your iPhone.
Generally speaking, a larger sensor lets in more light, as there is more surface area that can gather light. So the primary improvement as you move up in camera type is the low-light capability.
Next come lenses. DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras have interchangeable lenses, while compact cameras do not. These lenses can be quite large and expensive. But like the sensors, larger lenses can let in more light. "CAN" is the key here though as there are some lenses that let in more light than others. Also, the larger lenses tend to be optically better; sharper, better contrast, and other factors that produce a better photo.
DSLRs and to a degree, Mirrorless cameras give you the most flexible control over the camera. In some modes, you have total exposure control over the camera. However, this requires you to learn about the fundamentals of photography, as with these powerful cameras, some knowledge is needed. Some of the very best compact cameras have a limited subset of this control.
Finally, compact cameras. Due to the pressure from iPhones, this market - the lower-to-mid end of the market is shrinking, so manufacturers are all trying to one-up their competition to retain market share.
Unfortunately, this is leading to less than quality results in some cases as the manufacturers push the envelope with megapixel counts, high power zooms, and dubious features. Not all of these results produce good cameras. So at this point, compact cameras are like the wild west when it comes to marketing. Still, there are a lot of good cameras in this segment - there is just a lot of duds as well.
Compact cameras - most of them anyway, are totally automatic, so you do not need to know anything about photography to use. These are referred as point-and-shoot cameras, and are not unlike your iPhone when it comes to control over the camera. However, many people don't want to be bothered by having to know photography, so most compacts don't offer such flexibility.
If you go to a well established camera shop, you are likely to get better advice than the Best Buy salesman. Hopefully they will steer you around the lower quality cameras.
There are a few specific cameras that do not fit this generalization, but this is mostly accurate.
Interchangeable lens cameras?
The Vampir
I would like an interchangeable lens camera what are the best ones at reasonable prices. the more choices the bettter. Thanks!!!!
oh sry i 4got digital
btw I like nature photography so I need a camera thats good 4 being out in nature (durable good shutter speed and REALLY clear pics) =)
Answer
Are you talking DSLRs or SLRs.
Are you talking DSLRs or SLRs.
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